St. Louis: Food + History Walking Tour of the Central West End
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Join a lifelong St. Louisan, foodie + storyteller on this leisurely two-mile walk through St. Louis' fabulous Central West End while nibbling delectable and uniquely St. Louis treats from St. Louis' most chic and popular neighborhood.
On this tour, you'll hear the good, bad, and ugly* history that created the city you see today, while sampling 5-6 iconic St. Louis flavors + all the Dad jokes you can stomach at no extra charge. Choose one of two tour menus for this experience.
Located at the eastern edge of Forest Park and just 5 minutes from Downtown, the Central West End ("CWE") is the most vibrant of St. Louis's 79 neighborhoods and the only one listed among the "Great Places of America". In the late 19th century, the CWE was the epicenter of Gilded Age wealth in America's fourth largest city and de facto capital of America's westward expansion - culminating in an epic World's Fair in 1904.
*TRIGGER WARNING: historical events regarding race and social justice are covered.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Should be able to walk a level 2-mile course along public sidewalks on a St. Louis afternoon.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Cooling towels when the heat is a factor.
Bottled water
We'll stop for 5-6 nibbles from STL favorites and neighborhood mainstays along the tour route.
What To Expect
Holy Corners District
Some of the most impressive architecture from the World's Fair era still remains, and it's completely outside of Forest Park. Hear hidden history and see artifacts from the early days of this "Valley of the Giants" listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Maryland Plaza and the surrounding homes and businesses have a rollercoaster history of booms and busts that have followed the arc of our city and the nation.
Options
Iconic STL Flavors Menu
Only-in-STL Eats You Must Try : From our unique pizza & cheese to sweets and snacks that have been favorites of generations of St. Louisans. No BBQ.
"OMG!" in the CWE Menu
Greatest Hits of A+ Chefs: From Food Network fame to up-and-coming culinary sensations, will make you go "OMG that's good!" over and over again.
Reviews
28 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
History Buffs will Love!
Cheryl B,
Aug 11, 2025
- Viator
4.00This is at least the 10th food tour I have been on. Each one is different. This one stands out for the amount of information/history that was presented. My friends and I appreciated the guide's knowledge and passion for his subject. We also appreciated the cooling towels provided at each stop and the misting fan since it was extremely hot outside. The food was good and interesting and definitely represented the area. This is the first food tour I have been on where you don't actually go into the food establishments (except for the final stop) but instead the food is brought to guests at parks or other locations. This would have been okay if the weather were not so hot, but it was a problem since there was no way to get cooled down. For me personally, I don't do well standing in one place, and we did stand at the first meeting place for over an hour. I think the tour would be more enjoyable if it were edited down by about one hour, and if there was at least one indoor food stop halfway through. But, that being said, the tour is really good; you get a lot of bang for your buck.
Eat Before You Go!
Katie S,
Jul 26, 2025
- Viator
1.00Should be labeled as a Historical Tour. Food was limited. We had “picnics” in the 100 degree heat. Micro-portions of sample foods & cold pizza. After listening to the tour guide talk for over 3 hours I left. Very disappointed & title is very misleading!
Highly recommend this...
Jodi L,
Jul 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00Highly recommend this tour! Mike is incredibly knowledgeable about STL history and current happenings. Food “nibbles” were super tasty and gave us a bite into local eateries and STL staples. They were great in helping us stay cool on a hot day. Can’t say enough good things! Thanks agin Mike and fam!!
History and Walking
Katrina C,
Jun 23, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great history focused tour, you will learn so much on this tour. Our guide was so knowledgeable and talked about important realities in the cities history. This is a very walk heavy tour and is basically entirely outside so make sure you wear sunscreen and dress for walking. Though you get some tasty bites this is very much a history focused tour. Great experience even in the St.Louis heat.
Educational and delicious!
TeAndra Y,
Jun 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was a fantastic experience that I’d recommend to both visitors and locals alike. Our guide was knowledgeable, engaging, and brought the city’s complex history to life in a way that felt both honest and refreshing. Even my fiancé, a lifelong St. Louis resident, learned new things about the city's past, both the proud and painful parts, which made the tour feel that much more meaningful. The food stops were enjoyable, and now we have some great stops for the next time we’re in town. My only critique is that most of the consecutive bites leaned on the salty and savory side; a better balance with some sweeter or more varied flavor profiles would have been nice.
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Operated by TourCWE