Top Chicago Food & Drink Classes

Step into Chicago’s coolest hidden bars on a mid-century cocktail adventure! Join a local guide to discover vintage lounges, secret speakeasies, and retro bars most tourists miss. Savor expertly crafted cocktails (own expense), hear untold stories of the city’s nightlife boom, and soak in stylish decor straight from the 1950s and 60s. This small-group tour is perfect for cocktail lovers, architecture buffs, and anyone seeking an off-the-beaten-path night out in the Windy City.

Learn the secrets of making one of Mexico’s most celebrated dishes during this beginner-friendly, local-hosted cooking class. Meet your Michelin-trained chef guide at her home, enjoy a refreshing hibiscus agua fresca upon arrival, and roll up your sleeves. Your guide will break down the steps to make an authentic mole sauce, and share tips as you go. Finally, sit down to enjoy your tasty and traditional meal.

Discover the fundamentals of sushi-making in Chicago during this immersive class hosted through Cozymeal. Limited to 8 guests, the workshop showcases the precision and artistry of Japanese cuisine. The menu you will prepare includes: - Sushi: Spicy ahi-tuna roll with avocado, cucumber and aioli - Sushi: Shrimp tempura roll with jalapeño, cucumber and miso aioli - Dessert: Tropical fruit with tōgarashi and honey With step-by-step guidance from your local sushi chef, you’ll gain confidence in rolling techniques and flavor pairing. Guests are welcome to bring wine or beer to complement the meal, making the evening both educational and enjoyable.

Discover authentic Italian cooking in Chicago during this pasta-making class hosted through Cozymeal. Limited to just 8 guests, this immersive workshop showcases the art of crafting fresh pasta dough and creating a full three-course menu. The menu you will prepare includes: - Starter: Bruschetta with ripe tomatoes and basil on crisp bread - Main course: Handcrafted gnocchi with tomato-basil sauce - Dessert: Classic tiramisù with mascarpone and espresso-soaked ladyfingers With personalized instruction from your pasta chef, this small-group class combines hands-on practice with flavorful dining. Guests are welcome to bring wine or beer to enjoy with their freshly made meal.

Sample some of the Windy City's tastiest donuts—and head to locals-loved dessert destinations that most visitors miss—on this one-of-a-kind walking tour. With your guide in the lead, head to a number of Chicago’s tastiest donut bakeries, all while exploring the city's vibrant downtown Loop neighborhood. All tastings are included in the tour cost, and vegan, gluten-, and nut-free options are also available upon request.

I am the only person in the US, and possibly the world, that offers this experience. It is both a demonstration and an interactive opportunity where you'll have tons of fun learning about the history of cheese magic and getting to try it yourself. And then you get to eat your fortune!

Experience the perfect pairing of fresh pasta and craft spirits in this hands-on cooking class with a talented chef, hosted at a local distillery in Chicago! Learn the time-honored techniques of pasta-making as you mix, knead, roll, and cut your own pasta from scratch using just eggs, flour, and olive oil. Then, prepare a rich marinara sauce with onions, mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes, with the option to add beef for a meaty variation. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the distillery, where you can sip on expertly crafted spirits while perfecting your culinary skills. Whether you’re a pasta lover, a food enthusiast, or just looking for a fun and interactive night out, this class is the perfect way to learn, sip, and savor. Book your spot today for an unforgettable pasta-making experience in the heart of Chicago!

Join our exclusive cooking workshop series in collaboration with celebrity chef Tony Hu. In the first session, you'll learn to prepare two of his signature dishes—Chef’s Special Dry Chili Chicken and Crispy Lemon Shrimp. Featured on numerous TV shows and interviews, including NBC, ABC, FOX, and WGN, Chef Tony Hu is the founder of the iconic Lao Sze Chuan Restaurants with 14 locations across the country. This hands-on cooking workshop is more than just a culinary lesson—it’s a cultural experience. We invite you to connect with Chinese heritage in a warm, interactive setting where every dish tells a story, and every bite is a celebration of tradition. A minimum of 4 participants is required for this experience. If the minimum is not met, the tour may be canceled, and you will receive a full refund.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Mexico with a hands-on cooking class at Su Casa Mexican Restaurant. Guided by experienced chefs, participants will learn the art of crafting authentic tamales and tacos from scratch. This class is tailored for all skill levels, making it an ideal setting for food enthusiasts eager to enhance their culinary repertoire. As you knead, roll, and fill your creations, anticipate the rewarding moment of tasting your delicious handiwork, complemented by chips, salsa, and a refreshing drink.

Feel like a local when you attend a private cooking class in your host’s home—and learn how to make a multi-course menu of Indian-Mexican dishes—with this one-of-a-kind outing. Pick between lunch and dinner options, head to your host’s Chicago residence, and roll up your sleeves. You’ll learn to cook a range of creative fusion dishes, including tandoori paneer quesadillas—and will then enjoy your home-cooked food together.

Enjoy a unique creative outlet—and learn the ins and outs of graffiti and street art—during this hands-on urban art workshop. Learn different styles and techniques from your instructors (including guest artists), try out stenciling and spray-painting, and create your own work of art on canvas to bring home at the end of class.

Melt, mold and create your own gourmet chocolate bars in this hands-on class in Chicago. Booked through Classpop!, this interactive cooking class with Chef Natalie introduces you to the fundamentals of chocolate making in a fun, approachable way. You’ll begin by learning how to properly melt and mold chocolate to create smooth, glossy bars. Next, prepare a Dubai-inspired filling using pistachio cream, tahini and crispy toasted shredded phyllo for a rich contrast of textures. Chef Natalie will guide you step by step as you assemble and customize your chocolate bars. Finish by taking home your handmade creations along with techniques you can easily recreate in your own kitchen.

Roll, slice and build your own plant-based sushi in this hands-on class in Chicago. Booked through Classpop!, this interactive cooking class with Chef Natalie introduces you to the fundamentals of sushi making using creative vegetarian ingredients. You’ll begin by preparing fillings and practicing simple knife skills to build confidence before rolling. Next, learn how to assemble and roll two sushi styles, including a smoked “salmon” roll made with lentil-based tofu and a spicy dragon roll with carrot “tuna,” cucumber and avocado. Chef Natalie will guide you step by step to help you achieve clean, well-formed rolls. Finish by preparing a light seaweed salad and enjoy your handmade sushi at the end of class.

This beginner-friendly chocolate class turns a classic confection into an approachable, rewarding skill. Led by Chef Janet, the experience focuses on teaching essential techniques while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and fun. You’ll learn how to temper chocolate correctly, experiment with popular fillings and use molds to create beautifully shaped treats. Chef Janet breaks everything down step by step, making the process easy to follow even if you’ve never worked with chocolate before. With plenty of tasting, hands-on practice and a supportive environment, this Chicago class is ideal for dessert lovers, curious home cooks or anyone looking for a creative night out that ends on a sweet note.

Save time and energy with an at-home cooking class, and perfect the techniques to create a Chicago classic—deep dish pizza. From the comfort of your own kitchen, enjoy one-to-one tuition from a private, online teacher (and Chicago native). With a recipe and ingredient list emailed to you ahead of your chosen start time, crafting your own delicious pizza couldn't be easier.

Chef Janet, a seasoned head chef, personal chef and culinary instructor, has served and educated countless food enthusiasts throughout her career. Let Chef Janet's expertise and charisma guide you in mastering the art of dumpling-making. This class takes place at a beautiful local venue known for its warm atmosphere and excellent craft beers. In this session, you'll start by preparing meat dumplings (vegetarian option available) using ingredients like carrots, cabbage, scallions, garlic, ginger and soy. You'll then create a tasty dipping sauce with soy and citrus. The class concludes with steaming or pan-frying your dumplings and enjoying your flavorful creations. What to Expect: - Step-by-step guidance from a talented chef who makes it make sense. - A fun, beginner-friendly class where no one judges your knife skills. - Tasting, laughing and leveling up your kitchen game. - Ideal for: a solo outing, date night, girls’ night or group fun.

Enjoy a unique sushi-making experience at a local distillery in Chicago with Chef Janet! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to craft fresh, restaurant-quality sushi while sipping on expertly distilled spirits available for purchase. Start by steaming and seasoning the perfect sushi rice, then prep fresh ingredients for two signature rolls. You’ll assemble a vibrant veggie roll with sweet mango, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumber, followed by a classic California roll featuring surimi, avocado, and cucumber. With Chef Janet’s expert guidance, you’ll master the techniques of rolling sushi and slicing it into picture-perfect pieces. Whether you're looking for a fun night out, a unique date idea, or a new culinary skill to impress friends and family, this class offers the perfect blend of great food, hands-on learning, and a relaxed distillery setting. Book your spot today for a sushi and spirits experience like no other in Chicago!