Chattanooga: Southside Food Tour With Lunch

Chattanooga’s Southside has become a thriving culinary destination, with a diverse array of eateries that showcase the city’s rich cultural influences. On this 3-hour food tour, visitors will have the opportunity to explore five unique establishments, each offering a delectable taste of the area’s transformation. From family-owned Mexican cuisine to craft cocktails at a micro-distillery, the tour promises to be a delightful exploration of the region’s vibrant food scene. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, participants can expect to uncover the stories behind the local cuisine and gain a deeper appreciation for the community’s gastronomic evolution.

This experience made our list of the 7 Best Food Tours In Chattanooga.

Key Points

• Immersive 3-hour food tour of Chattanooga’s vibrant Southside neighborhood, exploring its diverse culinary landscape and historic transformation.
• Visits to 5 local food and drink establishments, including a family-owned Mexican restaurant, an Airstream burger joint, and a micro-distillery.
• Guided by knowledgeable Chattanooga Ambassador, providing insights into the cultural influences and evolution of the city’s food scene.
• Opportunity to sample a range of authentic dishes, craft beverages, and premium bourbon pairings.
• Flexible cancellation policy with full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Southside Food Tour in Chattanooga is an immersive three-hour activity that allows participants to explore the vibrant culinary landscape of the city’s Southside neighborhood.

Priced at $129 per person, the tour is limited to 8 participants and includes visits to 5 local food and drink establishments.

Guests can expect to sample a variety of dishes, mocktails, and alcoholic beverages while learning about the history and evolution of Chattanooga’s thriving food culture from a trained Chattanooga Ambassador guide.

The tour offers free cancellation with a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance, and participants can reserve their spot without immediate payment.

Exploring Chattanooga’s Southside

As visitors embark on the Southside Food Tour, they’ll be immersed in the vibrant culinary landscape that defines Chattanooga’s dynamic Southside neighborhood.

This historic area has undergone a remarkable transformation, with a thriving food scene that showcases the city’s diverse cultural influences.

The tour explores three key highlights:

1. Taqueria Jalisco, a family-owned Mexican restaurant offering authentic cuisine.
2. Slicks Burgers, a unique eatery housed in an airstream camper.
3. Gate 11 Distillery, a nationally recognized micro-distillery, where guests can sample a variety of spirits.

Throughout the tour, you will gain insights into the area’s history and the evolution of Chattanooga’s local food culture from a knowledgeable Chattanooga Ambassador guide.

Taqueria Jalisco: Family-Owned Mexican Cuisine

Taqueria Jalisco, the first stop on the Southside Food Tour, is a family-owned Mexican restaurant that embodies the rich culinary heritage of the region.

Passed down through generations, the restaurant’s recipes blend traditional Mexican flavors with locally sourced ingredients. Visitors can savor authentic dishes like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail.

The welcoming ambiance and attentive service create an immersive experience, allowing guests to truly connect with the family’s passion for their craft.

As the tour progresses, Taqueria Jalisco sets the stage for a delightful exploration of Chattanooga’s diverse and vibrant Southside neighborhood.

Slicks Burgers: Airstream Dining Experience

From the family-owned Taqueria Jalisco, the tour winds its way to Slicks Burgers, an unconventional dining spot housed within a refurbished Airstream camper.

At Slicks, guests are treated to a truly unique burger experience. The menu features:

1. Creative burger combinations made with high-quality ingredients.
2. Refreshing milkshakes and other specialty drinks to complement the burgers.
3. A cozy, nostalgic atmosphere inside the retro Airstream setting.

The Slicks Burgers stop provides a delightful contrast to the traditional restaurant setting, offering a fun and memorable dining experience as part of the Chattanooga Southside Food Tour.

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Gate 11 Distillery: Micro-Distillery Delights

The next stop on the Chattanooga Southside Food Tour takes visitors to Gate 11 Distillery, a nationally recognized micro-distillery that produces an array of award-winning spirits.

Guests will have the opportunity to sample the distillery’s unique offerings, which include small-batch vodka, gin, and whiskey.

The knowledgeable guide will provide insights into the distilling process and the history behind Gate 11’s hotel.

Visitors can appreciate the attention to detail and craftsmanship that goes into each bottle, making this a truly unique and memorable experience.

The distillery’s commitment to quality and innovation is evident in every sip, providing a delightful addition to the Southside culinary tour.

Main Street Meats: Bourbon and Butchery

Nestled on Chattanooga’s Main Street, Main Street Meats stands as a premier USDA butchery, boasting an impressive selection of over 350 bourbon options.

This unique hotel offers visitors a one-of-a-kind experience, blending the art of butchery with the nuanced flavors of premium bourbon.

The tour highlights three key aspects of Main Street Meats:

1. Artisanal Butchery: Guests can witness the skilled craftsmanship of the in-house butchers as they prepare high-quality cuts of meat.

2. Bourbon Tasting: Visitors have the opportunity to sample a variety of locally-sourced and nationally recognized bourbon varieties.

3. Culinary Insights: The tour provides an inside look at the rich history and evolution of Chattanooga’s dynamic food culture.

Fountainhead Taproom: Diverse Drink Options

Stepping into Fountainhead Taproom, guests are greeted by a 60-tap system offering a diverse array of beverages. From locally-brewed craft beers to innovative mocktails and kombucha, the taproom caters to a range of tastes.

The knowledgeable staff guides visitors through the extensive menu, sharing insights into the unique flavors and brewing processes. Whether sipping on a refreshing nitro-infused beverage or sampling a flight of regional mead and wines, patrons are immersed in Chattanooga’s vibrant drink culture.

The taproom’s cozy ambiance and focus on quality ingredients complement the overall Southside food tour experience, providing a perfect pairing for the culinary delights encountered earlier.

Historical Insights and Culinary Evolution

As guests explore the Southside neighborhood, the tour guide seamlessly blends historical insights with the culinary evolution that has transformed Chattanooga’s food scene.

The guide’s expertise sheds light on how the area has transitioned from its industrial roots to a vibrant hub of dining and culture.

Key insights include:

1. Tracing the impact of the Tennessee Aquarium’s opening in the 1990s, which sparked the revitalization of the Southside district.

2. Highlighting the rise of locally-owned restaurants and eateries that have brought unique flavors and a sense of community to the neighborhood.

3. Examining how Chattanooga’s growing reputation as a destination for food and drink has attracted new talent and investment, further elevating the city’s culinary landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Dietary Accommodation for the Tour?

Unfortunately, the tour is not suitable for individuals with food allergies. The tour visits multiple establishments, making it difficult to accommodate specific dietary needs. Guests with food restrictions may want to consider a different tour option.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement to Participate?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum age requirement, so participants of all ages are welcome. However, it’s important to note that the tour involves sampling alcoholic beverages, so parental discretion is advised for younger attendees.

Are Gratuities for the Tour Guide Included in the Price?

No, gratuities for the tour guide are not included in the tour price. Participants are expected to tip the guide at their discretion based on the quality of the tour and service provided.

Can I Bring My Own Camera or Is Photography Prohibited?

Participants are generally welcome to bring their own cameras on the tour to capture the experience. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator in advance if there are any specific photography restrictions or guidelines.

Is There a Dress Code or Any Specific Attire Recommended?

There’s no strict dress code, but comfortable, casual attire is recommended. Participants should wear walking shoes as the tour involves some walking between establishments. The tour is an active experience, so light, breathable clothing is ideal.

Recap

Chattanooga’s Southside food tour offers a delightful experience that delves into the area’s rich culinary scene. Visitors can savor a diverse range of local flavors, from authentic Mexican dishes to craft cocktails, while learning about the cultural influences that have shaped the region’s thriving food destination. This intimate and informative tour provides a unique opportunity to discover the vibrant tastes and transformative stories that define the Southside’s culinary landscape.

You can check if your dates are available here: