5-Day Chicago Foodie Itinerary

1. Day 1: Maxwell Street Market
   10 minutes (2 miles) from Downtown Chicago

   In the morning, head to the Maxwell Street Market, the oldest public market in the city that offers a diverse collection of foods from Mexican to Chinese. Be sure to try the famous Maxwell Street Polish sausage. In the afternoon, visit the Art Institute of Chicago to explore the museum's impressive collection of art. Grab dinner at Girl and the Goat, which offers a lively atmosphere with innovative dishes.

2. Day 2: West Loop
   15 minutes (3 miles) from Maxwell Street Market

   In the morning, visit the West Loop neighborhood and stop by the French-inspired bakery, La Fournette. Continue with brunch at The Publican, which offers a menu of farm-to-table ingredients. In the afternoon, stroll through the Fulton Market District, home to many trendy restaurants and bars. Try the famous deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati's for dinner.

3. Day 3: River North
   10 minutes (2 miles) from West Loop

   In the morning, take a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk and stop by Tiny Tapp & Cafe for breakfast. In the afternoon, visit the Merchandise Mart to explore their showrooms. For dinner, try the contemporary American cuisine at RPM Steak.

4. Day 4: Logan Square
   20 minutes (4 miles) from River North

   In the morning, visit Logan Square, a trendy neighborhood known for its craft cocktail bars and artisanal coffee shops. Stop by Lula Cafe for brunch, a farm-to-table restaurant that serves delicious dishes with locally-sourced ingredients. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Wrigley Field, home to the Cubs. For dinner, try the tacos at L'Patron Tacos.

5. Day 5: Pilsen
   15 minutes (3 miles) from Logan Square

   In the morning, head to Pilsen, a vibrant neighborhood with colorful murals and street art. Stop by the famous cafe, Cafe Jumping Bean, for breakfast. In the afternoon, visit the National Museum of Mexican Art to learn more about the rich Mexican culture in the city. For dinner, try the authentic Mexican dishes at Carnitas Uruapan.

Recommendations

You might want to check out the Chicago Food Planet Tours for a guided tour of the city's food scene. If you have time, take a side trip to the nearby city of Evanston, home to some of the best restaurants in the Chicago suburbs. To maximize your fun, consider renting a bike to explore the city at your own pace. Don't forget to check out the city's events calendar to see what festivals are happening during your visit.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Maxwell Street Market (2 hours, $20)
• Art Institute of Chicago (3 hours, $35)
• Girl and the Goat (2 hours, $50)
• La Fournette (1 hour, $15)
• The Publican (2 hours, $30)
• Fulton Market District (2 hours, $20)
• Lou Malnati's (2 hours, $25)
• Chicago Riverwalk (2 hours, free)
• Tiny Tapp & Cafe (1 hour, $10)
• Merchandise Mart (2 hours, free)
• RPM Steak (2 hours, $75)
• Lula Cafe (2 hours, $30)
• Wrigley Field (2 hours, $40)
• L'Patron Tacos (1 hour, $20)
• Cafe Jumping Bean (1 hour, $10)
• National Museum of Mexican Art (2 hours, free)
• Carnitas Uruapan (1 hour, $15)
• Total Estimated Costs: $425

Check out hotel and flight prices here.