Fulton Market Delicious Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour

Explore Chicago’s Best Donut Shops on a Guided Walking Tour for $65

The Fulton Market Delicious Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour offers a delightful opportunity to indulge in Chicago’s finest donuts while exploring the city’s vibrant West Loop neighborhood. Priced at $65 per person and lasting approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, this tour is perfect for food lovers and dessert enthusiasts. The tour departs from Chicago French Market at 11:00 am, with the final stop at Sawada Coffee on N Green Street. With 32 reviews and a 5.0-star rating, it’s clear that this experience consistently wins praise.

Participants visit four renowned bakeries, each serving a different style of donut, providing a well-rounded tasting experience. The tour combines delicious treats with scenic walks through the West Loop and Restaurant Row, making it both a culinary adventure and a casual exploration of one of Chicago’s most popular neighborhoods. While the tour involves walking and standing for nearly two hours, most find it manageable and engaging, especially with the expert guidance provided by friendly, knowledgeable hosts.

Key Points

• Affordable and well-rated at $65 per person with a 5.0/5 rating from 32 reviews
• Visits four top Chicago bakeries, each offering unique donut styles
• Starts at Chicago French Market and ends at Sawada Coffee
• Includes scenic walks through the West Loop and Restaurant Row
• Guided by friendly experts who share Chicago food and city stories
• Perfect for donut fans, foodies, and those exploring Chicago’s culinary scene

Meet at Chicago French Market for the Donut Tour Start

The tour begins at Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken, located at 181 N Morgan St. Here, guests sample rotating donut flavors and are encouraged to try the famous fried chicken sandwich afterward. The start time is 11:00 am, a convenient morning slot for those who want to enjoy a leisurely exploration of Chicago’s food scene.

The tour concludes at Sawada Coffee, 112 N Green St, where visitors can unwind with delicious donuts from Doughnut Vault and enjoy Japanese latte art by Hiroshi Sawada. The connection to Green Street Smoked Meats makes this a good spot for a late lunch or casual meal if desired. The walking distance between stops is manageable, with some light exercise helping to offset the indulgence.

Visiting Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken: Flavors and Fried Chicken

The first stop at Do-Rite Donuts is known for its creative, rotating flavors that showcase Chicago’s innovative donut scene. The donuts are a highlight, with the chance to try several distinctive options. Guests often praise the quality and variety of flavors.

Post-tour, there’s an option to visit Do-Rite’s renowned fried chicken sandwich, described as phenomenal. While not included in the tour, this offers an appealing extension for those wanting to continue their culinary exploration. The 20-minute stop gives enough time to savor the donuts without feeling rushed.

Strolling through West Loop and Restaurant Row

While the walking segment is about 30 minutes, it’s designed to enjoy the sights of the bustling West Loop and Restaurant Row. The route offers scenic views and urban charm, making the walk a pleasant way to walk off some of the sweetness.

Guides take time to share insights into Chicago’s lively dining scene, architecture, and murals, helping guests connect the neighborhoods’ culinary culture with its visual character. The walk is not strenuous, but participants should be prepared for standing and walking.

Sampling Delicious Donuts at Voodoo Doughnut

The second bakery, Voodoo Doughnuts, is celebrated for its creative and colorful donuts. As a relatively new addition to Chicago’s donut landscape, it impresses visitors with its quirky offerings and eye-catching designs.

Guests get a 20-minute tasting opportunity to enjoy signature Voodoo donuts, known for their unique toppings and flavors. This stop often feels like a fun highlight, especially for those discovering the brand for the first time.

Coffee and Donuts at Sawada Coffee

The final stop at Sawada Coffee offers a special treat: donuts from Doughnut Vault paired with coffee brewed by Japanese latte artist Hiroshi Sawada. The 20-minute visit is perfect for sipping coffee while savoring more donut varieties.

Guides share insights into Japanese coffee craftsmanship while guests enjoy their treats in a casual, stylish setting. The stop at Sawada Coffee extends the tour’s focus on culinary artistry and flavor.

The Guides: Friendly and Knowledgeable Storytellers

Throughout the tour, guides are praised for their warm, engaging personalities and wealth of Chicago knowledge. Names like Emely, Max, Ree, and Jackson come up in reviews as exceptionally personable, blending fun stories with informative commentary.

Guests appreciate guides’ enthusiasm for donuts and the neighborhood, which helps create a personal and memorable experience. Many mention the guides’ ability to answer questions, share local tips, and connect the treats with Chicago’s culture.

Accessibility and Group Size

The tour accommodates most travelers and is kept small, with a maximum of 20 people, ensuring a personalized experience. It is near public transportation, making it accessible across Chicago.

Since the tour involves standing and walking for nearly two hours, it may not suit guests with limited mobility or those who cannot stand for extended periods. Service animals are welcome, adding to accessibility options.

Practical Tips for Booking and Participation

Most travelers book 24 days in advance, reflecting the tour’s popularity. The reservation is confirmed instantly, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time.

Guests should come hungry and prepared for moderate walking. The tour is weather-dependent, and if canceled due to poor weather, participants can opt for a reschedule or full refund. The start point is easy to find, and the end location offers opportunities to explore further or enjoy nearby food options.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value for Donut Lovers

At $65 per person, the tour provides delicious samples from four top bakeries and a chance to explore Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood. The informative guides make the experience engaging, blending culinary treats with local stories.

The positive reviews emphasize the quality of the donuts, the charming guides, and the scenic, walkable route. It’s an experience that combines sweet indulgence with city exploration, making it ideal for foodies, dessert fans, and visitors wanting a taste of Chicago’s culinary scene.

Chicago Donut Tour: Final Thoughts

The Fulton Market Delicious Donut Adventure stands out for its well-curated stops at Chicago’s best donut shops, friendly guides, and accessible walking route. It’s a lively, informative way to indulge in sweets while discovering the West Loop’s vibrant streets.

While the tour involves some standing and walking, most participants find it manageable and enjoyable. It offers great value, especially for those eager to sample famous Chicago donuts and learn about the city’s culinary culture.

If you love donuts or exploring Chicago’s neighborhoods, this tour is a deliciously fun choice—and with consistent top ratings, it promises a memorable experience for all who attend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves standing and walking for about two hours, so it may not be ideal for guests with limited mobility or those who cannot stand for long periods.

What is the starting point and time?
The tour starts at Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken, located at 181 N Morgan St, at 11:00 am.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, allowing full refunds.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted during the tour, ensuring accessibility for guests with disabilities.