Established in 1980, this uniquely-Chicago tradition is back with an exclusive array of eateries just in time for summer. Showcasing the city’s culinary excellence and diversity, Taste of Chicago sets up in Grant Park. Known as the world’s largest food festival, the boots are packed to the brim with tasty eats. The event will be scaled-down in the main Grant Park area. Food tickets will not be sold this year, but cash and credit are accepted inside the event.
From July 8-10, Grant Park will feature more than 30 food vendors. There’s a designated beer hall, a wine tent, a cocktail lounge, and an NBC Chicago Family Village. That’s not all, there will also be three stages with a schedule of free performances, dance classes, family activities, and more. Chicago Summer Dance will be leading the free classes, each featuring four dance styles born in Chicago. The Chicago Children’s Theatre and The Q Brothers will also present a special family show!
Aside from the main event are three new mini-festivals taking place in South and West Side neighborhoods. The Taste of Chicago will bring its vendors to Austin on June 11 with a performance by Soul City Blues. Then, on to Pullman on June 18 with a selection of DJs. Finally, the festival ends in the Little Village on June 25. For Pullman, there will be no alcohol permitted onsite. Visitors can attend the smaller festivals from 12-8 PM.
Food vendors at the Grant Park Taste of Chicago Festival include:
- Whadda Jerk
- The Original Rainbow Cone
- Don Paleta
- Mr. Quiles Mexican Food,
- Decadent Flavor
- Ms Tittle’s Cupcakes
- Haire’s Gulf Shrimp
- Buona Beef
- Cynthia’s Gumbo Express Inc.
- Auntie Vee’s Kitchen
- La Cocinita Food Truck
- Taco Sublime
- Josephine’s Cooking, Robinson’s No.1 Ribs
- Churro Factory
- Yum Dum
- Mr E Chef’s Barbecue
- The Sole Ingredient Catering LLC
- Doom Street Eats
- Chicago’s Doghouse
- Prime Tacos
- Healthy Substance
- Seoul Taco
- Eli’s Cheesecake Company
- Barangaroos Aussie Pies
- BJ’s Market & Bakery
- Arun’s Thai Restaurant
- Classic Cobbler
- Tandoor Char House
- Porkchop
- Esperanza Kitchen Delights
- Connie’s Pizza
- Franco’s Ristorante.
For a full schedule, check out the official site here.
Street closures are expected. The following streets will be closed during the festival: Columbus, from Monroe to Balbo and from Balbo to Roosevelt (Though Balbo remains open to traffic); Jackson, from Michigan to Jean Baptiste Point du Sable Lake Shore Drive; Congress, from Columbus to Congress Parkway semi-circle.
Taste of Chicago Grant Park: 337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
Taste of Chicago Austin: 5720 W Chicago Ave. Chicago, IL 60651
Taste of Chicago Pullman Park: 11101 S. Cottage Grove Ave. Chicago, IL 60628
Taste of Chicago Little Village: June 25, at Ortiz De Dominguez School, 3000 S. Lawndale Ave.