Charleston Historic Downtown Food Tour

2 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Savor the very best of the Lowcountry on a unique Charleston food tour designed for true foodies. The family run business has designed a curated culinary experience for guaranteed line-skipping access to four of the Historic Downtown’s finest restaurants.

You will enjoy iconic Charleston signature plates, including crispy hushpuppies, decadent carrot cake, she-crab soup and classic shrimp and grits. As you walk off your tastings along beautiful cobblestone streets, an expert local guide uncovers the deep history behind landmarks like the Old Exchange Building and the Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park. Discover where locals actually eat, learn the complex history of Southern spices, and enjoy a full meal's worth of world-class cuisine.

(Note: Child tickets ages 0-6 do not include food samples).

What's Included

Expert tour guide
Food tasting at 4 delicious stops
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
195 E Bay St

Your guide will meet you underneath the awning in front of the Charleston Tours and Activities windows. Please arrive 15 minutes before, ready to be checked in!

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    Sit back and savor a bowl of authentic She-Crab Soup—a rich, savory bisque that is synonymous with the region. Your guide will share the fascinating story behind this famous Lowcountry delicacy while you enjoy the lively market atmosphere

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Take a scenic stroll through Philadelphia Alley, one of Charleston's most picturesque hidden gems. We'll pause our food tastings to admire the historic brick walls and shaded cobblestones while uncovering the fascinating history of this centuries-old pathway.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Port of Call - Food & Brew

    Head over to the lively Port of Call Food and Brew to sample one of South Carolina's best-kept culinary secrets: Chicken Bog. This rich, comforting dish combines tender chicken, savory smoked sausage, and flavorful rice into a mouthwatering, deeply traditional Lowcountry classic.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4
    St. Philip's Church

    As we digest and stroll to your next culinary destination, we'll stop by the breathtaking St. Philip's Church. Known for its majestic steeple that defines the Charleston skyline, this historic site offers a beautiful, shaded photo opportunity and a fascinating glimpse into the city's colonial past

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5

    Here are a few options for the Poogan's Smokehouse stop on your tour, highlighting that classic Southern plate! Option 1: Short and Sweet "Head to Poogan's Smokehouse on East Bay Street for a quintessential Southern barbecue experience. You'll dig into a hearty tasting of tender, slow-smoked BBQ paired with classic collard greens and freshly baked cornbread." Option 2: Engaging and Descriptive "Get ready for a true taste of the South at Poogan's Smokehouse! We'll settle in to savor a mouthwatering plate of signature BBQ, savory collard greens, and sweet, buttery cornbread. Your guide will explain the deep-rooted, mouthwatering traditions of Carolina barbecue while you enjoy this comforting feast

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6

    Satisfy your sweet tooth at Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar on East Bay Street. Here, you'll finish off the food tour with a decadent slice of their famous, rotating 'Cake of the Day' in a cozy, vibrant cafe setting.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Empire Tours - Charleston

Tags

Private and Luxury
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Food & Drink

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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