Windy City Fever: How "The Bear" Sparked a Chicago Food Tour Craze

Claudia Dietrich and Ross Lloyd were among the throngs of tourists flocking to Chicago's iconic Mr. Beef, drawn by the allure of the hit Hulu series "The Bear." Their guided food tour, inspired by the show's gritty depiction of the restaurant industry, offered a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the city's vibrant culinary landscape.

Savor the Windy City: A "The Bear"-Inspired Food Adventure

Chasing the "The Bear" Hype to Mr. Beef

Claudia Dietrich and Ross Lloyd, a couple from Milwaukee, boarded a bus bound for the hottest tourist spot in River North, eager to experience the culinary world of "The Bear." As their guide rattled off Chicago trivia, the pair snapped photos from every angle, undeterred by the winding line out the front door of Mr. Beef, the no-frills sandwich joint featured prominently in the hit Hulu series."This is something that brought us to Chicago, there's no doubt about that," said Dietrich, a 72-year-old Milwaukee resident, as she savored an Italian beef sandwich with giardiniera.Since the debut of "The Bear," Mr. Beef, which opened in River North in 1963, has seen a surge of tourists flocking to the unassuming sandwich shop, drawn by its authentic portrayal in the critically acclaimed series. Ahead of Season 3's release, the show's cult following is only growing stronger, with fans eager to immerse themselves in the world of Carmy and his dysfunctional restaurant crew.

Exploring Chicago's "The Bear" Hotspots

The guided food tour, organized by Chicago Food & City Tours, took Dietrich, Lloyd, and 30 other patrons on a culinary journey across River North, the West Loop, and Logan Square, visiting restaurants that served as filming locations for the series. From sampling potstickers at Time Out Market to indulging in pepperoni pizza at Pizza Lobo, the tour offered a unique opportunity to experience the diverse flavors that have captivated "The Bear" fans."'The Bear' does such an amazing job of highlighting Chicago's diverse food scene," said Hannah Gleeson, the company's director of operations. "And it's so much more fun to do something like this than just walk up to Mr. Beef."The tour's guide, Casey Ross, a self-proclaimed "The Bear" enthusiast, led the group with infectious enthusiasm, sporting a blue apron and holding a tomato can tip jar, paying homage to the series' iconic visuals. As the group sampled doughnuts at Roeser's Bakery and sipped drinks at the Green Door Tavern, they engaged in lively discussions about the show's characters and plot lines, bonding over their shared love for the gritty, yet heartwarming, portrayal of the restaurant industry.

Fans Immerse Themselves in the "The Bear" Experience

For many of the tour's participants, the opportunity to step into the world of "The Bear" was a dream come true. Sisters Joan and Cora Lanman, visiting from Atlanta, eagerly exchanged theories about the upcoming season, musing over the potential romantic entanglements of the show's lead characters."I just think Season 2 is, like, one of the best seasons of television of all time," said Joan, 22, who has seen the show three times through. "I think the writing is so real, it doesn't feel like a TV show."Diane Thomas, a 72-year-old from Michigan, found a personal connection to the series, having worked at her family's sandwich shop as a teenager. She appreciated the show's authentic portrayal of the challenges and dynamics within a family-owned business, a sentiment shared by her fellow tour companion, Jim Walsh."It's all of our cousins and nieces and nephews, all working together," Thomas said. "I think 'The Bear' shows the real chaos that happens in the kitchen."As the tour progressed, the group's enthusiasm only grew, with guests eagerly discussing the latest news and theories about the show, from Jeremy Allen White's late-night appearances to the potential plot lines for Season 3.

A Love Letter to the Windy City

For tour guide Casey Ross, the experience of leading the "The Bear"-inspired food tour was a labor of love. As an actor himself, he relished the opportunity to share his passion for the series and the city it celebrates."I love having people to talk to, and I love sharing information and telling a good story," Ross said. "I'm an actor, and so I crave an audience, I guess."Beyond the show's captivating characters and storylines, Ross and many of the tour's participants were drawn to the way "The Bear" showcases the vibrant culinary landscape of Chicago, capturing the city's diverse neighborhoods and beloved eateries with a level of authenticity that has resonated with fans."All of these characters are becoming three-dimensional, and I can't wait to see more of that," Ross said. "That, and the lovingly crafted shots of Chicago. It's a love letter to the city."As the tour came to a close, the group left with a deeper appreciation for the city that has become the backdrop for their favorite show, their taste buds and imaginations equally satisfied by the culinary and narrative delights of "The Bear."