If you’re looking for a way to truly experience Lexington beyond the usual sightseeing, the Bites of the Bluegrass Cocktails & Bites Tour might just be the ticket. This guided experience offers a tasty and informative journey through the East End of Lexington, where history, art, and local cuisine come together in a relaxed, friendly setting. While we haven’t done it ourselves, what we’ve seen and heard from travelers suggests it’s a well-loved way to dip into local culture without feeling rushed.
What really catches the eye here are the delicious food and drinks and the knowledgeable guides who bring the neighborhoods’ stories to life. Plus, the tour is wheelchair accessible and welcomes service animals, making it inclusive for many travelers. One potential consideration? The tour runs for about 2.5 hours, so if you’re not a fan of walking from spot to spot or prefer longer, more leisurely outings, this might feel a bit brisk. But for those who want a concise, lively introduction to Lexington’s culinary scene and history, this tour hits the mark.
This experience seems perfect for curious travelers who enjoy a mix of tasting local flavors, learning stories behind the spots, and meeting fellow explorers. It’s also a good pick if you want a fun, social way to explore Lexington’s East End, especially if you love craft cocktails and farm-to-table bites.
Key Points
- Tasty introduction to Lexington with expertly mixed cocktails and local cuisine
- Informative guides who share stories and history of the neighborhoods
- Wheelchair friendly and welcoming to service animals, open to most travelers
- Short and sweet: about 2.5 hours, making it easy to fit into a busy itinerary
- Small group size (max 14) for a more personal experience
- Good value considering the variety of food, drinks, and storytelling involved
What the Tour Entails: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
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Starting Point at Lucia’s World Emporium
The tour kicks off at Lucia’s World Emporium around 4:30 pm. This is your chance to meet your guide and get a quick overview before heading out into the neighborhoods. It’s a friendly, casual start, and the meeting spot is conveniently near public transportation, so getting there should be straightforward.
Stop 1: Epping’s on Eastside
Your first stop is Epping’s on Eastside, a former bottling plant turned restaurant that champions farm-to-table flavors. Here, you’ll enjoy a signature cocktail crafted by skilled bartenders and some delicious bites from local chef Cole Armes. As you indulge, your guide will share stories about the building’s history, giving you a taste of Lexington’s storied past.
Travelers rave about how the food here is “great” and how the stories behind the place add an extra layer of interest. The stop lasts about 30 minutes, so it’s enough time to savor the food and drinks without feeling rushed. The fact that admission is free makes this a particularly good value—you’re paying mainly for the drinks, bites, and guide’s commentary.
Stop 2: Trifecta: Glass – Art – Lounge
Next, you’ll visit Trifecta, a studio that combines art and craft cocktails. Here, you can watch hot glass art being made, which is a neat visual experience that adds a creative vibe to your evening. You get to sip on a craft cocktail while learning about the local art scene and the creative spirit that thrives in Lexington’s East End.
According to reviews, guides like Dr. K really bring this part of the tour to life, keeping it engaging and informative. Plus, seeing glass being crafted in real-time offers a fascinating peek into local craftsmanship. This stop is also about 30 minutes, making it a nice, relaxed segment that balances visual interest with tasting.
Stop 3: The Void Sake Company
Your final stop is The Void Sake Company, where you can pick your favorite spirit—beer, seltzer, or sake—and enjoy it with a gourmet food truck offering. This laid-back spot wraps up the tour with a casually indulgent vibe, perfect for winding down and sharing impressions with your fellow travelers.
Reviews highlight how guides like Dr. Kat keep the atmosphere lively and educational, making sure everyone has a good time while learning about Lexington’s unique liquor scene. The tasting here is a highlighted feature, giving you a chance to sample something you might not find elsewhere.
End of Tour and Return
The tour wraps back at the starting point around 7 pm, leaving you with a satisfying sense of having explored the neighborhood’s flavor profile and history in a manageable, well-paced way.
Practical Details and What to Expect
The price of $105 per person isn’t just about the cocktails and bites—it’s really about the experience, the stories, and the opportunity to meet others with similar interests. Many travelers find this to be great value, especially considering the quality of the food, drinks, and guide engagement. The small group size (up to 14) keeps things intimate, which is perfect for asking questions and having conversations.
The tour is wheelchair-friendly and suitable for most travelers, with service animals welcome, making it accessible for many. It’s also a mobile ticket experience, so you’ll have a smooth check-in process.
One thing to keep in mind: it’s booked around 18 days in advance on average, so if you’re interested, it’s best to reserve early. Also, if you’re tired of walking or want a more leisurely pace, this tour’s structured to keep things moving without feeling rushed—something many reviews appreciate.
What Travelers Are Saying
Reviewers unanimously give this tour a perfect 5-star rating, praising the knowledge and enthusiasm of guides like Dr. K and Dr. Kat, who make the experience memorable. Comments like “very knowledgeable and informative” and “great food and cocktails” point to the high quality of both the tasting and storytelling elements.
Many mention how much they enjoyed the small group setting, which felt personal and fun. The food, especially, seems to impress — “the food was great,” “really good,” and “phenomenal” are common praises. The cocktails also receive high marks, with some reviews calling this the “best cocktails tour” they’ve taken.
People also appreciate the fun, relaxed atmosphere—it’s a good way to get a taste of local Lexington without the formality or rush of larger tours. The fact that the guide’s love for Lexington is evident adds an authentic touch to the experience.
The Balance: Pros and Cons
While most reviews highlight the tour’s strengths, it’s worth noting that a 2.5-hour duration might feel a little quick if you’re the type who prefers a more leisurely or in-depth exploration. Also, it’s designed for a small group, so if you’re traveling solo or as a couple, you’ll likely enjoy the intimacy. If you’re traveling with family or children, this tour is quite adult-focused, especially since it involves cocktails and tastings, so younger kids might not find it as engaging.
Overall, the Bites of the Bluegrass Cocktails & Bites Tour offers a friendly, flavor-filled window into Lexington’s neighborhoods, combining food, drink, art, and stories into one lively experience. It’s perfect for curious travelers who love tasting and learning without the fuss of larger, more commercial tours.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This tour is a great pick if you value local flavors, storytelling, and a social atmosphere. It’s suited for adults who enjoy craft cocktails and farm-to-table bites, and those interested in a taste of Lexington’s creative side. If you’re in town for a short visit or want an engaging, manageable way to explore the East End, this tour could be just right.
It’s also an excellent choice for travelers who prefer a small, guided experience with knowledgeable hosts, and who appreciate a mix of education and entertainment. If you enjoy meeting new people and trying new drinks and foods in a relaxed setting, don’t miss out.
Bites of the Bluegrass Cocktails & Bites Tour
“Very knowledgeable and informative. Great tour. Food was great and everything was in close proximity.”
FAQ – Your Questions Answered
- How long is the Bites of the Bluegrass Tour?
It lasts about 2.5 hours, starting at 4:30 pm and ending back at the meeting point. - Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at Lucia’s World Emporium and ends at the same spot. - Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair-friendly and accessible, with service animals welcome. - What is the price per person?
The tour costs $105.00 per person, which covers food, drinks, and the experience. - How far in advance should I book?
On average, the tour is booked 18 days ahead, so it’s best to reserve early. - Are children allowed on this tour?
Since the experience involves cocktails and adult tastings, it’s geared toward adults. - What kind of drinks are included?
You’ll enjoy expertly mixed cocktails, plus options like beer, seltzer, or sake at the final stop. - Is the tour family-friendly?
Not specifically; it’s designed for adults due to the nature of tastings and alcohol. - Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. - Is there a guide or tour leader?
Yes, knowledgeable guides like Dr. K and Dr. Kat lead the tour, sharing stories and insights.
This tour offers a balanced, engaging way to experience Lexington’s food, drink, and history without overdoing it. If you’re into trying local specialties and chatting with friendly guides, it’s definitely worth considering.
