I would not come back to the Taste of Chicago more than 1 time. I love to have the experience of being there. However, the price of food is high. The portion is small. So many people, and not much to do except eat, eat and eat. Still the food is excellent.
Hope it helps!!!

I was so lucky that my visit to Chicago coordinated with the "Taste of Chicago." I got to try some of the best food all in one place. Wasn't sure I'd actually be full with a bunch of sample size portions, but I was beyond my limit. And they did have regular sized portions for more tickets.

Sure if you want to see a lot of people, well wait, I mean lots and lots of people eating and eating and eating, then you go here. Best option is to take the train. Parking can be scary in Chicago especially if you are not a local, expensive and hard to find. The people at the stalls are very busy, and they will behave as if they are doing you a ...

I have friends in Chicago who HATE the fest. I was visiting from NY in 07 and I loved it.
I will be going again this month. But I recommend going on the first day ( Friday ). Its a bit crowded but would not want to go on a weekend.
We have a San Genaro Festival here in NY that I hate and out of towners love...I guess it all depends on your mood! |GO CUBS

high prices, too crowded, nothing to do but eat, expensive parking...i think i'll stay out in the burbs and park for free, listen to free bands and eat at a reasonable cost at the summer fests out here...why everyone thinks they have to go to chicago to have fun is beyond me......

Like- Free bicycle parking areas. Taste of Chicago website has vender stall location maps and menus to plan your visit. Ample underground parking.

Dislike- Filthy, sticky mess. Not kid friendly. Portions could be smaller and sell for less money. No refunds on unused tickets. No place to donate unused tickets.

Although going to this festival during the day when it is 90+ degrees made the experience a slightly less pleasant than I had anticipated, I DO highly recommend it. The food choices were diverse. The congregation of people in such a small area could have been irritating but very al were very enjoyable! People were reasonably friendly and ...

Went back in 05 with another family, too many people to try to take kids along. It is definitely a site to see and lots of food. Would go back only with adults. A must see if you are in Chicago in July.

You have to spend a lot of money to try and get filled up. for an average family of 3 we had to spend $125. which i feel is way too much. we could have just went to a restaurant 3 times w/that money and get bigger portions. Taste of Chicago no big deal!