The best food tour in every state
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50 food tours worth travelling for
One of the best ways to explore the United States is through its varied food scene, and there are plenty of tours to help you discover this country's best dishes. From belly-busting barbecue tours to fine-dining odysseys, we've picked 50 of the best.
Alabama: LoDa Stroll, Bienville Bites
This tour of Mobile was founded by a local couple dedicated to showing off their beloved Gulf Coast city. Join the LoDa Stroll and you'll explore the city's mouthwatering culinary traditions through seven of the top restaurants downtown. A favourite stop is Wintzell's Oyster House which opened in 1938. You can add on a cocktail package too.
Alaska: A Tour with Taste, Juneau Food Tours
This is one for seafood lovers. A Tour with Taste takes place in Alaska's historic capital, Juneau, with visits to nine of the city's best-loved foodie spots. Stop off at Tracy's King Crab Shack for crowd-pleasing king crab bisque, and indulge at SALT, a modern restaurant serving innovative Alaskan cuisine like cod tacos. Each tour is led by Kelly "Midgi" Moore, a local food blogger.
Dan Gibson/Metropolitan Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau
Arizona: Downtown Tucson Tour, Tucson Food Tours
In 2015, Tucson became the United States' first UNESCO city of gastronomy for its first-rate farm-to-table food and innovative dishes. Tucson Food Tours has been showing off the city's best bites since 2012. Its downtown tour visits some of the city's quirkier restaurants, including Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink, located in a former funeral parlour. The tour also drops into El Charro, which claims to be America's oldest Mexican restaurant, opening in 1922.
Ben McElmurray Photography/A Bite of Hot Springs
Arkansas: Booze and Chews Tour, A Bite of Hot Springs
The city of Hot Springs is well-known for its natural spas and mountain vistas, but the people here know how to cook too. A Bite of Hot Springs' 'Booze and Chews' tour works its way through the city's downtown on foot, combining tastings and Hot Springs history. A highlight is the traditional tamales at Latin fusion restaurant Rolando's, where the tour begins.
California: West Hollywood Food Tour, Sidewalk Food Tours
The star-studded city of West Hollywood borders LA and has all the foodie clout of its glittering neighbour. Book onto this tour from Sidewalk to take a gourmet deep dive into the area, feasting on indulgent pastries at beloved Michelina Bakery, inside the city's original farmers' market; and slurping curries and noodles at Noree Thai.
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Colorado: Downtown Denver Food Tour, Taste of Denver
On this three-hour tour of downtown Denver, you'll hear about the city's Gold Rush past and learn how the surrounding land (the city is at the base of the Rocky Mountains) has been a crucial ingredient in its burgeoning food scene. Stops include beer and sliders at the city's oldest brewery, Wynkoop Brewing Company; and a scoop of Denver's finest ice cream at Milkbox Ice Creamery.
Connecticut: Live to Eat Tour, A Taste of New Haven
This small tour company offers a handful of tours showcasing the foodie delights of New Haven (pictured). The Pasta Tour is a firm favourite: join up to go on a tasting odyssey of the city's Italian eats, from perfectly prepared cacio e pepe at Zeneli Pizzeria e Cucina Napoletana to beloved Libby's ice-cream parlour, with its world-class gelato. Some stops include a tempting wine pairing too.
Delaware: Walking Food Tour, Eating Rehoboth
Seafood is the star of the show in this gourmet tour of Rehoboth Beach, a laid-back coastal city in Delaware. Feast on food plucked straight from the ocean like pan-fried scallops and seared sea bass. The tour features five of the city's culinary stars and also delivers on creative cocktails and local beer.
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Florida: Little Havana Food and Cultural Tour, Miami Culinary Tours
For hearty Cuban cooking in downtown Miami, book onto the Little Havana Food and Cultural Tour. You'll sip Cuban cocktails at the Ball & Chain bar and lounge (a mainstay of the city's live music scene since the 1930s) and feast on fried plantains, guava pastelitos and a traditional Cuban sandwich. At each venue, you'll be greeted by enthusiastic chefs keen to share stories about the dishes they serve. The tour also includes a visit to a Cuban cigar factory.
Georgia: Modern Southern Food and History Tour, Atlanta Food Tours
Inman Park is one of Atlanta's trendiest neighbourhoods, a leafy suburb known for its hipster hangouts and creative food scene. This afternoon tour samples the best the area has to offer, like the industrial-chic Krog Street Market (pictured). The steaming Szechuan dumplings from Gu's Dumplings are one of the best bites.
Hawaii: Chinatown Walking Food Tour, Tasting Oahu
Spend a delicious three hours digging into Honolulu's Chinatown district on this focused food tour. You'll graze on dishes such as Chinese-style barbecued pork and delicate dim sum as you move between some of the city's most historic restaurants. Along the way you'll see fascinating architectural sights such as the Buddhist Kuan Yin Temple.
Idaho: Historic Downtown Boise Brunch and Arts Tour, Indulge Boise
Idaho's capital is one of America's most underrated foodie spots but Indulge Boise is determined to put the city on the gourmet map. This tour explores downtown and picks out the best dishes to try along the way. You'll dine at Stardust, known for its fun take on 1950s fine dining, and indulge your sweet tooth at Guru Donuts, who still follow a handwritten 1940s recipe.
Illinois: Iconic Foods of Chicago Tour, Chicago Food Planet
Chicago is synonymous with deep dish pizza but there's a lot more to enjoy in the city. For a broader taste of the Windy City, opt for Chicago Food Planet's "Iconic Foods" tour. You might taste an Italian beef sandwich at local institution Al's Beef or a Chicago-style hot dog from Portillo’s. Of course, you'll also get a bubbling slice of pizza from a beloved pizzeria such as Lou Malnati's.
Indiana: Massachusetts Avenue Food Tour, Taste Indy Food Tours
For a true taste of Indianapolis, you needn't look much further than Massachusetts Avenue, a bustling cultural district in the city's downtown area. On this walking tour, you'll try local beers, handmade meatballs and German cuisine. The tacos and tequilas at modern Mexican joint Bakersfield are a highlight too.
Iowa: Iowa Tenderloin Trail
The Iowa Pork Producers Association has put together the Iowa Tenderloin Trail, which highlights the best places in the state that make Iowa's most famous dish: the pork tenderloin sandwich. Think quality pork cuts covered with crispy breadcrumbs, barely contained by the bun. You'll have to go this tour alone but you can download a "Tenderloin Trail Passport" and get it stamped as you try each of the 14 sandwiches en route.
Kansas: Trail Days Cafe and Museum
The folks at Trail Days Cafe and Museum in Council Grove offer a time-travelling food tour, taking you back in time to the days when the Santa Fe trail, stretching from Missouri to New Mexico, was a major commerce route. Homes, like the Kansas spot pictured, would open up to feed hungry traders. Today, tour guides take you round a preserved period home, entertain you with stories and serve up homemade early American dishes for a taste of the past.
Kentucky: Roebling Bridge Food Tour, Riverside Food Tours
With Riverside Food Tours you'll sample hearty pub grub such as fish and chips from Irish tavern Molly Malone's, or feast on wood-fired pizza at The Gruff in the cute northern Kentucky town of Covington. There are also seriously good chicken wings on offer at local favourite Smoke Justis, as well as an indulgent bread pudding at Blinkers Tavern.
Louisiana: French Quarter Tasting Tour, New Orleans Culinary History Tours
Ted Axelrod/Maine Foodie Tours
Maine: Old Port Seafood Lover's Tour, Maine Foodie Tours
A food tour of Maine wouldn't be complete without sampling some lobster – and this entire tour in Portland revolves around it. It takes place on the waterfront where you'll spot working lobster boats, before sampling a fresh lobster roll. Seafood chowder and lobster mac and cheese are also on the menu.
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Maryland: Fells Point Tour, Charm City Food Tours
This three-hour tour explores a historic part of Baltimore's downtown: Fells Point. It's a waterfront area known for its maritime past and great seafood joints. You'll begin at the covered Broadway Market and sample Maryland specialities like crab cakes and pit beef – hunks of roasted meat served up in a sandwich.
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Massachusetts: Boston Food Tour, Secret Food Tours
This tour focuses on Boston's historic North End, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city. You'll feast on Massachusetts staples like lobster roll and clam chowder, as well as Italian classics like bubbling brick-over pizza. On every tour, there's also a "secret dish" that you'll discover on the day.
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Michigan: Detroit Eats Food Tour
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Minnesota: St Paul Skyway Food Tour, Taste Twin Cities
This tour makes the most of St Paul's Skyway system (suspended covered bridges connecting the city's tower blocks). You'll feast on local delights such as chocolate truffles, crispy sambusas and craft beer as you pass between the soaring passageways. A highlight along the way is Sawatdee (meal pictured), which is tipped as the first Thai restaurant in the state – the spring rolls are unforgettable.
BHammond/Alamy Stock Photo
Mississippi: Historic Oxford Square Walking Food Tour, Oxford Food Tours
Make a beeline for the cute Mississippi town of Oxford, best known as the home of lauded author William Faulkner and the University of Mississippi, to discover its foodie offerings. This tour focuses on the college town's quaint square (pictured), allowing punters to feast on Southern classics such as shrimp and grits, and visit local favourites such as YaYa's Frozen Yoghurt.
Missouri: KC Barbecue Tour, Barley Bus
One for meat lovers, this tour is all about barbecue and beer. Travelling by bus, you'll spend the day driving across Kansas City, sampling the best spots for smoked meat. Stops may include Gates Bar-B-Q, with its belly-busting sandwiches, and legendary joint Arthur Bryant's Barbeque, with its secret spicy sauce recipe.
Montana: Cocktails and Bites Tour, Taste of Missoula Food Tours
If you're a foodie, it's well worth paying a visit to the picturesque mountain town of Missoula (pictured), which is an underrated gourmet spot in Montana. Sink your teeth into the downtown area with this tour, which combines craft cocktails with some of the city's best dishes, from plantains to French onion soup. Your guides will feed you plenty of the town's history along the way too.
Nebraska: Mother Road Market Tour, Food Tours Tulsa
'Get your licks on Route 66' is the strapline of this fun foodie tour company. The best tour focuses on the Mother Road Market, which is tipped by the tour group as the best food hall in America. Decide for yourself as you wander with a guide and feast on tempting options such as chicken wings, Indian-inspired mac and cheese and small-batch ice cream.
Lip Smacking Foodie Tours
Nevada: Savours of the Strip, Lip Smacking Foodie Tours
Las Vegas is known for slot machines and poker tables but it also has serious culinary credentials. The Savours of the Strip Tour is a fine dining restaurant crawl covering the city's most sought-after locations. Restaurants aren't disclosed until your tour day but stops have included fancy French restaurant Bardot Brasserie in the lavish ARIA Hotel.
New Hampshire: Best of Portsmouth Tour, Portsmouth Eats
Run by enthusiastic locals, this tour brings together the best of Portsmouth, a city with some of New England's best seafood. You'll get to sample The River House's clam chowder, which has regularly won best in show at Portsmouth's Chowder Festival.
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New Jersey: The Hoboken Food and Culture Tour, Mangia Hoboken
The Hoboken Food and Culture Tour highlights Italian influences on New Jersey cuisine. You'll visit local institution Carlo's Bake Shop and taste handmade pastries and speciality cakes; and Antique Bar & Bakery, in operation since 1938. Beyond the bakes, try a hearty Italian sub at Fiore's deli and grab a slice of pie at Grimaldi's Pizzeria.
New Mexico: A Taste of Santa Fe, Food Tour New Mexico
Led by locals, this lunchtime walking tour is a great way to explore Santa Fe and its New Mexican cuisine. You'll visit five venues including La Casa Sena and the Kakawa Chocolate House. The former is an elegant restaurant serving traditional enchiladas, green chile cheeseburgers and grilled elk tenderloin. The latter is a chocolate shop known for its chilli-chocolate creations.
New York: Best of Brooklyn Tour, Foods of New York Tours
You'll never go hungry in New York City, but for a true taste of the city's foodie scene, you'll need to head to Brooklyn. The area is renowned for its hipster hangouts and huge open-air food market. On this Best of Brooklyn tour, you'll travel by bus, stopping at the likes of popular Table 87 for a delicious slice of coal oven-fired pizza.
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North Carolina: Wilmington Downtown Tasting Tour, Taste Wilmington
Indulge your stomach and discover the cute coastal town of Wilmington with this foodie tour. You'll wander between five or six of the town's most prized bars and restaurants, sampling delicious seafood plates and indulgent sweet treats. Some stops include a tipple too.
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North Dakota: Heritage Eats
The North Dakota tourist board has pulled together a guide to the best spots in the state. You'll have to download the map from North Dakota Tourism and take yourself on the tour, but it's worth it. The trip reflects the state's heritage and includes the 19th-century Buckskin Bar & Grill, serving hearty all-American dishes; and Reuben's Restaurant, a German-American joint that pays homage to the German ancestry of many North Dakota residents.
Ohio: Findlay Market Tour, Cincinnati Food Tours
Take a tour of Findlay Market, the oldest market in Cincinnati, and learn about its history as well as its culinary delights. During the tour you'll meet five merchants, who'll share their story and a sample. A highlight is Gramma Debbie's Kitchen, beloved for its tasty meatballs and wings. For a small extra fee, you'll get wine and beer tastings too.
Oklahoma: Paseo Arts District, Oklahoma Food Tours
Paseo Arts District is best known for its creativity, but it has a stellar food scene too. Eat your way around the art-filled district with a knowledgeable local guide, who will regale you with stories about the neighbourhood and the city while you get your fill. Expect tasty dishes including killer tacos and great views of the Spanish Revival architecture all around.
Oregon: Food Carts, Pods and Patios Tour, Lost Plate Food Tours
Portland is awash with street food trucks and this tour shows off the best of the city's roving vendors. You'll visit up to seven food carts (including a popular food-cart 'pod'), plus a buzzing food hall and a brewery. Expect everything from barbecue plates to sweet pies and ice cream.
Pennsylvania: Taste of Philly Food Tour
Rhode Island Red Food Tours
Rhode Island: Downcity Providence Food Tour, Rhode Island Red Food Tours
This three-hour tour takes you through downtown, showing off Providence's hearty, farm-to-table food. You'll visit Dune Brothers Seafood Shack for clam cakes and chowder; feast on pastries at Parisian bakery Ellie's and try beautiful, modern plates at upmarket Gracie's. You won't go thirsty – there's a stop at The Malted Barley tap house too.
Charleston Culinary Tours
South Carolina: Downtown Charleston Culinary Tour, Charleston Culinary Tours.
Eat your way around Charleston's historic French Quarter and learn about low country cooking at the same time (think rice, grits and freshly-caught seafood). You'll also taste some of the city's best barbecue. Poogan's Smokehouse and Oyster House on Market – serving barbecue food and seafood, respectively – are highlights along the way.
South Dakota: Downtown Sioux Falls Food Tour, Sioux Falls Food Tours
For comfort food with a modern twist, book a space on this Sioux Falls tour. It's run by Sioux Falls local and ex-barista Jenna Aukerman and you'll try comforting southern classics like shrimp and grits. You might sample one of modern Queen City Bakery's delicious sweet treats too.
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Tennessee: Midtown Tour, Walk Eat Nashville
The Midtown Tour in Nashville shows the best of the city's Southern joints, like Mason’s, a restaurant serving inventive twists on comforting classics. As well as plenty of food, the tour includes a walk along "Rock Block", the eclectic centre of the city's rock scene.
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Texas: Up in Smoke: Texas BBQ Tour, Food Chick Tours
There's no better state for a barbecue tour and this is a pilgrimage to the best spots for ribs, brisket and juicy steaks in San Antonio. The tour lasts for four hours and carnivores will stop off at beloved joints like Smoke Shack BBQ, which serves barbecued meat with a whole lot of Southern hospitality.
Gourmand Tours at Park City
Utah: Gourmand Tours at Park City
A food and history tour in one, this culinary journey is led by local Chris through Main Street in picturesque Park City. The city is best known for its Mexican-inspired and modern American dishes, and you'll try both and more on this walking tour. The buffalo cauliflower from Handle Park is a winner. Beyond the food you can learn about the city's mining history and pop into the Park City Museum.
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Vermont: Vermont Farm Tours
Get the chance to visit farms across lush Vermont and taste their gourmet delights. You can embark on a cheese-filled tour of Shelburne Farm, where you'll learn about the production process and enjoy plenty of samples. Or opt for Bread and Butter Farm, where you can have a go at making your own.
David Uhrin/Taste Virginia
Virginia: Oyster & Tour, Taste Virginia
The state of Virginia is well-known for its oysters so there's nowhere better for an oyster and wine pairing tour. The tour begins in Lynnhaven Bay where you'll learn more about the history of this delicacy. Then, head along Virginia's oyster trail, sampling them raw and Rockefeller style (baked or broiled), with carefully selected wine pairings. Family-owned seafood restaurant Rockafeller's is a favourite stop.
Washington: Signature Food Tour of Pike Place Market, Savor Seattle Tour
Pike Place Market has been the heart of Seattle's food scene since 1907. On this Savor Seattle Tour, you'll explore the marketplace, sampling the vendors' wares and learning about the venue's history. You'll try award-winning clam chowder from Pike Place Chowder and mac and cheese at Beecher's Handmade Cheese.
Wisconsin: Atwood Brew and Chew, Madison Eats Food Tours
West Virginia: Taste of Morgantown
While the Mountain State doesn't have a dedicated foodie tour just yet, its gourmet festival in cute Morgantown (pictured) is the next best thing. Taste of Morgantown sees a plethora of vendors come together to showcase West Virginia's foodie spoils: sample everything from Italian dishes and barbecue plates to tacos and burgers.
Wyoming: Teton Food Tour, Teton Village
This isn't your average food tour – but it's a fantastic way to experience the best of the state's gourmet scene. Teton Village is best known for its winter sports and stunning scenery, and each summer the Teton Food Tour combines the great outdoors with some great foodie offerings. The tour sees participants cycle through the bucolic region (view from Teton Village bike path, pictured) stopping for provisions such as burgers and kombucha at the likes of Snake River Ranch.
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