Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Do I need to book in advance?
    Yes, we recommend booking in advance to secure your spot, as our tours can fill up quickly.
  2. What happens after I make my online booking?
    You will receive an e-mail containing booking details, directions and meeting point information. It is not necessary to print the ticket as long as you received an email confirmation.
  3. Can I just arrive and pay?
    Walk up or cash sales are not accepted.
  4. 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.
  5. Can I book a private tour?
    Yes, Riverside Food Tours are the experts in planning Private Tours. Email us at laura@riversidefoodtours.com or call 513-289-0035 and we can discuss times and dates.
  6. 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.
  7. What is your cancellation policy?
    Book a tour with confidence! We know the best laid plans can go awry. Our tours are refundable up to 24 hours before the start time. You must call Laura at 513-289-0035 24 hours prior to the start of the tour, to receive a refund. Once the 24 hour window has closed, the guarantee is void.
  8. Another option, is to add Trip Protection to your booking for an additional 15%. Safeguard your food tour plans with Trip Protection! Life happens, and we want you to feel secure in your booking. Cancel up to 1 hour before your scheduled tour and receive a full refund (minus applicable fees). Experience flexibility and enjoy your foodie adventure stress-free! Call 513-289-0035 one hour prior for a refund.
    Private tours are non-refundable.
  9. Where does the tour begin and end?
    The tours begins and ends at the same spot. Check each tour description for its specific meeting location.
  10. 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. View our waiver HERE.
  11. Are restrooms available during the tour?
    Yes, the tasting locations have restrooms available.
  12. Is there a lot of walking or steps?
    We walk a little, stop, sit and taste over the course of 3 hours. Each tour varies in distance from less than one mile on the Mainstrasse Village tour versus 2.5 miles on The Cincy Top 10 Sites and Bites City Tour + Streetcar. To see the walking distance, check the description for each specific tour.
  13. Are tours given in bad weather?
    Yes, tours are given in rain, shine, hot or cold weather. 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.
  14. Is the tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
    The Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour + Findlay Market is best suited for wheelchair accessibility. Please note: the tours may involve walking 4 city blocks from restaurant to restaurant. A motorized chair is recommended.
  15. How should I dress?
    Dress casual, wear layers and comfortable shoes.
  16. Are pets allowed on the tour?
    No, due to the comfort of the other guests, we are sorry but we cannot allow pets.
  17. How long does the tour run for?
    The time for the tour varies from 2 – 3.5 hours depending on the tour you choose. Refer to the tour details for the tour you are interested in.
  18. 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.
  19. 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 the 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!
  20. 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!
  21. Is alcohol served?
    The Wine and Dine, Cocktail Tour, Mainstrasse Tour and Roebling Tour include at least one tasting of alcohol. On any tour, guests may purchase alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages.
  22. What if I have dietary restrictions?
    Vegetarian options are available upon booking. We cannot provide special dishes for guests with dietary restrictions such as Celiac disease, low carb, no sodium, diabetes, gluten free, vegan, nut allergies, seafood allergies or lactose free. Periodically we offer a Vegan Tour.
  23. Can I purchase alcoholic beverages on the tour?
    Yes, there are opportunities to purchase alcoholic beverages on all the tours.
  24. 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.
  25. 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!