Austin stands out as a food lover’s paradise, thanks to its eclectic mix of barbecue joints, taco stands, and innovative eateries. The city’s lively neighborhoods—like South Congress and Rainey Street—are packed with iconic spots and hidden treasures, making Austin perfect for food tours that mix local flavors with a bit of sightseeing. We especially enjoy tours that combine culinary discoveries with storytelling, like the Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours, which balances delicious bites with Austin’s lively street scenes and history. Whether you’re after classic BBQ or creative street food, Austin’s tour options promise authentic tastes and memorable experiences.
Quick Overview
Our list includes a variety of tours catering to different interests and activity levels. There are traditional walking tours like the downtown food tour, private guided experiences such as the Downtown Austin Private Food Tour, and active explorations like E-bike Foodie Tours. For taco lovers, options like the Taco Tasting Walking Food Tour offer a bite-sized but flavorful way to experience Austin’s taco scene. And if barbecue is your passion, the Small Group Red River Street BBQ Walking Tour brings you to some of the city’s top smoked meat spots. Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each tour to help you choose the perfect fit.
1. Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
At number 1, this Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours offers a delightful mix of city sights and authentic bites. For around $99, you’ll explore either downtown or South Congress, sampling items like Texas-sized BBQ brisket, Instagram-worthy breakfast tacos, and even discovering a secret dish on the route. The three-hour tour is praised for its storytelling—your guide shares stories about Austin’s history and culture while leading you to some of the best local eateries. Guests consistently mention how filling and flavorful the stops are, often saying they should skip breakfast beforehand. Ideal for foodies and visitors wanting a comprehensive taste of Austin’s culinary scene, this tour also offers an upgrade to private groups for a more personalized experience.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, fun introduction to Austin’s food and sights, perfect for those who want a lively, flavorful walk with stories to tell.
2. Austin Downtown Private Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
For those seeking an intimate experience, the Downtown Austin Private Food Tour delivers a personalized four-hour exploration of Austin’s culinary highlights. Priced at $335 per person, it’s best suited for groups up to 12 who want to customize their food journey. The tour includes stops at iconic spots such as the Texas State Capitol, Sixth Street, and local eateries serving barbecue brisket and banana leaf–wrapped tamales. Your private guide offers detailed insights into Austin’s history alongside tastings. Reviews emphasize the guide’s personality and knowledge, making it the perfect choice for first-time visitors or groups wanting a tailored experience.
Bottom Line: An ideal choice for privacy and customization, this tour balances history, city sights, and excellent food.
3. Austin: Downtown Food Tour with 6+ Tastings of Local Flavors
This Downtown Food Tour provides over six different dishes, including smoky BBQ brisket and breakfast tacos, in just three hours. Designed to give a real taste of Austin’s local scene, it highlights hidden gems and reveals some of Austin’s cultural twists. Guests love the surprises—like a Secret Dish—and the chance to learn about the city’s food and music heritage from an expert guide. It’s a fantastic option for travelers who want a deep dive into Austin’s core neighborhoods without a long commitment.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those eager to sample multiple local favorites in a short, lively tour.
4. Austin E-Bike Foodie Tour
Exploring Austin’s food scene on two wheels has never been more fun than with the E-Bike Foodie Tour. For around $128, you’ll ride through 6th Street, Rainey Street, and South Congress, tasting everything from classic dives to the latest food truck hits. The guide points out landmarks like the Congress Avenue Bat Bridge and Ladybird Lake, making it a scenic ride as well as a culinary one. The tour is especially suitable for foodies who enjoy activity and want to see more of the city in a relaxed way. Dietary restrictions are accommodated, and the four-hour length offers a good balance of movement and tasting.
Bottom Line: An active, flexible way to explore Austin’s new food spots and sights on a comfortable e-bike.
5. Austin South Congress Walking Food Tour for Small Groups
At number five, this South Congress Walking Food Tour takes you off the busy downtown streets into the eclectic SoCo district. For $95, you get to explore diner favorites, Big Top Candy Shop, and iconic spots like Jo’s Coffee with its famous “I Love You So Much” mural. The three-hour journey is perfect for those who want a leisurely stroll through a lively neighborhood packed with shopping, music, and unique eateries. Reviewers often note their guides’ friendliness and the chance to try local sweets and tacos they might miss on their own.
Bottom Line: A relaxed, neighborhood-focused tour ideal for lovers of classic Austin eats and street art.
6. Small Group Austin Red River Street BBQ Food Walking Tour
This Red River Street BBQ Tour keeps the focus tight on barbecue. For $134, in just two hours, you’ll visit well-known vendors like Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que and enjoy smoked meats and classic sides. Limited to 10 people, it’s an intimate way to learn about Texas BBQ traditions while sampling some of the best in Austin. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guide and the quality of the barbecue, making it perfect for BBQ enthusiasts. The short duration makes it a good choice if your schedule is tight but you crave serious meat.
Bottom Line: A compact, meat-focused tour for barbecue lovers wanting a taste of Austin’s best.
7. Austin Taco Tasting Walking Food Tour (Small Group)
Tacos are a staple in Austin, and this Taco Tasting Walking Food Tour lets you sample three different tacos plus a local bakery treat. priced at $99, it’s a quick two-hour walk around landmarks like the Driskill Hotel and Congress Bridge. With a maximum of 12 guests, it offers an intimate atmosphere and plenty of local flavor. Reviewers love the variety and the chance to try tacos that they wouldn’t find on their own, noting guides are friendly and knowledgeable.
Bottom Line: A perfect quick tour for taco lovers who want a flavorful, guided bite around Austin’s famous sights.
8. Small-Group Austin Taco Food Walking Tour
Another excellent taco option, this Small-Group Taco Tour offers visits to four local restaurants. For $99, in about two hours, you’ll explore Austin’s taco culture with a guide who ensures you see city highlights like the Willie Nelson statue. Guests appreciate the personalized experience and the variety of tacos sampled—an authentic way to understand why tacos are such a Texas favorite. The tour is suitable for those who want a relaxed pace and food that’s reliably delicious.
Bottom Line: Ideal for taco aficionados who want to explore multiple spots in a short, friendly tour.
9. Locals Know BBQ Food Tour in Austin Texas
This Locals Know BBQ Food Tour features five of Austin’s top barbecue joints, including la Barbecue and Micklethwait Craft Meats. For $175, you not only get to taste some of the best smoked meats but also hear stories from passionate pitmasters—an experience that elevates the food beyond just eating. The tour lasts around three hours, offering a deep dive into Texas BBQ culture. Reviewers mention the quality and variety of meats, making it ideal for serious BBQ fans who want to skip lines and learn from local experts.
Bottom Line: A premium BBQ tour for those who want an insider’s look and authentic flavors.
10. Austin: Street Art and Street Food Tour
For a mix of art and eats, this Street Art and Street Food Tour combines murals with food truck tastings in a 2.5-hour ride. Small but impactful, it features stops at murals like “I Love You So Much” and local food vendors, offering a taste of Austin’s creative side. Guides are locals involved in arts and music, making the experience both visual and flavorful. It’s perfect for those who want a quick, artsy bite of Austin’s street scene.
Bottom Line: A concise tour emphasizing Austin’s murals and street food, great for art lovers.
11. Austin Small-Group BBQ Walking Food Tour
This Small-Group BBQ Tour offers a focused experience in Rainey Street, with a maximum of 12 participants. For $129, you’ll sample brisket, ribs, and more from local favorites. Besides the food, you’ll see key sights like the Colorado River and enjoy narration from a knowledgeable guide. It’s an easy, 2-hour walk for those craving Texas BBQ in an intimate setting.
Bottom Line: Best suited for BBQ fans who prefer a relaxed pace with good storytelling.
$129 per person
12. Austin: E-bike Foodie Tour
This E-bike Foodie Tour combines exercise and eating in a 4-hour ride through Austin. For $139, explore landmarks like Ladybird Lake and South Congress, sampling local favorites along the way. The tour is tailored to your interests, accommodating dietary restrictions, and offers a relaxed way to cover more ground than a walking tour. Guides are committed to personalized experiences, making it ideal for active travelers who want to see and taste all in one day.
Bottom Line: A flexible, active option for those who want to enjoy Austin’s food and sights simultaneously.
$139 per person
13. Austin: Secret Food Tour of South Congress
This Secret Food Tour of South Congress takes you into the heart of Austin’s iconic neighborhood. For $115, you’ll visit local spots serving delicious Austin original food and drinks, with options to upgrade to include beverages. This tour covers diner favorites, pizza, tacos, and more, all while exploring local art and culture. It’s a great choice for travelers interested in both food and neighborhood vibe, with reviews highlighting the guide’s engaging nature.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting an authentic neighborhood experience with good eats.
$115 per person
14. Private Street Food Tour With A Local Guide in Austin
For an exclusive experience, this Private Street Food Tour offers a 3-hour, personalized journey through Austin’s dynamic streets. Although reviews are unavailable, the small-group format and personal guide mean a customized route focusing on street food and local flavor. It’s ideal for travelers who want full control over their culinary adventure and the chance to explore less-visited sides of Austin.
Bottom Line: A bespoke tour for those who prefer tailored experiences and discovering street-food hidden gems.
$336.63 per person
15. Austin SoCo Private Walking Food Tours With Secret Food Tours
This SoCo Private Walking Food Tour combines neighborhood charm with flavorful bites. For $335, you explore South Congress with a guide who takes you through diner favorites, candy shops, and iconic murals. The three-hour tour is perfect for small groups or couples wanting a personalized experience, with stops at places like Allens Boots and Jo’s Coffee. Reviews are limited, but the focus on local culture and food makes it a strong choice for curious travelers.
Bottom Line: An exclusive, cultural walk with a focus on Austin’s iconic neighborhood.
$335.00 per person
16. Austin Street Art and Street Food Tour with Local Guide
Lastly, this Street Art and Street Food Tour offers a 2.5-hour exploration of murals paired with tasty street food. It caters to those who love visual arts and local bites, with stops at renowned murals and food trucks. The guides are locals involved in Austin’s creative scene, offering insights you won’t find elsewhere. It’s suitable for art and foodies who want a quick but meaningful experience.
Bottom Line: A compact tour that combines Austin’s street art with flavorful snacks, ideal for a half-day adventure.
$85.00 per person
How to Choose the Best Food Tour in Austin
When selecting your perfect Austin food tour, consider your interests and activity level. For those wanting a comprehensive city introduction with a mix of sights and bites, the Walking Food Tour or the Private Downtown Tour are excellent. If you prefer a more active experience, the E-bike Foodie Tour or E-bike Foodie Tour perfectly combine sightseeing and eating. Budget-conscious travelers might enjoy shorter walks such as the Taco Tour, while BBQ aficionados should consider the Red River or Locals Know BBQ. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred date and group size.
Austin’s food scene is remarkably varied and full of personality, from smoky barbecue to inventive street eats. Our top picks offer something for every taste—whether you’re after a guided walk, private experience, or active e-bike exploration. For an authentic, delicious, and fun way to experience Austin, these tours are well worth planning ahead. Remember, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on the best times to eat and explore this lively city.