Austin, Texas, isn’t just the live music capital of the world—it’s also a haven for foodies. From smoky barbecue joints to vibrant taco stands, the city’s culinary scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Whether you want to explore on foot, by bike, or with a private guide, Austin offers a variety of tasting experiences that highlight its unique flavors and local history. Imagine sampling mouthwatering brisket, savoring breakfast tacos straight from a food truck, or discovering hidden gems in lively neighborhoods like South Congress or the Red River District.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top 15 food tours in Austin, each with its own personality and style. You’ll find options ranging from guided walking adventures to e-bike explorations, private city tours with food stops, and specialty tastings like Texas BBQ or tacos. We’ve included detailed insights into what makes each tour special, so you can choose the perfect experience for your taste buds and travel style. Prepare to get a true taste of Austin—literally.
Quick Overview
This list includes a mix of walking tours, bike rides, private excursions, and specialty tastings. You’ll find tours that focus on downtown Austin’s food scene, South Congress, Red River District, and beyond. Some tours emphasize historic aspects paired with bites, others focus solely on regional specialties like barbecue and tacos. Prices range from $65 to $335, with durations from 2 to 4 hours, often including multiple food stops and local storytelling. Whether you’re a budget traveler or seeking a private experience, there’s something tailored to your interests.
1. Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
Starting with a highly-rated experience, this Austin Walking Food Tour has earned a perfect 5.0 out of 5 from nearly 850 reviews. It lasts about 3 hours and takes you through either downtown or South Congress, two of Austin’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Your guide will lead you from barbecue brisket to breakfast tacos and even a secret dish, tasting Austin’s best bites while sharing stories about the city’s history. The tour is a great choice for foodies wanting to experience authentic local flavors in a lively atmosphere. With an optional private upgrade, it’s perfect if you want a more personalized touch. Expect hearty bites, like Texas-sized tacos, and plenty of insider tips.
Bottom line: This tour combines Austin’s culinary highlights and sights, making it a balanced, fun introduction to Texas food culture.
2. Austin Downtown Private Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
If you’re traveling with a smaller group or prefer a more intimate experience, this private downtown Austin food tour is ideal. Rated 5.0 from 55 reviews, it offers a personalized introduction to Austin’s top eateries. Your private guide will lead you through the busy streets, tasting barbecue brisket and banana leaf tamales. The tour starts at a convenient location on Congress Avenue and lasts around 3 hours. It’s perfect for first-timers who want to explore Austin’s food scene with a private group of up to 12 people. You’ll learn about the city’s culinary history while enjoying delicious samples in a relaxed setting. This experience is well-reviewed for its personalized service and local knowledge.
Bottom line: For those seeking privacy and tailored tasting experiences, this tour offers a relaxed, insider look at downtown Austin.
3. Austin E-Bike Foodie Tour
Explore Austin’s dynamic food scene on two wheels with this E-Bike Foodie Tour. With 28 five-star reviews, this 4-hour adventure combines cycling, culinary stops, and sightseeing. You’ll pedal through areas like 6th Street, visiting both food trucks and classic dives. The tour highlights the hottest food spots and allows guides to accommodate dietary restrictions—a plus for those with food allergies or preferences. The guide will point out Austin landmarks along the way, making it both a tour of tastes and sights. The relaxed pace and e-bike comfort make it accessible for most fitness levels.
Bottom line: An active, fun approach to tasting Austin’s trendy eateries and local favorites, perfect for those who want to combine sightseeing with bites.
4. Austin: Secret Food Tour
This Secret Food Tour has a solid 4.6-star rating and lasts approximately 3 hours. It’s suited for groups who love discovering eclectic and hidden local bites. You’ll visit several stops in Austin’s historic city center, tasting local dishes while learning about the city’s food history and influences. The tour is designed to highlight Austin’s diverse cuisine and the story behind each dish, all with a passionate guide. Food is included, with the chance to try signature Texas flavors. It’s well-suited for those wanting a guided exploration of Austin’s vibrant culinary scene with a friendly, knowledgeable guide.
Bottom line: A flavorful way to learn about Austin’s food culture and history, with a focus on local and authentic dishes.
5. Austin: Highlights Tour with Texas Capitol and Food Stop
Combine sightseeing with tastes of Austin on this Highlights Tour. Lasting around 3 hours, it includes visits to iconic spots like the Texas State Capitol, Pennybacker Bridge, and Mt. Bonnell, with a surprise food stop along the way. Hosted in a comfortable Mercedes Metris van, it suits travelers wanting a combination of city sights and local bites. The tour offers self-guided time at the Capitol and a chance to learn about Austin’s history and culture from your guide. The experience gets good reviews for its balanced mix of sightseeing and sampling.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for visitors who want an overview of Austin’s highlights along with a taste of its local flavor.
6. Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin
For barbecue lovers, this Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour offers a delicious dive into Texas’ signature culinary style. It lasts about 2 hours and takes you through Downtown Austin, visiting top BBQ spots. Your guide will lead you through stops where you’ll savor smoked brisket, barbacoa tacos, and other Texas specialties. The tour has a lively atmosphere, and reviews mention great guides like Andee, who make the experience engaging. It’s ideal for those wanting authentic barbecue in a compact timeframe, with enough time to relax and chat.
Bottom line: Perfect for meat enthusiasts wanting to sample Austin’s famous BBQ with a friendly guide.
7. Austin South Congress Walking Food Tour for Small Groups
Discover SoCo’s eclectic vibe with this South Congress Walking Food Tour. Rated 4.5, it lasts about 3 hours, taking you through local dining, nightlife, and shopping. Your guides reveal hidden gems, taking you to delicious diner favorites, smoked BBQ, and sweet treats. The tour includes stops along South Congress Avenue, a lively neighborhood filled with character. Guests praise guides for their knowledge and friendliness, making it a fun, authentic experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for those wanting to explore Austin’s vibrant SoCo district and sample its diverse foods.
8. Small Group Austin Red River Street BBQ Food Walking Tour
This intimate Red River Street BBQ Tour is limited to 10 people and comes highly recommended with a 5.0 rating. Over approximately 2 hours, your guide will lead you through the Red River Cultural District, stopping at street vendors to sample some of the best Texas barbecue. The first stop at Cooper’s Old Time Pit offers sausage macaroni & cheese as a signature dish. Guests love the fabulous guides and the opportunity to make choices during the tour.
Bottom line: Perfect for small groups seeking an authentic, active barbecue experience in Austin’s vibrant district.
9. Downtown Austin Walk: History with Food and Drink Options
Combine history and bites on this Downtown Austin Walk. Lasting 2.5 hours, it starts at Love, Tito’s and takes you through hidden local spots. You’ll taste local favorites and learn about Austin’s rich past from your guide. The experience is great for small groups up to 8 people who want a blend of cultural storytelling and culinary sampling. Expect own expense food at stops but with insider insights that make each bite more meaningful.
Bottom line: An excellent choice if you love local history mixed with food and want a personalized, relaxed tour.
10. Small-Group Austin Taco Food Walking Tour
Tacos are king in Austin, and this Taco Food Walking Tour showcases the city’s best. Lasting about 2 hours, it guides you to around four restaurants to taste delicious tacos. The tour gets high marks for a small group size, which allows for more interaction and personalized attention. The guide will point out local sights like the Willie Nelson Statue while you indulge in authentic flavors straight from Austin’s food trucks and eateries. Guests appreciate the food variety and the guides’ knowledge.
Bottom line: Ideal for taco lovers and those looking to explore Austin’s vibrant food scene in an intimate setting.
11. Austin: Small Group Taco Tasting Foodie Walking Tour
This Taco Tasting Tour offers a delicious journey through Austin’s taco culture with a focus on local ingredients. With a 4.7-star rating, it lasts about 2 hours, showcasing top taco spots and ending with a sweet treat—a doughnut or similar. You’ll explore Rainey Street and Congress Avenue, learning about Austin’s culinary scene from your guide. Guests find the tour kid-friendly and vegetarian-friendly, making it versatile for many.
Bottom line: Perfect for foodies seeking tacos and culture in a small-group setting.
12. Devour Downtown Austin Walking Food Tour
Explore downtown Austin’s food scene on this Devour Tour. Although rated only 3.0 stars, it’s praised for good portions and local favorites. Over 3 hours, you’ll visit five eateries, sampling delicious local dishes in a guided walk. The tour emphasizes storytelling about Austin’s food culture and stops at well-known spots. It’s a solid pick for budget travelers who want a taste of downtown’s culinary scene.
Bottom line: Great for those wanting to explore downtown Austin’s food but on a budget, with ample tastings.
13. Austin SoCo Private Walking Food Tours With Secret Food Tours
This private tour of South Congress (link) offers an exclusive look at Austin’s most iconic neighborhood. Though rated 0/5 (possibly new or less reviewed), it promises delicious local bites and a guided exploration of South Congress’s neighborhood. You’ll visit diner favorites and smoky BBQ spots, seeing local shops along the way. It’s suited for groups wanting a tailored, private experience in this lively district. Expect flexible stops and personalized attention.
Bottom line: Good for those seeking a private, customizable experience in Austin’s most quirky and tasty neighborhood.
14. Private Street Food Tour With A Local Guide in Austin
This private street food tour (link) takes you through vibrant Austin neighborhoods like Rainey Street and East Sixth, sampling legendary barbecue, famous breakfast tacos, and hidden gems. It is tailored to your preferences, with your guide sharing local stories while you indulge. The tour lasts about 3 hours, designed for those wanting a customized, in-depth introduction to street food in Austin. It’s perfect for food explorers who enjoy walking and discovery.
Bottom line: An ideal choice if you want flexibility and local insight in a private, food-focused adventure.
15. Austin: Secret Food Tour of South Congress
Finally, the South Congress Secret Food Tour captures Austin’s most lively neighborhood. Rated 4.8 out of 5, it offers a 3-hour exploration of local eateries and iconic shops. You’ll indulge in a range of Austin-original food including pizza, tacos, and sugary treats. The guide shares culinary history behind each stop, making it as much about culture as cuisine. Plus, there’s an option to upgrade with drinks. Perfect for visitors wanting a comprehensive taste of South Congress’s food and vibe in a lively, friendly environment.
Bottom line: A great culinary tour for those eager to experience Austin’s iconic neighborhood with a delicious twist.
How to Choose the Right Food Tour
Deciding between these options depends on your interests, group size, budget, and activity level. If you’re after a full overview of Austin’s culinary scene with plenty of food, the Secret Food Tours or the Famous Texas BBQ Tour are excellent. For travelers seeking privacy, the private tours like the downtown private or South Congress private are best. If you prefer active exploration, the E-bike tour is a fun choice, especially if you want to combine sightseeing and tasting.
Consider your fitness level—the walking tours involve 2-3 hours of strolling—while bike tours require comfort on a bike. Book early in peak seasons (spring and fall) and double-check the tour availability to fit your schedule.
Final Thoughts
Austin’s food scene is as lively and diverse as its music, offering a wealth of flavorful experiences. For a guided taste of downtown, the Secret Food Tour is highly rated, while those wanting a private, customized day should consider the private downtown or South Congress options. The E-bike foodie tour stands out for combining sightseeing and bites, especially for active travelers.
No matter your style, booking early is advisable to secure your spot in these popular experiences. Now, get ready to enjoy Austin’s authentic flavors and local stories—your taste buds will thank you.