What Devour Tours Does

Devour Tours is a food tour company that operates in several U.S. cities and leads groups through neighborhoods on foot, stopping at local restaurants and food vendors along the way. You pay one price upfront, and that price typically includes all the food tastings at each stop, a guide who walks with your group, and information about the neighborhood's food history and the businesses you visit.

The tours are not cooking classes or sit-down meals. Instead, you walk between 1 to 3 miles depending on the tour, spend 15 to 30 minutes at each food stop, and eat small portions at multiple locations. A typical tour lasts 2.5 to 3.5 hours and includes 5 to 8 food stops. The company operates in cities including New Orleans, Austin, San Antonio, and a few others, though the list of active cities changes.

Key Takeaways

  • Devour Tours charges one flat price that covers all food tastings, the guide, and neighborhood information—no additional per-stop costs.
  • Tours involve walking between 1 to 3 miles and stopping at 5 to 8 different restaurants or vendors, with each stop lasting 15 to 30 minutes.
  • You book tours through Devour's website by selecting your city, date, and tour type, then paying online before the tour begins.
  • Tours run on a set schedule, and group size is typically capped at 15 to 20 people so the experience stays manageable and personal.
  • Dietary restrictions and allergies can usually be noted during booking, and the company works with restaurants to accommodate common needs.

How to Book a Devour Tour

Start by visiting the Devour Tours website and selecting your city from the list of available locations. Each city page shows the tours currently offered—for example, "French Quarter Food Tour" in New Orleans or "Downtown Austin Food Tour." Click on the tour that interests you.

Next, choose your preferred date and time. Tours typically run on specific days and times, often multiple times per week. Select the number of people in your group and note any dietary restrictions or allergies in the provided field. This step is important because the restaurants need to know in advance if someone cannot eat certain foods.

Enter your payment information and complete the booking. You will receive a confirmation email with the tour details, including the exact meeting location, what time to arrive, and what to wear (comfortable walking shoes are always recommended). Most tours ask you to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.

What the Price Includes and What It Does Not

The tour price covers all food tastings at each stop, the services of a professional guide, and information about the neighborhood and the restaurants you visit. You do not pay extra at each restaurant or vendor—the bill is settled upfront when you book.

The price does not include beverages beyond water, though some tours offer the option to purchase drinks at certain stops. Gratuity for the guide is not included in the base price; most groups tip their guide at the end of the tour, typically 15 to 20 percent of the tour cost or a flat amount like $5 to $10 per person. Transportation to and from the meeting point is your responsibility.

Dietary Restrictions and Allergies

When you book, you can note dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or nut allergies in the booking form. Devour works with the restaurants on the tour to prepare alternative tastings for guests with these needs. However, the company's ability to accommodate depends on the specific restaurants included that day and the nature of the restriction.

If you have a severe or uncommon allergy, contact Devour directly through their website or customer service email before booking to confirm the tour can work for you. Do not assume all restaurants can handle every restriction—some smaller vendors may have limited options. Communicating early gives the company time to coordinate with the restaurants.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Wear comfortable walking shoes because you will be on your feet for the entire tour, covering 1 to 3 miles depending on the route. Bring water or a refillable water bottle; most tours provide water at the starting point, but having your own is helpful. Dress for the weather and the season—food tours happen rain or shine in most cases, so check the forecast.

Eat a light breakfast or lunch before the tour if it is an afternoon or evening tour, but do not eat a full meal. You will be tasting food at multiple stops, and eating too much beforehand can make the experience uncomfortable. Bring cash or a card if you plan to tip your guide or purchase optional drinks along the way.

Group Size and Tour Atmosphere

Devour Tours typically caps groups at 15 to 20 people per tour, which keeps the experience manageable and allows the guide to interact with everyone. You will be walking as a group and stopping together at each restaurant, so you will naturally meet other people on the tour. Many guests find this social aspect one of the best parts of the experience.

If you are booking for a private group—such as a birthday party, corporate outing, or family reunion—Devour offers private tour options in some cities. Private tours have a higher price but allow you to customize the route and timing. Contact the company directly through their website to discuss private tour availability and pricing.

What Happens on Tour Day

Arrive at the meeting location 10 to 15 minutes early. Your guide will greet the group, do a quick headcount, and give an overview of the tour route and what to expect. The guide will then lead the group to the first restaurant or food vendor. At each stop, the guide introduces the business, explains the food or dish you are about to taste, and shares stories about the neighborhood or the restaurant's history.

You will have time to eat, ask questions, and take photos. The guide moves the group to the next stop once everyone has finished. Tours typically end at a designated location, often near the starting point or at the final restaurant. Your guide will let you know the exact end time and location at the beginning of the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join a tour if I am traveling alone?

Yes. Solo travelers are welcome on all Devour Tours. You will be part of a group, so you will meet other people during the tour. Many solo travelers enjoy the social aspect and the guided experience of exploring a neighborhood they are not familiar with.

What if I cannot make my booked tour date?

Check Devour's cancellation policy on their website or in your confirmation email. Most tour companies allow cancellations up to a certain number of days before the tour (often 24 to 48 hours) for a full refund. Cancellations made closer to the tour date may result in a fee or forfeiture of the full price. Contact customer service as soon as you know you cannot attend.

Do I need to be in good physical condition to take a tour?

Tours involve walking 1 to 3 miles at a leisurely pace with frequent stops, so you do not need to be an athlete. However, if you have mobility issues or concerns about walking that distance, contact Devour before booking to discuss whether a specific tour is right for you. Some cities may offer shorter or more accessible routes.

Are children allowed on tours?

Policies vary by city and tour type. Some Devour Tours welcome children, while others are designed for adults only. Check the tour description on the website or contact customer service to confirm whether children can join the specific tour you are interested in.

What if the weather is bad on tour day?

Most tours operate in light rain or mild weather. If severe weather makes the tour unsafe, Devour will contact you to reschedule or offer a refund. Check your confirmation email for the company's specific weather policy, and have your phone available on tour day in case of last-minute changes.