When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Chicago Pizza Tours
Why Chicago Pizza Tours is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Chicago Pizza Tours offers a unique and engaging way to explore Chicago's famous pizza culture, making it an ideal spot to meet up with friends. Established in 2009 by Jonathan Porter, the company was the first to provide food tours focused exclusively on pizza in Chicago. Their flagship offering, The Original Chicago Pizza Tour, is a 3.5-hour guided bus tour visiting four distinct pizzerias across four neighborhoods. Participants sample a variety of pizza styles including deep dish, tavern, artisanal, and Neapolitan, totaling at least six slices per tour. The tours are family-friendly with a small-group maximum of 20 people, ensuring an intimate experience where guests can learn about the history, ingredients, and science behind Chicago’s iconic pizzas. Throughout the tour, guests enjoy lively commentary from expert guides, drinks available for purchase at stops, and comfortable transportation in a distinctive yellow school bus. Besides public tours running daily, Chicago Pizza Tours also offers private group events and corporate outings, catering to groups up to 100 people for a more personalized pizza exploration. The company’s focus on quality, education, and fun makes it a standout destination for pizza lovers and social gatherings alike in the heart of Chicago.
Here's what people think of Chicago Pizza Tours
As of recent, Chicago Pizza Tours holds a 4.9-star rating based on 224 reviews.
User reviews consistently praise Chicago Pizza Tours for its well-organized and enjoyable experience that goes beyond just eating pizza. Positive feedback highlights the knowledgeable and engaging tour guides who share fascinating stories and insights into Chicago’s pizza history and culture. Many guests appreciate the variety of pizza styles offered on the tour, the generous amount of tastings, and the fun, family-friendly atmosphere created by the small group sizes and the unique school bus transportation. Reviewers often mention the smooth operations, entertaining guides, and the chance to discover lesser-known, yet highly regarded pizzerias in Chicago's neighborhoods. On the downside, a few users noted that not all pizza styles appealed equally to their personal tastes, which is a natural variation given the diverse options presented. Some also mentioned a preference for certain pizzerias over others, but these comments were minor compared to the overwhelmingly positive consensus. In summary, Chicago Pizza Tours receives high accolades for its comprehensive approach to pizza tasting, educational value, and friendly social environment, making it a highly recommended choice for both visitors and locals looking to enjoy Chicago's pizza scene in a convivial group setting.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Laura Cortés
Had such a great time on this tour! James, our guide, was super fun and made the whole experience really enjoyable. We tried a bunch of delicious pizzas at places I’d probably never find on my own. Ate way too much (no regrets!) and loved every stop. Thanks for an awesome day—definitely recommend it!
Jackie Gaik
So much fun! We are a family from Chicago and love our pizza, but we wanted to learn and experience more. Our tour guide, James, did just that. He was full of excellent knowledge about the history of Chicago pizza and the history of Chicago. He was a lot of fun, and each pizza told a different story, all deliciously different. I highly recommend it for out-of-towners and our local folks. Thanks, James!
Chosani Mbewe
Amazing tour. Didn’t even know we had such in Chicago. Was just looking for a birthday present for my fiancé who loves pizza and stumbled upon this! James was the perfect tour guide, funny, knowledgeable, easy going and just made us all feel comfortable. Went to 4 pizza restaurants and they were all soooo good. We were rolling home stuffed! Amazing way to get to know some pizza history especially on the Lou Malnati family dynamics and history. Well worth doing! The school bus taking us to the different spots was nostalgic !
Robyn Neal
I had a really good experience on the tour. I went by myself but left knowing so many people. They were all friendly. There was a total of 4 stops, all different styles and types of pizza. There's a bus that takes you to each location. The guide was really knowledgeable. You leave full. Would recommend for anyone visiting the city.
Daniel Hemming
I had a great time on the tour. Jon is very knowledgeable about the pizza scene and pizza history in Chicago. The pizza at all four stops was great and very different enough from one another. I was stuffed by the time we were done. It was so worth it!
How to reach Chicago Pizza Tours
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Why Chicago Pizza Tours may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Chicago Pizza Tours with your friends? Chicago Pizza Tours offers a unique and vibrant way to celebrate friendship through the city’s most iconic culinary delight: pizza. Bringing your friends here transforms an ordinary gathering into a memorable communal experience filled with delicious food, fascinating stories, and local culture. The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed, perfect for catching up, laughing, and discovering new tastes together. Unlike just sitting in a restaurant, this tour unfolds as an engaging adventure, guiding you through multiple historic pizzerias renowned for various styles — from classic deep dish to thin crust and beyond. This variety ensures everyone in your group finds something to love, creating a shared experience that sparks conversation and connection. The tours also embrace Chicago’s rich history and neighborhoods, turning your meetup into a cultural outing. With professional guides who infuse fun facts and humor, the experience is both educational and utterly enjoyable. For groups seeking something more than a typical night out, Chicago Pizza Tours offers an unforgettable communal journey that satisfies appetites and deepens friendships simultaneously.
What activities does Chicago Pizza Tours offer and why are they perfect for group meetups? The core activity is a guided pizza tasting tour that visits four highly-rated, historic pizzerias across Chicago neighborhoods such as River North, the Loop, and the Magnificent Mile. Each stop highlights a different style of pizza, allowing the group to sample a well-rounded spectrum of Chicago’s pizza scene. Guests enjoy reserved seating and preordered food, so everyone’s experience is seamless and focused purely on fun and flavor. The tours typically have up to 20 participants, creating an intimate group size ideal for socializing while still offering variety in company. Alongside tasting pizza, the guides share entertaining stories and historical insights about each pizzeria and the city’s pizza culture, enriching the meal with context and fun. Some tours also incorporate drink pairings, including cocktails, wine, or beer, expertly matched to enhance the pizza flavors. Beyond the stops, guests take leisurely walks between pizzerias, which not only aids digestion but offers opportunities to explore charming Chicago streets and neighborhoods together. This blend of walking, eating, socializing, and learning crafts a multi-dimensional group experience that caters well to friends or families looking for a memorable outing.
What makes Chicago Pizza Tours stand out among food tours for groups? Chicago Pizza Tours is the city’s first and foremost pizza-focused tour company, launched in 2009 by local pizza enthusiast Jonathan Porter. Its expert organization means groups can relax and enjoy without worrying about logistics like ordering or transportation, as everything is arranged by the professional guides. The tours’ format balances an engaging educational component with ample downtime for eating and chatting, keeping the pace enjoyable for all ages and interests. The menu diversity — showcasing multiple styles of pizza from sourdough crusts to stuffed deep dish — accommodates a wide range of tastes, crucial for group satisfaction. The company also offers private custom tours for corporate groups or larger parties, which can cater from 15 to 100 guests, complete with luxury bus transportation. This flexibility makes Chicago Pizza Tours an excellent choice for any group size or occasion, from casual friend meetups to corporate team-building or family celebrations. The highly-rated 4.9 score from over 200 reviews reflects consistent praise for the guides’ knowledge, friendliness, and ability to create a fun atmosphere, essential qualities that enhance every group’s experience.
How accessible and convenient is the Chicago Pizza Tour for groups? The tours operate daily with multiple time slots, allowing groups to select options that best fit their schedules. The starting points of the tours are centrally located and easy to find, offering straightforward gathering spots that reduce confusion for first-time visitors or out-of-town friends. The reserved seating and preordered meals at each pizzeria minimize wait times, a critical convenience for groups to stay comfortable and on schedule throughout the three-hour experience. Since the walking portions cover short distances through attractive Chicago neighborhoods, groups can enjoy a city stroll without exhaustion or rush, maintaining energy for the pizza tastings. The company also provides gift cards, perfect for pre-purchasing or gifting the experience to friends or family, enhancing its appeal as a thoughtful group activity. For corporate or large private events, Chicago Pizza Tours employs luxury buses to ensure smooth, comfortable transport between stops. All these logistical considerations make the tours highly accessible and stress-free, allowing groups to focus on enjoying quality time together.
Why is Chicago Pizza Tours a memorable cultural and culinary outing beyond just eating pizza? Chicago is famous for more than just its deep dish, and Chicago Pizza Tours expertly showcases the city’s diverse pizza heritage, which includes thin crusts, stuffed pies, artisan sourdough crusts, and more. The guides provide rich anecdotes and historical context about the origins of each pizza style and the family-owned pizzerias visited, immersing guests in a narrative that deepens appreciation for the food and city alike. This storytelling enhances the social experience by creating conversational focal points and shared learning moments. Furthermore, the walking routes take participants through some of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods, exposing them to the city's architecture, culture, and atmosphere alongside the culinary delights. Such multi-sensory engagement creates a deeper bond among group members, blending enjoyment of food with discovery of place. For people wanting a gathering that combines entertainment, education, and delicious dining, Chicago Pizza Tours delivers a holistic experience that makes the meetup genuinely special and long remembered. This cultural immersion and opportunity to taste authentic local favorites elevate the tour far beyond a standard restaurant outing.
What kind of groups enjoy Chicago Pizza Tours and how can it enhance their meetup? Chicago Pizza Tours suits friends, families, tourists, locals, and even businesses looking to host unique team-building events. Families appreciate the relaxed, walk-and-eat format that keeps all ages engaged without feeling rushed. Friends benefit from the shared tasting experience and ample time to chat, laugh, and create lasting memories while exploring a shared favorite food. Tourists gain insider knowledge and easy access to authentic Chicago eateries that they might miss otherwise. Corporate groups can tailor tours for bonding and celebration with customizable options and dedicated transportation, making it a productive yet enjoyable event. Because the tour embraces small group sizes and friendly guides, it encourages interaction among participants, turning a meetup into a lively social event. The high ratings and numerous repeat customers attest to its ability to consistently delight diverse groups, making it an excellent choice for any gathering centered around good food, fun stories, and camaraderie.
How does Chicago Pizza Tours ensure quality and customer satisfaction? With a stellar 4.9 out of 224 reviews, Chicago Pizza Tours maintains high standards through attentive guest service, carefully curated stops, and knowledgeable guides. The food is sourced from highly-rated, historic pizzerias, guaranteeing authenticity and quality in each bite. Experienced guides like Jonathan Porter and his team bring enthusiasm, pizza expertise, and humor, making every stop engaging and informative. The company listens to guest feedback and regularly updates its tours to include new pizzerias and experiences, keeping the offering fresh and exciting. Logistics are streamlined—reserved seating and preordering prevent long waits, while manageable group sizes preserve intimacy and comfort for guests. This professional, thoughtful approach combined with genuine passion for pizza and Chicago’s culinary culture results in consistently positive experiences that customers rave about. Their repeat visits and referrals reflect broad satisfaction, underscoring Chicago Pizza Tours as a trustworthy, top-tier choice for group outings.
What can visitors expect in terms of pizza variety and overall experience on the tour? Visitors can expect to taste at least four different kinds of pizza on the tour, each showcasing distinct regional or artisanal styles unique to Chicago. Examples include sourdough crust with cup pepperoni, traditional deep dish, thin crust, and "stuffed" pizza varieties. This diversity allows guests to compare flavors and textures, expanding their pizza palate in an interactive way. The experience lasts about three hours and blends tasting with walking around key neighborhoods, balancing indulgence with gentle exercise. Along the way, participants learn about pizza history, interesting facts, and cultural tidbits from approachable guides, enriching the culinary adventure. The fun, casual format encourages mingling and storytelling within the group, creating warm, shared memories. Whether you are a pizza connoisseur or a casual fan, the variety and the engaging context make this more than a meal—it’s a full sensory and social experience.
Why should visitors book Chicago Pizza Tours for special occasions or celebrations? Chicago Pizza Tours offers an exciting, unique alternative to traditional venues for celebrations like birthdays, reunions, or corporate outings. The tour’s curated stops at iconic pizza spots provide a festive backdrop full of flavor and local color. Its combination of food, history, and walking exploration keeps guests entertained and engaged throughout the event. Group members can savor exceptional pizzas together while learning about Chicago’s culinary scene, turning a simple meal into a memorable occasion. The availability of private tours with luxury buses makes it easier to host larger parties comfortably and with style. With great reviews emphasizing fun, informative guides and excellent food, organizers can trust the company to deliver a smooth, enjoyable event that resonates positively with attendees long after it ends. For anyone planning a group event with a twist, Chicago Pizza Tours is a compelling and crowd-pleasing choice.