Memphis isn’t just about blues, barbecue, and legendary music—it’s also a lively city with a growing craft beer scene that makes for some memorable outings. Whether you’re a beer connoisseur, a casual sipper, or someone intrigued by ghost stories, Memphis offers a variety of drinking tours that cater to all tastes. We particularly like tours like the Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour for its VIP access and wide sampling selection, and the Haunted Pub Crawl in Memphis for those who enjoy a spooky twist to their night. These experiences highlight the city’s rich local brewing culture and lively nightlife, with guides who are both knowledgeable and entertaining.
For those seeking a laid-back, educational experience, the craft brewery tours provide insight into Memphis’s brewing craftsmanship, while the pub crawls and pedal bike adventures add a fun, social element. Whether you want to learn about Memphis’s beer history, explore its murals, or simply enjoy some good drinks with friends, there’s an option here for you.
Quick Overview
This list features the best drinking tours in Memphis, including:
– Guided brewery tours with VIP access and tastings (Tour #1, Tour #3)
– The Memphis Brew Bus for private transportation and multiple brewery visits (Tour #2)
– Unique pub experiences like haunted pub crawls (Tour #4)
– Fun bicycle and bus tours combining viewing Memphis’s sights with bar stops (Tour #6, Tour #7)
– Budget-friendly options for quick outings (Tour #8)
Now, let’s explore each in detail.
1. Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour
At number 1, the Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour offers an intimate look into Memphis’s craft brewing scene, with VIP access to three local breweries. This tour is perfect if you want to avoid tourist traps and instead get authentic behind-the-scenes insights. Over approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, you’ll sample up to a dozen different beers, learning about the brewing process and the unique stories behind each brewery. The tour includes comfortable bus transportation, so you can focus on tasting without worrying about driving, which makes it ideal for groups or those new to Memphis.
What sets this tour apart is the focus on local microbreweries, like Grind City Brewing and Wiseacre Brewing Co. Guests rave about the tour guide’s knowledge and enthusiasm—many mentioning how the guide’s insights into Memphis’s brewing history and the buildings’ reuse make the experience special. Plus, the brewery visits are well-paced, with four beers sampled at each stop, plus snacks to keep your palate happy. The price of about $62.10 per person offers good value given the VIP access and multiple tastings.
Bottom Line: This tour is best for beer lovers who want a relaxed, educational experience with a local flavor and hassle-free transportation.
2. Memphis Brew Bus Tour with Three Local Breweries & Tastings
Number 2 on our list is the Memphis Brew Bus Tour, which combines comfort, convenience, and a great sampling of Memphis’s craft beer scene. For roughly the same duration as the first tour—about 3.5 hours—you’ll travel around in private transportation, visiting three of Memphis’s best breweries. The tour starts from a central downtown location, making it easy to join in, and ends back where you started.
This tour emphasizes the exclusive nature of Memphis’s brewing culture, offering special tastings you might not find on your own. The guide makes the experience lively with stories and fun anecdotes, and guests particularly appreciate the ease of having a driver while enjoying a variety of beers. Reviewers comment on the friendly service and generous tastings, with some mentioning that they particularly enjoyed the last stop’s wide selection, including sours. Priced at $64.75, it’s a slightly higher but justified cost considering the private transport and curated brewery visits.
Bottom Line: This tour suits those who want a relaxed, private, and highly curated brewery experience with fewer worries about logistics.
3. Memphis: Signature Guided Brewery Tour
At number 3, this Signature Guided Brewery Tour offers VIP access to Memphis’s hottest breweries, with up to 12 beer samples, plus a fresh baked snack and round-trip transportation. Led by a knowledgeable Beer Guide, this 3.5-hour tour dives into the stories behind Memphis’s craft beer explosion. The guide’s engaging commentary makes it clear that this is more than just about drinking; it’s about understanding Memphis’s brewing culture and the different beer styles.
What makes this tour stand out is its all-inclusive nature and the boutique feel, offering an insiders’ perspective on Memphis’s beer scene. The reviews, though few, are glowing, praising the guide’s educational style and the quality of the beers. For around $69, it’s a solid investment for those wanting a deeper dive into Memphis’s craft brewing world. The VIP access means you get to see parts of the breweries often off-limits to the public, adding a special touch.
Bottom Line: Ideal for beer enthusiasts eager to learn about Memphis’s brewing history while sampling a wide variety of local beers.
4. Haunted Pub Crawl in Memphis
For a different vibe, the Haunted Pub Crawl offers a spooky twist on Memphis’s nightlife. This 2.5-hour tour takes you to at least three historic pubs, each with its own ghostly tales and legends. Led by a paranormal investigator, the guide shares stories that range from ghosts to local lore, adding a thrill to your evening. You can purchase drinks at each stop, making it a lively way to explore Memphis’s bar scene while learning about its haunted past.
Guests love the fun, casual atmosphere, with one reviewer mentioning how the stories made the pub visits more engaging. The tour ends at Earnestine & Hazel’s, a bar famous for its haunted reputation. At $30.73, it’s an affordable, entertaining option for anyone interested in ghost stories or just wanting a different way to experience Memphis nightlife. Keep in mind, this tour is more about storytelling and ambiance than tasting a wide variety of beers, so it’s best suited for curious adventurers.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a mix of history, ghost stories, and pub hopping, especially if you’re interested in Memphis’s haunted side.
5. Memphis: 3 Local Breweries Bus Tour with Tastings
Number 5 on our list is the Memphis: 3 Local Breweries Bus Tour, which offers a compact, fun-filled look at Memphis’s craft beer scene. With a duration of about 3.5 hours, this tour takes you to three breweries by bus, giving you a behind-the-scenes look and the chance to compare beers side-by-side. Guests appreciate the “insider’s perspective” and the chance to sample some of Memphis’s best brews, all while riding comfortably.
Priced at $58, this tour balances cost and experience well. Reviewers mention friendly guides and ample tastings, with some noting that they enjoyed the variety of beers offered. The tour is ideal for travelers who want a quick, focused brewery experience with convenient transportation, especially if they’re pressed for time but still want to dive into Memphis’s craft beer scene.
Bottom Line: A good pick for those wanting a straightforward, fun, and affordable brewery tour that gives good value for your money.
6. Memphis: Guided Bar Crawl on a Pedal Bike
Number 6 features a guided bar crawl on a pedal bike, blending sightseeing with social fun. This 1.5-hour tour allows you to peddle your way through Memphis’s lively downtown, stopping at top bars and attractions. You’re encouraged to bring your own drinks and snacks, making it a budget-friendly, flexible experience. The guide keeps the energy high with music and commentary, and guests love the chance to see the city while enjoying a drink or two.
Reviews highlight the fun atmosphere and the social aspect, with many mentioning how the bike’s playlist and stops created a memorable evening. The tour is perfect for active travelers who don’t mind a little exercise and want to experience Memphis’s nightlife in a relaxed, casual way. Priced at $40, it’s an inexpensive option that combines sightseeing and drinking in one.
Bottom Line: Ideal for groups looking for a fun, interactive way to explore Memphis’s bars and sites on a budget.
7. #1 Way To See Memphis: Beale Street, Bar Crawl and Murals
At number 7, this private electric pedal bike tour combines sightseeing with bar stops, offering a lively 1.5-hour experience. With over 900 five-star reviews, it’s the top-rated way to enjoy Memphis’s nightlife and street art scene. You can bring your own beverages and snacks, and the tour makes stops at scenic spots and popular bars. It’s perfect for families or groups wanting a flexible and social outing with an outdoor vibe.
This experience is particularly suited for people who want a personalized, small-group adventure. The focus on iconic city sights, combined with stops at vibrant bars, makes it engaging and memorable. It’s a more relaxed but active way to explore Memphis’s cultural and nightlife highlights.
Bottom Line: Great for those wanting a private, outdoor experience with a mix of sightseeing, music, and bar hopping.
$430 per group up to 16
8. Memphis Tennessee Bar Crawl Brews and Blues Bar Crawl
Number 8 is a simple, budget-friendly bar crawl focused on Memphis’s blues roots and lively taverns. It’s a quick 1.5-hour, app-led adventure that offers a fun way to explore the local bar scene without a hefty price tag—costing just $14.99. While reviews are currently unavailable, the format promises a flexible, social experience with trivia, puzzles, and exploration.
This tour suits travelers on a tight schedule or those who want a casual introduction to Memphis’s bar scene. Since it’s app-guided, you can do it at your own pace and decide which bars to linger at longer.
Bottom Line: Best for budget-conscious travelers who want a quick, interactive way to experience Memphis’s blues bars and nightlife.
$14.99 per person
How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour in Memphis
When selecting a drinking tour in Memphis, consider your budget, how much time you have, and whether you’re more interested in craft beer, haunted pubs, or lively bar crawls. For a relaxed, educational experience with VIP access, the Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour or the Signature Guided Brewery Tour are excellent options. If you prefer a more energetic, social outing, the Pedal Bike Bar Crawl or Beale Street experience give you a lively, outdoor setting. For budget-friendly fun, the Memphis Tennessee Bar Crawl Brews and Blues is hard to beat.
Booking early is recommended, especially for tours with limited availability or popular weekends. Think about whether you want to sample local brews, explore Memphis’s haunted past, or simply enjoy a casual pub crawl—the right choice depends on your interests and energy level.
To sum it up, Memphis offers a surprising variety of drinking tours that cater to different tastes—from sophisticated brewery explorations to lively pub crawls with a haunted twist. For those who appreciate craft beer, the VIP brewery tours provide depth and comfort. If you’re after a fun social outing, pedal bikes and bar crawls add a lively touch. And for a unique experience, the haunted pub crawl offers a spooky story with your drinks. Whatever you choose, booking early ensures you don’t miss out on these memorable ways to enjoy Memphis’s vibrant nightlife.