Chicago is one of the best food cities in the country with no shortage of restaurants and cafes to explore, and cooking classes are a great way to socialize, sharpen skills, and learn new techniques. It’s also a great way to expand yourself to different cuisines and share cultural traditions while working with trained professionals. Having all the ingredients and tools ready for you is a nice plus, too. Whether you want to host the next dinner party, be more confident and organized in the kitchen, or consider a career change into the culinary world, here are some local places to book your next cooking class in Chicago.
The Chopping Block
$95-$295 per person
The Chopping Block features a variety of both cooking and wine classes. Try a mezze class or tap into your grilling skills making surf and turf. If you want to enhance your wine knowledge, the Raise A Glass happy hour offers a mini wine course and a tasting of three wines. For a more in-depth experience, the five-day Culinary Boot Camp will really show you the ropes of the foundation of cooking.
Classes are available in person and online, and if you’re a pie lover, The Chopping Block is known for its incredible apple pie and you get to make your own in the Bake and Take TCB’s Famous Apple class, or stop into the retail shop and get yourself a slice.
Get in the Kitchen
$89-$149 per person
Called the “Party School” of cooking classes, Get in the Kitchen combines entertainment and food for a fun atmosphere where you’ll find some very unique classes. Dance the night away in the Tapas and Latin Dancing class, sip on mimosas, or learn to make bagels from scratch at The Drag Queen Bagel Brunch. Maybe you’re the type that likes to sing while cooking, make some small plates at Cooking and Karaoke: Chinese Tapas Night. This location is great for private events, with plenty of cooking parties available for your group to enjoy. Also check out the Imma Wyner & Social Club, where you’ll enjoy a monthly cooking class and learn about wines while meeting new people. Grab your friends and elevate your next night out.
Naveen’s Cuisine
$100 per person
This open kitchen studio is nothing short of elegance and beauty. Specializing in Thai and Indian cuisine, explore depths of flavor by cooking Chicken Curry and Bhindi Masala, or Chicken Red Curry & Hot – Sour Soup. Learn with Chef Naveen Sachar himself and his team, you’ll feel right at home working in his space. Other amenities include an outdoor patio for larger gatherings and other outdoor classes as well as a basement lounge where private groups can enjoy watching TV, shared games, and playing a pool. Classes are mostly held in the evening, so grab your spot. It’s also BYOB!
The Wooden Spoon
$90-$95 per person
If you prefer smaller group settings and like BYOB, your cooking experience is sure to be both relaxing and engaging at The Wooden Spoon. With smaller class sizes of up to 12, you’ll receive the up close instruction you need while cooking dishes in classes such as Taste of Thailand, Homesick for New Orleans, and Indian Restaurant Favorites. Classes fill up quickly, so plan ahead and book in advance. To receive updates on upcoming events, sign up for the Silver Spoon Club, a free membership program where you can receive emails on deals and giveaways monthly.
Bettie’s Chicago
$95-$150 per person
Try out your baking skills at this retro-themed dinner. Hosted by owner Kristin Hoffman known as Baker Bettie, you’ll learn how to make breads, pies, doughnuts, cakes, decorating, and other pastries. For the savory foodies don’t worry, additional classes are offered in pizza and pasta for you to try. There’s also a four-week Baking Bootcamp to learn everything you need to know about the basics of baking science. Channel your inner pastry chef and call directly for information on how to book a class.
Give Me Some Sugar
$75-$100 per person
Candies, cookies, confections, macaroons, pies, cakes, and cupcakes — your sweet tooth will thank you for booking with Give Me Some Sugar. Classes are open Fridays through Sundays, mostly in the day and afternoon. Improve your fondant and piping work so your next cake is polished to perfection or learn techniques in decorating and gel colors with a cookie decorating workshop. When planning your next special occasion consider a private event, a host can even meet you at the location of your choice.
National Louis University – Kendall College
Price varies
National Louis University offers non-degree classes ideal for those wanting to pursue a culinary career. There are a variety of classes available on campus based on skill level with a duration of several weeks. Develop skills while working alongside Kendall College instructors with classes such as Knife Skills, Seafood Grill and Chill, Plant Protein, and Port Chocolate and Wine. If you’ve ever considered opening a cafe, restaurant, or food truck, you’ll learn the fundamentals of working in a professional kitchen environment and get hands-on experience to prepare you for success. Take a look at the class schedule and can easily register online for the class you desire, you might even decide to pursue a degree.
Already in the industry and want to continue your growth and development? The Kendall PRO program offers specialized classes in hospitality, wine, and culinary.
Chicago Botanic Garden
$74-$118 per person
The Joseph Regenstein Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden hosts a variety of cooking and baking classes with special rates for members and is open to non-members. Learn how to make a delicious Cassoulet or Coq Au Vin, build charcuterie boards, or learn to make your own teas and soups. Make a day of your experience and take a stroll through the gardens. Cook County residents receive a discount on admission.
Sur la Table
$29 for online, $69-$159 per person
With locations throughout the country Sur la Table is a no-brainer when it comes to cooking classes and a great option for couples and private events. In-store classes start at $69 per person, where you’ll work at shared workstations equipped with everything you need for each recipe. Enjoy classes such as a Parisian Evening, Flavors of Asia, and Farmers Market Cooking. Online classes start at $29 per household, bring your family and friends and learn as a group at no additional cost. You’ll download a prep list to do your shopping, and when class begins, you’ll connect with an instructor on Zoom. Head over to the downtown location Michigan Ave or there are locations in Skokie and Naperville.