2025 Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour: A Delicious Adventure Review

So, you’re thinkin’ about checkin’ out the 2025 Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour, is that right? As a matter of fact, I went on it myself, and now I’m spilling the beans. If you want grub that will wow ya, some super cool culture, and seeing Memphis in a way that’s more than just Graceland, this could be your thing. In short, here’s my review to guide your culinary trip right.

What’s the Vibe of This Memphis Food Tour?

First, this ain’t your stiff, uptight tour. This tour’s like hangin’ out with a buddy who knows where all the amazing spots are. The tour’s vibe is super easygoing, very engaging and fun; even for somebody like me who kinda considers himself a food snob at times. Anyway, the guides are pretty much locals, that too is something you’ll find out soon enough. These guides know their stuff and love showing off Memphis, like when a kid shows you their brand new bicycle. They seem to tell great stories, add some chuckles, and, honestly, keep you fed all the way.

You walk at a mellow pace, nothing too fast. Actually, it’s almost perfect for digesting the stuff you’re eating and taking pictures of Beale Street or of some historical building nearby. In some respects, it’s an awesome way to see downtown Memphis. Also, it’s way more than just chowing down, by the way; you pick up facts about the architecture, the background of some really important blues clubs, and how Memphis shaped modern music. You could say, very educational in addition to pleasing the tummy!

Where Exactly Does Your Taste Buds Roam? Stops on the Tour.

To be honest, I do not want to give away any surprises (the tour group actually tries to keep that hidden until you show up!). Yet, I will throw some teasers, how does that sound? Keep in mind that the stops might be slightly switched up based on the day and what’s available.

A Proper Start With Some Southern Comfort: More or less, begin with some traditional Southern fixin’s. Biscuits dripping with honey, maybe some grits so creamy they practically melt in your mouth. Let me tell you, I am already feelin’ the Southern charm just thinkin about it!
Barbecue That Isn’t Foolin’ Around: Of course, a Memphis food tour without barbecue could not exist, right? That being the case, prep yourself for tender ribs with just a bit of smoke, maybe pulled pork that is covered in tangy sauce. It seems one spot is all about dry-rub ribs, I’m already lickin’ my lips.
Something Kinda Fancy: So, you won’t eat all barbecue and Southern cooking. We swung through a place that has, kind of, updated Southern meals, similar to shrimp and grits with a stylish spin, or greens made by some James Beard nominated chef. It’s very Southern at heart, yet, fancified.
Treats for Folks With a Sweet Tooth: Obviously gotta have something to end it all. Seemingly, there was a place that serves a killer banana pudding. Then another place has some amazing pralines. Regardless, save some room is all I am saying!

Just so you know, it’s enough food that you definitely don’t leave hungry, but I have seen to many of these to promise that, in other words, it isn’t so much food that you have to be rolled back to your hotel. Just a heads up!

What Kinds of Food Are Offered and How Good Is It?

Alright, the heart of this tour comes down to the eating, am I wrong? Basically, Memphis grub has strong tastes, very bold sauces, and a whole lotta love dumped in. Let’s get into the what’s what on what I sampled:

Barbecue: I have eaten barbecue all over this United States. Seriously, Memphis barbecue has this different style to it, kinda smoky flavor that lingers in a pleasant way, rather than some overdone smokiness. Anyway, I went to one joint where they let you test different sauces. Now I feel like a barbecue sauce connoisseur!
Southern Cuisine: Forget any thoughts about bland cooking. This Southern grub is rich, delicious, and has heart. When I sampled fried chicken, I asked the tour guide, how do I make my fried chicken that good. Anyway, she said she was not telling! I will never learn.
The Unique and Interesting Stuff: They weren’t scared of mixin’ stuff up. There was this one little restaurant that has barbecue spaghetti, which may seem weird. However, trust me, is it worthy to check out. Seemingly, that’s how you know a tour’s good when they convince to you test something that ya might never select on your own.

Now, regarding the “how good” element of the discussion. As a matter of fact, the tour does a super great job selecting spots that can dependably pump out yumminess. Most of the tour goers were singing praises about at least 2 to 3 things we tried. And so, if you are a food lover, ya won’t be let down at all.

What Sorts of Crowd Is This Tour Good For?

Truthfully, who’s gonna have a awesome time on this shindig? Basically, almost everyone, yet a number of individuals may like it even more.

Vacationing Foodies: Clearly, if ya already get hyped by testing new food, is that the kind of vacation for you. Then book right now! Seriously, this is your jam. Memphis dishes that hit the spot are served here. It looks like some very awesome spots, as well.
Visitors Seeing the City: Seeing the main tourist things is great and all, like, of course, check out Graceland! And yet, this offers an intimate style of getting into a city. And that’s also from tasting its best eats, very similar to learnin’ about its past as you are walking down the street.
Memphis Locals: Honestly, do not think this is just for tourists. If you call Memphis home, then find some hidden gems. Plus, I’ve chatted up locals who said they actually acquired a newfound appreciation for their very city.
Perfect for Many: Single, coupled, or travelin’ along with a group? More or less, all these could benefit. As I was saying, I would say that parents to young children could have a difficult time (if your kids won’t sit still during stops), yet young adults thru older folks will absolutely have a very awesome time.

Basically, just some patience is all ya need, or I’d say that. As a matter of fact, walking from place to place, and just a ready mindset, ya know? All to try new meals. If so, ya fit in pretty great.

Worth Your Dough?: Is this Food Tour cost effective

As I see it, what makes or breaks one of these tours is about the buck, correct? Let’s be real: you get food, ya learn history, and somebody plans out all the logistics. Is that all worth the asking price?

What Ya Get: Ya aren’t only covering food. And that means the know-how, and the time spared not hunting down a awesome spot in a new location, is significant, right? Add it all up, that price makes a whole lot of sense.
Compared to Doing it Solo: If you plan on testin’ a handful of different spots all by yourself, that can easily cost as much. That is only, that, without getting background and insights the tour dishes. Let me tell you, doing it without an insider is rough!
My Verdict: Personally, I believe it is worthy if you wanna jump right into the heart of Memphis flavor. Also, I’m willing to learn some things in the process. Should you save money? That would be doing a one stop food crawl with coupons. But it just seems so stale!

Read our full review: Memphis Food Tour Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Check Availability)