Nashville 12South Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

Nashville’s 12South Food Tour with Secret Food Tours offers an engaging stroll through one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods, packed with local eats, charming shops, and a few surprises. For $99 per person, you get about three hours of walking, eating, and chatting with a knowledgeable guide—perfect for those who want a taste of Nashville beyond the usual tourist spots. Led by friendly guides like Patti, Courtney, or Raven, this tour is praised widely for its delicious food, relaxed pace, and insider insights.

What we love most about this experience? First, the variety of food—from breakfast tacos to gourmet cookies and savory burgers, the stops are thoughtfully chosen to showcase Nashville’s flavor profile. Second, the small group size (limited to 12 people) ensures a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where questions are encouraged and local stories flow naturally.

A possible consideration is the menu’s focus on tacos and quesadillas, which might be limiting for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions. However, many reviews mention that guides are accommodating and happy to suggest alternatives when possible. This tour suits food lovers eager to explore authentic local cuisine, curious about Nashville’s neighborhood charm, and those who enjoy a leisurely walk with plenty of tastings.

Key Points

• Local Flavor: The tour highlights Nashville’s best local eateries and secret dishes.
• Authentic Experience: Small groups and knowledgeable guides create a friendly, insider vibe.
• Taste Variety: From savory breakfast tacos to gourmet cookies, there’s a good mix of sweet and savory.
• Ease and Pace: About three hours of relaxed walking with plenty of time to savor each stop.
• Value for Money: The amount of food, insider tips, and neighborhood insights make this a solid purchase.
• Dietary Flexibility: While most stops focus on tacos and quesadillas, guides often accommodate special requests.

A Deep Dive into the Nashville 12South Walking Food Tour

Walking into Nashville’s 12South neighborhood, you feel the buzz of a community that’s both trendy and rooted in local charm. The tour, priced at $99 per person, offers roughly three hours of exploration—an ideal way to combine sightseeing with serious snacking. It’s a leisurely pace, perfect for those who like to linger in neighborhoods rather than rush through them. Your guide—like Patti, Courtney, or Raven—will help you navigate, share stories, and introduce you to Nashville’s culinary scene through a series of well-chosen stops.

Why This Tour Stands Out

Two features that clearly resonate with travelers are the quality of the food and the expert guidance. Reviewers repeatedly mention how the stops deliver on flavor—be it the “famous breakfast taco” at the first stop or the “hot pork and grits casserole” at the Southern spot. One reviewer notes, “Scott was an awesome tour guide. Upbeat, knowledgeable, and friendly,” capturing the warmth and expertise guides bring to the experience.

The small-group format ensures everyone stays together comfortably, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions. The insiders’ tips shared about local restaurants and hidden gems add value, especially for those planning to spend more time in Nashville.

What You’ll Visit

The itinerary is designed to showcase diverse Nashville flavors. Here’s a breakdown:

Stop 1: 2229 10th Ave S — The adventure begins with the city’s renowned breakfast taco, a beloved staple in Nashville’s food scene. This simple yet delicious start sets a friendly tone and introduces you to one of the neighborhood’s most popular spots. The review from Dora_S confirms: “Easy walk and delicious variety of food. Scott was an awesome tour guide.”

Stop 2: 2706 12th Ave S — Next, indulge in Southern comfort food: a hot pork and grits casserole that gets high praise for its flavor. The emphasis on local favorites makes this stop a true taste of Nashville’s culinary roots.

Stop 3: 2606 12th Ave S — Time for a sweet break with one of Nashville’s famous gourmet cookies. Many reviewers mention the cookie stop as a highlight, describing it as “famous” and “gourmet,” adding a delightful contrast to the savory earlier bites.

Stop 4: 2403 12th Ave S — Prepare for a satisfying burger experience at a well-loved spot. The tour’s goal is to satisfy your comfort-food cravings while exploring the neighborhood’s culinary diversity.

Stop 5: 1110 Caruthers Ave — The finale involves a secret dish—a surprise culinary crescendo that leaves a memorable impression. The element of mystery adds excitement, and the reviews praise this as a “delectable surprise” that caps the tour perfectly.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price covers a generous lineup of tastings: breakfast tacos, seasonal donuts, brisket quesadillas with spicy green beans, and the secret dish. Water is also provided, making sure you’re well-hydrated as you explore. However, it does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan your transportation accordingly. The meeting point is conveniently near public transportation, perfect for those staying centrally.

The Food and the Experience

The variety of tastings is quite satisfying without being overwhelming. Many reviews highlight the abundance of food—some guests admit to bringing leftovers home for dinner. The pace is relaxed enough to enjoy each stop, with plenty of time for conversation and local shopping along the way.

However, the menu’s focus on tacos and quesadillas might feel repetitive for vegetarians or those with specific dietary needs. A reviewer mentions giving dietary info at booking, and guides are usually accommodating, but it’s worth noting if you have special preferences.

Guides and Atmosphere

The guides are consistently praised for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and friendliness. Comments like “Courtney was fabulous” and “Tyler made us feel welcome” reflect the warm, informal vibe of the tour. With groups capped at 12, the atmosphere is intimate, allowing for more personal interaction and a less hurried experience.

Why It’s a Good Deal

Compared to other Nashville activities, this tour offers excellent value. The amount of food, the neighborhood exploration, and insider tips make it a rich experience. The cost per tasting is reasonable, especially when considering the quality of the food and the personal nature of the guides.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a fan of authentic local cuisine, enjoy small-group tours that feel more like visiting friends than a tourist trap, and want a relaxed way to explore Nashville’s vibrant 12South neighborhood, this tour hits the mark. It’s particularly well-suited for foodies, neighborhood explorers, and those who appreciate insider stories as part of their experience.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately three hours, including walking and tastings, providing a relaxed but comprehensive taste of the neighborhood.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 2229 10th Ave S in Nashville and finishes back at the starting point.

Is there any transportation involved?
No, the tour is a walking experience. It’s an easy, leisurely pace suitable for most people with good physical fitness.

What food is included?
You’ll sample a breakfast taco, seasonal donut, brisket quesadilla with spicy green beans, a hot pork and grits casserole, and a secret dish. Water is also provided.

Can vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions participate?
Most stops focus on tacos and quesadillas, but guides are generally willing to accommodate dietary needs if informed in advance.

Are tips included?
Tips are not included but are customary if you feel the guide provided excellent service.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the relaxed pace and interesting food stops suggest it’s family-friendly, but check with the provider if you have young children.

What’s the group size?
Maximum of 12 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and engaging.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, so plan accordingly.

In all, this Nashville 12South Walking Food Tour offers a fun, flavorful way to experience a lively neighborhood, packed with insider tips, local favorites, and plenty of delicious bites. Perfect for those who want to taste authentic Nashville, learn some of its stories, and enjoy a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.