Nashville 12South Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

If you’re considering a food-focused adventure in Nashville, the 12South Walking Food Tour by Secret Food Tours promises a tasty introduction to one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods. This experience is packed with flavorful bites, insider insights, and a casual pace that makes it a great choice whether you’re a foodie or just want a laid-back way to explore. What really stands out is the balance of delicious sampling and local storytelling, coupled with a small-group vibe that feels intimate and relaxed.

One of the things we love about this tour is how it takes the hassle out of planning—your guide handles the places to visit and recommends the best eats along the way. Plus, the variety of dishes, especially the secret tasting, keeps things exciting. That said, a potential drawback is that the tour focuses heavily on certain types of food, like tacos and quesadillas, which might not cater to every dietary preference, despite the pre-tour dietary info.

This tour is perfect for those wanting a taste of Nashville’s local flavor, a relaxed walk through a lively neighborhood, and some good stories along the way. It’s suitable for travelers who enjoy casual outings, love sampling different foods, and appreciate a friendly, small-group setting.

Key Points

• Taste Nashville’s local cuisine with a variety of savory and sweet bites.
• Enjoy a small, relaxed group that encourages conversation and personalized tips.
• Learn about the neighborhood from an insider guide with personal connections.
• Experience a carefully curated itinerary that highlights the best of 12South.
• Discover a secret tasting that adds a fun surprise element.
• Perfect for food lovers, curious travelers, or those new to Nashville’s culinary scene.

What You Can Expect from the Nashville 12South Food Tour

This experience offers more than just eating—it’s about feeling like a local for a few hours, understanding the area’s vibe, and collecting some memorable bites. The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, with about 30 minutes at each stop, making it a manageable pace that includes plenty of time for chatting, tasting, and shopping for souvenirs. Plus, the mobile ticket system makes check-in smooth.

Starting Point: The First Bite at 2229 10th Ave S

Your journey kicks off on 10th Avenue South, home to one of the most sought-after restaurants in Nashville. Here, you’ll indulge in a famous breakfast taco—a local favorite—and get your taste buds tingling right away. This spot is well-loved, which hints at the quality of the bites you’ll enjoy throughout the tour.

Second Stop: Southern Comfort on 12th Avenue

Next, you’ll move to a highly acclaimed restaurant on 12th Avenue South known for its Southern dishes. The star here is a hot pork and grits casserole, which has garnered praise for its rich, comforting flavors. This is a great example of how the tour mixes traditional Southern fare with a modern twist, and it offers a hearty taste of local cuisine.

Sweet Break: Gourmet Cookies at 2606 12th

After the savory, it’s time for something sweet. The third stop features one of Nashville’s most famous gourmet cookies. If you love baked treats, you’ll probably find yourself wanting to go back for more—many reviews mention the deliciousness and fame of this baked good.

Satisfying Your Cravings: The Burger Spot

Next, the tour takes you to a renowned burger joint where you’ll try a delectable burger. This stop is perfect for those who crave hearty, comforting food, and the quality is clear—many guests have raved about how satisfying the experience is.

The Finale: The Secret Dish

The last stop is a culinary surprise—a secret tasting that promises to be a memorable way to cap off the tour. It adds a fun twist and gives you a taste of Nashville’s creative culinary spirit.

The Food, the Guide, and the Experience

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides who make the tour engaging and informative. “Scott was an awesome tour guide. Upbeat, knowledgeable, and friendly,” says one guest. The guides not only share insights into the food but also sprinkle in local history and tips, making it a richer experience.

The food quality is a highlight, with many mentioning how plentiful the tastings are. Some guests noted that by the end, they were only taking small bites or taking leftovers home—a sign of good value and generous portions. The variety of flavors, from savory to sweet, ensures there’s something for all, though vegetarians should note that some stops lean heavily on meat dishes, despite dietary requests being shared beforehand.

While the cost of $99 per person might seem high for just a few bites, the reviews point out that the value is in the curated experience, the insider knowledge, and the local ambiance. You’re paying for more than just food—you’re investing in a well-rounded taste of Nashville’s vibrant neighborhood, guided by someone who truly knows their stuff.

Accessibility, Group Size, and Practicalities

This experience is designed for up to 12 travelers, keeping the group intimate. The tour is suitable for those in good physical shape, as it involves walking around the neighborhood for about 3 hours. The start and end points are the same, located at 2229 10th Ave S, and it’s easily accessible via public transportation or by car.

You’ll receive a mobile ticket, which simplifies check-in, and water is included to keep everyone hydrated during the walk. Note that hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included, so plan your transportation accordingly.

Weather and Weather-Related Changes

Since the tour is outdoors, bad weather could impact your plans. In case of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, which is reassuring for those worried about rain or heat.

The Reviews Speak Volumes

With a stellar rating of 5.0/5 based on 421 reviews, this tour clearly resonates with most attendees. Guests praise the easy pace, delicious food, and friendly guides. One reviewer summed it up: “Easy walk and delicious variety of food. Scott was an awesome tour guide. Upbeat, knowledgeable, and friendly.”

Another noted, “This was a wonderful introduction to 12 South… Patti is an outstanding guide; she knows so much about the area and the businesses.” The consistent praise for guides like Patti, Colleen, and Sean highlights how important the human element is to making this experience memorable.

On the flip side, a few reviews mention the limited vegetarian options at most stops, and some found the food portion sizes challenging to finish within the allotted time. But overall, the tour has maintained a 4.9/5 rating, which speaks volumes about its quality.

Is This Tour Worth It?

For the price of $99, you get a well-organized 3-hour walking tour packed with local food tastings, insider tips, and the chance to explore Nashville’s lively 12South neighborhood. If you’re someone who enjoys exploring a city through its culinary scene and likes having a guide show you the best spots, this tour hits the mark.

It’s especially suitable if you’re after a relaxed pace, want a small-group experience, and appreciate tasting a variety of local dishes. The fact that many reviews call their guide “fabulous” and praise the delicious food makes it clear this isn’t just a walking snack session—it’s a curated, engaging experience.

However, if you’re vegetarian, vegan, or have specific dietary restrictions, it’s worth noting that most stops focus on meat-based dishes, though dietary info is shared beforehand. Also, if you’re on a tight schedule or prefer a more independent exploration, this tour might feel a bit contained.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 3 hours, allowing plenty of time for tasting and conversation.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at 2229 10th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204. Both start and finish are at the same point.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians?
While dietary preferences are shared in advance, most stops feature meat dishes like pork or beef. Vegetarians who eat dairy and eggs might find some options, but it’s best to communicate dietary needs beforehand.

What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket includes a breakfast taco, seasonal donut, brisket quesadilla with spicy green beans, hot pork and grits casserole, the secret dish, and water.

Are there any optional extras?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and there are no mention of other extras.

Is the tour stroller or wheelchair friendly?
The tour involves walking around the neighborhood at a leisurely pace, so it might be manageable for strollers or wheelchairs, though some stops or terrain could pose challenges.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a small bag for your personal items, and maybe a camera. Water is provided, so no need to carry extra unless you want to.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted on the tour.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour relies on good weather. If canceled due to rain or other bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

The Nashville 12South Walking Food Tour by Secret Food Tours offers a well-balanced taste of Nashville’s lively 12South neighborhood. With friendly guides, plentiful food, and an easygoing pace, it’s a solid pick for travelers wanting an approachable way to explore and eat their way through a vibrant local scene. The small group size helps foster conversations and personalized tips, making it a more intimate experience than many larger tours.

While it might not be ideal for strict vegetarians or those expecting a structured, sit-down meal, it’s perfect for curious food lovers and first-time visitors eager to get a feel for Nashville’s culinary heartbeat. If you’re in town for a few days and want to combine sightseeing with sampling local flavors, this tour could be a highlight of your trip.

Whether you’re new to Nashville or a seasoned visitor, the blend of good eats, insider stories, and community vibes make this a worthwhile experience to consider. Just remember to book in advance—many say it’s worth the wait!