New Orleans Cocktail and Food History Tour

New Orleans , United States

New Orleans Cocktail and Food History Tour

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About this experience

Combining the history of Louisiana cuisine and New Orleans-style cocktails, this event is a feast for the senses!

Along with your guide you will visit up 6 locations: award-winning seafood restaurants, James Beard-nominated craft cocktail lounges, Creole restaurants, artisanal candy stores and more.

Once inside you’ll sample up to 6 or more different dishes that represent the modern expressions of our culinary heritage: classic dishes like gumbo, and muffulettas, but also new interpretations like sweet fried plantains! (Vegetarian options available too!)

We'll also enjoy 4 full-sized cocktails like the refreshing Pimm's Cup, the rum-heavy Hurricane, the classic Daiquiri and more!

This 4 hour gastronomic odyssey is our way of showing you where we like to go now, and what we like to eat and drink once we're there.

With so many dining and drinking options in New Orleans, why not try up to 6 different places in one fell swoop?!

*All venues subject to change based on availability.

Available options

New Orleans Cocktail and Food History Tour

What's included

Beverages

Set menu (Vegetarian option also available)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The walking tour begins inside the award-winning Red Fish Grill in the French Quarter neighborhood of New Orleans. You will begin with Alligator Sausage & Seafood Gumbo. We also kick the party off with our first cocktail here: the Cat 5 Hurricane. This part of the tour focuses historically on the pre-colonial and colonial period of Louisiana history, and usually lasts about 35 minutes.

Moving four blocks down you will enter Pepper Palace, where we begin to discuss the Cajun influence, and sample an unlimited variety of hot sauces, BBQ sauces, Buffalo Wings sauces, salsas, dry rubs and more. Customers on the tour will also receive a free bottle of Louisiana-style hot sauce.

Our fourth venue will be a seated experience at the iconic Napoleon House restaurant. Famed for their unique Muffulettas and Pimm's Cup cocktails, you'll enjoy both of those in addition to a savory Chicken and Andouille Sausage Jambalaya. At this point, the Tour Guide will not only explain these dishes, but also the 19th century immigrant patterns to New Orleans that affected Louisiana’s cuisine once again.

Stop 4

From there you walk past Bourbon Street and move 4 blocks up to Leah’s Pralines: a 3rd generation family-owned candy store. You will sample traditional pralines and their unique Bacon Pecan Brittle.

Next you'll head to the James Beard Award-nominated Cane & Table. With a focus on rustic colonial cuisine and playful rum drinks, you will sample their fried plantains with lime crema and salsa macha and a classic daiquiri of Caribbean white rum, fresh lime and sugar.

Stop 6

Pass by the iconic Jackson Square during your walking food tour.

Stop 7

Stroll past all the shops on Royal Street.

What's not included

Gratuities

This tour does not have a gluten-free, dairy-free, or Vegan option.

Please notify us of any food allergies (not aversions) during check-out

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

425 reviews

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403

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Tripadvisor 4.9

380 reviews

5★

357

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Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Minimum age is 21 years

Vegetarian option available (request at check-out)

This tour does not have a gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan option

All venues are subject to change based on availability

Not recommended for travelers with mobility/walking issues

Meeting point

Please enter Red Fish Grill (115 Bourbon St) and check in with host/hostess stand.

Important notes

Minimum age is 21 years

This tour features a set menu and does not have a gluten-free, pork-free or vegetarian option. However, please notify us of any food allergies (not aversions) during check-out

About New Orleans

New Orleans is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant music scene, and unique Creole and Cajun cuisine. It's famous for its annual Mardi Gras festival, historic French Quarter, and the lively atmosphere of Bourbon Street.

Top Attractions

French Quarter

The heart of New Orleans, the French Quarter is known for its vibrant nightlife, historic architecture, and cultural landmarks.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, attractions vary

Garden District

A picturesque neighborhood known for its antebellum mansions, oak-lined streets, and historic cemeteries.

Historical Half day Free to explore, tours available

National WWII Museum

A world-class museum dedicated to the history of World War II, featuring immersive exhibits and personal stories.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate to expensive

City Park

A vast urban park featuring lush gardens, walking paths, and cultural attractions.

Nature Half day Free to enter, attractions vary

Frenchmen Street

A lively street known for its live music venues, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife.

Entertainment Evening Varies by venue

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gumbo

A rich and flavorful stew made with a dark roux, meat or seafood, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables (onions, bell peppers, and celery).

Main Course Can be made with chicken, sausage, or seafood, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Jambalaya

A one-pot dish made with rice, meat or seafood, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables, seasoned with a variety of spices.

Main Course Can be made with chicken, sausage, or seafood, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Beignets

A deep-fried pastry dusted with powdered sugar, often served with café au lait.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy.

Po' Boy

A classic New Orleans sandwich made with French bread, filled with fried seafood, meat, or vegetables, and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo.

Sandwich Can be made with various fillings, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Popular Activities

Swamp tours Kayaking Biking Spa treatments Park picnics Café hopping Museum visits Historic site tours

Best Time to Visit

February to April

This is the best time to visit New Orleans, with pleasant weather and major events like Mardi Gras. The city is lively, but also more crowded and expensive.

15-25°C 60-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: French, Spanish, Vietnamese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Central Time Zone (CT) (GMT-6)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

New Orleans is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to avoid theft and other crimes.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis and rideshare services
• Be cautious of strangers offering services or assistance

Getting there

By air

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport • 15 miles (24 km) from downtown

By train

New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station, Megabus Stop

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and covers most of the city, but can be slow due to traffic.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

French Quarter Garden District Warehouse District Faubourg Marigny Mid-City

Day trips

Plantation Country

30-40 miles (48-64 km) • Full day

Explore the historic plantations of Louisiana, with tours and exhibits showcasing the region's complex history.

Swamp and Bayou Tours

30-50 miles (48-80 km) • Half day to full day

Take a boat tour through the Louisiana swamps and bayous, with opportunities to see alligators, birds, and other wildlife.

Baton Rouge

80 miles (129 km) • Full day

Explore the capital of Louisiana, with its historic sites, museums, and universities.

Festivals

Mardi Gras • February or March (varies by year) Jazz & Heritage Festival • Late April to early May (two weekends) French Quarter Festival • April (four days)

Pro tips

Visit during the off-peak season for fewer crowds and lower prices
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions
Try local cuisine and support local businesses and restaurants
Use public transportation, such as buses and streetcars, to get around the city and save money
Be cautious of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid theft and other crimes