This was a detour on a road trip for a family member who is a fan. I am not the fan, and I honestly was doing this as a favor, as I was the one who was going to be driving to close to midnight as a result. But you know what? I had a great time.
I'll start with the bad. Because of the location, I'm assuming that this is a road trip, and that you potentially have a pet in tow. Supposing that you don't have a Tesla with "dog mode," this place didn't make it easy to have your pet. There was no information on visiting with pets on the website; there was no place to give your dog a drink; and, while your dog obviously isn't allowed inside the buildings on the tour, your dog isn't allowed even remotely close to the tour buildings. I think this needs to be re-thought, as I spent a significant amount of time sitting at an outdoor table while my family did their tour so that I could then take my turn.
That said, dogs were certainly welcome at the patio tables in front of the gift shop, and they were welcome on the porch of the restaurant.
The restaurant, by the way, was honestly pretty good for what I'll term a "museum restaurant." Have I eaten at better? Yes, yes I have. But, prices were reasonable; service was quick; and the staff was welcoming and helpful. Is it the best Cajun food that you've ever eaten? No, your sister-in-law's gumbo is probably still better, but it was quite good. I recommend that you try the boudin egg rolls. Why? Because it's weird. Where else are you going to eat those?
The gift shop is amazing. There's such a huge selection of all kinds of different Tabasco-related and Tabasco-themed products. And, the clerks were quick to spot me carrying around stuff and offer to hold it at the counter. Also, be sure to try the ice cream samples in the back made with Tabasco products. I think you'll find one of the flavors good and wonder what people were thinking with the other. But that's part of the fun, right?
It's not clear when you're booking from the website, but the "Avery Island Fan Experience" includes both a factory tour and admission to the "Jungle Gardens," a drive-through (with stops for waking/wandering) garden/nature preserve. Tickets for just the tour were available at the factory itself if you are pressed for time and don't need the gardens. There is a toll gate at the entrance to Avery Island. Just pull up, stop, and a guy hands you a parking pass for your dash . . . there was no actual toll.
The tour itself is relatively quick. There's a small greenhouse where you can see some of the peppers used in the products, and there's a building where you can see how the peppers are aged. Most of the rest of the buildings have "museum-typical" displays of artifacts and information. There's a plate window where you get to look in and see the bottling, but I think that's only Mondays through Thursdays.
All-in-all, we had a great time. For the Tabasco lover in your family, this is quite the treat. For those who are less of a fan, it was fun and the food was above-average.