OUR STORY
A CULINARY EXPERIENCE COMPANY
Sidewalk Food Tours was inspired by a deep love of food, history, and the unique stories of different neighborhoods in different cities. The first Sidewalk Food Tour was launched in NYC, and since then, the Sidewalks family has grown to include tours in Chicago, San Francisco, Paris, New Orleans, LA and now San Diego.
Our goal is to provide exceptional walking food tours of San Diego so you can revisit these neighborhoods with confidence and enjoy the array of culinary options they have to offer. We want you to feel as if you’re exploring the city with a close friend who’s showing you all their favorite local hideaways.
We’re self-proclaimed foodies. We’ve made it our mission to eat our way through San Diego, doing a lot of delicious research (and some not so appetizing) to bring you the best food options the city has to offer. There is no better way to learn about the history and culture of a neighborhood than to eat its food. The food and the people who prepare it tell the story of a neighborhood. Join us on a real foodie adventure as we eat our way through our favorite neighborhoods and uncover the best off-the-beaten-path food spots in San Diego.
We look forward to having you join us on a Sidewalk Food Tour of San Diego and can’t wait to show you the sights. Happy eating!
Bon voyage!
SIDEWALK FOOD TOURS OF SAN DIEGO
OUR TOURS
EXPLORE NEIGHBORHOOD DELIGHTS
Savor the sights, sounds, and flavors on a Food Tour of Los Angeles! Your expert tour guide leads you on a walking adventure through this extraordinary city, sharing stories of early settlers, Old Town & New Town history, victorian architecture, and the transformation of San Diego’s culture and food scene.
On your food tour, you get to enjoy tastes from unique San Diego eateries, including the best bakeries, authentic ethnic eateries, and renowned establishments creating a buzz in the foodie universe. Along the way, your tour guide introduces you to the city’s unique history, evolving food culture, and fascinating architecture. At the end of your tour, with your newfound knowledge of the neighborhood’s best hidden gems, you’ll feel like a true San Diegan!
unique history, evolving food culture, and fascinating architecture. At the end of your tour, with your newfound knowledge of LA’s best hidden gems, you’ll feel like a true Angeleno!
MEET THE TEAM
JOSHUA HIRSCH
OWNER
On a six-hour historical tour of Lower Manhattan, Joshua’s stomach began to grumble as the guide pointed out some delicious food spots. It was then that he had an “aha moment.” He decided to include his favorite food places on a history and culture walking tour, so folks wouldn’t be hungry while discovering the city!
He wanted his tours to tell the story of the neighborhood through its food and the people who prepare it. The rest, as they say, is history. Sidewalk Food Tours, a culinary experience company, was born. He has since expanded into six delectable cities. His goal is to expand to every major U.S. city you travel to, so you can experience its food and culture on a Sidewalk Food Tour.
CHIEU HIRSCH
PARTNER
We are honored to have Chieu Hirsch on our team. She plays an integral part in the company’s overall success. Her family bravely refuged to the U.S. from Vietnam in the 1980s. She brings years of business experience, previously working for Sprint, Principal Financial, Morgan Stanley, and Hartford. In addition to her business acumen, she is extremely passionate about feng shui, astrology, food, and culture. She loves meditation, traveling, and hiking to beautiful mountaintops. Spending quality time with her eight nieces and nephews is what brings her the most joy.
MARIA BROWN
GUIDE
I have lived in this amazing, beautiful city since the 1990’s and am thrilled to share with you the history, culture, and some delicious foods we have. I am a Mom to an incredible 16 year old young man who is the love of my life. I am passionate about inclusion and look forward to meeting you all soon.
PHIL OVERBECK
GUIDE
Phil is a 26 year old with a passion for history and having a good time. Though not originally from San Diego, over the past few years he’s developed into a surfing, taco loving San Diagon. In addition to enjoying the beaches he also spends a lot of time downtown as a stand up comedian when he is not touring breweries and wineries across the country. Favorite Cocktail: Manhattan Favorite Local Food: Tacos de Adobada
AJA AGUIRRE
GUIDE
Aja is an English teacher, lover of history and culinary adventures. She is from central California and has resided in San Diego since 1998. Aja has four children who she loves to cook for. Living in California, one has access to extraordinary farmer’s markets with the freshest ingredients, perfect for cooking. She enjoys meeting new people and sharing what America’s Finest City has to offer.
STEFAN CALVARUSO
GUIDE
Stefan has lived in downtown San Diego for over 10 years and has a love for good food, craft beer, having a good time and showing off the beautiful city of San Diego.
JEREMY BARWICK
GUIDE
Stefan has lived in downtown San Diego for over 10 years and has a love for good food, craft beer, having a good time and showing off the beautiful city of San Diego.