A Sweet Stroll: My 2025 Review of Chicago’s Underground Donut Tour

So, you think you know Chicago food? You’ve probably got deep-dish pizza and a Chicago-style hot dog on your list, right? Of course, you do. Yet, there’s this whole other food scene here that’s honestly just as amazing, and it’s a little sweeter. I’m talking about donuts, you know. We went on Chicago’s Delicious Donut Adventure with Underground Donut Tour to see if it was, like, actually as fun as it sounds. As a matter of fact, the idea of walking around one of America’s greatest cities just eating donuts seemed pretty much perfect. It’s a very different way to see the downtown area, and you get to taste some incredible baked goods along the way, too.

What Actually Happens on This Donut Tour?

Basically, the Underground Donut Tour is a walking experience that is, in a way, part history lesson and part sugar rush. You meet up with your guide and a small group, typically near the River North area of Chicago. From there, it’s pretty much a two-hour walk that covers about a mile, more or less. The whole thing feels really personal, you know, because the groups are sort of small. Our guide was this super friendly person named Alex who, like, clearly had a genuine love for both Chicago and donuts. They lead you to about four different donut shops, some of which are kind of hidden gems you would just walk right by, to be honest. At each place, you get to sample a curated donut, so you’re not just buying a random one. Instead, you’re getting what that shop is really known for. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Underground Donut Tour Chicago)

The Unforgettable Tastes: A Look at the Stops

Okay, so let’s get to the important stuff: the donuts. The first stop was apparently a local favorite known for its classic creations. We had a vanilla bean glazed donut that was, honestly, unbelievably light and fluffy. It’s almost like it wasn’t a heavy fried pastry at all. The next stop, by the way, was a completely different vibe. It was a modern, very stylish spot that experimented with some pretty wild flavor combinations, you know. Here we tried a pistachio and Meyer lemon donut which, frankly, sounded a little weird at first. Yet the combination of the nutty, slightly savory topping with the bright citrus filling was sort of a revelation. It was just a little tart and incredibly fresh. It shows you the incredible range that bakers are exploring now, which is pretty neat.

“Each donut was so different from the last. You really get a sense of the city’s baking personality, which is something I just wasn’t expecting, to be honest.”

It’s More Than Just the Sugar, You Know

So, you might think you’re just signing up to eat four donuts in two hours, but it’s actually more than that. As you walk between the shops, the guide points out some really interesting things about the city. For example, our guide showed us some incredible architectural details on buildings we passed that, you know, you would never notice on your own. We learned about the Great Chicago Fire and how that event literally shaped the downtown area we see today. It was kind of like getting little bites of history along with our bites of donuts. This approach makes the walk itself feel really engaging. Instead of just heading from point A to point B, you’re on a path with purpose, sort of seeing the city through a local’s eyes. It was actually a great way to stay entertained between all the sweet treats.

So, Is the Underground Donut Tour for You?

At the end of the day, this tour is really for anyone who likes food and a little bit of light exercise. It seems perfect for couples looking for a fun date idea or families who want an activity that will, like, keep the kids happy. Honestly, solo travelers would probably have a great time too, as it’s a very friendly and social environment. On the other hand, you might want to skip it if you have serious mobility concerns, as it is a walking tour, you know. Still, the pace is pretty leisurely. You should also check about dietary needs ahead of time. I mean, they were pretty good about mentioning what was in each sample, but if you have a serious allergy, it’s always smart to double-check. Frankly, for the price, getting four premium donuts plus a guided tour of the downtown area feels like a really good deal. Read our full review: [Chicago Donut Tour Review 2025 Full Review and Details].

A Few Quick Tips Before You Go

Alright, so if you do decide to go, I have a few suggestions that will make your experience even better, really. It’s simple stuff, but it actually makes a difference.

• Wear Comfortable Shoes: Seriously, this is a big one. You will be on your feet for a couple of hours, and, like, nothing ruins a good time faster than sore feet.
• Arrive Hungry: This seems obvious, right? But I mean, you get some substantial samples. Maybe just have a very light breakfast, or none at all, you know.
• Bring a Water Bottle: So, all that sugar is going to make you thirsty. Having your own water is just a little more convenient than trying to find some along the way.
• Pace Yourself: You don’t have to, like, finish every single sample if you’re getting full. The idea is to taste and enjoy, so don’t feel pressured to clean your plate, so to speak.
• Ask Questions: The guides are usually super knowledgeable. So, if you’re curious about a building or a particular donut style, just ask them. It’s basically why they are there.