Memphis Food Tour from South Main to Beale Street with 5 Tastings
Eat your way from South Main to the neon of Beale Street, with ribs, fried chicken and Memphis history served at every stop. Starting with a Secret Dish we won't name until it lands on your table inside one of the city's oldest restaurants. Then it's barbecue the way Memphians argue about it: two ribs side by side, one sauced and one dry-rubbed, both smoked over hickory and pecan. Next comes fried chicken with a national reputation and a slow-building heat, followed by a bowl of okra-thick gumbo as Beale Street opens up ahead of you. Between bites, you'll stand outside the Lorraine Motel, hear how the city survived the yellow fever epidemic, and learn how Beale Street handed the world the blues. This Secret Food Tours route ends with a deep-fried peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a tribute to Elvis's famous sweet tooth on the street where he first heard the sound that made him.
Your experience
Stop 1
The motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968, its preserved balcony and vintage sign still marking the spot. Today it houses the National Civil Rights Museum, one of the most important historical sites in the country.
Stop 2
A grand 1928 theater at the corner of South Main and Beale, with a glowing marquee and a chandeliered interior. It marks the point where the quiet historic blocks give way to the city's famous music strip.
Stop 3
A bronze statue of a young Elvis Presley, guitar in hand, standing on the street where he first soaked up the blues. It's one of the most photographed spots in Memphis and a must for any fan of the King.
Stop 4
A tribute to the Memphis artists who shaped American music, from B.B. King and Johnny Cash to Aretha Franklin and Isaac Hayes. It's a quick reminder of just how much of the world's soundtrack started in this city.
Stop 5
Officially named the Home of the Blues by Congress, this is the street that gave the world W.C. Handy, B.B. King and the sound that became rock and roll. By day it's full of history, and by night its neon signs and live music spill out onto the sidewalk.
Stop 6
A small park on Beale Street named for W.C. Handy, the musician known as the Father of the Blues. His statue stands here with trumpet in hand, and the park often hosts live music on weekends.
Stop 7
A gallery showcasing the work of Ernest Withers, the Memphis photographer who documented the civil rights movement, Negro League baseball and the city's music legends. His images capture moments from Dr. King's marches to Elvis on stage.
What’s included
- Spicy Fried Chicken
- Gumbo
- Our simple yet incredibly flavorful Secret Dish
- Two Styles of Memphis Ribs with coleslaw and beans
- Deep Fried Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich
Not included
- Pick-up & Drop-off
- Guide's Gratuities
Meeting and pickup
We meet outside the entrance to Memphis Central Station, 545 S Main St. Your guide will be waiting for you with an orange umbrella for easy recognition
Before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note: the itinerary and menu is subject to change, based on the locations' availability, weather, and other circumstances.
- Please ensure to contact us in advance of the tour for any dietary requirement, to ensure we can cater for them the best we can.
- This tour involves a fair amount of walking; comfortable shoes are recommended.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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