Frequently Asked Questions for Up and Adam Food Tours of North End, Boston

Question 1

How much food can I expect to eat/drink during the tour?

Accepted Answer

For the North End Pastry Tour and Back Bay Chocolate tours, tastings will be provided from 4 different locations. For the North End and Union Square Food Tours, tastings will be provided from 5 different locations.

For the food tours, we provide tastings, so please do not expect a full meal at each location. Tastings vary in portion size, with some served while seated inside the restaurant and others served in a more “on the go” manner, allowing time for the neighborhood component of the tour.

Question 2

Are there vegetarian options available?

Accepted Answer

We can provide vegetarian options in most tasting locations with advance notice. Please make this request when you purchase tickets since we won't be able to arrange for alternative options on the day of the tour.

Question 3

What if I have a dietary restriction or food allergy?

Accepted Answer

All substitutions must be requested in advance; please indicate this in your reservation when purchasing tickets. Tastings are prepared ahead of time based on reservation notes, so we are unable to make changes to the orders on the fly on the day of the tour.

For allergies and restrictions not listed, as there may not always be a “next best” option that also meets specific dietary needs, we are not able to provide substitutions in all tasting locations. However, our tours offer a good mix of foods, including vegetarian, pescatarian, and gluten-free options.

Question 4

When should my group get to the starting point?

Accepted Answer

Please make your way to the starting point of your tour 10-15 minutes before. Because of the tight schedule, the tour will start right at the time noted on the website and we will not wait for late guests.

Question 5

Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?

Accepted Answer

Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets may be purchased through our website. Cash is not accepted for ticket purchases.

Question 6

What is your Cancellation/Refund Policy?

Accepted Answer

Tickets can be refunded and/or exchanged for a different date up to 24 hours prior to the originally scheduled tour. Tickets cancelled within 24 hours of the tour or after the tour will not be refunded or exchanged.

Question 7

Does the tour guide accept gratuities? Are they included in the ticket price?

Accepted Answer

Tour guide gratuities are not included in the ticket price. If you had a great time, gratuities will be welcomed and greatly appreciated by your tour guide at the end of the tour. Standard gratuity is $10 per guest in your group.

Question 8

Are gratuities for the servers included in my ticket price?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in the tasting locations where we are seated and served, gratuities for the servers are included in the price of your ticket and have been taken care of behind the scenes.

Question 9

Can I book a Private Group Tour?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can accommodate private group tours. Please visit the Private Tours page for more details.

Question 10

Where does the tour begin and end?

Accepted Answer

The North End Food Tour will begin at the Columbus Park Trellis and end at the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway.

The North End Pastry Tour will begin at the Tony DeMarco Statue and end at the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway.

The Bay Bay Chocolate Tours start in front of the Tesla showroom at the Prudential Center and end on Clarendon Street.

The Union Square Food Tour will begin and end in Union Square in front of Vera's.

Question 11

How much walking does the tour involve? What is the pace like?

Accepted Answer

For the North End Food Tour and North End Pastry Tour, we walk approximately 1 mile.

For the Union Square and North End Tours, we walk approximately 0.5 - 0.75 miles, accounting for about 20 minutes of walking.

For the Back Bay Evening Chocolate Tour, we walk approximately 1 mile. For the Back Bay Chocolate & Art Galleries Tour, we walk approximately 1.25 miles.

Question 12

Can I make purchases during the tour?

Accepted Answer

Each tour is coordinated in advance to ensure fresh food tastings and an efficient operation. Because of this, it is critical for us to stay on schedule. We ask that you please refrain from purchasing your own food during the tour unless stated otherwise. However, everything is within close proximity and we will provide all the information you need to return to your favorite spots easily after the tour.

Additionally, there will be time frames in which you're allowed to do some shopping in the Prudential Center during the Back Bay tours, and in Bow Market during the tour in Union Square.

Question 13

Are tours given in bad weather?

Accepted Answer

All tours will run rain or shine. Please check the weather forecast and plan ahead. If rain is predicted, please bring an umbrella and proper rain gear.  Boston area weather is quite variable, so please also plan attire accordingly for hot or cold temperatures depending the time of year you visit us!

Question 14

Is parking available near the starting location of the tour?

Accepted Answer

Parking capacity in the North End and Back Bay is scarce, and availability is sporadic and quite expensive. Please consider using public transit or Uber/Lyft, or even walking if you're staying downtown. If you have to drive, SpotHero is a great app for finding parking.  In the North End, parking garages include North End Garage and Sargent's Wharf Lot, and in Back Bay, parking garages include Back Bay Garage and Clarendon St Garage. Because of the unpredictability of Boston transit and traffic, please give yourself a 15-minute buffer when considering your ETA.

Question 15

Are restrooms available during the tour?

Accepted Answer

For the North End Food Tour, there will be bathrooms available at the first and last spots on the tour.

For the North End Bakery & Cafe Tour, there will be bathrooms available at the second and last spots on the tour.

For the Back Bay Chocolate tours, bathrooms will be available at most chocolate vendors.

Bathrooms will be available at each stop of the Union Square tour.

Question 16

Are cameras allowed on the tour?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Taking pictures and documenting your tour is welcomed and highly encouraged. If you had a good time, feel free to tag us on social media @upandadamfoodtours.

Question 17

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

The North End tours are accessible by wheelchair.

The Back Bay Evening Chocolate Tour is accessible by wheelchair.

The Back Bay Chocolate & Art Galleries Tour is accessible by wheelchair, except for one of the art galleries we visit.

Question 18

At what point in my vacation is it best to take this tour?

Accepted Answer

We highly recommend you take this tour toward the beginning of your vacation so you have time to re-visit the neighborhood and your new favorite local eateries!  In addition to the tasting locations visited as part of the tour, we also talk about and provide a list of our favorite places to go and things to do in the Boston area.

Question 19

Are pets allowed on the tour?

Accepted Answer

For the comfort of all of our guests and per Massachusetts regulations prohibiting animals in establishments serving food, we do not allow pets on our tours.

Question 20

Is smoking allowed on the tour?

Accepted Answer

For the comfort of all of our guests, we kindly ask that you refrain from smoking during our tours.

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By Category

By Party Type

By Top Batch Cities

Felix J.

Annette L.

Angelina S.

Rene H.

Emily G.

Rene H.

Sarah V.

Karin B.

Cathy K.

Anastasiya Y.

Laura M.

Will S.

Sarah K.

Jere W.

Czarina H.

Czarina H.

Olga C.

Erin L.

Claudia M.

Heather J.

Amy W.