By Anthony St. Clair on March 24, 2021 in Travel
When you travel, a great way to get to know a place is to eat the local food. Guided food tours allow us to take in a destination’s top attractions while digging into its most scrumptious dishes. Read on to find out how to use guided food tours to enjoy and explore a slice of America’s mouth-watering food landscape.
Our Favorite Guided Food Tours Across the Country
The Original Barbecue Tour
Kansas City, MO
Locally owned and operated since 2012 by Karl and Bethanie Schemel, KC Barbecue Tours takes visitors through the sights, history, and barbecue of the “Paris of the Plains” — all by double-decker bus.
At $70 per person, the Original Barbecue Tour explores four ‘cue stops, both world-renowned landmarks and tucked-away secrets only the locals know about. Lasting more than four hours, this tour allows you to sample everything from ribs to brisket, and smoked sausage to the famous KC-style burnt ends (plus side dishes too).
Wicker Park Food Tour
Chicago, IL
Just northwest of downtown Chicago, the Wicker Park neighborhood houses a cornucopia of family-owned eateries, trendy spots, old Chicago traditions, renowned chefs, and more.
During your two-and-a-half-hour Wicker Park Food Tour from Sidewalk Food Tours of Chicago, a native Chicagoan will guide you through tastes and treats at five lunchtime spots. At $75 per person, the Wicker Park walking tour wanders scenic landmarks while you feel the pulse of this eclectic community. All the while, you’ll sample everything from Spanish-style tapas and deep-dish pizza to satisfying soups and scrumptious cupcakes.
Whether you sip a coffee while you walk or enjoy your first bite of a classic Chicago hot dog, this tasty tour provides a true taste of the soul of Chicago.
The Downtown Nashville Food Tour
Nashville, TN
From its music to its meals, Nashville fresh and exciting — especially from its vibrant, world-famous downtown. Owned by husband and wife team Jack and Christine Hughey, 2020 Traveler’s Choice award-winning A Little Local Flavor lets you indulge in the big flavors of Music City, U.S.A.
During the three-hour walk of the Downtown Nashville Food Tour, you’ll meet your local guide at the Music City Riverfront Station at 1st and Broadway. From there you’ll visit four or five locally owned bars and restaurants while taking in stories about local history, people, and landmarks such as the Country Music Hall of Fame, Printer’s Alley, the Ryman Auditorium, and historic Broadway.
For $95 per person, you can nosh on Nashville’s best food (plus dessert and two alcoholic beverages), including Nashville classics such as hot chicken and Tennessee-style barbecue.
RiNo Food + Beer Tour
Denver, CO
As one of America’s top producing craft beer states, Colorado has plenty to offer beer lovers. In fact, more than 100 breweries call Denver home. The Mile-High City also features the vibrant River North Art District, or RiNo, a bustling, walkable hub of art, music, food, and of course, craft beer.
At $90 per person, your three-hour RiNo Food + Beer Tour includes five food tastings and four beer pairings from award-winning breweries and restaurants. You’ll sample everything from pork BLTs to ice cream, tacos, and wood-fired pizza. As you wander RiNo’s street art, the beautiful Ramble Hotel, and even an urban farm, your guide will pull back the curtain on the neighborhood’s history, revitalization, and curious local figures.
Solvang Food Tour
Santa Barbara, CA
See it? Shoot it — with your camera, that is.
After all, when you’re seeing the sights and tasting local treats in 2021, you’ll want your smartphone or camera at the ready. That’s why the folks at Eat This, Shoot That Tours center their three-hour foodie and photos walking tour on helping you get the most out of your food photography while sparing a few moments for photo ops at the landmarks of Santa Barbara’s Solvang neighborhood.
The Solvang food tour combines photo tips with bites and sips from six to eight lunch spots. After meeting on Mission Drive, you’ll wander neighborhood streets in the funktastic Funk Zone district, learn about Solvang’s colorful history, enjoy Danish-inspired comfort food, indulge in fresh baked goods, nip into a local distillery, and visit Stearns Wharf hot spots such as Deep Sea Winery’s tasting room and Santa Barbara Shellfish Co. Tours begin at $99 per person.
Bloody Mary Brunch Tour
Milwaukee, WI
Sure, Milwaukee is known for its beer. But when it comes to Sunday mornings, Brew City’s Bloody Marys are where it’s at.
With or without a frosty, malty chaser, your Sunday morning Bloody Mary Brunch Tour from Milwaukee Food Tours includes brunch dishes (and a dessert stop) paired with four Bloody Marys throughout the Third Ward area, all for $70 per person. Sometimes compared to New York’s SoHo, the warehouses of Third Ward have gotten acclaim and buzz for their transformation into hip restaurants, cafes, and other eateries.
Best of all, during your three-hour tour, you can take in the sights of the neighborhood both on foot and while riding Milwaukee’s streetcar, The Hop. While you get your fill, your local guide will fill you in on the history of both Milwaukee and everyone’s favorite brunch time tipple.
And don’t worry if you don’t like bloodies. You can also choose from a selection of mimosas, beers, or non-alcoholic beverages.
Private Pizza Walk
New York City, NY
You pick the neighborhood, and Scott’s Pizza Tours of New York will make it happen.
Your three-hour Private Pizza Walk starts with a pocket-sized pizza journal for taking notes. With more than 2,000 pizzerias in New York, your guide will arrange an itinerary of some of the finest, from classic New York style to Neo-Neapolitan, Sicilian, and Chicago. Along the way, you can also learn about the quirky, serious, imaginative, and amazing history of pizza.
These group events accommodate up to eight people and cost $695. The best part? While the epic lines at New York pizzerias are nearly as famous as the pies themselves, your tour won’t have to wait around. The folks at Scott’s make arrangements in advance, so you have a minimal wait separating you from a slice of hot, fresh New York-made pizza.
Make a Guided Food Tour Part of Your Next Trip
From Maine to Hawaii, America’s food cultures shine bright and taste great. Wherever your next trip takes you, use a guided food tour to take in the sights while you dig into some of our country’s incredible foods and drinks.
