Best of Chicago - I am a return customer at L Stop Tours, and once again was not disappointed. Traveling with two other friends, we met our tour director, Tom, in the stunning lobby of the beautiful downtown Marquette Building. He provided us with historic information about the building and the exquisite mosaics in the lobby. Afterwords, we sat down in the food court of the building, where Tom explained the details of our tour. We walked to the restored Quincy L station passing other landmark buildings on the way, including the Board of Trade and we actually walked into the Rookery. When we arrived at the station, Tom gave a quick lesson on how to purchase a ticket at the kiosk, although he had already provided our tickets as part of the tour. We rode the pink line L train to our ultimate destination, Pilsen, a Mexican-American community in Chicago. Tom pointed out many buildings and sites from the train while we passed giving us additional history and information. The L station had many examples of murals representing life in the community, and history and heritage of the residents. We started our tour strolling down 18th St., the heart of the community. Tom provided factual information about history, architecture, and its new status as a go-to community for artists, particularly mural artists, that have made Pilsen famous. On our walk, we stopped in a Panaderia where we were able to purchase authentic Mexican pastries. We continued sightseeing with Tom providing information about the various murals we were seeing and allowing us opportunities to take photos before stopping again for lunch at a local restaurant where we purchased tacos and drinks. After lunch, we continued through the neighborhood visiting a school building rich in mosaics depicting the cultural heritage of the community, a church resplendent with murals, and many private homes showing the pride of culture with their murals. Winding our way through the neighborhood, we found our way to the National Museum of Mexican Art. There we spent about 45 minutes visiting the permanent gallery as well as the Día de los Muertos exhibit. Leaving the museum, it was a quick walk to the L station for our return to the city, stopping only to enjoy a treat at a local Paleteria (Mexican popsicle shop). We ended our tour at the Daley Plaza to view the famous Picasso sculpture. The date we were traveling brought us there in time to enjoy a little bit of the annual Christkindle Mart. Thus ended our L Stop Tour leaving us looking forward to our already-booked December tour. Tom is a wonderful, knowledgeable tour director. He has tremendous knowledge of his native city and shares it enthusiastically with people who join his tours. As a native Chicagoan, he takes pride in his work, sharing the unique character of a great city. To take a tour with him is to give yourself a gift.

Great Pilsen Tour with Tom - We had an awesome time on the Pilsen tour with Tom. He knew so much about the neighbourhood’s art, culture, and history, and made the whole experience really enjoyable. We particularly enjoyed the National Museum of Mexican Art as well as the Mexican restaurant and cafe that Tom took us to. The murals and local spots he showed us were amazing! If you’re looking to explore Pilsen, we definitely recommend this tour.

Walking Tour of Chicago Pilsen Neighborhood - Owner of L Stop Tours and our tour guide Tom Schaffner (Tom) did a remarkable job. Tom is a lifelong resident and knowledgeable about the history, as well as current happenings in Chicago. He literally went the extra mile (or two) to make our tour special and unique to our needs and preferences. The public artwork in the Pisen Neiborhood and the Mexican Art Museum were amazing. We even had time to taste some of the local fare. I would highly recommend L Stop Tours to anyone interested in visiting or getting to know more about Chicago. Hopefully we can book one of their other tours the next time we get to town!

Great personalized tour of Pilsen! - Our tour with Tom is exceeded our expectations in many ways. Tom has a tremendous knowledge of the Pilsen neighborhood and makes a great guide. He is interesting to talk with and a veritable font of knowledge about all things Chicago. We liked how he told us about the artwork, history and architecture to give a real feel of what makes Pilsen the neighborhood that it is. One terrific thing about L Stop tours is how Tom will adjust the tour as much as possible to match the interests of the group. He spent extra time with us to make sure we got the most out of our afternoon. We had time to stop at the most amazing bakery, had delicious tacos at a sit-down restaurant (we never would have found on our own) and finished the tour with a paleta – the most refreshing fruit packed popsicle we ever had. The visit to the National Museum of Mexican Art was a tour highlight. Like much of what Tom showed us, we likely would not have visited solely on our own. We are so glad we did. And that we took the L Stop Pilsen tour!

Art On Every Corner! - Take the L! LStop Tour that is-We did the Pilsen Pink Line Tour for a different view of the city and it did not disappoint. As we walked to the L our guide Tom pointed out art and architecture that we otherwise would have missed. He told us the history of the train lines and various neighborhoods. When we arrived at the Pilsen district he walked us to the highlight "street art" murals that told a story of the community. We stopped at a bustling taqueria to sample local fare and walked through the National Museum of Mexican Art- and unexpected addition to the tour. Tom's insights into the community, its architecture and art not only held our interest but kept us wanting to learn more. If you have time definitely take this tour!

Fabulous Pilsen Pink Line Tour! - I’m back! The Green Line South Tour I took a few months ago was so incredible, I had to come back for more! The Pilsen Pink Line Tour was amazing. L Stop Tours did it again,..fun and interesting facts about neighborhood. And seeing hidden gems along the way. I enjoy the narrative, views and food that I’ve already booked the Blue Line Tour. Keep up the great work...your tours are AMAZING!

Pink Line and Lagunitas - Excellent train and walking tour off the Pink Line in Pilsen. The tour started downtown with a stop at the Currency Museum (fun little place that I never would have gone to on my own) and ended at the Lagunitas Brewery with a walking tour through part of Pilsen in between. Loved the stop at the National Museum of Mexican Art! Highly recommend this tour.