Chattanooga: Southside Food Tour with Lunch

Chattanooga: Southside Food Tour with Lunch offers a delightful way to experience this vibrant Tennessee neighborhood. For $129 per person, you’ll spend about three hours sampling the city’s flavors while learning about the area’s history from a friendly, knowledgeable guide. The tour includes visits to five different food and drink establishments, from a family-owned Mexican restaurant to a nationally recognized micro-distillery.

What we love about this experience is how it combines culinary delights with local stories—your guide, possibly named Brian or another local expert, shares fascinating insights that give context to each stop. Plus, the variety of food and beverages, including mocktails and kombucha, caters to different tastes and dietary preferences.

A possible consideration is that food allergies are not recommended for this tour, so if you have dietary restrictions, you’d want to check with the operator beforehand. Also, given the focus on local history and food, it’s best suited for those interested in cultural stories as much as the tasting. This tour is ideal for curious travelers who appreciate authentic, small-group experiences and want a meaningful taste of Chattanooga’s Southside.

Key Points

• Authentic Neighborhood Vibe: The tour explores Chattanooga’s historic Southside, revealing its character through food and stories.
• Diverse Tastings: From Mexican cuisine to bourbon, kombucha, and mocktails, there’s a variety of flavors for every palate.
• Educational Element: Learn about the area’s history, restaurant transitions, and local food scene from your guide.
• Unique Stops: Highlights include a family-owned restaurant, a converted airstream burger joint, a micro-distillery, and a top-notch butchery.
• Small Group Atmosphere: Limited to 8 participants ensures a personalized experience.
• Flexibility and Value: With a 24-hour cancellation policy and the option to reserve now and pay later, it’s a flexible choice for travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Chattanooga Southside Food Tour

Starting Point and Overall Experience

The tour begins at Taqueria Jalisco, a family-run Mexican restaurant that has grown from a food truck to a local staple. Meeting your guide here sets a welcoming tone, as you’ll quickly learn about its journey and its place in Chattanooga’s food scene. This stop alone offers a glimpse into how local eateries evolve and adapt, which adds depth to your tasting experience.

From the outset, it’s clear this isn’t just a food tasting; it’s a story about the community’s resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. This personal touch is what elevates the tour beyond a simple food crawl. Expect to learn interesting tidbits about the building’s history and how a family’s passion turned into a local culinary highlight.

Exploring the Southside’s Culinary Diversity

Next, you’ll head to Slick’s Burgers, a restaurant with a twist—it’s housed inside an Airstream camper. This quirky setting is a highlight, combining fun with a taste of Chattanooga’s inventive spirit. During the visit, your guide explains how the restaurant continues to evolve, reflecting the neighborhood’s creative energy. You’ll sample some of their signature burgers, which are praised for their quality and originality.

A standout feature here is how this stop exemplifies small-business resilience. As some reviews note, “It’s fascinating to see how airstreams can become thriving eateries,” and the food’s quality matches the innovative concept. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, perfect for those who like their dining experiences to have a touch of personality.

Discovering Chattanooga’s Award-Winning Micro Distillery

The third stop is at Gate 11 Distillery, one of Chattanooga’s nationally recognized micro-distilleries. This is where you’ll enjoy a mocktail (or a tasting if you prefer) and learn about the local spirits scene. The distillery boasts over 350 bourbon options, a true testament to its prominence.

Here, you’ll gain insight into what makes their spirits unique, and the guide shares stories about the distillation process and the local ingredients. This stop offers a blend of education and taste, making it particularly appealing for those interested in spirits, even if they’re not drinkers. The mocktail option ensures everyone can participate.

Meat and Bourbon at Main Street Meats

Next, visit Main Street Meats, a USDA butchery and restaurant with a reputation for quality. With over 350 bourbon options, this place is a haven for bourbon lovers, but it’s also a showcase of local butchery craftsmanship. You’ll sample some of their best dishes, possibly paired with a bourbon or two if you’re interested.

This stop emphasizes local, sustainable food practices, and the professional butchery provides a behind-the-scenes view of how quality meats are prepared. It’s a chance to connect with Chattanooga’s culinary roots and understand the importance of good ingredients.

Ending on a High Note at Fountainhead Taproom

The tour wraps up at Fountainhead Taproom, home to a 60-tap system featuring mead, kombucha, wine, nitro brews, bubbly, and mocktails. It’s the perfect spot to relax, enjoy your final tastes, and reflect on your experience. The variety here means you can sample anything from a bubbly nitro to a non-alcoholic mocktail, ensuring everyone leaves with something they enjoy.

What’s Included and What You Can Expect

Your ticket covers lunch and all tastings, along with the insightful commentary from your guide, who is an experienced local expert. This isn’t just a walk-and-taste—it’s a chance to learn about the history of Southside Chattanooga, its buildings, and the stories behind these businesses.

The small group size—limited to 8 participants—means plenty of opportunity for questions and personal interaction. The tour generally runs in the morning or afternoon, giving flexibility to fit into your Chattanooga itinerary.

Practicalities and Considerations

The tour is priced at $129 per person, which might seem steep at first glance. However, considering the five stops, tastings, and lunch, it offers good value, especially when you factor in the educational element and the chance to explore local businesses you might not find on your own.

Since the tour emphasizes authentic, locally-driven experiences, it’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy learning about the places they visit. It’s also ideal for small groups, making for a more intimate and engaging outing.

Potential Drawbacks

A key consideration is that food allergies are not recommended. If you have specific dietary restrictions, it’s wise to contact the tour provider ahead of time. Also, since the stops are in a walkable neighborhood, comfortable shoes are recommended, and those with mobility issues might want to check accessibility.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This tour is perfect for foodies, history buffs, and curious travelers who appreciate authentic local stories paired with good food and drink. Whether you’re interested in craft spirits, sustainable butchery, or inventive eateries, you’ll find something to love. It’s also well-suited for those who prefer a small-group, relaxed atmosphere where questions are encouraged.

If you’re visiting Chattanooga for a few days and want a meaningful glimpse into its neighborhood culture, this tour offers a fun, tasty, and educational experience that complements other sightseeing activities.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions?
This tour emphasizes local meats and traditional dishes, so it might not be suitable for strict vegetarians or people with specific food allergies. It’s best to contact the provider if you have dietary concerns.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts about three hours, including visits to five different food and drink stops.

What’s the starting point?
The tour begins at Taqueria Jalisco, a family-owned restaurant in Chattanooga’s Southside neighborhood.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended. You can reserve now and pay later, which adds flexibility to your travel plans.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
The tour is capped at 8 participants, ensuring a small, personalized experience.

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

In sum, the Chattanooga Southside Food Tour with Lunch offers a well-rounded, engaging way to experience local flavors and stories in a small-group setting. It’s a great choice for those wanting to go beyond the usual tourist spots and enjoy a taste of Chattanooga’s neighborhood charm. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group of friends, this tour promises a memorable, delicious glimpse into the city’s vibrant Southside.

You can check availability for your dates here: