Drink•Eat•Walk Washington DC Food Tour FAQ
Planning a food tour in Washington, DC? Here are quick answers about what’s included, how much walking there is, dietary needs, drinks, and how Drink•Eat•Walk works.
What is Drink•Eat•Walk?
Drink•Eat•Walk is a small-group walking food tour through Washington DC that combines neighborhood history, architecture, and locally owned restaurants. We walk at an easy pace, sit down to eat at real restaurants, and talk about how the city was shaped by the people who live here. It’s part food tour, part walking tour, part story, all group experience.
How long is the tour?
Most tours run about 4 hours from start to finish, including three sit-down restaurant stops, a dessert we eat standing outside a restaurants, walking between neighborhoods, and a panoramic cityview nightcap.
How much walking is there?
About 3 miles total, spread out over several hours with plenty of breaks. If you’re comfortable strolling around a neighborhood, you’ll be fine.
How many food stops are included?
There are three full restaurant stops that are seated meals inside restaurants, with food & drink included. We then have dessert that we eat standing out on the sidewalk while learning some neighborhood history, and then a 360º DC view nightcap.
Will I actually be full?
Yes. There are 5 food & drink stops, and most guests leave very full. The portions add up to more like a full meal than a tasting.
What restaurants do you visit?
Stops include Hank’s Oyster Bar, El Tamarindo (Salvadoran), Elfegne (Ethiopian), and Henry’s Soul Café (Dessert). We focus only on independent, locally-owned neighborhood restaurants that have been around for 20+ years.
Do we sit down inside restaurants or eat standing up?
We sit down inside for the 3 restaurant food & drink stops. There’s time to relax, eat comfortably, and talk without rushing.
Is alcohol included?
Alcohol is included at each of the 3 restaurant stop. There’s a recommended drink at each place, but you’re welcome to order other wine, cocktails, beer, or non-alcoholic options if you’d like.
Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Not really. While we can accomodate vegetarians, you’d need to be able to eat shellfish & dairy. We can’t accomodate vegans, and are NOT able to accommodate dairy, gluten, shellfish, or nut allergies.
What neighborhoods do you explore?
Our tours explore Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan, including Embassy Row, historic rowhomes, hidden alleys, and longtime local businesses.
Where does the tour start and end?
Exact meeting details are shared after booking. Locations are near Metro stops and easy to reach, and routes are designed so you’re not stranded at the end.
What happens if it rains?
Tours run rain or shine. A light jacket or umbrella is usually enough. If severe weather is expected, we’ll contact you about options.
How big are the groups?
Groups are limited to 8 guests. Smaller groups make it easier to walk, hear the stories, and fit comfortably inside restaurants.
Do I need reservations?
Yes. All tours are reservation only. Because groups are small, many dates sell out in advance.
How far in advance should I book?
Weekends and spring or fall dates can fill quickly. Booking a few weeks ahead is recommended, but we can also handle day-before bookings.
Can I come alone?
Absolutely. Solo guests join all the time. Food tours are naturally social and easy to meet people on.
Is this good for couples or small groups?
Yes. It’s a relaxed way to explore the city together, eat well, and experience neighborhoods without planning multiple reservations.
Is the tour family-friendly?
Due to the nature of the places we visit, you must be 21 years old to take the tours, and no infants are allowed.
Is this tour mostly eating or mostly walking?
It alternates between 15 minute walks and sit-down meals. The pace feels relaxed rather than rushed.
Will I learn history or is it just food?
Both. The food is paired with stories about the neighborhoods, the people & communities that built & sustain them, architecture, and how DC developed over time.
What foods will we try?
We eat fried Chesapeake Bay oyster sliders, shared communal Ethiopian meat & veggie platters served on injera, Salvadoran pupusas, and the classic DC desserts of sweet potato pie. Plus each food is paired with a special alcoholic beverage.
Is Washington DC known for any specific foods?
Yes. DC is known for Chesapeake seafood like oysters and blue crabs, as well as Ethiopian cuisine, Salvadoran pupusas, half-smokes, mumbo sauce, and soul food. The city’s food reflects both the Bay and immigration.
Why do you include oysters on the tour?
Oysters were once cheap and abundant in early DC and closely tied to the Chesapeake Bay. They’re part of the city’s everyday history, not just a special occasion food.
Why does DC have so many Ethiopian restaurants?
The DC area has one of the largest Ethiopian communities outside Ethiopia. Over time, Ethiopian-owned restaurants became neighborhood staples, especially in Adams Morgan.
What is Adams Morgan known for food-wise?
Adams Morgan is known for ethnic restaurants from around the world (30 countries!) including Ethiopian, Salvadoran, Caribbean, and other global cuisines.
Is Dupont Circle a good area for food?
Yes. Dupont Circle has longtime neighborhood restaurants, oyster bars, cafés, and independent spots tucked into historic rowhouses, making it great to explore on foot.
Are there other food tours that combine food and history in DC?
While other tours in town focus on stand-on-the-street foods & the history of the country, Drink•Eat•Walk is specifically designed to blend DC & neighborhood history with sit-down meals, so you experience both together.
Is this tour good for locals or just visitors?
Both. Visitors see DC beyond the monuments, and locals often discover places and stories they didn’t know about their own neighborhoods.
Who owns Drink•Eat•Walk?
Drink•Eat•Walk was started by Tim Gillons. Although he was born in Ithaca, NY, he has now lived in DC for over half his life, and loves showing his small-group walking tour groups the history, communities, and local restaurant scene of Washington, DC. He doesn’t love writing in the third person like this, however.
Is Drink•Eat•Walk a national chain?
No. It’s an independent, locally owned Washington DC business. Tim is the founder and only guide for all Drink•Eat•Walk DC food tours. For good or bad, Tim will be your guide if you book a D•E•W tour.
Do you work directly with the restaurants?
Yes. We partner directly with owners and staff to reserve seating and coordinate timing, which makes the experience smoother and more personal.
Do you support small businesses?
Yes. Every stop on the tour is a locally owned restaurant, and your ticket directly supports neighborhood businesses.
Why walking instead of a bus?
Walking lets you notice the architecture, streets, and small details that you’d miss from a vehicle. It also builds up an appetite between stops.
How do I book a tour?
You can book directly at drinkeatwalk.com. Choose your date, purchase tickets online, and you’ll receive all the tour details right away.
Do I need to tip on the tour?
Tipping is customary on Washington DC food tours but not required. If you had a great experience, most guests who tip give around $20-$40 per person, with $20 being the most common amount. Gratuity is not included in the ticket price.