Dreaming of where to eat your way through Lexington? You’re in luck—this city is rising fast on the culinary map, and its food tours are among the best ways to taste what the Bluegrass has to offer. From history‑meets‑farm‑fresh bites to distillery pairings and neighborhood gems, here’s what you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
Top Lexington Food Tours Right Now:
Bites of the Bluegrass
This is basically Lexington’s flagship food & history walking tour company. Their
Downtown Walking Food & History Tour takes you through several downtown restaurants with three thoughtful savory plates and dessert (plus drink recommendations). It’s a terrific intro to Lexington’s food scene, architecture, and stories.
Other offerings from them include the Distillery District Food & History Tour (perfect for savoring Kentucky’s craft distilleries alongside good food), Cocktails + Bites, and even a Haunted Lexington: Spirits, Frights & Bites tour for when you want your food with a side of mystery.
Just a Few Miles South Culinary Tour
If you want something a bit more expansive and rural, this one’s for you. Organized through Holly Hill & Co Cooking Studio with Chef Ouita Michel, this tour explores farm‑to‑table dishes, visits nearby farms, incorporates local bourbon tasting, and offers a truly immersive food experience outside the city core. It’s more of a half‑day (or more) affair.
Secret Food Tours ‒ Lexington
For something more flexible and localized, Secret Food Tours offers Lexington versions of their global model: small‑group guided walks, tasty bites from beloved local chefs, hidden neighborhoods, and food stories you won’t hear on your own. Great for those who want to discover Lexington off the beaten path.
What Makes These Tours Special
- Local flavor: These aren’t generic food tours. The menus reflect seasonal produce, Kentucky classics, and chef‑driven innovations. You’ll taste things you won’t find in every restaurant chain.
- Stories & Context: Guides don’t just walk—you’ll hear about Lexington’s bourbon history, architecture, horse‑farm heritage, and sometimes even ghost stories (if you take the haunted ones).
- Variety: Whether you want a short 3‑hour walk through downtown, a multi‑course farm‑based experience, or cocktails paired with small bites, there’s something for nearly every appetite and pace.
Tips for Booking & Enjoying
- Check schedules ahead—some tours run only certain days of the week. The Downtown Walking Food & History Tour, for instance, has afternoon times and different days.
- Come hungry. Portions are generous enough to feel satisfied.
- Let organizers know about any dietary restrictions in advance. Some tours offer vegetarian options; others may have difficulty accommodating specific allergies.
- Bring comfortable shoes—there’s walking involved.
Where To Stay in Lexington, KY
After enjoying the Lexington food tours, find your affordable hotel room at Bluegrass Extended Stay. Our extended-stay hotel is perfect for shorter and longer stays, whatever you may need for your trip! As a family-owned and operated business, we are committed to offering you exceptional service every night, all at an affordable price.
We offer a variety of accommodations, such as our standard double, deluxe king, and two-room jacuzzi suite, all designed with clean and modern furnishings. So, book your stay with us today and enjoy all that Lexington has to offer!
Cass Tooke is a writer who focuses on travel, outdoor fun, and local culture. When not working, she enjoys watching movies, listening to her record collection, and biking with her boyfriend, Ryan. She also dreams of earning that Paul Hollywood handshake and making it on the Great British Baking Show one day.
