FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
BOOKING & PRICING
Are your tours suitable for children?
The Cincy Top Ten Tour is best suited for children. There is no alcohol served, the tastings are quick and easy, and the tour is fast paced, stroller and budget friendly. The Wine and Dine in Over the Rhine is an adult evening tour.
The four remaining tours are suitable for children. Parents, please assess whether a 3 hour walking tour is appropriate for your child’s age and attention span. In our experience, children 11 and older, who are interested in history will enjoy the tour.
Children 5 and under are free as long as they share from the parent's tasting (you may bring snacks along for your child). Children 6 to 10 years old qualify for a child's ticket.
Does the tour guide accept gratuities?
Yes. Gratuities for your tour guide are not included in your tour price. So if you had a great time and would like to show your appreciation, gratuities are welcomed.
Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?
Yes. We call the food order into the restaurants approximately 24 hours before the start of the tour so that they have sufficient notice to be ready for our group that day. Tickets can be purchased through our secure website using EZTix. For last minute ticket requests, call 513-289-0035.
What happens after I make my online booking?
You will receive an e-mail containing booking details, directions and meeting point information. Tickets can be uploaded to your phone or printed at home.
Can I just arrive and pay?
Walk up or cash sales are not accepted.
Can I get on a waiting list if the tour is sold out?
We can't make any promises, but you can text or call Laura at 513-289-0035 and we will see what our options are.
Can I book a private tour?
Our guides at Riverside Food Tours love to host private group tours. Just EMAIL us at laura@riversidefoodtours.com or CALL/TEXT us with what you have in mind and we can discuss times and dates. For private group tours, click HERE for more information.
Are gift certificates available?
Yes. A food tour gift certificate makes a wonderful “Gift of Experience” for those who are hard to buy for or simply don’t need any more stuff! For information on Gift Certificates, click HERE.
What is your cancellation policy?
Book a tour with confidence! We know the best laid plans can go awry. Our tour bookings are refundable up to 48 hours before your tour date (minus the EZTix fee) or we can swap you into a different tour. You must call Laura at 513-289-0035 48 hours prior to the start of the tour you are booked on to receive your money back. After the 48 hour window, the guarantee is void.
LOGISTICS
Where does the tour begin and end?
The tours begin and end at the same spot.
The Mainstrasse Village Tour begins on the entrance plaza to the village adjacent to the Mainstrasse free parking lot located at 473 West 5th Street, Covington, Ky. The tour ends at Bean Haus Bakery, a block away.
The Roebling Point Tour begins and ends at Molly Malone's located at 112 E 4th St, Covington, KY. Public parking lots are adjacent.
The Cincinnati Streetcar Tour begins and ends at 145 Second St E, Cincinnati, OH 45202 near the Streetcar platform. Public parking garages are adjacent.
The Madison Avenue Tour begins and ends inside the lobby of Hotel Covington, 638 Madison Ave, Covington, KY 41011. Street parking is free on Sundays.
The Wine and Dine in Over the Rhine begins and ends in Washington Park, 1230 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202. We gather at the bandstand in the center of the park.
A waiver to sign? Why?
We require that upon purchase of a ticket, a waiver must be signed. It’s standard in the industry and very straightforward. We sometimes take photos of our guests to use on our website. It protects us if someone slips or trips or drinks too much alcohol. Speaking of alcohol, we require ID’s if you appear younger than 21. WAIVER
Driving Directions?
To read the driving directions, simply click Tours at the top of this page, select your tour and scroll down the page.
Are restrooms available during the tour?
Yes, the tasting locations have restrooms available.
Is there a lot of walking or steps?
We walk a little, stop, sit and taste over the course of 3 hours. The tours cover a distance of roughly 1.25 miles on level ground. The Roebling Point and the Wine & Dine in Over the Rhine have a flight of steps, but guests can choose to forego that portion of the tour with steps.
Are tours given in bad weather?
Yes, tours are given in rain, shine, hot or cold weather. We even supply umbrellas for all our guests. Normally, we are inside 70% of the time. In the event of bad weather, we will limit the outside time as much as possible. Nevertheless, please dress appropriately. In the event of life threatening weather, we would text or email you beforehand if the tour had to be canceled, rescheduled or refunded.
Is the tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
The Mainstrasse Village, the Roebling Point, the Madison Avenue and the Wine & Dine in Over the Rhine Tours are not wheelchair accessible due to the age of the buildings and small flights of steps. The Cincinnati Streetcar and the Cincy Top 10 tours are wheelchair accessible. Due to space limitations, baby strollers may have to park outside on all the tours.
How should I dress?
Dress casual, wear layers and comfortable shoes.
Are pets allowed on the tour?
No, due to the comfort of the other guests and local regulations, we are sorry but we cannot allow pets.
How long does the tour run for?
Approximately 3 - 3.5 hours.
Are cameras allowed?
Yes, we love seeing photos of our guests enjoying the food and camaraderie on the tour. Feel free to share them on Facebook, Trip Advisor, Google or Instagram. All the accounts are under Riverside Food Tours.
FOOD QUESTIONS
Is this just a food tour?
No, this is a cultural walking tour as well as a food tour. We share local history, old photos, we point out the beautiful architecture and familiarize you with the neighborhood or city. All six tours are distinct with different history and restaurant tastings. Many of our guests enjoy the first food and culture tour so much that they try all six!
How much food is served on the tour?
Each restaurant serves one or more menu items that they are known for. The servings are ample. We have never had a guest depart from the tour hungry. On the contrary, many guests leave with their left over tastings in a carry out container!
Is alcohol served?
On every tour but the Cincy Top 10 tour, at least one alcohol tasting is included. Guests may order additional drinks and run their own tab. Water is served at all the tasting locations.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
Vegetarian options are available upon booking. We regret that we cannot accommodate any guest with nut or other food allergies or dietary restrictions such as low carb, diabetes, gluten free, vegan or lactose free.
Can I purchase drinks on the tour?
Yes, many of our guests enjoy a glass of wine, craft beer or a cocktail at the various locations. They simply run their own tab.
Do I need to purchase a ticket if I’m not eating?
Yes, each guest must purchase a ticket whether they plan to participate in the food tastings or not. Unfortunately, without a ticket, you will not be allowed to join us on the tour. Tastings are not allowed to be split or shared between two people for the price of one ticket.
I live in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area. I may have been to one or two of these restaurants. Is this tour worthwhile?
Yes, while you may have visited the neighborhoods we tour, chances are you haven’t heard the history or tasted the variety of food we will be enjoying. The tours are great fun to share with friends and out of town guests!
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