Austin’s reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World and its thriving craft beer scene make it an ideal city for sampling local drinks and stories. Its eclectic mix of historic bars, vibrant music venues, and scenic water-based bar hopping tours set it apart from other cities. Whether you’re after ghost stories, craft brews, or lively nightlife, Austin offers options that combine authentic local flavor with fun, guided experiences. Many tours are small-group, which means more personal interaction and insider knowledge—perfect for travelers seeking a genuine taste of Austin’s drinking culture.
Below, you’ll find a carefully curated list of the 16 best drinking tours in Austin. From spooky pub crawls to brewery limousines, each one has something special to offer. Whether you’re a history lover, a beer enthusiast, or just out for a good time, there’s a tour to match your style.
1. Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour
This tour blends paranormal tales with Austin’s historic drinking spots. Starting at Moonshine Grill, you’ll hear about Old West ghost stories and visit atmospheric pubs like Azul Rooftop Lounge and The Driskill Hotel. The tour lasts about 2 hours and includes visits to some of the city’s most haunted landmarks and popular bars. Guests can purchase drinks at each stop (own expense) and listen to entertaining storytelling from guides who really know Austin’s spooky side. With a 4.5-star rating from 215 reviews, it’s ideal for those who love ghost stories combined with a lively pub crawl. The guide’s storytelling keeps everyone engaged, and many travelers appreciate the mix of history and nightlife.
Bottom line: A fun, spooky way to mix Austin’s ghostly past with its modern bar scene—especially if you enjoy a good story with your pint.
2. Small Group Pub Walk Tour in Austin with Professional Guide
For about $48, this 3-hour tour takes you through some of Austin’s most iconic drinking establishments. You’ll start at the Speakeasy Tavern and visit historic spots like Firehouse Lounge, enjoying classic cocktails along the way. A highlight is the visit to the haunted Driskill Hotel lobby, where you’ll hear stories about Jesse Driskill’s legendary hotel. The tour culminates on lively 6th Street, Texas’s most famous nightlife stretch. What sets this apart is the small group size—no more than 14—making it intimate and perfect for chatty travelers who love stories and good drinks. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guide Tyler, who makes Austin’s history come alive through the bars.
Bottom line: Great for those interested in Austin’s history, architecture, and a variety of local pubs, with a relaxed pace and insider stories.
3. Downtown Austin Live Music Pub Crawl
At just $26, this 2.5-hour tour offers a lively dive into Austin’s famed live music scene. Meeting at The Driskill, you’ll explore live performances at several bars, including Friends Bar, known for top local blues and rock acts. The tour emphasizes Austin’s musical roots and the city’s vibrant nightlife. Entry fees are included in the ticket, and you can buy drinks along the way if you wish. The tour’s small-group format allows for a personal experience, with guides sharing behind-the-scenes stories about Austin’s music culture. With a strong 4.5-star rating, lots of travelers say it’s a highlight of their trip, especially those wanting to combine drinks with local tunes.
Bottom line: Ideal for music lovers wanting a short, energetic evening of drinks and live performances.
4. 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour
This tour hits the main Austin breweries—Zilker Brewing, Brewtorium, and Celis—over four hours, making it perfect for serious beer fans. Tasting at each spot is included, along with a small meal, all in a small group limited to just 14 participants. The visit to Zilker Brewing showcases American Belgo-style and hop-forward beers, while Brewtorium emphasizes German lagers. The highlight is the tastings and food pairings, which offer a well-rounded experience for craft beer lovers. Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable guide Jeff, who shares insights into Austin’s brewing scene. For around $100, you get a comprehensive, hassle-free visit with transport included.
Bottom line: Excellent value for those who want a deep dive into Austin’s craft beer scene with a relaxed, guided experience.
5. Half-Day Hill Country Brewery and Distillery Shuttle from Austin
For $69, you get a 4.5-hour guided shuttle to three Hill Country breweries and a distillery—Fitzhugh Brewing, Treaty Oak Distilling, and others. The small-group ride includes round-trip transport in a comfortable Mercedes Van Sprinter, so no worries about drinking and driving. Each stop offers tastings and insights, with family-friendly Fitzhugh Brewing featuring a playscape. Many reviewers praise the personalized experience and knowledgeable guides like Jax and Nick. It’s perfect for travelers wanting an easy day of tasting without the hassle of driving.
Bottom line: Great for those who want a relaxed, guided taste of Hill Country’s beer and spirits scene, with transport included.
6. Public Pedal Pub Tour in Austin
At $39, this 2-hour pedal pub combines sightseeing and social drinking directly in downtown Austin. The electric pedal mobile seats up to 15, with a cooler on board for BYOB. You’ll stop at up to three bars, including Mean-Eyed Cat and Lavaca Street Bar, where you can buy drinks and use restrooms. The guide Zach keeps things lively, and reviews mention how much fun it is to peddle and party at the same time. It’s a fun choice for birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or just friends looking for a lively group activity.
Bottom line: A unique, active way to explore Austin’s bar scene with friends, perfect if you like a bit of exercise with your drinks.
7. Austin Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl
This spooky 2-hour tour offers an intimate ghost-themed pub crawl through Austin. With only 3 reviews, it’s a niche experience for those interested in hauntings and spirits. It includes stops at The Driskill Bar, Casino El Camino, and the Paramount Theater, with ghost stories of spirits like the “Lady in White” and “Man with the Cigar.” The guide provides a mix of history and supernatural tales during visits to historic bars.
Bottom line: For fans of ghost stories and haunted locations, it’s a short, atmospheric experience blending Austin’s paranormal tales with its bar scene.
8. Hill Country Brewery Limousine Tour
This luxury 5-hour tour is the most premium option, with a limousine or Mercedes Benz Party Bus transporting you to three top Hill Country breweries—Jester King, Twisted X, and Vista Brewing. The tour includes behind-the-scenes views, beer tastings, and a meal, all in a private or semi-private setting. Only one review so far, but it describes it as “highly personalized” with “excellent beers.” It’s perfect for special occasions or travelers wanting a VIP experience.
Bottom line: For those seeking exclusivity and comfort, this tour turns beer tasting into a luxury outing.
9. Private Pedal Pub Tour in Austin
This private group tour accommodates up to 15 people for $495 total, making it a flexible and exclusive option. The 10 pedal seats and sound system allow your group to customize the experience, bringing your own drinks in a cooler. Stops are at popular bars like Mean-Eyed Cat and Lavaca Street Bar, with about 25 minutes at each. Reviews mention how it feels like a personal party with a fun guide, Neil. It’s ideal for celebrations or groups who want full control over their itinerary.
Bottom line: Best for groups celebrating a special occasion, looking for privacy, fun, and flexibility.
10. Austin’s Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl (Different Version)
Offering a similar haunted theme, this 2-hour tour includes stops at The Driskill and Casino El Camino, with ghost stories and drinks. With a small number of reviews, it’s suited for paranormal enthusiasts looking for a spooky night. It emphasizes stories of haunted Austin along with drinks, making the experience both eerie and social.
Bottom line: A niche pick for those seeking haunted tales along with their drinks.
11. Downtown Austin VIP Bar & Club Crawl
This 3 to 4-hour experience for $59 takes you to five top venues, including Coyote Ugly and Buck Wild. Covers are included, and shots are part of the fun. The highlight is the chance to ride a mechanical bull and play drinking games. It’s great for those wanting a lively, party-focused night with an easy-going guide leading the way.
Bottom line: Perfect for groups wanting a full night of fun, dance, and drinks with VIP access.
12. Austin Lake Travis Barge Crawl Bar Hopping Tour by Boat
For a water-based twist, this pontoon boat tour takes you to two lakeside venues—Shack 512 and Beachside Billy’s—on Lake Travis. The 5-hour experience, priced at $100 per person, includes bring-your-own drinks and a scenic cruise. Past reviews highlight the beautiful views and relaxed atmosphere, making it a memorable way to combine drinking and sightseeing on the water. It’s suitable for groups who prefer a tranquil, social experience away from the city streets.
Bottom line: A memorable, scenic way to sample Lake Travis’s bar scene by boat, especially if you enjoy water and nature.
13. Austin Bachelorette Live Music Pub Crawl
Designed for bachelorette parties, this 2.5-hour tour explores six lively bars, including The Driskill and Darwin’s Piano Bar. Guides focus on Austin’s musical roots, with a mix of walking and guided stops. The route emphasizes live music and party atmosphere, making it ideal for celebrating with friends. No reviews are available, but the focus on music and bar hopping makes it perfect for groups wanting fun and atmosphere.
Bottom line: Best suited for bachelorette parties looking for vibrant nightlife combined with Austin’s musical charm.
14. Sushi Making Cooking Class in a Sake Bar in Austin
While not a typical drinking tour, this interactive class offers a hands-on experience in sushi making paired with sake tasting. Guided by a chef with over ten years of experience, you’ll learn to prepare and roll sushi, paired with sake. It’s a fun, relaxing way to enjoy drinks and food, ideal for foodies and those wanting to learn a new skill.
Bottom line: A unique, educational experience for groups interested in Japanese cuisine and sake, beyond just drinking.
15. McKinnie-Gene’s Paranormal Pub Crawl
This 2-hour haunted pub crawl combines spirits, stories, and paranormal investigation. It features visits to bars with spooky tales and ghostly legends, including tales of eerie sightings and haunted locations. The experience is especially suited for those who love a spooky twist with their drinks.
Bottom line: A compelling choice for travelers who want ghost stories mixed with Austin’s bar scene.
16. Austin’s Bachelorette Live Music Pub Crawl (Different Experience)
This 2.5-hour pub crawl visits six venues, including San Jac Saloon and Darwin’s Piano Bar, emphasizing live entertainment and bachelorette fun. Guides provide insights into Austin’s musical scene, and the itinerary encourages group participation and fun. Though reviews are limited, it’s a lively option for groups celebrating special occasions.
Bottom line: Designed for groups seeking a lively, music-filled night with easy access to top bars.
How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour in Austin
When selecting a tour, consider your interests, budget, and the kind of experience you want. If spooky stories and haunted landmarks appeal, the Austin Haunted Pub Crawl offers an atmospheric mix of history and ghost tales. For craft beer fans, the 4-Hour Signature Brewery Tour provides tastings at top breweries, while water lovers will enjoy the Lake Travis Barge Crawl with scenic views.
Budget-conscious travelers might prefer the Downtown Austin Live Music Pub Crawl, which offers a lively experience at a low price, whereas those celebrating a special occasion might choose the Luxury Limousine Brewery Tour for its premium service. Keep in mind the duration, whether drinks are included, and group size—smaller groups tend to be more personalized.
Final Thoughts
Austin provides a wide array of drinking experiences that showcase its local culture—be it through ghost stories, live music, craft beers, or scenic waterfronts. For a spooky night, the Haunted Pub Crawl is a top pick. Beer lovers will appreciate the Signature Brewery Tour, while those seeking luxury might enjoy the Hill Country Limo Tour. Book early, especially for popular tours, and tailor your choice to your interests and style. Austin’s lively, diverse drinking scene truly makes it a city worth exploring—just remember to stay safe and drink responsibly.