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Adventure Collective Journal

Chicago Pedicab Food Tour: Deep-Dish, Margie’s Banana Split & The Bear Filming Sites

Chicago Pedicab Food Tour: Deep-Dish, Margie’s Banana Split & The Bear Filming Sites

Pedal through Chicago’s food map in an open-air pedicab: Pequod’s pan pizza, a shared banana split at Margie’s, neon signs from The Bear, and skyline river views — all guided with local stories and pre-ordered bites.

Chicago, IL
2–3 hours
By Adventure CollectiveOctober 2025

The Experience

Before You Go

Bring a lightweight jacket

Wind off the Chicago River can be brisk even on sunny days; a packable layer keeps you comfortable during riverfront stretches.

Save room for Margie’s

The banana split is large and meant for sharing—pace yourself after the pizza so you can enjoy both.

Charge your phone

The tour has several iconic photo stops (LaSalle Flowers, river bridges, Mr. Beef); a full battery ensures you capture them all.

Coordinate final stop in advance

If you want to end at Mr. Beef or a Michelin spot like Kasama, tell the guide when you book so timing and orders are handled.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

  • Oz Park’s Wizard of Oz sculptures in Lincoln Park
  • The small mural-lined alleys near River North for candid street photos

Wildlife

  • Peregrine falcons nesting on skyscrapers
  • Urban red-tailed hawks and pigeons along the river

Conservation Note

Pedicabs offer a low-emission way to tour the city; support small, historic eateries and bring reusable cutlery or napkins when possible to reduce waste.

The tour traces layers of Chicago’s immigrant food culture — post-Prohibition ice cream shops, Italian beef stands from Midwestern Italian communities, and the northside pizza innovations that birthed local debates.

Photographer's Notes

Best times:Golden hour (sunset), Late morning for food photos, Overcast for even light on streets
Key viewpoints:
  • Under the LaSalle Flowers sign for neon portraits
  • Along the Chicago River bridges for skyline reflections
  • Outside Pequod’s for the caramelized pizza crust shot
Subjects to capture:Close-ups of shared dishes and toppings, Neon signage and street-level architecture, River bridges and skyline silhouettes

What to Bring

Sunscreen & sunglassesEssential

Open-air riding exposes you to sun—protect skin and eyes during midday tours.

Compact rain jacket

A light waterproof layer keeps you dry if a quick shower moves through.

Portable phone chargerEssential

Ensures your camera and maps stay powered for photos and communication.

Comfortable walking shoesEssential

You’ll step off the cab for photos and tastings; comfortable shoes make those short walks easy.

Common Questions

How long is the tour?

Tours run about 2–3 hours and cover roughly 8 miles by pedicab with multiple food stops and photo opportunities.

Is the pedicab accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes — the operator notes wheelchair accessibility; contact the supplier in advance to arrange specifics.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Yes — tell the operator when booking so guides can adjust stops or order alternatives where possible.

Where does the tour start and end?

Common start is Pequod’s or a nearby coffee shop in Lincoln Park; end points are flexible—Mr. Beef, Kasama, or the Chicago River depending on group preference.

Are children welcome?

Yes — the pedicab seats up to six and is family friendly; consider ordering kid-friendly portions when requested in advance.

What happens in bad weather?

The tour can be canceled for severe weather with a full refund if done at least 24 hours prior; lightweight canopy provides some shelter but heavy rain or storms may require rescheduling.

Book This Experience

Check Availability

Duration

2–3 hours

Location

Chicago, IL

Difficulty

easy

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; you’ll sit for most of the tour with short walks at stops

Free cancellation available

Ready to Explore Chicago?

Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.

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