Welcome to a city where live music fills the streets and tacos are considered a sacred art form.
The Austin Eats Food Tour takes you deep into the bold, quirky, and flavor-packed world of Austin’s culinary scene.
From smoked brisket and breakfast tacos to gourmet donuts and craft beer, this food tour is your backstage pass to the best Austin eats, served up with a side of Texas charm.
Whether you’re new to Austin or you’ve been here your whole life, this walking (or riding) tour introduces you to the local legends and hidden gems that make this city one of the top foodie destinations in the country.
What is a Food Tour?
A food tour is a guided experience that blends local cuisine, storytelling, and exploration.
On the Austin Eats Food Tour, you’ll sample your way through top-rated restaurants, food trucks, and iconic hole-in-the-wall joints—learning the history of Austin’s diverse neighborhoods along the way.
What’s Included:
- A guided walking or bus tour through Austin’s culinary hotspots
- Multiple tastings from local eateries, trucks, and markets
- Stories about Austin’s food culture, music scene, and local legends
- Recommendations from a local foodie guide
Types of Food Tours:
- Walking food tours through areas like Downtown, East Austin, and South Congress
- Bus or van tours with air-conditioned comfort and more coverage
- Progressive dinner tours with multiple courses in different spots
- Market tours highlighting local vendors
- Chef-led tours offering behind-the-scenes experiences
What Makes This Food Tour Special?
Local Dishes & Iconic Eats
🌶️ Breakfast tacos made fresh from handmade tortillas
🌶️ Pit-smoked brisket from iconic BBQ joints
🌶️ Gourmet donuts and hand-crafted kolaches
🌶️ Texas-style queso and chips
🌶️ Craft beer or cold brew tastings from local producers
🌶️ Flavor-packed bites from some of Austin’s most popular food trucks
Neighborhoods Explored
Depending on the tour you choose, you may explore:
- Downtown Austin, packed with food trucks, high-end restaurants, and live music venues
- East Austin, known for its artistic edge and exploding food truck scene
- South Congress (SoCo), a funky, vibrant area with street eats and stylish cafés
- The Domain, home to modern restaurants and elevated casual dining spots
Unique Highlights
⭐️ Experience both classic Texas flavors and new-school culinary creativity
⭐️ Sample foods from James Beard-nominated chefs and local legends
⭐️ See where Austinites really eat—off the tourist path
⭐️ Learn how the food scene intersects with Austin’s music, art, and history
👉 Reserve your spot here:
Austin Eats Food Tour on Tripadvisor
How Much Do Food Tours Cost?
Most Austin food tours range from $75 to $110 per person, depending on the length and format (walking vs. bus).
The tour typically includes:
- 6+ food tastings (enough for a full meal)
- All non-alcoholic beverages
- A friendly, expert guide
- Transportation (for bus tours)
Optional upgrades may include:
- Craft beer, cocktail, or margarita pairings
- Private tours for groups, events, or celebrations
- VIP chef experiences or add-on tastings
🔗 Check current availability and pricing here on Tripadvisor
How Long is the Tour?
🕒 Typical Duration: 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the tour
🕒 Shorter Tours: 1.5-hour versions available for express walks
🕒 Extended Tours: Half-day tastings by van or bus
Expect to walk 1 to 2 miles for walking tours, with food and hydration breaks built in.
Notify your provider in advance for accessibility needs or dietary restrictions.
Do You Need to Book in Advance?
Yes. This is one of the most popular Austin food tours, and spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during festival seasons like SXSW and ACL.
It’s best to reserve your place several days in advance.
Most tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours prior. Always confirm cancellation terms before booking.
👉 Reserve your tour here:
Austin Eats Food Tour on Tripadvisor
What Should You Bring?
- Comfortable walking shoes—you’ll be exploring on foot
- An empty stomach—the portions are generous
- Weather gear—hat, sunglasses, umbrella, or light jacket depending on season
- Camera or phone to snap photos of the food and murals
- A water bottle or small bag if needed
How to Choose the Best Food Tour
✅ Local guides who love Austin and know the food scene inside and out
✅ A variety of tastings—from BBQ to tacos to sweets
✅ Small group sizes for a personalized experience
✅ Positive guest reviews and high ratings
✅ Insightful storytelling that connects food to the local vibe
✅ Authentic stops that locals actually eat at—not just tourist traps
Local Tips & Hidden Gems
- Your guide may show you where to find the best brisket that doesn’t have a 3-hour line
- Learn how Austin’s taco culture differs from other Texas cities
- Discover tucked-away food trucks serving up fusion dishes and vegan BBQ
- Get tips on live music venues, late-night eats, and food festivals happening nearby
- You’ll leave with a curated list of Austin restaurants, bars, and bakeries to explore after your tour
What to Expect on a Food Tour
- A casual, fun, and tasty stroll (or ride) through Austin
- A variety of tastings—more than enough for a full lunch or dinner
- A mix of old-school icons and new must-try stops
- Friendly local guides and fellow food lovers
- A deeper appreciation for Austin’s food, culture, and creativity
How to Prepare for a Food Tour
- Come hungry
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Dress for the weather
- Bring water, sunscreen, and a phone/camera
- Let the tour operator know in advance if you have dietary restrictions
Frequently Asked Questions About the Austin Eats Food Tour
✅ Is the tour kid-friendly?
Yes, most are family-friendly, especially walking tours.
✅ How much walking is involved?
About 1 to 2 miles, depending on the route.
✅ Are dietary needs accommodated?
Yes, many providers offer vegetarian or gluten-free options with advance notice.
✅ What happens in bad weather?
Tours run rain or shine. Bring an umbrella or light jacket.
✅ Are drinks included?
Non-alcoholic drinks are included; alcoholic beverages may be available as add-ons.
✅ How many people are in a group?
Group sizes are usually small—between 10 to 16 guests.
✅ Do I need to tip the guide?
Tips are not required but always appreciated.
✅ Will I be full?
Yes—most guests say the tastings equal a full meal.
✅ Where does the tour start and end?
Most tours begin and end at central, walkable Austin locations.
✅ Can I book a private tour?
Absolutely. Many tours offer private and customizable group options.
Hungry for the real taste of Austin?
👉 Book your spot now on Tripadvisor