Taste of Chicago

Chicago, IL
Occurs annually at the end of June/beginning of July

Here's how it works. Entry is 100% free! You can even bring in your own beverages. Vendors are giving out stuff, people are playing music and the smell is in the air.
First place you visit is the ticket booth where you buy tickets (12 for $8)
Then you visit the booths and trade in tickets for food.
It's a lil pricey, but it's more of the experience and it's also just a once a year thing.

My friend Casey typically accompanies me on my visits, but he lives in North Carolina, so in memory of his Polish heritage I jumped on the pierogies immediately.


Available in 3 flavors: potato, cheese, and sauerkraut.
If you're new to pierogies or like variety (like me) order 3 and get one of each.

I also came across a place that had chicken and veggie spring rolls which were filling and quite delicious.

Pizza comes in so many varieties at the Taste and a different number of restaurants are present. I recommend to get filled up on a slice of deep dish. I got a lesser known brand, but this place is quite popular in Chicago.



Not to get too fancy, I got down to basics and enjoyed a steak burger with bleu cheese and mustard sauce.
To finish the taste, I upheld a tradition I created to end each visit to the Taste with a slice of Eli's Cheesecake. They come plain, strawberry topping, turtle, and the amazing Oreo cheesecake with ice cream.


Most vendors have representation each year at the taste, so get familiar with some of these names: