The Taste of Chicago is unlike anything else you will do in the city. It is like a huge county fair, only city-style. It runs from June 24 to July 4 and spans all of Grant Park. Set up along the way are food tents for every type of food imaginable. As you look down the street, all you see are people and rows upon rows of vendors. There's everything from corn on the cob (a Midwest favorite) to Italian beef, Chinese food, tempura, pizza, brats, sushi, rock lobsters, cheesecake (Eli’s, of course), ice cream, funnel cakes, ice cream on funnel cakes, and much much more.
Things can get a little crazy here, so if you aren’t a big fan of crowds, I wouldn’t suggest coming on the 4th. Also, strollers are usually a bad idea just because you get stuck in all the human traffic. Be careful of your feet when you are walking; they will probably get trampled. I know it's summer, but closed-toe shoes may be the best idea.
Tickets were 11 for $7 last year (summer 2004), and everything is priced usually between four and five tickets. Most of the time, these are massive portions, so you really won’t be ripped off too badly. Some of the items, like homemade potato chips or corn on the cob, are only two to three tickets, and that’s a good bargain if you ask me. If you are going with a group, it might be the best idea to stake out a spot to reconvene after you get your food. This way, you always know where everyone will be. If you are in the mood for an alcoholic beverage, there are beer booths set up along the way. I believe these were six tickets, and it was a fairly large-sized glass. I think that the wine is a little more of a rip-off. It is only served in the one pavilion, and the glasses were tiny for the same price as the beer. Plus, let's be honest, people, this is the taste of Chicago--it's like one giant cook-out. You need to drink beer.
There is one area (the same pavilion that sells the wine) where you can get gourmet food prepared for you. It has some of the best chefs from Chicago showcasing their favorite summer dishes. There will be a menu of what they are serving that day posted at the entrances and in the maps.
The Taste of Chicago isn’t just about the food; Chicago has turned this into a very real festival. There are bands that play both during the day and at night. They have special acts to entertain you while you are munching away, and there are vendors and music playing everywhere; it's truly become something amazing.
My suggestion is to go, have a good time, and taste some of Chicago’s favorite dishes!