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Austin, one of America’s rising cities, has a vibrant local food scene.
Taking Austin food tours is a delicious way to learn and savor the local flavors shaped by a number of cultural influences.
As a student at the University of Texas at Austin and later, in our quest for authentic food specialties, the Austin food has always been a tantalizing palate.
From expertly smoked bbq, innovative breakfast tacos, delicious Tex Mex, and beers and wine, Austin offers unmissable flavors.
For a gastronomic adventure in the capital of Texas, here are the 10 best food tours in Austin to eat like a Texan.
Comparison Table of The Food Tours in Austin To Choose From
| Austin Tours | Price ($USD) | Group Size | Start Time | Duration (hours) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Downtown Secret Food Tours | $87.87 | Private orMax 11 | 11:00 am | 3.5h | Downtown Austin |
| Austin Breakfast Taco Tour | $85 | Max 10 | 10:00 am | 2h | South Lamar neighborhood |
| Austin BBQ Food Walking Tour | $129 | Max 10 | 1:00 pm | 2h | Red River Street |
| Austin Taco Food Tour | $99 | Max 10 | 1:00 pm | 2h | Downtown Austin |
| 10 Tastings of Austin With Locals | $318.48 | Private group | 9:00 am | 3h | Downtown Austin |
| Austin E-Bike Foodie Tour | $128 | Max 8 | 4:00 pm | 4h | East and South Austin |
| From Austin: Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle | $60 | Max 10 | 10:30 am | 4.5h | Hill Country |
| Austin Brewery Tour | $129 | Max 14 | 4:30 pm | 5h | Downtown Austin |
| Half Day Hill Country Wine Tour From Austin | $60 | Max 10 | 1:30 pm | 4.5 h | Hill Country |
| Texas Hill Country Olive Oil and Tasting Tour | $20 | Max 16 | 12:30 om | 1 h | Hill Country |
Please note that prices might vary slightly when you book your food tours in Austin. The availability of some Austin food tours may differ based on season and time of year.
Top Austin Food Tours
1. Austin Downtown Walking Tasting Tour with Secret Food Tours
Experience Austin gastronomy and the local lore right in the central and historic area of the city.
This Austin downtown walking tasting tour takes you on a 3.5-hour adventure across the city.
While you’ll explore Austin’s restaurants and eateries, you will savor a variety of Texas specialties along the way.
Among the specialties you’ll try are BBQ Brisket with pinto beans, the famous breakfast tacos, pork soup dumplings, and more.
Stops at different landmarks for bites of history also add to your fun city exploration.
While you’ll eat a lot of delicious foods, be sure to leave for amazing local desserts that will surprise and delight you.
If you want a more intimate experience, Secret Food Tour also has a private tour option available.
This can be customized to fit your preferences with the undivided attention of your local guide.
This food and walking tour in Austin is an urban gastronomy experience, filled with authentic Texan dishes and lots of fun.
Cost: $87.87 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 3.5 hours. Tours start at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm
Group Style: Private tour or group tour of a maximum of 11 people
2. Austin Breakfast Taco Tour
Start your day with Austin’s famous breakfast tacos at three unique hidden gems.
With a local guide, you’ll spend about 2- hours on this Austin breakfast taco tour in the South Lamar neighborhood discovering the area’s culture and delicious tacos.
As you visit the three different local eateries, you’ll learn the city’s history and the iconic foods and drinks to try.
This Austin food tour is unique as it includes transportation to the various breakfast tacos joints.
In a small air-conditioned bus, you’ll get off the beaten path to discover south Austin by way of its delicious breakfast tacos.
From traditional to innovative breakfast tacos, you’ll enjoy a range of flavors. Along with your tacos, you’ll savor sides like chips, guacamole, and Austin’s famous queso.
Austin food tours and breakfast tacos are a great way to start your day. Taste Texas like an Austinite and discover the breakfast that helps keep Austin weird.
Cost: $85 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 2 hours. Tour starts at 10:00 am
Group Style: Small group tour of a maximum of 10 people
RELATED: 12 Best Breakfast Tacos in Austin To Start Your Day Right
3. Austin Red River Street BBQ Food Walking Tour
Discover Austin’s Red River Street and savor the city’s incredible food, with 4 stops at famous local restaurants.
This 2-hour Austin Red River Street BBQ food walking tour takes you on a carnivore adventure, with tasty iconic dishes.
You will begin your culinary trip with sausage macaroni and cheese, followed by a pulled pork sandwich.
Different types of BBQ meats from pork, chicken, beef, turkey, brisket, and others will delight you as you explore the area.
Your friendly local guide will share the history of Iconic landmarks like the Rainey Street Historic District, Colorado River and others that you’ll pass by.
Ending your Austin bbq tour will be a stop for refreshing shaved ice to cool down the city’s heat on your walking tour.
If you are a meat lover and barbecue fan, make don’t miss this food and walking tour during your stay in Austin, Texas.
Cost: $129.00 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 2 hours. Tour starts at 1:00 pm
Group Style: Small group tour of a maximum of 10 people
RELATED: 12+ Best BBQ In Austin Texas To Taste The Smoky Goodness
4. Austin Taco Food Tour
Tacos, one of Austin’s most favorite foods are best explored on a food tour.
This 2-hour dedicated Austin taco food tour explores this delicious food with several tasting stops.
With your local guide, you’ll stop at thee of the best local eateries for a variety of tacos from pork, grilled steak, grilled chicken, shrimp macha, vegetarian, and others.
Along the way you’ll learn fun facts about the city and what makes Austin weird.
You’ll visit iconic landmarks like the Congress Avenue Bridge, Mexic-Arte Museum, the historic Driskill Hotel, the Willie Nelson Statue, and more.
A short stop at Austin Central Library, the most technologically advanced public library in the country is also included.
As you walk from one taco stop to another, you’ll admire the city’s fascinating street art and also listen to live music,
This is one of the best walking tours to discover Austin’s taco scene with a side of iconic landscapes.
Cost: $99 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 2 hours. Tour starts at 1:00 pm
Group Style: Small group tour of a maximum of 10 people
RELATED: 14 Best Austin Food Truck Parks For The Tastiest Street Food
5. Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings of Austin With Locals
Enjoy an exclusive urban gastronomy experience in Austin with the dedicated attention of a private guide.
This 3-hour private 10 tastings of Austin food tour takes you through the busy streets and winding roads to the best-hidden gems for tastings.
Along the way, you’ll explore the street art, as your friendly local guide takes you away from the tourists traps for a comprehensive experience.
You will enjoy authentic delicacies and Austin’s most representative dishes. From BBQ to tacos, local drinks, and much more, everything is hand-selected by a local exclusively for you.
One of the perks of going on a private tour is that it can be personalized to match your tastes.
If you are a vegetarian or have friends in your group with dietary considerations, the menu can be adjusted for you.
As you explore the city on foot, you’ll pass by various attractions and learn about the Mexican American and African American influences on the city’s cuisine.
History, culture, and incredible food are some of the highlights of this private food tour in Austin Texas.
Cost: $318.48 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 3 hours. Tours start every half hour from 9:00 am to 10:30 am, and from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm
Group Style: Private group tour
6. Austin E-Bike Foodie Tour
Austin is a bike-friendly city and this tour using electric or E-bikes takes you on a fun food exploration around the city.
This 4-hour Austin E-Bike foodie tour takes you to the east and south sides of Austin for multiple food stops.
You will sample a wide range of cuisines, from Thai to Texan and Mexican, and even pizza, fajitas, and delicious desserts.
You will hop on your e-bike from food trucks in one neighborhood to other kinds of food trucks in a second vibrant neighborhood.
You will ride past East Sixth Street, the Congress Avenue Bridge, and the Rainey Street Historic District. Also, you will pass by South Congress Avenue and see the impressive Greetings from Austin Mural.
A combination of delicious Austin food, sightseeing, and physical activity makes this one of the best food tours in Austin to take.
Cost: $128 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 4 hours. Tour starts at 4:00 pm
Group Style: Small group tour of a maximum of 8 people
7. From Austin: Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle
Go beyond the city of Austin and explore the countryside for Texas bbq and wines.
This half-day tour from Austin to the Texas Hill Country takes you on an amazing gastronomic adventure.
From Austin, you’ll arrive in a comfortable air-conditioned small bus. The first stop will be at the nationally famous Salt Lick BBQ joint.
You’ll learn about Texas bbq culture and the must-try cuts of meats. From there, your trip continues to two award winning wineries for exceptional wine tastings.
The views overlooking the countryside are impressive allowing you to savor the experience and wines even more.
While in Austin, we visited Salt Lick bbq and loved all the freshly cooked Texas bbq. The trip to the Texas Hill Country along with the amazing wine shows a different side of the city.
This is one of the most popular Austin food tours and a must for barbecue and wine lovers.
Cost: $60 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 4.5 hours. Tour starts at 10:30 am
Group Style: Small group tour of a maximum of 10 people
Other Austin Tours To Consider
Austin, one of the most vibrant cities in Texas, offers a wide variety of activitie to have a great time.
While not exclusively food tours, we share the following culinary activities that are fun, unique and showcase the range of the city’s gastronomy.
8. Austin Brewery Tour
Austin has a dynamic craft beer scene with many hometown breweries to explore.
This 5-hour Austin original brewery tour takes you to the best breweries in the city.
With no need to drive in the comfort of a small mini bus, you’ll visit four of the city’s most famous breweries.
The itinerary includes places like Independence Brewing Co, Beerburg Brewing, Celis Brewery, and Family Business Beer Company.
Each of the breweries will surprise you with their unique stories and innovative brewery methods.
You will taste a variety of craft beers, including Belgian-style Wit beer or beer made with local herbs and in-house-grown ingredients.
This brewery tour has dinner included, so you can enjoy a pizza or a burger with a cool, refreshing pint of beer.
Visiting Austin bars on brewery tours is the best way to learn and taste the city’s beer scene.
Cost: $129 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 5 hours. Tour starts at 4:30 pm
Group Style: Group tour of a maximum of 14 people
9. Half Day Hill Country Wine Tour From Austin
Wine production in the Texas Hill Country dates back to the original settlers in the area.
The Hill Country is home to award winning wines and wineries.
This Hill Country Wine Tour From Austin takes you on a 4.5-hour journey along the hills to three exceptional wineries.
Traveling in the comfort of a small minibus from Austin, you will enjoy amazing wine made with 100% Texan-grown vines.
You’ll learn about the production method, from the traditional to the innovative techniques as you surprise your palate with aromatic wines.
At one of the wineries, you’ll find food trucks with delicious foods, like tacos, burgers, pizza, and more.
If you are a wine lover and want to discover Austin’s finest wineries, don’t miss this winery tour.
Cost: $60 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 4.5 hours. Tour starts at 1:30 pm
Group Style: Small group tour of a maximum of 10 people
10. Texas Hill Country Olive Oil and Tasting Tour
The Texas climate, similar to the Mediterranean offers ideal growing conditions for olive trees.
The Texas Hill Country just outside of Austin is home to a blossoming olive oil production scene.
This olive oil tasting tour at a working olive oil mill introduces you to olive oil making and some of the finest Texas extra virgin olive oil.
You’ll spend approximately one-hour with your host on this tour will take you behind the scenes of their olive mill
You will learn everything there is to know about the olive oil making process and how to obtain the best extra virgin olive oil.
You will also enjoy olive oil tastings as you walk around the orchard, or visit the gift shop or bistro.
This unique experience is a great way to learn about the secrets of locally grown Texas olive oil.
Cost: $20 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Tours start at 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm
Group Style: Group tour of a maximum of 16 people
What to Consider When Choosing a Food Tour in Austin TX?
Austin food tours offer unique experiences that showcase different aspects of its gastronomy and the foods that keep Austin weird.
As you consider making your choice, here are a few considerations.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: Make your culinary travels worry-free! With the right travel insurance, you’ll enjoy a delicious experience. From medical emergencies, flight cancelations, car rental protection, or tour cancelations, a good travel insurance has got you covered. Check out our travel insurance review for food lovers to get started.
What Kind of Food Tour Experience Do You Want
Before booking your guided Austin culinary tour, note your preferences.
What time of the day suits you best? The Austin food tours featured here are offered in the morning, lunch, and afternoon.
Is there a part of Austin you would like to see? Or, would you prefer to take a short trip to the countryside?
Do you want dedicated food-focused tours or do other gastronomic activities, like brewery, winery, or olive oil tastings tours interest you?
Some tours are small group based, while other tours offer private experiences. Which one would you prefer?
With these considerations in mind, simply select the Austin food tour that meets your preferences.
What Is Your Budget for Your Austin Food Tour
Another point to consider is your budget for your culinary explorations in Austin.
The best Austin food tours range in price from $60 to $318.48 per person.
Depending on the number of participants, you may be able to negotiate discounted rates.
On a positive note, all these tours have a free cancellation policy up to 24 to 72 hours before the event.
FAQs – Austin Food Tours
What Food is Austin Famous For?
Two of the most classic Austin foods are breakfast tacos and the city’s unique barbecue style.
Have you taken food tours in Austin before? Please let us know in the comments below.
Savor the Adventure!
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Rosemary is the editor-in-chief and strategist at Authentic Food Quest.
Traveling slow since 2015 with her partner, Claire, she has explored the cuisine in 45 countries and more than 240+ culinary cities.
Her writing about local food specialties has been featured in Lonely Planet, Business Insider, Honest Cooking, Food Insider, and Huffington Post.
As a food and travel writer, Rosemary has co-authored three books, including one in collaboration with Costa Brava Tourism.
Rosemary is an avid runner when she’s not eating and exploring new destinations. She has run ten marathons and counting.
Before Authentic Food Quest, Rosemary held senior-level strategy positions in advertising.
Find out more about Authentic Food Quest