Nashville: 12 South Secret Walking Food Tour

Exploring Nashville’s 12 South neighborhood through a guided food tour offers an authentic taste of the city’s vibrant culinary scene. For about three hours, you’ll wander through lively streets, sampling a variety of dishes that showcase the diverse influences shaping Nashville’s food culture. This tour is a fantastic way to combine sightseeing with a delicious, immersive experience rooted in local flavors.

One thing we really appreciate about this tour is how it balances well-loved classics with unexpected bites, giving you a genuine feel for Nashville’s food heritage. The inclusion of a secret gourmet cookie spot is a thoughtful touch that adds an element of surprise. However, keep in mind that the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan your transportation accordingly.

This experience is best suited for food lovers, curious travelers eager to learn about local influences, and those who enjoy walking through neighborhoods while tasting their way through the city. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Nashville local, this tour offers tasty insights and authentic bites that truly represent the area’s culinary soul.

Key Points

• Authentic Nashville flavors: Taste a variety of dishes that reflect the city’s diverse culinary influences.
• Guided local insights: Your guide, knowledgeable and friendly, shares stories behind each dish and neighborhood.
• Delicious start and finish: From a celebrated breakfast taco to a secret gourmet cookie, each stop is carefully curated.
• Walking convenience: The tour covers key spots in the 12 South neighborhood, making it easy to explore without the hassle of planning.
• Value for the price: At $105, this 3-hour experience offers a substantial taste of Nashville’s food scene.
• No hotel transfer included: Be prepared to meet and return to the designated start/end point.

A Closer Look at the 12 South Secret Walking Food Tour

An inviting start with Nashville’s iconic breakfast taco

From the moment you meet in front of Ladybird Taco, with your guide holding an orange umbrella, you’re greeted with a local favorite—Nashville’s renowned breakfast taco. This initial bite sets the tone for the tour; it’s flavorful, satisfying, and a perfect introduction to the city’s inventive breakfast scene. Guests often comment on how this is a “really sought-after restaurant,” emphasizing its popularity and quality.

This first stop is notable not only for its delicious food but also because it offers a glimpse into how Nashville blends traditional Southern cuisine with modern twists. The breakfast taco, with its fresh ingredients and expert seasoning, hints at how Nashville’s food scene is always evolving, yet rooted in comfort.

Sampling flaky pastries and sweet bites

After the savory start, you’ll enjoy a flaky pastry that provides a delightful contrast—light, buttery, and perfect for those craving something sweet or just a different texture. The tour balances savory and sweet throughout, thanks to the variety of stops crafted to suit different palates.

Guests have praised the tour’s ability to serve “a variety of food, guides local knowledge,” as one reviewer put it. This mix of bites, from pastry to more hearty dishes, keeps the experience engaging and ensures everyone finds something to love.

Hearty Southern classics with a modern twist

One of the tour’s highlights is indulging in hearty Southern dishes that have gained widespread acclaim. You’ll sample a traditional grits casserole, which stands out for its rich, cheesy flavor and comforting texture. This dish epitomizes how Nashville’s food scene respects Southern traditions while elevating them into something special.

Another key stop is a club sandwich with a Southern twist, paired with crunchy fried dill pickles. Guests often note the bold flavors and the way these dishes reflect Nashville’s knack for creative comfort food. It’s a chance to see how local eateries elevate simple ingredients into memorable bites.

Tasting Nashville’s famed hot pork and more

As the tour continues, you’ll get to savor hot pork, another example of Southern flavors that have become local staples. The flavor profile is likely smoky and tender, offering insight into Nashville’s barbecue influences. Alongside this, the grits casserole again makes an appearance, reaffirming its status as a crowd favorite.

The secret spot for gourmet cookies

No tour would be complete without a sweet ending, and this one delivers with a visit to a secret, upscale cookie spot tucked away in one of Nashville’s most famous hotels. This clandestine location adds an element of fun and exclusivity, making the sweet finale all the more memorable. The cookies are described as “delectable”, providing the perfect closure to a flavorful journey.

The experience from a guide’s perspective

Guests often mention their guides’ local knowledge and friendly demeanor, which enhances the experience. The guides are adept at sharing stories that add context to each dish, making the food not just tasty but meaningful. It’s this storytelling that makes the tour stand out, giving visitors a sense of connection to Nashville’s culinary landscape.

Practical details and considerations

The tour lasts roughly 3 hours, making it a manageable and relaxed experience. Starting at Ladybird Taco ensures you’re in a lively, accessible part of Nashville’s 12 South neighborhood. Participants should note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan to meet at the designated spot. The tour operates with live English-speaking guides, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for travel plans.

Value and booking considerations

At $105 per person, the tour offers a solid value, given the multiple tastings and the local insights provided. It’s an excellent way to sample Nashville’s culinary diversity without the hassle of planning individual restaurant visits. Plus, the small group size and guided approach ensure a personalized experience, especially if you’re interested in learning about the city’s eating culture.

Final thoughts

This walking food tour in Nashville’s 12 South neighborhood is an engaging mix of food, stories, and neighborhood charm. It caters well to those who want more than just a meal but a curated experience that explores the city’s culinary roots. Even if you’re familiar with Nashville, this tour offers new tastes and local secrets, making it a worthwhile addition to your itinerary.

Who is this tour best suited for?

This experience is ideal for foodies eager to explore Nashville’s diverse dishes, from classic Southern comfort food to innovative bites. It’s great for travelers who enjoy walking and want to soak up the local atmosphere while tasting their way through a neighborhood. The tour also suits first-time visitors wanting a guided introduction to Nashville’s culinary scene, especially those interested in local stories behind each dish.

If you’re traveling with friends or family who love food, this offers an approachable, fun way to spend a few hours. However, those with dietary restrictions should contact the activity provider beforehand to confirm accommodations.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour starts and ends at the meeting point in front of Ladybird Taco. Be sure to plan your transport accordingly.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts about 3 hours, making it a relaxed and manageable outing.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since the tour involves walking through the neighborhood.

Is this tour suitable for dietary restrictions?
You should contact the activity provider before booking to confirm if certain dietary needs can be accommodated.

What’s the price of the tour?
It costs $105 per person, which includes all food and drink tastings plus the guide.

Is there a guide?
Yes, a live English-speaking guide leads the tour, sharing stories and insights about the dishes and the neighborhood.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Where do we meet?
Meet in front of Ladybird Taco, where the guide will be holding an orange umbrella.

Will I get to try local specialties?
Absolutely. The tour highlights Nashville favorites like breakfast tacos, Southern hot pork, grits casserole, and a secret gourmet cookie.

To sum it up, the Nashville 12 South Secret Walking Food Tour offers a flavorful, authentic look at the city’s culinary scene. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want to combine sightseeing with delicious bites, all delivered by knowledgeable guides in a friendly neighborhood setting. Whether you’re a local looking for new tastes or a visitor eager to experience Nashville’s food culture, this tour delivers a memorable, tasty experience that’s worth every dollar.