The Taxi Ride Every Chicagoan Must Take

Many cities are located near bodies of water, and nearly all cities have taxis — yet few combine the two to create the amazing phenomenon known as the water taxi. In the case of Wendella's Chicago Water Taxi, these yellow boats run during warm months, down the river, with stops at Michigan Avenue, LaSalle Street/Clark Street, North Avenue, and, most dramatically, to Ping Tom Park in Chinatown, where riders disembark onto a dock built as a beautiful pagoda.

Clearly, when you step off the boat in Chinatown, eating is front and center on your mind. But, this 'hood isn't the only great dining destination off of a Chicago Water Taxi stop. Far from it. There are few things more enjoyable in the city, after all, than taking the taxi down the river — past some of Chicago’s greatest architectural marvels — on the way to an afternoon or evening of culinary exploration. Unfortunately, as of press time, cold weather had delayed the opening of the Chicago Water Taxi, and its season is now expected to begin in early April. As they say, though, anticipation is half the fun.