The 7 Lunch Experiences in Chicago That Earn Their Price

1.City Cruises Chicago: Signature Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 348 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $66Our pick

Board at Navy Pier for a roughly two-hour lunch cruise with a buffet, assigned table, skyline views, live DJ, games, and dancing. You’ll pass sights such as Navy Pier, Soldier Field, and Shedd Aquarium while enjoying unlimited coffee, tea, iced tea, and water. Bring business-casual clothes and arrive 30 minutes early.

“Food was awesome , desserts need some improving but overall was good . Servers were great and the DJ was very good as well .”

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2.City Cruises Chicago: Premier Lunch or Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 334 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $88

Board the Odyssey at Navy Pier for a two to three hour Lake Michigan cruise with a plated three-course meal, table service, skyline views, a live DJ, and access to outdoor observation decks. Choose lunch for daylight or dinner for sunset and city lights.

“Everything was Wonderful from the beginning to end. The servers and Heather were all great!”

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3.City Cruises Chicago: Lake Michigan Lunch or Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 217 reviews · 2 hours · from $66

Sail from Navy Pier on a two-hour City Cruises Chicago brunch, lunch, or dinner cruise. Enjoy a prepared buffet, rooftop skyline views, a DJ, dancing, games, and a cash bar. Brunch includes unlimited mimosas, while lunch and dinner offer hearty salads, entrées, and desserts.

“Fantastic! Everything was amazing. ! Wish that was more Latin music played. Had to ask the DJ for a at least 1 bachata song to hit the dance floor. 100% recommended..thank you!!”

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4.City Cruises Chicago: Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 128 reviews · 2 hours - 150 minutes · from $84

Board the glass-enclosed Odyssey near NBC Tower for a two-hour Chicago River dining cruise. Choose brunch with bottomless mimosas, lunch with architecture commentary, or dinner with an onboard DJ. Expect a three-course meal, attentive service, cocktails for purchase, and clear riverfront views.

“Wonderful! A great date night/ family celebration experience; although I was the only single diner, I was made to feel welcomed & included. The entire crew seemed happy & wanted to make sure everything was perfect . Mimmo, the chef, obviously cooks with love- the food was delicious & plated with care. I’m vegetarian & was delighted with my choices ( not to mention the tasty cocktails.) The view from the river was enchanting. My favorite Chicago memory!”

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5.City Cruises Chicago: River Architectural Lunch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 39 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $84

Spend about two hours aboard City Cruises’ Chicago River Architectural Lunch Cruise, with a plated meal, unlimited coffee, tea, iced tea, and water. You’ll pass Tribune Tower, Merchandise Mart, Civic Opera House, and Union Station while a guide explains the city’s striking buildings.

“Booked via viator, we went there and cruise saw us but they said they moved the ramp and we need to reschedule . Then they marked us as no show which is a lie . Now cruise won’t refund 890 dollars becoz booked with viator and viator won’t refund as cruise marked no show I would advise please don’t ever book or even attempt booking with viator Horrible customer service and no value for almost 1000 dollars wasted”

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6.Thanksgiving Gourmet Lunch Cruise on Chicago River

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 4 reviews · from $116

Spend two Thanksgiving hours aboard City Cruises’ glass-enclosed Odyssey Chicago River vessel. Enjoy a plated three-course meal, coffee and tea, festive drinks for purchase, an onboard DJ, and views of the Merchandise Mart, DuSable Bridge, Willis Tower, Navy Pier, and Old Chicago Post Office.

“Awesome service friendly staff beautiful views and fun music .. the food was decent and I just wish my pumpkin pie wasn’t frozen in the middle because it was delicious”

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7.Learn To Make Mole The Real Mexican Way Before Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $185Top rated

Meet Carla on West Iowa Street for a two-hour, hands-on mole class in her Chicago residence. She shares Puebla’s mole traditions, guides cooks of all levels, and serves the finished sauce with chicken, beans, green rice, and hibiscus infusion.

“Carla was fantastic. She was charming and did a great job guiding us through making mole. It.really was a great experience!”

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