Nashville may be famous for its live music and vibrant arts scene, but it also boasts some of the best BBQ and craft drinks in the South. What makes Nashville stand out is its combination of authentic smoked meats paired with locally brewed beers and Kentucky bourbons. Whether you’re after a behind-the-scenes tour of distilleries, a sampling at renowned BBQ joints, or a combination of all three, Nashville offers options that cater to serious food lovers and casual tasters alike. These tours take you beyond the usual barbecue joints, offering insider access, expert tastings, and a chance to learn how Nashville’s culinary traditions are woven into the city’s culture.
If you’re looking to savor Nashville’s smoky flavors while enjoying its craft beverages, you’ll find a variety of tours that fit your style and schedule. From comprehensive guided food and drink adventures to bus-based excursions, each offers a different way to experience the city’s famous BBQ, beer, and bourbon.
1. Nashville Beer, Bourbon, and Barbecue Guided Food & Drink Tour
At number one, this Nashville Beer, Bourbon, and Barbecue Guided Food & Drink Tour offers a well-balanced combination of smoked meats and local beverages. Over approximately four hours, you’ll visit Central BBQ for their signature smoked meats and a sample platter, followed by a visit to New Heights Brewing Company for a flight of craft beers. All while enjoying an intimate small-group setting that ensures personalized attention and engaging conversations.
This tour shines because it combines Tennessee’s best BBQ with tastings at a local distillery to explore craft whiskey and bourbon. Most guests appreciate the mix of food and drink, and the reviews are glowing — a perfect choice if you want a comprehensive Nashville culinary experience. The guide shares insights into Nashville’s food scene, making each stop both fun and educational. The small group size enhances the experience, making it easy to ask questions and savor each bite and sip.
Guests have praised the tour guide’s wealth of knowledge and the high quality of stops, though some note that the BBQ was “a bit average,” which is still a solid value considering the overall experience. The $189 price includes all tastings, making this a full, curated tasting tour for those serious about Nashville’s BBQ and craft beverages.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for those who want a detailed, insider look at Nashville’s food and drink scene with a focus on smoked meats and local spirits. It’s best suited for travelers eager to explore multiple venues with an educational twist.
2. Nashville: Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Experience
Coming in at number two, the Nashville: Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Experience offers a guided tour covering three top Nashville hotspots in about four hours. The tour includes a visit to a local distillery for tastings of craft whiskeys, a stop at a famous BBQ joint for a hearty lunch, and a relaxed visit to a local brewery to enjoy a flight of beers.
This experience is perfect for travelers who prefer a balanced, straightforward approach. The tour emphasizes a relaxed sampling atmosphere, with guests sitting back in a taproom while sampling a variety of beers. The inclusion of a distillery tour adds a hands-on element, giving you insight into Tennessee’s renowned whiskey craftsmanship. The reviews highlight the tour’s knowledgeable guides and the quality of the distillery and BBQ stop, although some mention the beer tasting was less educational than expected.
For $189, the tour packs in a lot of value — a mix of food and drinks at some of Nashville’s most popular locations. It’s especially suited for those who want a relaxed, enjoyable outing without heavy walking or extensive touring.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a laid-back, drink-focused experience that combines Nashville’s best BBQ, whiskey, and beer in a comfortable setting, this tour delivers a solid, affordable option.
3. Beer, BBQ, and Bourbon Tour: Nashville Bus Tour
Rounding out the list, the Beer, BBQ, and Bourbon Tour: Nashville Bus Tour offers a full 4-hour journey through Nashville’s top culinary stops. This bus-based tour begins with a visit to a prominent distillery for guided whiskey tastings, then moves to a local BBQ favorite for lunch or dinner, followed by a stop at a renowned brewery for a beer flight.
This experience is flexible, with locations that may change based on availability, but the core idea is to show travelers Nashville’s best whiskey, smokehouse cuisine, and craft beer. The guide picks you up in downtown Nashville, making logistics simple. Reviewers note the guided distillery tour is informative and that the BBQ restaurant is highly praised, highlighting their award-winning sauces. However, some mention that the beer stop was less engaging, lacking a formal tour.
At $175, this is a slightly more economical choice that emphasizes convenience and variety. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy guided bus tours and want a dependable way to sample Nashville’s culinary highlights with minimal hassle.
Bottom Line: For those who prefer a guided, all-in-one experience with the comfort of transportation, this Nashville bus tour provides a practical, enjoyable way to indulge in BBQ, whiskey, and beer.
How to Choose Your Nashville BBQ Experience
When picking your perfect Nashville tour, consider your budget, interest level, and how much walking or planning you want to handle. For a comprehensive, in-depth look at Nashville’s food and spirits with a personalized touch, the Nashville Beer, Bourbon, and Barbecue Guided Food & Drink Tour is hard to beat. If you prefer a more relaxed pace that emphasizes local craft beer and whiskey, the Nashville: Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Experience is a solid choice. Meanwhile, travelers seeking convenience and variety in a guided bus format might lean toward the Beer, BBQ, and Bourbon Tour: Nashville Bus Tour.
Booking early, especially during peak tourist seasons, is advisable to secure your preferred schedule and ensure a spot. Each tour offers a different way to experience Nashville’s smoked meats and craft beverages — pick based on your interests and comfort with walking or planning.
Nashville’s BBQ and craft drink scene offers more than just good food; it’s a story of local craftsmanship and Southern tradition. Whether you prefer an intimate tasting session, a relaxed group tour, or a guided bus adventure, these options promise a flavorful taste of Music City’s culinary heartbeat. If you’re ready to indulge, booking your tour early will help lock in your spot — these experiences are popular for good reason.