The Taste of Downtown Memphis food tour is the best way to eat your way through the city in an afternoon, and it is one of the highest-rated experiences in Memphis. Run by local operator Tastin’ Round Town, it is a small-group walking tour with a guide who mixes food with stories of downtown, Beale Street and the people who shaped the city’s cooking. Over about three hours you visit several independent restaurants for a series of tastings, which can include Memphis barbecue, a famous downtown burger, Southern sides, wings and something sweet to finish, and the guide explains what makes each place and dish part of the local tradition. Soft drinks are typically offered, and alcohol can be bought along the way. Groups are small, with a maximum of twelve, and the pace is relaxed, so it suits travelers who want to try several places without committing to a full meal at each. This page links to the tour on Viator, rated 4.9 from nearly 1,000 reviews.
How to visit: the tour meets in the lobby of the Hampton Inn and Suites Memphis-Beale Street at 175 Peabody Place; look for the guide carrying a large whisk. The listed start time is 14:00 and it lasts about three hours, ending back at the meeting point. Bookings need a minimum of two people, it is booked on average weeks ahead, and you can cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund. The price includes the guide, the tastings, taxes and gratuities, while alcoholic drinks are extra and need photo ID.
What to expect: the tour runs in all weather, so dress for the day, and it is wheelchair and stroller accessible. The tastings add up to a solid meal, so skip lunch. Tell the operator about allergies or dietary needs when you book; reviewers report vegetarians and allergies being accommodated.
Making the most of it: book early for weekend dates, ask the guide for dinner recommendations, and stay downtown afterwards for the evening duck march at The Peabody and live music on Beale Street.
What to expect
The experience
A small-group guided walk through downtown with tastings at several local restaurants and stories about Memphis food.
Best time
An afternoon early in your trip, so you can return to your favorite places for dinner later.
How long
About three hours.
Tips
Skip lunch, book well ahead for weekends and tell the operator about allergies when you reserve.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Food lovers, couples and first-timers who want to taste Memphis without guessing where to go.
- Families
- Accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, and the burger and dessert stops suit kids.
- Couples
- A relaxed afternoon of tasting, followed by drinks on Beale Street.
- Pair with
- The 17:00 Peabody duck march and an evening on Beale Street.
- Time needed
- Three hours.
Good questions
Where does the Taste of Downtown Memphis food tour start?+
It meets in the lobby of the Hampton Inn and Suites Memphis-Beale Street at 175 Peabody Place. Look for the guide holding a large whisk.
How long is the food tour?+
It lasts about three hours and ends back at the meeting point. The listed start time is 14:00.
How much food is included?+
The tastings at several restaurants add up to a full meal, so skip lunch. Soft drinks are usually offered, and alcohol can be bought along the way.
Can the tour handle dietary restrictions?+
Tell the operator about allergies and dietary needs when you book. Reviewers report vegetarian and allergy needs being accommodated.
Are tips included?+
Yes, the listing says gratuities and local taxes are included in the price. Alcoholic drinks are paid separately.
