Charleston's Authentic Cuisine & True History Cultural Experience

Great history food tour

Page was an excellent guide. She was fun to spend the evening with and a wealth of information which she so skillfully conveyed. We learned so much about the Gullah culture and Charleston’s history. The food served was excellent. Everyone in the group had something they liked. I highly recommend this be your first activity when visiting town.

via Viator

The Charleston Food experience

Paige was very informative and knew her Charleston history. We stopped at three great local restaurants. While the food selections were delicious, it would have been nice if we had the opportunity to taste an oyster at the O-Bar and something more authentic to the TBonz Gill and Grill. The last stop really wasn’t authentic to Charleston, but since it was a wine bar, a taste of wine would have added to the experience. Thank you for the cookie desserts.

Response from the operator: We enjoyed having you on the tour and thank you for mentioning the depth of the history because relaying the area's history and culture as it relates to the cuisine is the heart of this tour. Just to clarify, we do not mention the restaurants in our description because we rotate between 6 different restaurants in the area based on availability. For instance the tour today is not going to the wine bar. Also, food tours that include alcohol are difficult to find in our city due to the liquor license laws. Most companies do not offer them. As mentioned on the tour, guests actually have the opportunity to order raw oysters at the Oyster House, and they frequently do so. Unfortunately, oysters are not a good option for a food tour as more guests don't enjoy them than do. We had the most authentic food to Charleston and to the Lowcountry at TBonz than we had anywhere else. As explained, though steak is TBonzs' specialty, the foods we enjoyed on the food tour are specific to this area of the country. We are so proud to offer a historic dessert only found in our area, as opposed to the typical little plastic cup of sorbet most of the other food tours finish with. Even better, in addition to the classic Lowcountry sweet flavors the guests can sample at the table, each guest receives a beautiful souvenir bag to take home. We're so glad you liked them! Your journey up the coast sounded like a wonderful time and we do hope you have fun. Safe travels!

via Viator

Great food, interesting history

We did the tour as a family of 4 with a 14 and 12 year old. The 12 year old got a little bored but the rest of us enjoyed listening to Page tell us about the history of Charleston. We thought the restaurants and food selections were very good. Not too much walking, which was good because the weather wasn't great in the beginning of the tour (it cleared up towards the end). Page talks throughout the whole tour, but it was also nice to meet the other family on the tour. My only suggestion might be to add one more restaurant and break-up the history story into smaller 'chapters' with the natural break at the restaurant. I think that might have made it more digestible for my 12 year old too. All that said, I would recommend the tour!

via Viator

Exceptional tour

Page was very informative about the local culture and food. I truly enjoyed the 3 restaurants that we walked to. It was super hot today so all of the restaurants were in close proximity. Page has a lot of passion about this city and the culture.

via Tripadvisor

Air conditioning is the added bonus

Beat the heat is truly the best part of the tour. It was nice to be able to sit down inside a restaurant. The items were varied and truly represented some Charleston staples. While a completely family friendly activity, our tour guide seemed very hesitant to have children on the tour. The fellow guests and restaurants we visited were very friendly and accommodating. We have taken our kids to many places, tours, and even fine dining restaurants and are very conscientious of others around us. Overall it did not diminish from the tour, but beware of the tour guide you might get and just know that in advance. As far as value for experience, it is moderate. The price does not include the most extensive options for food tasting out there, but the overall opportunity for a seat in an air conditioned restaurant as well as the historical storytelling make up for it. Minimal walking distance between restaurants is involved, which is also nice for those with mobility issues.

Response from the operator: Hello. I am glad your group enjoyed the majority of the tour and most of all were able to stay cool in this horrible heat! In reference to your comments about accommodating children, I want to clarify that you are referencing infants, children under 2 years old. Please note that out of the other major food tour companies in Charleston, the oldest company does not allow children under 14 at all, and our second biggest competitor does not allow children under 8 years of age. We are the ONLY food tour company in Charleston that even allows infants on a food tour. Your group was extremely considerate and understanding of the needs of the rest of the group, but unfortunately, you are a minority and most are not, which is why we send a polite, passive disclaimer ahead of time listing some basic reminders and rules. It is past experiences that have food tour companies moving toward not allowing children at all. Our guides are actually very good at handling young children and we like to be as inclusive as possible with our groups. I happened to be your guide and I really did my best to make sure you did not take any offense to the disclaimer or take it personally. I also complimented you on the behavior of your children and thanked you for your cooperation in allowing the other guests to fully enjoy the tour. I found your group delightful and I do hope you all enjoyed the rest of your time in Charleston, especially Savannah and Ashley!

via Viator