General Southern Culinary Tours FAQ
How do we engage in responsible tourism?
We are committed to paying all our employees a living wage: drivers, tour guides, and support staff. We partner exclusively with locally owned restaurants and bars that reflect Atlanta’s authentic culinary culture.
Do you offer private tours?
Yes we do! We need a minimum of 8 people and we can do a private tour. You can pick the stops, integrate a meal, and we can pick you up at your work or home. We are a great alternative to happy hours or employee appreciation events. Please see our Private Tour page for more information.
How should I get home?
After joining a tour where you consume alcohol, we highly encourage arranging a designated driver to pick you up after the tour or to use Uber / Lyft. If you need help planning before the tour please contact us. During the tour your guide is always there to help.
I'm getting an error when redeeming a gift card, what should I do?
Our apologies, we recently changed our booking software. If the gift card was purchased before 1/1/2022 then we need to redeem it for you via e-mail. If there are ever any issues, feel free to reach out to us and remember our gift cards never expire.
Booking & Planning
What if it rains?
Your tour runs rain or shine! Atlanta’s restaurants keep you sheltered between stops. Your guide carries umbrellas just in case. In 13+ years, weather has never stopped a great tour.
How far in advance should I book?
You’ll want to book at least 1-2 weeks ahead for public tours. Weekend dates fill fast. Private events should book 3-4 weeks out. Last-minute spots sometimes open up, so check availability.
What’s the minimum group size?
You can book a public tour solo or as a couple. No minimum for individual bookings. Public tours run with a minimum of 6 total guests (across all bookings). Private tours start at 10 guests. Either way, you’ll have a great time.
Is there a birthday or celebration option?
You can make any tour a celebration! Private tours are perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, and milestones. Your guide will help make it special. Pricing starts at $89/person.
What if my group has dietary restrictions?
Your guide talks to every restaurant ahead of time. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy accommodations are standard on every tour. Please note: we cannot accommodate vegans, as our tours focus on showcasing local neighborhood cuisine that relies heavily on Southern cooking traditions. We’re happy to offer restaurant recommendations for vegan diners.
Food Tour FAQs
Where is the pickup and drop off?
Our Midtown Food & Cocktail Tour and Boozy Brunch Tour both depart from St. Mark’s United Methodist Church at 781 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308. For all other tours, including private tours, please check your email confirmation or visit the specific tour page for departure details.
Are cameras allowed on tours?
Yes, and we encourage photos on this fun, picturesque tour. However, video cameras or tape recorders are not permitted.
How much do we walk on the walking tours?
Under one mile. We recommend wearing proper walking shoes for uneven streets/sidewalks, steep grades and pavement.
What shoes should we wear on the walking tours?
We recommend wearing proper walking shoes for uneven streets/sidewalks, steep grades and pavement (high heels and flip flops not suggested).
How much food/drink is served on the tours?
Southern Culinary Tours provides samples of food and drink, enough for most people to feel comfortably full afterward. *Participants must be 21 years or older to drink alcohol in Georgia. * If an underage guest attends they will be served a non-alcohol substitute.
What options do you have for vegan, vegetarian, allergies and non-alcohol?
We are happy to accommodate guests with the following dietary restrictions: vegetarian, pescetarian, gluten-free, no alcohol, dairy-free, nut allergies (although we cannot guarantee 100% free cross-contamination in kitchens because as a food tour we do not control what happens in our restaurant partner’s kitchens) We pride ourselves in being able to offer suitable substitutes for vegetarian, pescetarian, gluten-free, no alcohol, dairy-free, nut allergies while showcasing the best of the local neighborhood cuisine. However, since we are NOT able to showcase local neighborhood cuisine at the level we feel guests deserve we must state we cannot accommodate vegans. We are happy to offer restaurant recommendations for vegan diners, however.