Discover 5 Great Food Tours In Lexington

Lexington, Kentucky, is more than just the “Horse Capital of the World”—it’s also a city bursting with flavor, history, and character. While bourbon and thoroughbreds often steal the spotlight, the city’s food scene offers plenty to explore. What better way to uncover the local culinary secrets than through a guided food tour? These tours combine delicious food, local history, and engaging guides—perfect for travelers wanting authentic tastes with a side of storytelling.

In this guide, we’ll look at the five best food tours in Lexington, carefully chosen for their unique offerings, reviews, and value. Whether you’re interested in walking through historic streets, sampling distillery cocktails, or exploring haunted sites with bites to match, you’ll find something that suits your taste. From small-group experiences to more extensive tasting adventures, these options will help you decide which Lexington tour fits your travel style.

Quick Overview

This list covers a range of culinary experiences in Lexington. You’ll find walking food tours downtown, like the Walking Food Tour Downtown Lexington, which combines city landmarks with Kentucky specialties. For those intrigued by history and spirits, the Distillery District Food & History Tour offers tastings of bourbon, burgoo stew, and ice cream in a lively district. The Lexington: Downtown Walking Food & History Tour is another compact, informative walk through the city’s core. For something a bit spooky, the 3 Hour Walking Food & Haunted History Tour in Lexington combines ghost stories with local bites. Lastly, the Distillery District Food, Drink, and History Tour takes you deeper into the district with bourbon tastings and farm-to-table dishes.

1. Walking Food Tour Downtown Lexington

At $95 per person for about three hours, this tour offers a charming way to get to know Lexington’s historic downtown. The tour explores landmarks like the Old Fayette County Courthouse and Lexington Opera House, integrating stories about the city’s past with its current vibrant food scene. The tour makes five stops, featuring everything from traditional Kentucky specialties like Benedictine spread to modern culinary twists.

What sets this experience apart is the personalized group size, limited to just 12 travelers, which encourages a more intimate, engaging atmosphere. Guests consistently praise the guide’s storytelling skills and the delicious variety of food. One reviewer raves about the “awesome” stories and how the food was “phenomenal,” highlighting the guide’s ability to blend history with flavors seamlessly.

Main highlights include tasting local specialties, learning about Lexington’s landmarks, and enjoying a relaxed pace that’s perfect for those who want a manageable walk combined with rich storytelling. The food stops are carefully chosen to showcase Lexington’s culinary diversity, making it ideal for first-time visitors wanting a well-rounded introduction.

Bottom line: This tour is perfect if you want a personalized, history-rich experience with ample opportunities to sample Kentucky flavors in a small-group setting.

2. Distillery District Food & History Tour in Lexington

Priced at $99 per person for roughly three hours, this tour dives into Lexington’s distillery and food culture. Starting at the historic James E. Pepper Distillery, which has been producing bourbon since 1879, your guide—who feels more like a friend—will lead you through the district’s revitalized streets. The focus here is on local spirits, hearty comfort foods, and the area’s rich bourbon history.

The tour’s appeal lies in the combination of tastings and storytelling. You’ll sample bourbon, burgoo stew, hot honey chicken, pizza, and award-winning ice cream. One guest noted that the tour included not just food but also “delicious drinks” and “fabulous” bourbon experiences. It’s a good pick for those who want to pair their bites with a well-rounded exploration of Kentucky’s whiskey heritage.

The tour’s highlight is the revitalized distillery, where you learn how bourbon has shaped Lexington’s identity. The guide’s local knowledge makes the history come alive, and the tastings are ample enough to satisfy both the curious and the connoisseur.

Bottom line: Perfect for bourbon lovers and history buffs, this tour offers a fun, friendly atmosphere and a solid mix of food and drink that reflects Lexington’s proud distilling tradition.

3. Lexington: Downtown Walking Food & History Tour

At just $99 per person for about three hours, this tour emphasizes combining downtown sights with local flavors. Covering under a mile of leisurely walking, it’s suited for travelers who want a relaxed pace. The tour features four tastings, mainly focusing on Lexington’s historic and culinary highlights.

Guests rave about the informative and lively guide, who shares interesting stories while leading you to spots like Mama Tequila’s for tacos. The experience offers a good mixture of history and food in a compact format, making it ideal for those with limited time or those wanting a gentle introduction to downtown Lexington.

The tour’s small size fosters a friendly environment, with reviews noting how the guide’s storytelling and the food made for a “blast” of an afternoon. While some suggest adding a dessert stop, overall, it provides an authentic, engaging snapshot of the city’s culture and cuisine.

Bottom line: If you want a short, engaging introduction to Lexington’s downtown and food scene, this tour delivers a fun, well-rounded experience.

4. 3 Hour Walking Food & Haunted History Tour in Lexington

For $115 per person, this tour stands out by adding a spooky twist. It’s perfect if you want a mix of ghost stories, haunted sites, and local bites. Starting inside the Old Fayette County Courthouse at The Thirsty Fox, the tour takes you through Lexington’s more mysterious side, visiting haunted buildings like the McAdams and Morford Building and Gratz Park.

The tour offers a blend of history and supernatural tales, with stops at sites linked to legends and unexplained phenomena. You’ll also sample regional cuisine, including cocktails at historic spots. Reviewers mention it as “super fun” and “really interesting,” especially if you enjoy ghost stories mixed with food.

While the tour covers some walking, it stays within downtown Lexington, with a focus on not just stories but also the local culinary scene. It’s best suited for those who like a little thrill along with their tasting adventure.

Bottom line: Choose this experience if you’re interested in a spooky twist on food and history—it’s a memorable combo of ghost tales and Lexington bites.

5. Distillery District Food, Drink, and History Tour

Ending our list is a four-hour exploration priced at $110 per person. It’s the most extended experience, focusing on farm-to-table dishes, bourbon tastings, and the district’s revitalization story. The tour includes three plates of local food, artisan ice cream, and two bourbon tastings, making it a comprehensive tasting journey.

Guests rave about the generous portions and engaging guide—one called Kate a “fantastic host.” The tour is ideal for travelers wanting a deeper dive into Lexington’s culinary and bourbon heritage, with the added benefit of a longer duration for more relaxed stops.

The district’s history intertwines with the food, and the tastings of Kentucky farms’ produce give a real taste of local produce. It’s perfect for foodies who want a more extensive, immersive experience. The only potential downside is the longer duration, which may require more stamina or a more flexible schedule.

Bottom line: For those seeking a comprehensive, in-depth exploration of the district’s cuisine and bourbon, this tour offers excellent value and a memorable experience.

How to Choose the Best Food Tour in Lexington

When deciding among these options, consider your interests and how much time you want to spend. If you love history and small-group intimacy, the Walking Food Tour Downtown Lexington or the Lexington: Downtown Walking Food & History Tour are excellent choices. For bourbon enthusiasts, the Distillery District Food & History Tour provides in-depth tastings and storytelling.

If you’re drawn to haunted tales and spooky stories, the 3 Hour Walking Food & Haunted History Tour adds a mysterious edge to your culinary exploration. For a longer, more immersive experience with a focus on farms and distilleries, the Distillery District Food, Drink, and History Tour offers a thorough taste of Lexington’s past and present.

Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons, as these tours tend to fill quickly. Also, check if the tours offer any special dietary options or accommodations if needed.

Final Thoughts

Lexington’s food scene is diverse and full of stories waiting to be told through its flavors. For a personalized downtown walk, the Walking Food Tour Downtown Lexington shines. Bourbon lovers will appreciate the Distillery District Food & History Tour, while those seeking a spooky adventure won’t be disappointed with the haunted history experience.

Whatever your interests, these tours provide a great way to learn about Lexington’s culinary culture—just remember to book ahead and pace yourself for the tastings ahead.