FAQs

  • Do I have to purchase tickets in advance? Can I pay cash?

    Tickets must be purchased in advance as the Near North Food Tour, Bucktown/Wicker Park Food Tour and Chinatown Food Tour typically sell out quickly ahead of time. To maximize your chances of getting the day, time, and number of tickets you prefer, please book well in advance. Tickets can only be purchased with a Visa, AMEX, or MasterCard from Zerve Ticket Center, or by calling (212) 209-3370. Cash is not accepted.

  • If a food tour is sold out, can I get on a waiting list?

    We do not provide a waiting list. If a date and time is sold out, there is always a good chance that we will add an additional tour on that day. Please email us to let us know what date you are interested in if you do not see availability.

  • How much food is served on the food tour?

    Chicago Food Planet Food Tours serve enough food that for most participants, lunch afterwards is not necessary. With the combination of drink and food tastings combined with breaks for architectural, cultural, and historical insight, most participants are comfortably full after our food tours. Please understand our food tours are not intended to replace breakfast and lunch combined, so please consider eating breakfast before the tour.

  • How much walking is involved? Is it a fast-paced tour?

    Tours generally last between 3 and 3.5 hours and participants can expect to be standing or walking for a majority of the time. We walk at a moderate pace and also provide at least two resting locations for at least 45 minutes total.

  • Do your tours have anything to offer a native Chicagoan?

    A majority of Chicago Food Planet attendees live right here in Chicago. Chicago locals partcipate to learn about the neighborhoods and the city in which they live in as well as take advantage of knowing the best specialty food store locations and local restaurants in Chicago's tastiest neighborhoods, away from Downtown and traditional tourists.

  • Does the tour leader accept gratuities?

    Gratuities are greatly appreciated, although not mandatory. The standard gratuity in the service industry is 15%.

  • What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?

    Please be sure and let us know if you (or anyone in your group) has a dietary restriction (e.g. vegetarian, diabetic, allergy, etc.) when you purchase your tickets. As long as we know in advance, we can accommodate your needs.

  • Can I shop during the tour?

    We ask that you please wait to shop until after the tour so that we can stay on our food-tasting schedule and continue with the informative tour and food tastings in a timely manner. We ask you allow time at the end of the tour to return to your favorite locations and/or stores. The tours are on a schedule to arrive at each tasting location so its important to stay on schedule so the food is freshly prepared for the participants.

  • When is the best time to take the tour?

    We highly recommend taking our food tours at the beginning of your visit so you allow plenty of time to revisit the wonderful neighborhoods off-the-beaten-path and also enjoy returning to you favorite food tasting locations and redeeming your Store Coupons. Since tours usually sell out well in advance, there is not a better day of the week versus another.

  • What about taking children on the tour?

    While we offer both adolescent and children tickets, the tour is three hours long and some children have a limited attention span and therefore the tour may not be appropriate for some of them. Parents, who know their children best, should assess the situation individually. Since there is a lot of standing and walking, please consider this when deciding whether the tour is appropriate for your child.

  • Is the tour wheelchair and baby stroller accessible?

    The Near North Food Tour and Bucktown/Wicker Park Food Tour routes and tasting establishments are wheelchair and baby stroller friendly and accessible. However, the Chinatown Food Tour is not wheelchair accessible.

  • Are gift certificates available?

    Yes, Chicago Food Planet Gift Certificates are available for all tours offered. To purchase or learn more about our gift certificates, please visit our Gift Certificates page and submit a Gift Certificates Request Form. A member of Chicago Food Planet staff will respond with payment and further instructions.

  • Can I book a private group tour?

    Yes, Chicago Food Planet Private Group Tours are available for all tours offered. To set up or learn more, please visit our Private Group Tours page and submit a Private Group Tour Request Form. A member of Chicago Food Planet staff will respond within 24 hours.

  • Are there vegetarian options on the tour?

    Yes, all tours offer alternative tasting options for vegetarians.

  • Are any beverages served on the tour?

    All Chicago Food Planet Food Tours have a drink tasting included in the tour. You can however purchase water and/or beverages at the beginning of all tours at the specified meeting locations. Additionally, most of the tasting locations provide water and/or beverages during the tour.

  • Does the tour end at the same place we meet?

    No, Chicago Food Planet Food Tours do not finish at the same location as the meeting point. However, detailed instructions are provided after ticket purchase with starting and ending point locations, and all participants receive a map with return directions included at the beginning of the tour. Return trips can be accomplished by walking, taking a Chicago taxi, or taking the CTA "L" trains or bus.

  • Is wine tasting included on the tour?

    Currently, we do not participate in wine tastings on any of our food tasting and cultural walking tours.

  • What types of foods are served on the tour?

    Food is provided by ethnic eateries, specialty food shops and local restaurants. For a better idea of what types of eateries we will visit, a list of the food tasting locations can be found on the Near North Food Tour, Bucktown/Wicker Park Food Tour and Chicago Chinatown Food Tour product pages.

  • Do we only walk around and sample food?

    Absolutely not! Chicago Food Planet Tours combines architectural commentary, historical facts, local culture and culinary insight into a unique 3-hour experience. Imagine walking through Chicago eating our local artisans most delicious foods while learning the neighborhoods from real locals. Please consider reading Chicago Food Planet Reviews from thousands of previous customers to learn more of their experiences or view our Chicago Food Tour Photos and Videos page.

  • What restaurants will we visit on the tour?

    A list of all the current tasting locations can be found at the Near North Food Tour, Bucktown/Wicker Park Food Tour or Chinatown Food Tour page. Food-tasting locations can change without notice.

  • Are tours offered only in English?

    Yes, we only offer tours in English at this time. Please email us if you would like to make arrangements for your own interpreter to join the tour or if you are interested in a tour in a different language as we are able to accommodate most requests ahead of time.

  • What happens if it rains or snows?

    The tours are held rain, shine, or snow. In the event of inclement weather, we will be able to go inside many of the establishments on the tour. We also provide ponchos in case of sudden weather changes or if you do not have your own umbrella. However, we advise to check the weather conditions for your days event and dress appropriately.

  • If I am bringing an infant/very young child, do I need to purchase a ticket for them?

    If you are bringing an infant/very young child and they will not be participating in the tastings, you do not need to purchase a ticket for them. However, please do let us know if you will be attending with an infant or young child when you purchase tickets in the Notes section.

  • Are bathrooms available during the tour?

    Yes, bathrooms are available during the tour at selected food-tasting locations.

  • Are cameras allowed on the tour?

    Yes. Cameras and filming are allowed during the tour. We strongly encourage participants to take photos during the tour.

  • Is there parking near the tour meeting point?

    Yes, there is both private and public parking located near the meeting point of the Near North Food Tour, Bucktown/Wicker Park Food Tour and Chicago Chinatown Food Tour. Specific parking details are included in the meeting location directions after purchasing ticket(s) with location, pricing, and hours.