Nashville: East Nashville & 12South Food Tour with Tastings

Summary

East Nashville’s flavors, 12South’s cool streets, real Southern bites

You’ll taste Nashville’s legends—hot chicken that sneaks up on you, tender pulled pork sandwiches dripping sauce, whiskey donuts warm from the oven—all while wandering East Nashville or 12South with a local guide who knows every mural and music story. Expect laughter over spicy bites, hidden studio tales, plus a secret dish you’ll want to guess at long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

We started winding through East Nashville’s side streets—there’s this mix of old porches and new murals, and you can just smell the barbecue drifting out from somewhere. Our guide, Jenna, waved us down the block (she knew everyone, I swear), and we ducked into this spot where the hot chicken hit me with a crunch and that slow-building heat. I tried to play it cool but ended up fanning my mouth with a napkin. Jenna laughed—she said even locals get caught off guard sometimes.

At Five Points, the pulled pork sandwich was so tender it almost fell apart before I could get a bite. The sauce was tangy-sweet—sticky fingers guaranteed. There was this moment when someone in our group asked about the old music venues nearby, and suddenly we were swapping stories about concerts and late nights instead of just food. That felt pretty Nashville to me. Oh, and the whiskey-glazed donut? Warm, soft, just a little boozy—honestly still thinking about it.

If you pick the 12South food tour instead (I did both because…well, why not), it’s a whole different vibe. Tree-lined streets with bright murals—one had Dolly Parton hair as big as my head—and indie shops where people actually say hi when you walk in. We kicked things off with breakfast tacos at this tiny place that smelled like fresh coffee and cinnamon. Our guide Li pointed out a studio where Dolly herself recorded once—I tried to imagine her there in sequins.

Somewhere between bites of brisket quesadilla and this secret dish they wouldn’t let us photograph (I get it now), I realized how much these tours are about people as much as food. Locals waving from their porches, someone playing guitar on a stoop—even the way folks say “y’all” here feels like an invitation. Anyway, by the end I was full enough to skip dinner but still wanted one more donut for the walk back.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — East Nashville Food Tour

• Explore East Edgefield and Five Points
• Taste spicy hot chicken and pulled pork
• Try whiskey-glazed donuts and crustburgers
• Visit Food Hall and Netflix-featured dish
• Enjoy signature Secret Dish

Day 2 — 12South Neighborhood Food Tour

• Stroll down 12South avenue
• Eat city-famous breakfast dish
• Visit Dolly Parton’s legendary studio
• Taste award-winning Southern fare and gourmet cookie
• Spot celebrities at fashion boutique
• Enjoy bold contemporary dish and Secret Dish

Top questions

How long is the Nashville food tour?

The duration isn’t specified exactly in the details provided but plan for several hours including multiple stops for tastings.

What neighborhoods are included in the tour?

You can choose between East Nashville (including East Edgefield & Five Points) or 12South neighborhood tours.

Is hotel pickup included for this food tour?

No explicit mention of hotel pickup; tours start in their respective neighborhoods.

Are vegetarian options available?

The reference does not mention vegetarian options; menu may vary based on location availability.

How many tastings are included?

The tour includes at least five tastings of local specialties plus a signature Secret Dish.

What foods will I try on the East Nashville food tour?

You’ll taste hot chicken, pulled pork sandwich, whiskey-glazed donuts, handcrafted crustburgers, and more local favorites.

What is special about the Secret Dish?

The Secret Dish is an award-winning Southern specialty revealed during your tour—it changes depending on availability.

Is this suitable for families with children?

Yes; infants can ride in strollers or sit on laps. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes guided tastings of Nashville Hot Chicken, Memphis-style pulled pork sandwiches, hand crafted crustburgers or breakfast tacos (depending on your chosen route), whiskey-glazed donuts or seasonal pastries, water at each stop, plus a signature Secret Dish—all led by a local expert as you stroll through either East Nashville or 12South’s vibrant streets.