You have questions. We have answers.
Are reservations necessary? Yes. Please make reservations through our links at www.cincinnatifoodtours.com/tickets. Online reservations for Findlay Market tours end 2 hours prior to time of tour. Online reservations for other tours end 24 hours prior to time of tour if there are no bookings, or 2 hours prior to time of tour if others have already made reservations. For last minute availability, please call 513-602-5602.
How many people will be on the tour? 16 per tour is the maximum for the Taste the World at Findlay Market tours. 8 per tour is the maximum for the other tours. Please call for special situations.
Where do I park and where do we meet? Parking is available for a small fee in the public lots associated with Findlay Market. Information is available at www.findlaymarket.org/parking. Street parking is also available in the neighborhood. With the exception of the Wander Walnut Hills tours, all tours start at Findlay Market. Meet at the information desk across from Taste of Belgium in the center of the market house. A map is available at www.findlaymarket.org/map. A reminder email will be sent 24 hours before the tour with specific instructions on where to meet. The Wander Walnut Hills tour starts at Fireside Pizza, 773 E. McMillan Street, Cincinnati, OH 45206. Free parking is available in a lot across the street from Fireside Pizza.
Do we just eat samples? We do much more than just taste samples. During our Findlay Market tour, we’ll give you an overview of our historic market and spend about 10 minutes with each of five merchants. Our other tours include a brief history of the neighborhood and opportunities to see places you may not have previously visited. We’ll explain a few attractions and introduce you to some of the most popular places to grab a bit to eat. We like to say we share nibbles and bits of food, history, and culture.
How much do we eat? Our tours feature samples, small bites, and sips. Each sample is representative of something that is served at each place of business. Portion size varies, but most guests find they won’t need another meal right after the tour is finished.
How do I find out what merchants will be on the tour? We select our merchants based on their availability and staffing as well on our desire to give you a nice variety that represents what is typical at Findlay Market or in the other neighborhoods. At Findlay Market, stops range from a traditional butcher shop to an Italian gelato stand. On our longer "sit-down" tours, we try to include several moderate to fine dining establishments as well as more casual walk-in shops or bakeries. Our Sweet Stroll includes bakeries, pastry shops, and coffee shops. Keep an eye on our Facebook page. If possible, we post the list of confirmed merchants a few days before each tour, but you can also get an idea of where we have been on previous tours by browsing our Facebook or Instagram feed.
Do we walk a lot? On the Findlay Market tour, you should assume you are on your feet for about 90 minutes. Occasionally we may sit on a bench or at a table for sampling. We walk the equivalent of 2-3 city blocks at Findlay Market. During the other neighborhood tours, we will walk 1.5-2 miles, but we’ll have opportunities to sit down at some stops and ample time to enjoy the samples. Note: We are on our feet for most of the Sweet Stroll with one sit-down stop at a coffee shop.
Are the tours handicap accessible? The market house itself is accessible at Findlay Market. However, the aisles are fairly narrow and may be extremely crowded on the weekends. If you use a wheelchair, motorized scooter, or other assistance, we recommend you choose a weekday tour at Findlay Market. Many tours include visits to adjoining storefronts that have a step or two to get into the building. If you are unable to navigate the step, we will be happy to bring your sample from these storefront merchants outside to you. The neighborhood tours require more walking, often include stairs, and might be difficult for those with limitations. Please call Barb at 513-602-5602 regarding specific questions about accessibility.
What if it rains? Our Taste the World at Findlay Market tours take place rain or shine. We make sure that tasting is indoors or under cover. We may walk briefly from the market house to an adjacent storefront from time to time so if the weather is threatening, you may wish to bring a jacket or umbrella. We try to operate the neighborhood tours rain or shine, but because the tours are 2.5-3 hours long and may take us several blocks from our starting point, we reserve the right to cancel due to the threat of dangerous weather or torrential downpours. If such a case arises, you will receive a full refund or opportunity to reschedule.
Can I cancel or change my reservation? You may get a full refund within 12 hours of purchasing. Beyond that, we usually do not offer refunds since our merchants are reimbursed for samples based on the number of tickets purchased. For extenuating circumstances or to discuss rebooking, call 513-602-5602.
Are children welcome? Children are welcome for the Taste the World at Findlay Market tours. If your child will be enjoying the samples, please purchase a ticket for him/her. If you prefer, you may bring or purchase food separately for your child. (The wine/beer add-on is restricted to those 21 and over.) Our neighborhood tours require more walking and longer attention spans, so we recommend guests be 14 and older. We do make an exception for our Sweet Stroll because we know kids love sugar!
Are drinks provided? Not specifically. Often a Findlay Market merchant serves a beverage as the sample; i.e. cider, tea. Bottled water, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and tea are available for purchase from various merchants throughout the market. You may also bring your own non-alcoholic drinks along on the Findlay Market tour. Each guest on the neighborhood tours receives a complimentary bottled water with the option to purchase additional drinks, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, along the way. On our Sweet Stroll, we include one specialty coffee or tea, or one glass of wine or beer for each guest.
Are restrooms available? Public restrooms are available at Findlay Market. Since our time is limited, we recommend you use the restroom before or after the tour. Most stops along the neighborhood tours have public restaurants available for our use.
Do you make accommodations for dietary restrictions, food preferences, or allergies? We are unable to accommodate allergies at this time. Since we don't always know what each merchant will serve, we leave it up to you to ask them about specific ingredients or dietary restrictions that may concern you. With multiple stops on each tour, we hope that you will find most of the samples fit your needs.
What does the add-on for wine or beer include on the Findlay Market tour? Available on weekends only and for an additional $5, you can add a glass of wine or a craft beer from Market Wines after the conclusion of the 90-minute Taste the World at Findlay Market tour. Market Wines is a retail shop and bar at Findlay Market so this would be an indoor option. If you prefer to be outside, you may use your add-on for one beer from the OTR Biergarten on the Elm Street end of the market house (weather permitting).
What if my friend wants wine, and I prefer the Biergarten? You may need to flip a coin since the two are in separate locations. Due to legal restrictions, wine must be confined to Market Wines, and beer from the OTR Biergarten must be consumed on the outdoor patio. However, Market Wines also has beer available so that may be the better choice.
Is there time for shopping? We recommend shopping either before or after any of our tours. Findlay Market is open Tuesday-Friday from 9-6, Saturday from 8-6, and Sunday from 10-4. Hours vary for neighborhood retail shops.
Do I tip the tour guide? Although gratuities are never required, it is customary in the tourism industry to offer a gratuity to a tour guide for a job well done. We think of gratuities as another form of feedback so feel free to let your guide know what you thought of her service.