8 Best Drinking Tours In Memphis

Memphis isn’t just about blues, barbecue, and legendary music—it’s also a surprisingly lively city for craft beer enthusiasts and bar-hoppers. The city’s brewing scene has blossomed over recent years, offering visitors a taste of authentic, locally crafted beers. Whether you’re into innovative microbrews, historic pubs, or a fun pedal bike crawl, Memphis has something to satisfy every thirst.

We’ve handpicked the best drinking tours in Memphis, including immersive brewery visits, lively pub crawls, and even spooky ghost-themed adventures.

Our favorites include the Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour for its in-depth brewery insights and the Haunted Pub Crawl for a mix of spirits and stories.

If you want a comprehensive experience, the Memphis Brew Bus Tour combines touring three top breweries with hassle-free transportation. For those who love a mix of history and hops, the Memphis: Signature Guided Brewery Tour offers VIP behind-the-scenes access.

And for a more energetic vibe, the Memphis Guided Bar Crawl on a Pedal Bike guarantees laughs and sightseeing with friends. Whatever your style, Memphis’s drinking scene is sure to keep your glass full and your stories interesting.

Quick Overview

In this guide, we cover eight of the top drinking experiences in Memphis. From guided brewery tours and private bus tastings to pub crawls with paranormal twists and pedal bike adventures, there’s plenty to choose from. Here’s a quick snapshot:

• Guided brewery tours with VIP access and tastings (#1, #3)
• Bus-based brewery hopping for easy transportation (#2)
• Private and group bar crawls, including fun pedal bike options (#7, #8)
• Themed pub crawls with ghost stories (#4)

Below, we explore each tour in detail so you can pick the one that best matches your style and interests.

1. Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour

At number 1 the Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour is a standout for anyone serious about microbrews. For around $62, this 3.5-hour tour features VIP access to three local breweries. The tour includes up to a dozen beer samples, with four at each stop, and is led by a beer expert who shares insights into Memphis’s brewing history and techniques.

What makes this tour special is the focus on local craft breweries like Grind City Brewing Co., located on a Mississippi bluff and decorated with reclaimed factory wood, giving it an authentic Memphis vibe. Wiseacre Brewing Co. offers innovative flavors, appealing to those who like bold, unique brews.

The tour’s hassle-free transportation means you can indulge without worrying about driving, making it perfect for groups wanting a relaxed, educational experience.

Guests consistently praise Brian, the guide, for his enthusiasm and knowledge. One reviewer says, “Brian was fabulous. Knowledgeable, professional, and fun.” The tour’s intimate size and focus on Memphis’s craft beer scene make it an excellent choice for beer lovers who want a taste of local flavor with a side of history.

Bottom Line: This tour offers a well-rounded, behind-the-scenes look at Memphis breweries, with expert-guided tastings and a friendly atmosphere. It’s ideal for craft beer devotees wanting a deep dive.

2. Memphis Brew Bus Tour with Three Local Breweries & Tastings

Coming in at number 2, the Memphis Brew Bus Tour is a fun, relaxed way to explore Memphis’s craft beer scene. For $64.75, this 3.5-hour experience begins at a downtown meeting point and includes private transportation to three top breweries. The guide keeps things lively with entertaining stories, making the ride itself part of the fun.

This tour is perfect for those who prefer comfort and convenience while discovering local brews. The itinerary includes a curated selection of Memphis’s finest breweries, with exclusive tastings that aren’t available to the general public.

Reviewers love how friendly the guides are, with one saying, “Our tour guide was so gracious & helpful in navigating the Memphis Brewery scene,” and appreciated the ample tastings and friendly atmosphere.

The focus on comparing different styles and flavors makes this tour suitable for a wide audience—from serious beer enthusiasts to casual drinkers. The small-group format guarantees a personalized experience. It’s a great way to relax, socialize, and learn about Memphis’s brewing culture.

Bottom Line: The Bus Tour combines convenience with an insider’s look at Memphis’s craft beer, making it perfect for visitors who want a hassle-free, social experience.

3. Memphis: Signature Guided Brewery Tour

Number 3 is the Memphis: Signature Guided Brewery Tour, a VIP experience promising up to 12 beer samples, behind-the-scenes access, and round-trip transportation. For $69, this 3.5-hour tour takes you into Memphis’s craft brewery scene with an expert guide who shares insights into beer styles and local brewing stories.

What sets this tour apart is its all-inclusive nature—visitors get VIP access to top breweries where they can see brewing processes up close and learn about beer’s colorful history. The tour emphasizes education along with tasting, making it suitable for those eager to deepen their understanding of beer.

Reviews highlight the guide’s ability to entertain and educate, with one mentioning how the guide’s stories added richness to the experience.

The tour is ideal for visitors who appreciate VIP treatment and want a rundown of Memphis’s craft breweries. The balanced mix of tasting, sightseeing, and learning makes for a memorable, value-packed experience.

Bottom Line: This VIP tour offers a deeper, more exclusive look at Memphis breweries, perfect if you’re interested in beer history and insider access.

4. Haunted Pub Crawl in Memphis

Number 4 on our list is the Haunted Pub Crawl in Memphis, offering a spooky twist on Memphis’s bar scene. For $30.73, this 2.5-hour tour takes you through at least three historic pubs, each with ghost stories and lore. Your paranormal investigator guide shares tales of haunted bars like Earnestine & Hazel’s, where ghostly footsteps and eerie ambiance add a thrill to your drink.

This tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy history, ghost stories, and a lively pub atmosphere. The guide’s personal paranormal expertise adds authenticity, and the tour offers plenty of time to purchase drinks at each stop. Reviews rave about the added dimension of storytelling, with one noting, “Matt was amazing and so kind. We heard footsteps right behind us at the haunted pub.”

While it’s not a brewery-focused tour, this pub crawl provides a fun way to experience Memphis’s nightlife with a spooky edge. It’s especially suitable for those craving entertainment that blends history with a bit of ghostly mystery.

Bottom Line: If you’re into haunted tales and historic pubs, this tour combines storytelling with a relaxed pub crawl, making it a memorable night in Memphis.

5. Memphis: 3 Local Breweries Bus Tour with Tastings

Ranking number 5, the Memphis: 3 Local Breweries Bus Tour with Tastings is a great way to spend a few hours exploring Memphis’s brewing gems. For $58, this 3.5-hour tour offers transportation between breweries with a focus on comparing styles and flavors. The tour includes visits to three top breweries, where you taste exclusive samples.

This experience is ideal for those who want flexibility and a guided overview without the hassle of driving. Reviewers appreciate the opportunity to “cruise around on a fun-filled ride onboard the brew bus,” and the chance to “taste some of the city’s finest brews.” It’s a perfect choice for visitors who want a relaxed, social atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to chat and sample.

Who will love this? Beer lovers eager to try multiple breweries without the logistics of planning. The tour’s value comes from the combination of transportation, expert guidance, and a curated tasting experience.

Bottom Line: The Bus Tour with Tastings offers a balanced, convenient way to sample Memphis’s craft beer scene, especially for those who prefer a guided, social outing.

6. Memphis: Guided Bar Crawl on a Pedal Bike

Number 6 is the Guided Bar Crawl on a Pedal Bike, a lively way to see Memphis’s top bars while staying active. For just $40, this 1.5-hour adventure combines cycling, music, and drinks, with the option to bring your own beverages and snacks. The tour stops at several popular bars and allows for photo opportunities along the way.

This tour caters to those who want a fun, social experience with a bit of exercise thrown in. Peddling through downtown Memphis, you get to soak in the city’s vibe while enjoying music and making new friends. Reviewers love the “laughs and excitement,” with one noting the opportunity to “see Memphis’ top sites along the way.”

It’s best suited for active travelers and groups who want to enjoy Memphis’s nightlife in a relaxed, interactive way. Remember, bringing your own drinks means you can customize your experience.

Bottom Line: This pedal bike tour is perfect for energetic groups seeking a casual, fun way to explore Memphis’s bar scene and city sights.

7. #1 Way To See Memphis: Beale Street, Bar Crawl and Murals

The Beale Street Bar Crawl and Murals is a private pedal bike tour that combines sightseeing and nightlife in a single 1.5-hour session. It’s often rated as the top outdoor experience in Memphis with over 900 five-star reviews. For up to 16 people at $430 per group, this tour covers famous landmarks, vibrant murals, and lively bars.

This experience is particularly suited for groups, families, or anyone wanting a customized, guided exploration of Memphis’s cultural highlights. The tour includes stops for photos, dancing, and drinks, making it interactive and flexible. Reviewers praise the “family-friendly options” and being ranked #1 for nightlife and outdoor activities.

Ideal for those wanting an all-in-one introduction to Memphis’s top sites and lively bar scene, this private pedal bike is a great way to see the city in a relaxed, social setting.

Bottom Line: Perfect for groups wanting a personalized, active tour combining Memphis’s murals, landmarks, and bars.

8. Memphis Tennessee Bar Crawl Brews and Blues Bar Crawl

Finally, number 8 is the Memphis Tennessee Bar Crawl Brews and Blues, a budget-friendly, hour-and-a-half adventure priced at just $14.99. This app-led experience challenges you to explore Memphis’s hidden gems and landmarks through trivia and puzzles, making it a different kind of bar crawl.

While it currently has no reviews, it’s a fun, interactive option for tech-savvy travelers or those looking for a self-guided, flexible experience. It’s best suited for adventure-loving groups who enjoy games and exploration combined with casual drinking.

Since it’s app-based and inexpensive, it’s a good choice for a quick, low-cost introduction to Memphis’s bar scene, especially if you prefer independent exploration over guided tours.

Bottom Line: A budget-friendly, interactive way to discover Memphis’s lesser-known spots, ideal for tech-savvy travelers and those wanting a self-paced adventure.

How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour in Memphis

When selecting a drinking tour, consider your priorities. Want a relaxed, educational brewery experience? The Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour offers VIP access and in-depth insights. Prefer an active social outing? The Guided Bar Crawl on a Pedal Bike combines sightseeing, fun, and exercise.

For a spooky twist, the Haunted Pub Crawl blends history with ghost stories, perfect for those interested in Memphis’s haunted lore. Budget travelers might enjoy the Memphis Tennessee Bar Crawl Brews and Blues, an inexpensive, interactive app-led experience.

Timing can matter—many tours run year-round, but check schedules and book early, especially for popular options. Think about your preferred pace, whether you want guided tours, private experiences, or self-led adventures.

Final Thoughts

Memphis offers a surprisingly diverse array of drinking experiences that go beyond just visiting bars. Whether you’re a craft beer lover, a history enthusiast, or someone chasing ghost stories, the options above will enhance your visit.

For a comprehensive and engaging brewery visit, the Memphis Signature Guided Brewery Tour is hard to beat. For a lively, social night out, the pedal bike or bar crawl options provide fun and flexibility.

Remember to book early, especially during peak travel times, and take advantage of local guides who add personality and knowledge to each experience. Cheers to discovering Memphis’s best drinks—taste, explore, and enjoy responsibly.