Nashville Guide

Nashville Food & Hot Chicken Tours

Taste spicy Nashville hot chicken, Southern comfort food, and BBQ!

84+ tours
From $60
3-5 hours
Nashville Food & Hot Chicken Tours

Discover Nashville's delicious food scene - Southern comfort meets spicy innovation! Nashville food tours explore the city's signature dish: Nashville hot chicken (fried chicken coated in cayenne pepper paste - originated at Prince's Hot Chicken Shack!), alongside Southern staples like biscuits and gravy, meat-and-three plates, banana pudding, and Tennessee BBQ. Visit iconic joints like Hattie B's (tourist favorite), Prince's (original!), Bolton's (locals' choice), farm-to-table restaurants, food halls, and trendy 12South neighborhood eateries. Sample hot chicken at various heat levels (mild to "shut the cluck up"!), taste classic Southern sides, and explore Nashville's culinary evolution. It's spicy, soul-satisfying Southern food!

Featured Food & Hot Chicken Tours Tours

Discover our top picks for food & hot chicken tours in Nashville

Taste of Nashville Food & Sightseeing Tour
From $114.1
Free Cancellation

On this fun and delicious tour, sample the best of Nashville's classic cuisine and visit some amazing places along the way. We'll enjoy a frosty local cocktail, taste hand-made spirits, visit a bakery with a history, enjoy Centennial Park, where you'll learn about the Parthenon, Vanderbilt, and more. Experience whole-hog barbecue at it's very best and learn the secrets that make it so amazing. Feel the heat with authentic Nashville Hot Chicken. Lots of food, fun, and local insights! Along the way, you'll see sights such as the Capitol, Bicentennial Mall, Sounds stadium, Germantown, the Cumberland River, Marathon Village, East Nashville's Five Points, Nissan Stadium, and much more! We may substitute or alter the specific stops and foods, based on daily closures or events. Travel in our comfortable high-roof touring van with a knowledgeable and fun local guide. The very best way to experience Nashville's neighborhoods, history, and amazing local foods!

4.9(1,703)
3h
View Details
Nashville: Food Tour with 5+ Tastings of Local Delicacies
💸Special Offer
$98From $88.2
Free Cancellation

EAST NASHVILLE - Indulge in classic Southern flavors on our Secret Food Tour: East Nashville. Experience pulled pork, hot chicken, and handmade biscuits while exploring historic neighborhoods. Enjoy Southern hospitality and uncover the legends of Nashville's East Edgefield and Five Points. Don't miss the culinary award-winning Secret Dish that adds excitement to our food journey! 12SOUTH - Uncover the city's trendiest avenue with our guides. Explore vibrant streets boasting cool coffee shops, stylish eateries, and restored buildings. Discover unique shops and maybe even a celebrity-frequented dress store. Indulge in the finest local bites and drinks during this exciting adventure!

4.9(2,691)
3h 30m
View Details
Downtown Nashville Food Tour With Sidewalk Food Tours
From $99
Free Cancellation

Join us on a 3-hour food walking tour of Downtown Nashville (The Gulch) On your eating extravaganza, you will savor amazingly delicious foods from 5 unique restaurants, eateries, and bakeries. In addition to all the mouthwatering foods you'll be enjoying, your guide will discuss the history, culture, and food scene of the neighborhood. We tell the story of Downtown Nashville through its food and the people who prepare it. Lace-up your sneakers and come eat with us on an eating adventure through Downtown Nashville (The Gulch)

4.8(99)
3h
View Details
Nashville Shopping Tour with Wine, Cocktails and Snacks
From $68
Free Cancellation

Nashville's ONLY all inclusive shopping tour. Your drinks, food, and exclusive discounts are included with the purchase of your ticket. This is the perfect tour for girlfriends and bachelorettes who love to shop, drink, and get awesome discounts. You will stroll your way through a two hour guided walking tour of Nashville's Gulch. You will start the tour at Marble Fox with a delicious glass of wine and hot pretzel bites. Afterwards, you will cruise the Gulch with your girlfriends visiting fabulous boutiques and taking pictures along the way. Enjoy complimentary wine, cocktails and shots throughout the tour. You will also get exclusive discounts of 10-20%; the discounts alone pay for the tour.

3.8(29)
2h 30m
View Details
Private Small Group Nashville Food & Sightseeing Tour
From $245
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Enjoy Nashville's favorite foods and a private sightseeing tour exclusively for your group. Visit Nashville neighborhoods and landmarks with your private guide, and sample our quintessential foods along the way. Discover the food, fun, and facts that make Nashville a unique and fascinating city! Along the way, sample our signature Nashville Hot Chicken, Whole-hog BBQ, our own frosty alcohol milkshake, and the quirky and local neighborhoods that showcase Nashville's creativity. BYOB on the van! It's fun, social, and delicious!

4.8(33)
3h
View Details
Nashville: Private Food Tour with 5+ Tastings of Local Delicacies
From $335
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

On our Secret Food Tour: East Nashville, you'll enjoy a variety of classic Southern foods. From mouthwatering pulled pork and spicy hot chicken to handcrafted crustburgers at a critically acclaimed restaurant, our experienced guides will take you to the hip streets and quaint neighborhoods of historic East Edgefield and Five Points for an unforgettable and delicious Southern gastronomic adventure. Experience Southern hospitality at its finest as you indulge in the legend and lore of these hot Nashville enclaves. Plus, don't forget about our Secret Dish, a culinary award-winning treasure that takes center stage on our food journey! As a private experience, everything revolves around you. Enjoy flexible start times, personalized pacing, and the chance to ask every question without the crowd. It’s a more intimate, relaxed way to explore Nashville—one delicious stop at a time.

4.9(93)
3h 30m
View Details
Private Half-Day History and Food Tour of Nashville
From $492
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Nashville food, cultural insights, history, & sightseeing all wrapped into one amazing private tour! You will be personally introduced to Music City by your friendly guide and give your taste buds a ride along the way.  Sample Nashville's favorite signature dishes and visit quaint, quirky Nashville neighborhoods as you travel in a comfortable luxury vehicle. Your tour includes enough samples of our favorite foods to make a meal together with your choice of a local beer tasting or cocktail. Maximum 3 travelers per booking.

4.2(6)
3h
View Details
Big Southern BBQ Bash and Private Party Bus Experience
From $1,725
Free Cancellation👤Private TourNew+1

Get ready for the ultimate Nashville party-on-wheels with The Big Southern BBQ Bash & Private Party Bus Experience! Round up your crew of up to 35 for a feast that’s as bold as Music City itself — House-Smoked Tennessee BBQ, fiery Nashville Hot Chicken bites, southern fried chicken bites, cowboy beans, creamy mac ‘n cheese, and all the sauces and condiments you need. Thanks to our friends at The Green Light and the culinary masters at Southern Sides, this spread is guaranteed to kick your day or night off right (before or after the party bus ride). Then it’s time to turn the streets of Nashville into your personal honky-tonk. Climb aboard your private party bus for two hours of non-stop fun — music up, good vibes rolling, and your crew living it up Nashville-style. And just when you think it can’t get any better, we’ll throw in a mechanical bull ride for every single guest. Because nothing says Nashville like BBQ, party buses, and hanging on for dear life! Alcohol is not included

2h
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Why Choose Food & Hot Chicken Tours in Nashville?

Nashville Hot Chicken

City invented hot chicken - spicy, crispy, unforgettable!

Southern Comfort Food

Biscuits, gravy, meat-and-three, banana pudding - soul-satisfying!

Local Institutions

Visit family-run spots serving recipes for generations!

Food Innovation

Nashville blends traditional Southern with modern creativity!

Types of Food & Hot Chicken Tours in Nashville

Hot Chicken Tour

Sample hot chicken at 3-4 spots comparing styles and heat.

3-4 hoursMultiple spotsHeat levelsMilk included!Spicy

Southern Food Tour

Taste biscuits, BBQ, meat-and-three, and Southern classics.

3-4 hours6-8 tastingsComfort foodCultural storiesDelicious

12South Food Tour

Explore trendy neighborhood with modern Nashville dining.

3 hoursTrendy areaModern SouthernInstagram-worthyHip

BBQ & Whiskey Tour

Tennessee BBQ paired with local whiskey tastings.

4 hoursBBQ focusWhiskeyPairingsSmoky

What to Expect on Your Nashville Food & Hot Chicken Tours

Duration

Tours: 3-4 hours with 6-8 tastings replacing lunch or dinner.

Hot Chicken

Fried chicken with cayenne paste - choose heat level (mild to insane!).

Meat-and-Three

Nashville tradition - pick protein + three sides (mac & cheese, greens, etc).

Prince's Hot Chicken

Original hot chicken spot where dish was invented in 1930s!

Southern Sides

Collard greens, mac & cheese, fried okra, cornbread - classic Southern!

Food History

Learn about hot chicken origin story and Southern food traditions.

Expert Tips for the Best Experience

1

Hot chicken heat levels: START MILD! Even "medium" is seriously spicy.

2

Prince's (original, cash-only) vs. Hattie B's (tourist-friendly) - try both!

3

Bolton's locals prefer for authentic hot chicken experience.

4

Order milk with hot chicken - beer makes heat worse!

5

Meat-and-three lunch spots ($8-12) are budget Southern food.

6

Arnold's Country Kitchen (meat-and-three) cash-only, closes at 2:30 PM weekdays.

7

Come HUNGRY - portions are generous and tours have many stops.

8

Hot chicken is messy - bring napkins and embrace it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:What is Nashville hot chicken?

A: Nashville hot chicken is fried chicken coated in cayenne pepper paste! Invented 1930s at Prince's. It's crispy, spicy (mild to extremely hot), served on white bread with pickles. Heat levels: Mild, Medium, Hot, X-Hot, XXX. Start mild - even medium is VERY spicy!

Q:Where is the best hot chicken?

A: Prince's (original, most authentic, cash-only). Hattie B's (popular, tourist-friendly, consistent). Bolton's (locals' favorite, spiciest). Each has devoted fans! Debate rages endlessly. Tours let you try multiple - best way to decide yourself!

Q:How spicy is Nashville hot chicken?

A: VERY spicy at higher levels! Mild: Moderate kick. Medium: Quite spicy. Hot/X-Hot: Extremely spicy. XXX: Painful for most people! Order milk (beer makes it worse). Start mild - you can always go hotter next time. Don't underestimate it!

Q:How much do food tours cost?

A: Hot chicken tours: $60-90 (3-4 hours, 3-4 spots). Southern food tours: $65-95 (6-8 tastings). BBQ tours: $70-100. Private: $200-400 for group. Tours replace meals - good value for variety and avoiding bad spots!

Q:What is meat-and-three?

A: Meat-and-three is Nashville lunch tradition - choose one protein (fried chicken, meatloaf, pork chop) plus three sides from 8-12 options. $8-12 for filling Southern plate. Arnold's Country Kitchen is legendary. Cafeteria-style, quick, delicious!

Q:Can vegetarians eat in Nashville?

A: Challenging but possible! Hot chicken is chicken (duh!). However, sides are great: mac & cheese, greens, beans. Some restaurants offer cauliflower hot chicken. Nashville has veggie restaurants (Avo, The Wild Cow). Communicate needs - most places accommodate!

Q:When is the best time for food tours?

A: Year-round! Lunch tours (11 AM-2 PM) hit meat-and-three spots. Dinner tours (5-8 PM) for hot chicken (lighter lunch recommended before spicy dinner!). Food scene runs daily. Hot chicken anytime but prepare for heat!

Q:Should I try hot chicken?

A: ABSOLUTELY! It's Nashville's signature dish. Start with mild or medium heat level. Have milk ready. It's spicy but incredibly flavorful - crispy skin, juicy chicken. Even if not into spicy food, mild is manageable. Must-try Nashville experience!

Don't Miss the Perfect Nashville Experience

Book your food & hot chicken tours today - 84+ tours with instant confirmation & best price guarantee!

Why Visit Nashville?

Grand Ole Opry and country music heritage

Vibrant Broadway district and live music

Famous hot chicken and Southern cuisine

Rich musical history and culture

Warm Southern hospitality

Perfect blend of music and culture

Best Time to Visit

Weather

Nashville enjoys four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid (75-90°F/24-32°C), winters are mild (35-50°F/2-10°C), and spring/fall offer pleasant temperatures.

Best Months

March to May and September to November offer the best weather with mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and perfect conditions for sightseeing.

Peak Season

June to August brings peak tourist season with hot, humid weather, larger crowds, and higher prices.

Off Season

December to February offers lower prices and fewer crowds, though with cooler weather.

Plan Your Nashville Trip

Transportation Tips

Public transportation includes buses and the Music City Star train. Renting a car provides flexibility, and ride-sharing services are widely available.

Car Rental Deals in Nashville

Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.

Where to Stay

Find the perfect accommodation for your Nashville adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.

Best Hotel Deals in Nashville

Discover top-rated hotels with exclusive rates and special offers on Trivago USA.

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