Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour

Thinking about exploring Scottsdale’s culinary scene? The Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour offers a tasty way to see a lively part of town while sampling some of its top eateries. It’s a popular choice, boasting a perfect 5.0 rating from 159 reviews, and it’s easy to understand why. This tour combines good food, engaging guides, and a walk through the scenic Old Town area, making it a fun, relaxed way to spend an afternoon.

What I really like about this experience is the variety it offers—you’re not stuck at one place for too long, yet you get enough to satisfy your appetite and curiosity. Plus, the guides are consistently praised for their friendliness and knowledge, which makes the tour feel more personal and engaging. The other highlight? The chance to skip the lines and secure spots at some of the best restaurants in Scottsdale, making the whole experience smooth and enjoyable.

On the flip side, a potential consideration is that this tour isn’t suited for those with mobility issues or small children under 13, as it’s walking-based and involves some reserved seating at high-tops. Also, the focus is more on food and drinks rather than a deep dive into Scottsdale’s history or culture—if your main goal is a comprehensive historical overview, you might want to supplement this tour with a different activity.

But overall, this tour hits the mark for anyone who enjoys good food, friendly guides, and a lively, social atmosphere. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, it’s a great way to get a taste of Scottsdale’s culinary heartbeat without the hassle of planning multiple restaurant visits.

Key Points

• Variety of Stops: You’ll visit several top restaurants, each offering tasting samples and drinks, providing a well-rounded flavor of Scottsdale’s food scene.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides are friendly, well-informed, and keep the experience lively, which many reviews rave about.
• Skip the Lines: Securing reservations at popular spots means less waiting and more eating.
• Walking & Duration: It’s about 2 hours and 45 minutes of walking, so comfy shoes and stretchy pants are a good idea.
• Price & Value: At $70, the tour offers a lot—multiple tastings, drinks, and local insights—making it good value for money if you enjoy a mix of food and culture.
• No Kids Under 13: This tour isn’t suited for very young children or strollers, so plan accordingly.

What to Expect on the Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour

Starting Point: Prep & Pastry

You meet at Prep & Pastry around 2:30 pm, ready for an afternoon of eating and exploring. The tour is operated by Taste It Tours, a known name in the local food scene, and is limited to about 12 travelers, which keeps things personal and friendly.

Stop 1: Barrio Queen Mexican Food

Your first stop is Barrio Queen, famed for its Mexican street tacos with homemade tortillas and an impressive selection of over 400 tequilas. The restaurant also boasts Travel + Leisure’s best guacamole, so you can expect a fresh, flavorful start. This stop lasts about 20 minutes, and you’ll get a sample of a signature dish.

Based on reviews, many guests loved this spot, with one happily mentioning that the tortillas and chips are made in-house, and the margaritas are a highlight. The food is fresh, and the lively atmosphere adds to the experience.

Stop 2: TeaTime Scottsdale

Next is TeaTime Scottsdale, a cozy, locally owned tea shop with over 80 teas on display. Here, you’ll sample a tea and a hand-painted prickly pear macaron from Ruze Cake House—trust us, that’s a treat worth savoring. This stop is quick—around 15 minutes—but a favorite among guests for the delicious tea and charming vibe.

Guests often rave about the macaron, describing it as “must-try,” and the tea selection as visually impressive. It’s a nice breather and a sweet contrast after the savory start.

Stop 3: Barrio Queen (again)

Back at Barrio Queen, you get to enjoy a taco and a freshly made margarita, giving you more time to savor the flavors. This second visit is about 20 minutes long, allowing ample time for tasting and snapping photos. Many reviews mention the delicious margaritas and quality tacos.

Stop 4: One Handsome Bastard Distillery

Moving on, you arrive at One Handsome Bastard Distillery, a family-run spot with a refreshed menu and house-distilled spirits. Here, you’ll sample tasty bites and enjoy a variety of cocktails. Interestingly, 10% of their vodka proceeds go to cancer research, adding a feel-good component to your visit. The stop lasts about 20 minutes.

Guests have enjoyed the house spirits and the friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Many appreciate the local focus and the chance to try unique cocktails with spirits they won’t find elsewhere.

Stop 5: Rocket Fizz

A quick, fun stop at Rocket Fizz, a soda and candy shop that feels like stepping back in time. You won’t be eating here, but it’s a perfect moment for some nostalgia. Plus, it’s only about 5 minutes—just enough for a quick browse. The shop is free to enter, and many reviewers say it’s a cute, colorful interlude.

Stop 6: Olive & Ivy Marketplace

Your final stop is Olive & Ivy Marketplace, a Mediterranean eatery offering famous baked pastries and gelato. You’ll spend around 25 minutes here, enjoying the homemade gelato and perhaps some last bites of the day.

Guests often mention that the gelato is especially good, and the marketplace setting adds a relaxed, upscale vibe. It’s a fitting finale to your culinary journey.

The Value of the Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour

At $70 per person, you might wonder if it’s worth it. Considering the multiple stops, sampled dishes, drinks, and insider tidbits from guides, many say it’s a solid deal. The tour is designed to give you a taste of Scottsdale’s best in a manageable, social setting.

The reviews consistently mention generous portions and the quality of food and drinks. Plus, with skip-the-line access at popular restaurants, you avoid the typical hassle of waiting, which is a real benefit in a busy foodie scene.

However, keep in mind that not everyone may find it suitable if you prefer a more in-depth historical or cultural tour—this is primarily about food, drinks, and local spots.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for food lovers wanting a curated tasting experience without the fuss of planning multiple restaurant visits. It’s also good for travellers new to Scottsdale who want a quick overview of the area’s culinary highlights, or those who enjoy a social, guided outing with drinks involved.

It’s not best suited for small children, those with mobility challenges, or anyone looking for a more culturally-focused or comprehensive tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarians can be accommodated if requested, but the tour cannot cater to vegan, dairy-free, or gluten-free diets, so it’s best to let the organizers know ahead of time.

How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, covering several stops and walking through Old Town Scottsdale.

Do I need to prepare for the walking?
Yes, wear comfortable shoes and stretchy pants, as it’s primarily walking between stops. The route is designed to be manageable but involves some walking in outdoor conditions.

Are drinks included?
Yes, alcoholic beverages are part of the experience, including signature margaritas and cocktails featuring house-distilled spirits.

What’s the starting point?
The tour begins at Prep & Pastry at 7025 E Via Soleri Dr #175 around 2:30 pm and ends back there.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Is this tour kid-friendly?
Not really — children under 13 aren’t allowed, and the tour involves reserved seating at high-tops, which isn’t suitable for strollers.

What if the weather isn’t great?
The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress accordingly. If it’s very rainy or storms are forecast, check with the provider for any updates.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a relaxed, flavorful way to explore Scottsdale’s vibrant Old Town, the Waterfront Food Tour is a fantastic choice. With a friendly guide, a variety of tasty stops, and the chance to enjoy drinks along the way, it’s a balanced experience—more about food and local charm than history or culture.

For those who love sampling different cuisines, enjoy social outings, or simply want to get a quick insider look at Scottsdale’s hotspots, this tour offers good value and plenty of memorable bites. Just remember, it’s best suited for those who are comfortable walking and looking for a lively, food-focused adventure rather than a comprehensive cultural tour.

All in all, many reviewers agree it’s well worth the price, especially if you value good food, friendly guides, and a relaxed pace. Whether you’re visiting Scottsdale for a weekend or just want an enjoyable afternoon, this tour can be a tasty highlight of your trip.

Happy eating and exploring in Scottsdale!