Walk through Covington’s German heritage on a flavorful journey with Riverside Food Tours. Taste authentic dishes and learn local legends in Mainstrasse Village’s historic streets.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels since the walk is short and on level ground with plenty of seating.
Wildlife
History
Mainstrasse Village was established in 1815 by German immigrants and played a significant role in regional culture and the Underground Railroad.
Conservation
Community efforts focus on preserving historic architecture and encouraging sustainable tourism practices to maintain the charm and integrity of Mainstrasse Village.
Riverside Food Tours
Walk through Covington’s German heritage on a flavorful journey with Riverside Food Tours. Taste authentic dishes and learn local legends in Mainstrasse Village’s historic streets.
Riverside Food Tours is a Cincinnati-based company that leads guided culinary and cultural tours across Over-the-Rhine, Findlay Market, downtown neighborhoods, and nearby Covington, Kentucky. The company curates immersive walking and streetcar tours showcasing local restaurants, bars, historic sites, murals, and neighborhood stories.
Tours vary in length and focus, including wine and cocktail experiences, brunch outings, themed seasonal events, and multi-stop 'sites and bites' city walks. Each experience pairs tastings with local history, covering landmarks such as Findlay Market and the Roebling Suspension Bridge, and highlights regional specialties like Cincinnati chili, goetta, Belgian waffles, and global street food. Guides provide narrative context about architecture, immigrant history, and cultural points of interest mentioned on tours, including stories about Music Hall and Over-the-Rhine's historic district. Riverside Food Tours operates public group tours and neighborhood-specific routes in both Ohio and northern Kentucky. The business emphasizes curated local partnerships with restaurants, markets, and beverage purveyors to create authentic tasting menus. Reservations are offered for scheduled tour times; private bookings are available when offered on specific tours. As a locally focused operator, Riverside Food Tours leverages on-the-ground knowledge of Cincinnati's culinary scene to introduce visitors and residents to established favorites and hidden gems. The company's tour descriptions clearly list estimated duration, neighborhood focus, and sample tastings to help guests choose the right experience. Staffed by local guides familiar with Cincinnati history and food culture, tours offer approachable pacing and curated stops suitable for visitors and locals seeking genuine neighborhood flavors and storytelling, and beverage pairings included.
Tours Offered
9
A diverse lineup of culinary experiences
Areas Covered
4 areas
Over-the-Rhine, Findlay Market, downtown, Covington
Typical Length
≈3 hours
Several tours run about three hours
Common Starts
Findlay Market, Washington Park
Frequent meet-up and neighborhood hubs
Choose from wine, brunch, streetcar, cocktail, and seasonal holiday tours across Over-the-Rhine, Findlay Market, downtown Cincinnati, and Covington.
Wear comfortable walking shoes
The tour covers 1.25 miles on cobblestone and paved surfaces—sturdy shoes make the experience more enjoyable.
Bring a refillable water bottle
Stay hydrated between tastings, especially during warmer months.
Arrive early for parking convenience
Street parking is free on Saturdays; otherwise, use the nearby pay lot behind Cedar Restaurant.
Notify of dietary restrictions in advance
Vegetarian options available by request; other restrictions may not be accommodated.
Comfortable walking shoes
Supports your feet over cobblestones and pavement during the tour.
Reusable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated between tasting stops.
spring|summer|fall
Weather-appropriate layered clothing
Prepares you for changing temperatures and occasional rain.
all
Light rain jacket or umbrella
Useful for sudden showers or light rain.
spring|fall|winter