OUR STORY
A CULINARY EXPERIENCE COMPANY
The story behind Sidewalk Food Tours of Chicago goes back three years. Two friends with a deep love of food, history, and the city of Chicago found themselves constantly taking friends and family on private walking tours. One day a friend of theirs said, “You guys always give us such informative and delicious food tours. You should start a food tour company, so other people will be able to enjoy your tours as much as we do.” And the rest, as they say, is history.
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’re self-proclaimed 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
EXPLORE NEIGHBORHOOD DELIGHTS
Sidewalk Food Tours of Chicago offers exceptional 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 native 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 a full mind. That’s why we’ve structured our food and history walking tours to offer you the best food and most fascinating sites 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
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 six 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.
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.
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
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.
CHRISTEN KRASCH
GUIDE
Christen is an alternative comedian and artist from Ann Arbor, Michigan. She likes to eat big foods with small forks and small foods with big ones.
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!