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ABOUT SIDEWALK FOOD TOURS OF CHICAGO

OUR STORY

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A CULINARY EXPERIENCE COMPANY

Sidewalk Food Tours was inspired by a deep love of food, history, and the unique stories of different neighborhoods in different cities. The first Sidewalk Food Tour was launched in New York City, and since then, the Sidewalks family has grown to include tours in Chicago, San Francisco, Paris, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Nashville, San Diego and Miami!

Our goal is to provide exceptional walking food tours of Chicago so you can revisit these neighborhoods with confidence and enjoy the array of cultural options they have to offer. We self-identify as “foodies.” We’ve made it our “mission” to eat our way through Chicago, doing a lot of delicious research (and some not so appetizing) to bring you the best food options Chicago has to offer.

There is no better way to learn about the history and culture of a neighborhood than to eat its food. The food and the people who prepare it tell a story about the neighborhood. Tease your taste buds and join us in the River North and Wicker Park neighborhoods. We eat food from decades-old establishments, which have stood the test of time, as well as newer places with award-winning chefs. Join us on a real foodie adventure as we eat our way through these delicious neighborhoods and uncover the off-the-beaten-path food spots of Chicago.

Bon voyage!

SIDEWALK FOOD TOURS OF CHICAGO

OUR TOURS

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EXPLORE NEIGHBORHOOD DELIGHTS

Sidewalk Food Tours of Chicago offers outstanding Chicago walking tours. As any local can tell you, walking tours are the best way to see the sights and hidden gems of the city. Learn the history, culture, and architecture of Chicago neighborhoods up close and personal!

All our tours are guided by expert Chicago sightseeing guides with a whole lot of great stories to tell. We believe there are two important things that one should have at the end of a good tour: a full belly and an inspired mind. That’s why we’ve structured our walking tours to offer you the best food and most fascinating stories and sights that Chicago has to offer. Our expert local guides provide an entertaining insider’s view into the culture and history that define Chicago. Experience the best of Chicago in all of its deliciousness.

MEET THE TEAM

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JOSHUA HIRSCH

OWNER

On a six-hour historical tour of Lower Manhattan, Joshua’s stomach began to grumble as the guide pointed out some delicious food spots. It was then that he had an “aha moment.” He decided to include his favorite food places on a history and culture walking tour, so folks wouldn’t be hungry while discovering the city!

He wanted his tours to tell the story of the neighborhood through its food and the people who prepare it. The rest, as they say, is history. Sidewalk Food Tours, a culinary experience company, was born. He has since expanded into ten delectable cities. His goal is to expand to every major U.S. city you travel to, so you can experience its food and culture on a Sidewalk Food Tour.

 

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CHIEU HIRSCH

PARTNER

We are honored to have Chieu Hirsch on our team. She plays an integral part in the company’s overall success. Her family bravely refuged to the U.S. from Vietnam in the 1980s. She brings years of business experience, previously working for Sprint, Principal Financial, Morgan Stanley, and Hartford. In addition to her business acumen, she is extremely passionate about feng shui, astrology, food, and culture. She loves meditation, traveling, and hiking to beautiful mountaintops. Spending quality time with her eight nieces and nephews is what brings her the most joy.

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ROBBIE BRUENS

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Robbie Bruens designs, develops and manages food experiences for Sidewalk Food Tours. In addition to food (the highest art form, as we can all agree) he is also passionate about movies, books, paintings, and architecture. With that in mind, he recommends you watch Big Night  (1996) directed by and starring Stanley Tucci and read Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain, as these combine the culinary arts with cinema and literature.

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BEN GIBSON

GUIDE

Ben Gibson Bishop is an actor and writer based in Chicago. Originally from Arkansas, Ben moved for the performance opportunities and stayed for the weather. He gives tours because he loves talking, history, food, and making 3-hour long friends.

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LAUREN EILOLA

GUIDE

Lauren is a travel blogger who loves wine tourism, food, and new experiences. Originally from Delaware, she has since lived in Washington DC, Madrid, Los Angeles, Atlanta and has been happily calling Chicago “home” since 2019. Lauren loves movies, reading and fine dining and is always looking for recommendations!

 

JAKE WILKOFF

MANAGER

Jake is a fun loving and hungry guy who loves to cook for his wife, Margaret, in their Chicago neighborhood of Old Irving Park. When he isn’t sampling tasty food and drinks he might be at the hockey rink where he coaches a youth hockey team and adult learn to play hockey classes and games, or you might find him volunteering with the Union League Boys & Girls Club.

Favorite cocktail: Old Fashioned from the Violet Hour in Wicker Park

Favorite local food: Oiimen Ramen at Oiistar in Wicker Park

Favorite local restaurant: MingHin Cuisine (dim sum) in Chinatown

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ADELINA MARINELLO

GUIDE

Adelina is a performer/playwright/teaching artist based in Chicago. In her free time, Adelina enjoys thrifting, reading Sarah J. Maas, and hunting for the best local coffee shop. For food recs and finds follow @adelinamae on Beli (make a foodie friend)!