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Brothels, Bites and Booze: A Culinary Tour of San Diego's Questionable Past

Brothels, Bites and Booze: A Culinary Tour of San Diego's Questionable Past

Overview

The Brothels, Bites and Booze culinary tour of San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter will take you back to a time of scandal and debauchery. Marvel at the antique architecture, learn about the early red light district, and sample flavors at 4 local establishments.

City: San Diego

Sat 16 Nov

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $75.00

Make a reservation

Sat 16 Nov

Starting at $75.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Drink samples

Food tasting

Additional Info

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum age is 18 years
There is a minimum of 4 passengers to operate. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund

What To Expect

Gaslamp Quarter

Often called the Historic Heart of San Diego, the Gaslamp Quarter is the main dining and entertainment district of the city. With more than 150 bars and restaurants and 94 registered historic buildings, this nightlife playground has a lot to see and do, as well as a fascinating past. The Brothels, Bites and Booze tour will introduce you to the beginnings of San Diego as a port town – learn why it became one of the more notorious red light districts of its time, and find out how this once-undesired neighborhood became a fun and vibrant nightlife destination for both locals and visitors. After meeting your guide, you’ll embark on a journey of scandalous tales, unique cocktails and local cuisine. On the tour, you’ll make new friends, hear interesting stories, sing karaoke and explore new tastes at local restaurants*.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (399)

R4375YMjohns

Oct 2021

This tour is amazing and a must go if you visit San Diego. This is my third time in San Diego and I was finally able to experience the different types of food San Diego now has. Our guide Stephon was INCREDIBLE!!!! He was so much fun and had my wife and I and our group laughed the entire time. He knew all about San Diego not only the history but some awesome restaurants "off the beaten path" He made our group feel like a community and a bunch of friends going to restaurants and having fun while exploring San Diego like I have never seen it before. Now the food: Excellent and we got a chance to see all the different types of restaurants in San Diego. The perfect "upscale" brewery that we got to sample some of the beer cities magnificent beer and snack on some of the best cauliflower you will EVER eat. My wife doesn't even eat cauliflower but this was something different and exceptional and it paired perfectly with the beer given. Next, was a Greek fusion restaurant that was so good we ended up making reservations while we were there. Next a typical San Diego Taco Shop to try one of the best tacos San Diego is known for and finally a killer dessert to end the evening. This is a walking tour and we did some walking so wear comfortable shoes but was perfect to burn off some of that food and drinks. If you are in San Diego and have a night free I would highly recommend this food tour. Try to do it the first or second day you arrive because Stephon will give you all of the places and neighborhoods you should visit around San Diego.

Response from Host

Oct 2021

Thank you for joining us on the BBB tour! We are loving our new partners, and I couldn't agree more about the cauliflower...I could easily order that as my main course!

Katie_R

Oct 2021

I will start this by saying that Angela our guide was very nice, outgoing and friendly, but that is the only positive part of this tour. We started at stop one with a small sample of beer at a brewery and a very sub par fried cauliflower appetizer. Stop 2 was at a green fusion place where we had a tiny sample sangria and a wedge of a Greek quesadilla. Those were really good but left me wanting more. Literally in and out in 10 minutes. 3rd place was the worst taco of my life. How can you be in San Diego and find a bad taco? They did it. And our entire table agreed. Everyone threw them away. Fish was bad and the drink? A small sample of Mic Ultra! I can’t even make this up. 4th stop was a scoop of ice cream. My husband and I do food tours all over the world. We usually start our trip out with one to get a feel of the area. I wish we saved the $150.00 and asked locals where to eat. We could’ve had an excellent meal with that money. And maybe Covid has ruined the scene, but I expected to experience some culinary highlights of San Diego. This left a lot to be desired. I would skip this at all costs.

Response from Host

Oct 2021

Hi Katie, This was a really tough review to read. I'm really frustrated that you left our tour with this experience. I have reached out to the taco restaurant and our restaurant coordinator about your issues with the items served. Apparently there was a misunderstanding at the taco place and the beer taster, but I realize that while that was embarrassing, there is no excuse for a fish taco being bad...especially in San Diego! I'll be heading down there tomorrow with my coordinator to taste everything we serve on the tour. We want our guests to enjoy the local flavors and establishments, and I'm so sorry you had a bad experience. I will go ahead and refund your tickets. I hope you enjoyed the rest of your time in San Diego.

Jerrett_D

Oct 2021

Stephan was absolutely amazing! Definitely recommend this tour. Food was great. The way Stephan told the history of the city was very charismatic, he definitely made it worth it.

Response from Host

Oct 2021

We are so happy that you joined on tour, and glad to hear you had fun with Stefan. We love him and his energetic personality! :)