Memphis: Downtown Food Tour with Local Eats & Tastings

Summary

Sample Memphis BBQ and soulful bites on a guided downtown walk

You’ll wander through downtown Memphis with a local guide, tasting barbecue nachos, southern tamales, and classic desserts at family-owned spots. Expect laughter over shared plates, stories about Delta traditions, and enough soul food to feel like you belong—even if just for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the smell — smoky, sweet, kind of sticky in the air as we rounded the corner off Beale Street. Our guide, Keith, waved us over like he’d known us forever. He started talking about how barbecue nachos are basically a religion here (I thought he was joking until I tasted them). The city felt alive even on a slow weekday — music leaking out of doorways, someone laughing from a patio across the street. I kept thinking how you can almost taste the history in Memphis before you even eat anything.

We stopped at this family-run spot where the owner’s daughter slid us plates of tamales wrapped in paper — they were softer than I expected, kind of earthy and warm. Keith told us his grandma used to make them for Sunday dinners; he said something about “Delta roots” that made me wish I’d grown up here too. There was this moment when someone dropped a fork and everyone just laughed instead of pretending it didn’t happen. Feels small but it stuck with me.

I’m not sure what I liked more: the stories or the food. By dessert (some sort of gooey pie I still dream about), my jeans felt tight and my heart felt lighter. The whole walk is maybe a mile or so — easy pace, lots of stops to talk or just watch people go by. If you’re into Memphis food tours that don’t rush you, this one’s pretty much perfect in its own messy way. I still think about those nachos when I hear blues guitar now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Memphis food tasting and cultural tour

• Meet guide and group
• Walk to local restaurants
• Taste BBQ nachos and tamales
• Sample desserts from specialty eateries
• Learn about Memphis history and culture
• Explore architecture and entertainment spots

Top questions

How long is the Memphis downtown food tour?

The walking tour covers about one mile at an easy pace through downtown Memphis.

Are food tastings included in the tour price?

Yes, all food tastings are included with your booking.

Is there a minimum number of people required to book?

Yes, there is a two person minimum per booking for this tour.

Is the Memphis food tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on the tour are wheelchair accessible.

Can children join the tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

The tour operates in all weather conditions—just dress appropriately.

Are drinks or alcohol included?

No alcohol is included but can be purchased separately at venues with valid ID.

What types of foods are sampled on this Memphis food tour?

You’ll try barbecue nachos, southern tamales, and classic desserts from local eateries.

What’s included

Your day includes all local taxes and generous tastings at several family-owned restaurants and specialty eateries along downtown Memphis. You’ll walk with a local guide who shares stories and history as you go—just show up hungry and ready to explore on foot before heading back full (and probably smiling).