In the Footsteps of ‘The Bear’: A Cinematic Journey Through Chicago.
The award-winning FX original series ‘The Bear‘ is back with a bang for its fourth season, now streaming on Disney+. And with it, we have a brand-new excuse to fall even more in love with Chicago—the city that pulses to the rhythm of every episode. More than just a backdrop, Chicago is another character in the story. Its streets, restaurants, and neighborhoods have leapt from the screen into real life. If you’re a true fan of the show, this guide is for you.
Get ready for a fully immersive experience with real-life locations, food tours, historic neighborhoods, and iconic landmarks that will make you feel like you’re part of Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto’s world.
Mr. Beef on Orleans: The Real Heart of ‘The Bear‘.
The fictional restaurant in ‘The Bear’ is directly inspired by a real place: Mr. Beef on Orleans, a sandwich shop founded in 1979 in the River North neighborhood and owned by the Zucchero family. Series creator Christopher Storer based the Berzatto family’s story on the experiences of his childhood friend Chris Zucchero.
This humble sandwich joint has become a cult site for fans. Not only can you try their legendary Italian Beef Sandwiches, but the place is also filled with direct nods to the show: posters, clippings, and more.
📍 Mr. Beef on Orleans
666 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL 60654
River North food tour.
To get the full flavor of Mr. Beef and soak in the local culinary vibe, there’s nothing better than a food tour around River North. Many of these tours include stops for deep-dish pizza, gourmet tacos, and of course, the iconic Italian beef sandwich that ‘The Bear‘ helped turn into a global sensation.
🔗 River North food tour. The culinary neighborhood of The Bear!
Solve a murder on a Chicago food tour.
If you’re up for a little mystery, why not solve a murder while tasting Chicago-style hot dogs or the original family recipe that made deep-dish pizza one of the city’s most beloved and flavorful dishes?
“Yes, Chef!” Tour inspired by ‘The Bear‘.
You’ll love to know there’s now an actual food tour specifically inspired by ‘The Bear’! Hosted by Chicago Food & City Tours, this walking route covers several filming locations, includes tastings at restaurants featured or referenced in the show, and ends with a sweet treat at Margie’s Candies.
🔗 Yes, Chef!” A ‘The Bear‘-inspired foodie tour!
Chicago from the river: Architectural cruise.
Many of the series’ transition shots showcase landmarks like Marina City, The Merchandise Mart, and Tribune Tower. The best way to see these is from the water, on an architectural river cruise.
🔗 Discover Chicago’s iconic architecture by boat!
Escape to Evanston and Glenview: Exploring the Berzatto Family’s homes.
Some of the series’ more intimate scenes take place in Chicago’s suburban areas, such as Evanston and Glenview.
We recommend renting a car and taking a self-guided route through these quiet, residential zones.
Lincoln Park & Wicker Park: Style, art, and flavor.
These alternative neighborhoods shine especially in season three. Lincoln Park is one of Chicago’s most iconic areas, known for its hidden gems, gangsters, and music.
The Biograph Theatre is where the infamous gangster John Dillinger was gunned down by FBI agents in 1934.
Also here is the site of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, where seven members of Bugs Moran’s gang were brutally executed—a crime attributed to Al Capone.
🔗 Lincoln Park Rock & Mafia tour!
Wicker Park was historically a European immigrant neighborhood, especially Polish, and has since evolved into a cultural and creative hub. Known for its vibrant art scene, vintage shops, indie music, and alternative cuisine, it attracts young people and artists alike.
🔗 Wicker Park: A journey through its architectural treasures!
Other real filming locations.
Cinespace Chicago Film Studios is massive 60-acre campus in North Lawndale that hosts more than 33 stages, making it the largest independent studio outside of Los Angeles. Visitors can take a behind-the-scenes tour and learn about various stages of production.
Endeavor Health Skokie Hospital: Featured in a key emotional scene involving Carmy’s uncle Jimmy (Cicero) and Richie (Richard Jerimovich), one of the most volatile yet beloved characters. Richie is admitted here during a moment of extreme emotional tension, reflecting the crushing stress of the restaurant world.
Other experiences you may love.
Relive Prohibition-era Chicago.
Mobsters, politicians, and hidden speakeasies—all explored via bus or walking tour. Visit the infamous bars where it all went down.
🔗 Secrets of Chicago: Gangsters, legends, and untold stories!
Cook like a local and join a home cooking class in a Chicago apartment!
As the cherry on top, enhance your cooking skills with a fun culinary class: make Chicago’s signature deep-dish pizza or Italo-American pasta like fettuccine Alfredo with a milk-based sauce… from scratch!
🔗 Learn to cook like a chef in an authentic Chicago apartment!
Tour iconic film & TV locations in Chicago.
Visit the famous Harold Washington Library, featured in ‘Ocean’s Eleven’, the DuSable Bridge as seen in ‘The Untouchables’, and the Sears Tower (now known as Willis Tower) with Batman watching from the rooftop.
Step into Kevin Costner’s shoes and walk down the iconic staircase from the shootout scene in ‘The Untouchables’, and discover “the bank” the Joker robbed in ‘The Dark Knight’… Chicago is pure cinema!
🔗 Explore downtown Chicago’s most iconic movie locations!
Chicago city pass & Go Chicago Explorer Pass.
If you’re diving into the Chicago we see on ‘The Bear’ but don’t want to miss the city’s top attractions, we recommend getting a pass for streamlined entry—often with discounts.
Chicago city pass:
Access 5 top attractions with a single mobile ticket.
Includes Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck Chicago, and the Field Museum—plus your choice of 3 from: Adler Planetarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry, and 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck.
Valid for up to 9 days.
Go Chicago Explorer Pass:
Save up to 42% off standard ticket prices. You can choose 3, 4, or 5 attractions, tours, and activities from over 25 top sights. Includes SkyDeck, 360 Chicago, the Field Museum, a scenic lakefront cruise, a Big Bus hop-on hop-off tour, Lincoln Park Zoo, Navy Pier, and LEGOLAND® Discovery Center.
If you want to find more information about filming spots from your favorite series and plan a movie-like trip, we’re waiting for you at screenbie.com!
