The Taste of Chicago in Grant Park
The Taste of Chicago is one of the city’s most beloved traditions: with the lakefront as a backdrop, local restaurants and vendors set up booths in Grant Park each summer. The Taste has grown from a humble gathering of restauranteurs in 1980 to a citywide series of events and a three-day event in Grant Park. In fact, Taste of Chicago 2023 features not only a long list of local food vendors but nightly, starlit performances by national and international artists! Whether you’re a local or you’re here for a visit, this is an event that foodies and music fans everywhere won’t want to miss.
When is Taste of Chicago?
Due in part to downtown’s NASCAR race in July, Taste of Chicago 2023 will take place at a later date than its usual midsummer schedule. The Taste of Chicago at Grant Park will take place on Sept. 8, 9th, and 10th.
Starting last year, “mini-tastes” were added throughout the city—in Humboldt Park, Pullman Park, Marquette Park—although the three-day Taste of Chicago in Grant Park is still the main draw. All Taste of Chicago 2023 events are free to attend, with food and drinks available to purchase on-site via cash or credit card.
Taste of Chicago 2023 Vendors
It should come as no surprise that Chicago’s most famous foods are well-represented at Taste of Chicago. 2023 attendees can try Polish sausage, Chicago-style pizza, and much more—made fresh by chefs from high-end restaurants and legendary food truck vendors alike:
- Whadda Jerk
- The Original Rainbow Cone
- Don Paleta
- Mr. Quiles Mexican Food
- Decadent Flavor
- Ms Tittle’s Cupcakes
- Haire’s Gulf Shrimp
- Buona Beef
- Cynthia’s Gumbo Express Inc
- AUNTIE VEE’S KITCHEN
- La Cocinita Food Truck
- Taco Sublime
- Josephine’s Cooking
- Robinson’s No.1 Ribs
- Churro Factory
- Yum Dum
- Mr E Chef Catering
- The Sole Ingredient Catering
- Doom Street Eats
- Chicago’s Doghouse
- Prime Tacos
- Healthy Substance
- Seoul Taco Chicago
- Eli’s Cheesecake Company
- Barangaroos Aussie Pies
- BJ’s Market & Bakery
- Arun’s Thai Restaurant
- Classic Cobbler Baked Goods Company
- Tandoor Char House
- Porkchop
- Esperanza Kitchen Delights
- Connie’s Pizza
- Restaurante Franco
Taste of Chicago Grant Park: Directions & Parking
Grant Park is located at 337 E. Randolph Steet. It’s easily accessible via the CTA red line—just get off at Harrison and head east toward the lake. Visit www.transitchicago.com for more bus and train directions.
Driving in? Here’s how to get to Taste of Chicago in Grant Park:
- Via Columbus, from Monroe to Balbo, and from Balbo to Roosevelt
- Via Jackson, from Michigan to Jean Baptiste Point du Sable Lake Shore Drive
- Via Congress, from Columbus to Congress Parkway semi-circle
Parking is available at Millennium Lakeside Garage, 5 S. Columbus Dr. Chicago, IL 60601. The vehicle entrance is on South Columbus Drive between Monroe and Randolph Streets and has a height clearance is 6’8″.
Taking your bike? Bike racks are available on the perimeter of Grant Park and Millennium Park.
Plan Your Chicago Trip Today!
While you’re downtown, why not take the opportunity to see as much of “the Windy City” as you can? It’s hard to think of a better way to do just that than a view from 103 stories up! Take a Virtual Tour to see what the Skydeck experience is all about.