New Orleans: Combo Cocktail and Food History Tour

If you’re looking to get a true taste of New Orleans in a way that combines food, drinks, and stories, the Combo Cocktail and Food History Tour is a fantastic choice. For around $160 per person, you’ll spend four hours weaving through the French Quarter, visiting renowned eateries and bars, sampling six dishes, and enjoying four craft cocktails. Led by engaging guides, this tour offers a flavorful glimpse into the city’s culinary and cocktail heritage.

What we love most about this experience is how it brings the city’s history to life through the lens of its food and drinks — from alligator sausage to the famous Hurricane, and muffulettas to pralines. Plus, the small-group atmosphere and insider access make the tasting feels intimate and authentic.

A possible consideration is that the tour follows a set menu, so if you have dietary restrictions like gluten intolerance, dairy allergies, or are vegetarian/vegan, this might not be the best fit. Also, note that it does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to plan your transportation to the starting point.

This tour suits food lovers, history buffs, and travelers craving a lively, local experience. If you’re happy to walk and want to learn about the origins of classic New Orleans cuisine and cocktails, you’ll find plenty of value here.

Key Points

• Authentic Tasting Experience: Enjoy six carefully curated food samples that reflect the city’s Cajun, Creole, and Louisiana influences.
• Educational and Entertaining Guides: Guides like Meghan and Lyndsay are praised for their knowledge, humor, and personality.
• Historic Cocktails: Discover the stories behind iconic drinks like the Hurricane and French 75 while sampling four quality craft cocktails.
• Variety of Venues: Visit places like Ralph Brennan’s Red Fish Grill, Napoleon House, and Cane and Table, each with its own unique story.
• Indoor Comfort: Most interactions happen indoors, which is a relief during hot or rainy days.
• Excellent Reviews: Consistently rated 5 stars, with comments highlighting the delicious food, generous portions, and engaging guides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and Overview

Your journey begins at Red Fish Grill in the heart of the French Quarter, a well-respected seafood restaurant. Here, you’ll get a hearty introduction with alligator sausage and seafood gumbo, paired with a Hurricane cocktail. The guide will share snippets about Louisiana’s colonial past, setting the tone for a tour that’s as much about storytelling as it is about sampling.

This initial stop is where the tour’s value really shines — you taste authentic local flavors while learning about their origins. The gumbo, for example, is a hallmark of Louisiana cuisine, and getting to try it fresh at one of the area’s award-winning spots gives you a genuine taste of the city’s culinary identity.

Exploring the Flavors of Cajun and Creole

Moving just four blocks, you’ll visit Pepper Palace, a hot sauce emporium filled with Cajun-inspired condiments. Here, you’ll chat about the Cajun influence on local cooking and sample an unlimited variety of hot sauces, BBQ sauces, buffalo wing sauces, and dry rubs. Many reviews mention the included free bottle of Louisiana-seasonings, which makes this part both fun and practical — you’ll leave with a souvenir and a taste for more.

Next, the tour takes you to Leah’s Pralines, a third-generation family candy shop. Here, you’ll get a chance to try their classic pralines and a bacon pecan brittle that’s a delightful twist on a Southern favorite. The pralines are often described as sweet, creamy, and perfectly textured, serving as an indulgent highlight.

Historic Restaurants and Classic Creole Fare

The next stop at Napoleon House is a chance to enjoy muffuletta sandwiches, a New Orleans staple. The pimento-stuffed olive and savory meats make this a standout. Pair it with a Pimms Cup cocktail and a side of Creole jambalaya, which many reviews describe as hearty and flavorful.

From here, you’ll visit Dickie Brennan’s Tableau, where you’ll sample the French 75 — a cocktail that’s as elegant as the city itself, made with fresh lemon, gin or brandy, and sparkling wine. Many guests mention how generous the drinks are, often describing them as full-sized and well-crafted.

Walking Through Iconic Landmarks

After the tasting at Tableau, the group strolls through Jackson Square, soaking in the lively street scenes and historic architecture. Your guide’s stories help you understand the significance of the area in the city’s past and present. The tour then moves to the French Market, an energetic hub of local vendors and artisans.

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Final Tasting at Cane and Table

The last stop is Cane and Table, a James Beard Award-nominated restaurant. Here, you’ll sample fried sweet plantains and a classic daiquiri. Guests consistently praise the flavorful, plentiful portions and the friendly, expert staff. Many reviewers mention that this final segment provides a great conclusion — a chance to relax and reflect on everything you’ve experienced.

The Overall Experience

Throughout the tour, you’ll be in a small-group setting, often praised for its warm, relaxed atmosphere. The guides, like Meghan and Lyndsay, are acclaimed not just for their knowledge but for their ability to entertain with fun stories and historical tidbits. This makes the tour feel more like a lively gathering of friends than a formal tasting.

The duration of four hours flies by, thanks to the variety of stops and engaging commentary. Water is provided at most stops, helping you stay refreshed during the walking segments. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it available for most travelers with mobility concerns.

Value and Practicality

At $160, you’re paying for a comprehensive experience — foods and drinks that would cost a lot more to try individually. For example, the full-sized cocktails and generous food portions are notable for their quality and quantity. Many guests note that the food and drinks exceeded expectations, with some describing the portions as more like a meal than a tasting.

The educational aspect adds further value, as you learn about the origins of cocktails like the Hurricane and French 75, as well as the cultural influences shaping local cuisine. It’s a balanced mix of indulgence and insight that makes this tour suitable for both casual foodies and history buffs.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect if you enjoy delicious food, craft cocktails, and stories about local culture. It’s especially popular among those who want a relaxed pace with insider access to well-loved establishments. Keep in mind that since it’s a set menu, dietary restrictions may limit your participation.

The New Orleans Combo Cocktail and Food History Tour offers a well-rounded, flavorful way to explore the city’s culinary and cocktail legacy. Its expert guides, generous tastings, and engaging storytelling make it stand out among food experiences. If you’re eager to sample authentic dishes, learn about iconic drinks, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the French Quarter, this tour provides excellent value.

Ideal for first-time visitors who want a curated overview of NOLA’s flavors or repeat travelers eager for a deeper understanding of its heritage, this experience delivers both fun and substance. Just be prepared for a fair amount of walking and set menu limitations if you have specific dietary needs.

• Where does the tour begin? The tour starts at Red Fish Grill located at 115 Bourbon Street in the French Quarter.
• How long is the tour? It lasts approximately four hours, primarily in the afternoon.
• What’s included in the tour? You get a local guide, four craft cocktails, six food samples, water at most stops, and tips for servers and bar staff.
• Is this tour wheelchair accessible? Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.
• Are drinks and food served indoors? Most interactions happen indoors, providing comfort especially during hot or rainy weather.
• Can I bring my own dietary restrictions? The tour features a set menu and does not cater to gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, or pork-free diets.
• Do I need to book in advance? Yes, it’s recommended. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund.
• Is hotel pickup included? No, travelers need to make their own arrangements to reach the starting point.
• Are groups large? No, the experience is designed to be intimate, often with a small-group atmosphere.
• Can I participate if I’m under 21? No, the tour is only for guests 21 and older due to alcohol consumption.

In sum, this tour offers a solid, tasty, and educational snapshot of what makes New Orleans such a special city — its food, its drinks, and the stories behind them. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking to add some local flavor to your trip, this experience can be both fun and informative, leaving you with full stomachs and plenty of new stories to tell.

You can check availability for your dates here: