Walking Food & Drink Tour of Downtown Nashville

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $179 per person and lasts approximately 3 hours.
• Includes Food and Drinks: Guests enjoy lunch at four local restaurants and three alcoholic beverages, including a local beer and craft cocktails.
• Iconic Nashville Stops: The tour covers landmarks like Broadway, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium, and Printers Alley.
• Local and Authentic: All food is made from scratch by locally owned restaurants, featuring Southern favorites like Nashville hot chicken and barbecue.
• Guided Experience: Led by knowledgeable guides, who share stories and history, making the experience both tasty and informative.
• Small Group Size: The tour is limited to 12 travelers, ensuring a personalized atmosphere and attention to detail.

Discover Nashville’s Food Scene with a Guided Walking Tour

The Walking Food & Drink Tour of Downtown Nashville is a 3-hour adventure designed for foodies and first-time visitors eager to sample Southern favorites and explore the city’s most iconic sites. Priced at $179 per person, this tour offers a perfect balance of delicious food, refreshing drinks, and local history. The tour departs from Standard Proof Whiskey Co. and wraps up at the same location, making it convenient for guests to enjoy the city afterward.

This tour is especially popular, booked on average 31 days in advance, and receives a solid 5.0-star rating from over 1,050 reviews. The high recommendation rate of 98% underlines its popularity among visitors looking for an authentic Nashville experience. The small group size of up to 12 people ensures a more personal and engaging experience, with plenty of opportunities for questions and interaction.

How the Tour Combines Food, History, and Local Culture

During this guided walk through downtown Nashville, the guide leads guests through storytelling about Nashville’s history and culture while tasting house butchered barbecue, Nashville hot chicken, and local beers. The itinerary includes stops at four restaurants plus a specialty stop, each serving food made from scratch by locally owned restaurants. The focus on community and local businesses is a standout feature, emphasizing authentic Nashville flavors.

Guests will find the pace relaxed, with ample time to enjoy each dish and soak in the atmosphere. An important note is that the food portions are generous, so skipping breakfast before the tour is advisable. All tips for restaurants are included, but guests should plan to tip separately for live music performances and the guide.

Meet at a Central Nashville Location

The meeting point is at Standard Proof Whiskey Co., 219 Rep. John Lewis Way N, a convenient central spot in downtown Nashville. The end location is the same, making it easy for guests to explore more of the city afterward. The tour is designed to be accessible, with most travelers able to participate, but dietary restrictions should be communicated prior to the tour for special arrangements.

The Highlights: Food, Drinks, and Landmarks

This tour’s highlights include tasting Nashville hot chicken, barbecue, and enjoying local beer and craft cocktails. The alcoholic beverages are thoughtfully included, featuring a local beer and two craft cocktails, one at a local distillery. The tastings provide enough food for a satisfying lunch, accompanied by stories behind each dish and site.

Guests get recommendations on what else to see and do in Nashville, making this tour both a culinary and cultural introduction. The stops at landmarks like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Printers Alley add context and color to the experience, revealing stories that leave guests eager for more exploration.

Guides Who Make the Difference

Multiple reviews highlight guides like Genevieve, Matthew, Lauren, and Krysten as friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging. They not only explain the history and significance of Nashville’s sites but also ensure food allergies and dietary restrictions are accommodated, which many reviews praise. The guides’ enthusiasm and storytelling skills significantly enhance the experience, making it both educational and fun.

The Food Stops and Local Flavors

Every restaurant on the tour is a local business, which adds a layer of authenticity. Guests enjoy delicious barbecue, Southern-style sides, and treats like Nashville hot chicken. The food is prepared from scratch, and the stops are thoughtfully chosen to showcase some of Nashville’s best culinary gems. The portion sizes are generous, often enough to replace a full meal, so skipping breakfast beforehand is recommended.

The tour also features a specialty stop, where guests can enjoy craft cocktails at a local distillery. The selection of drinks is well curated, complementing the tasting menu while giving a taste of Nashville’s vibrant drink scene.

Exploring Nashville Landmarks and Local Stories

The tour visits key attractions like Broadway, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Country Music Hall of Fame. While the focus remains on food and drink, the guide shares stories and background about these landmarks, enriching the experience. Guests learn about Nashville’s musical heritage and city development, which adds depth beyond the culinary delights.

The storytelling is praised for being informative yet engaging, with guides sharing fun facts and local insights that make history come alive. This approach helps visitors appreciate Nashville’s cultural fabric while enjoying the tasting stops.

Logistics and Practical Tips

The tour begins at Standard Proof Whiskey Co. and ends at the same location. With most travelers booking 31 days in advance, securing a spot is advisable, especially during peak seasons. The small group size ensures a relaxed experience and personal attention from the guide.

Guests should inform the tour operator ahead of time about any food allergies or dietary restrictions. The tour includes all fees, taxes, tips at restaurants, and three alcoholic beverages, making it good value for the quality and quantity of food and drinks provided. The weather can impact the experience, but the tour has a full refund policy if canceled due to poor weather.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Others

Unlike many food tours, this experience emphasizes local, scratch-made food, and authentic Nashville drinks. The inclusion of live storytelling about Nashville’s landmarks and history makes it more than just a food tasting. The small group size and personalized service from guides like Genevieve or Matthew are highly praised.

The balance of food, drink, and cultural insight makes this tour suitable for first-time visitors and locals alike. It’s a great way to get a taste of Nashville’s culinary scene while absorbing its musical and historical essence.

The Sum Up: A Flavorful Introduction to Nashville

The Walking Food & Drink Tour of Downtown Nashville offers a well-rounded experience packed with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and fascinating stories. Priced at $179 for about 3 hours, it provides value for money with excellent local cuisine served at independently owned restaurants. The included lunch and beverages make it a satisfying outing, especially for food lovers eager to explore Nashville’s culinary roots.

With knowledgeable guides and a small group setting, participants receive personalized attention while discovering landmarks and local gems. This tour is particularly ideal for first-timers wanting an authentic, taste-filled introduction to Nashville’s food scene and musical history.

While the food portions are plentiful, guests should be prepared for a full belly and perhaps skip breakfast. The flexible cancellation policy and easy logistics add to the appeal, making it a reliable choice for visitors seeking a fun, flavorful, and informative Nashville experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 3 hours.

What is included in the price?
Guests enjoy lunch at four restaurants, three alcoholic beverages (including a local beer and two craft cocktails), and all fees and taxes. Tips at restaurants are included, but tips for the guide and musicians are not.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at Standard Proof Whiskey Co., 219 Rep. John Lewis Way N in downtown Nashville.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes, guests are asked to inform the tour operator beforehand about food allergies or restrictions.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but the focus on alcohol means guests should be of legal drinking age.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 31 days in advance, so early reservation is recommended.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 12 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

What makes this tour different from others?
The emphasis on local, scratch-made food, authentic drinks, and storytelling about Nashville landmarks makes this experience stand out.

Is there a refund policy?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Poor weather may lead to rescheduling or full refunds.