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15 Must-Try Food Tours in Austin: Eat Like a Local

Written by Bondly blog | Apr 8, 2025 4:17:21 PM

Eat Like a Local: 15 Austin Food Tours You Can’t Miss

Introduction

Austin's food scene is as lively and vibrant as its live music. From delicious breakfast tacos to top-notch barbecue places, the city offers a wide range of flavors that represent Texas in every bite. Food trucks serving innovative fusion dishes can be found all over the streets, while long-standing establishments continue to serve traditional recipes. In this article, we will introduce you to 15 must-try food tours that will help you become an insider in Austin's local food scene.

 

Eat Your Way Through Austin: 15 Unforgettable Food Tours to Savor

Ready to experience Austin like a true local? These 15 food tours go beyond just great meals—they offer behind-the-scenes access, storytelling, and neighborhood exploration that bring the city’s culinary scene to life. Whether you're into smoky BBQ, global bites, or indulgent desserts, there's a tour on this list that will leave your taste buds craving more. Let’s dig in!

1. 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour

Hop on our cozy brew van in downtown Austin for an epic 4-hour adventure that's all about celebrating Austin's vibrant craft beer scene!

What to Expect

  • Dive into the heart of Austin's beer scene with a comfy brew van ride!
  • Savor up to 12 unique beer tastings across Austin's finest breweries.
  • Enjoy a beer-inspired meal and expert beer knowledge on the go!

What's Included

  • Private transportation to whisk you away on your adventure.
  • Up to 12 delicious beer tastings to tantalize your taste buds.
  • Snacks to complement your brews.
  • An Expert Beer Guide to lead your journey.

Learn More ...

 

2. Austin Murals & Mimosas Roofless Party Bus Tour and Photoshoot

Hop on the wildest ride through Austin with 19 of your closest friends! Dive into the heart of the city's vibrant street art scene, sip on refreshing mimosas, and dance under the open sky on our unique roofless party bus.

What to Expect

  • Party through downtown Austin on a unique roofless bus with stunning views.
  • Free photoshoot at Austin’s most Insta-worthy murals to make your memories last.
  • Stop for delicious mimosas at the picture-perfect Freddo ATX cafe.

What's Included

  • Dance Floor to bring your moves to life.
  • Cooler to keep your beverages chilled.
  • LED Lighting to set the perfect ambiance.
  • Experienced Driver for a safe and smooth ride.
  • World Class Sound System to elevate your listening experience.

Learn More ...

 

3. Museum Of Ice Cream in Austin

Celebrate the joy of uninhibited playtime and unlimited desserts in a vibrant wonderland of immersive installations.

What's Included

Unlimited ice cream along with some other sweet treats!

Learn More ...

 

4. Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin

Dive into Austin's vibrant food scene and back local gems on a 2-hour guided stroll that's all about the mouthwatering Texas tastes!

What to Expect

  • Dive into Texas BBQ with a side of history at Lamberts.
  • Taste authentic Mexican flavors with Veracruz All Natural's barbacoa tacos.
  • Refresh your senses at Juiceland with organic smoothies in an eco-conscious setting.

What's Included

Small food plates will be provided during the tour for guests to experience Austin's family-owned eateries that define the city as a haven for food enthusiasts.

Learn More ...

 

5. Austin's Salt Lick and Winery Shuttle

Searching for an affordable and fun way to get out to Salt Lick and Texas wineries? Look no further.

What to Expect

  • A great way to get out to Salt Lick and Texas wineries
  • Enjoy wine and a BBQ
  • The perfect day in Hill Country for solo travelers, couples and small groups 

What's Included

  • Driver/guide
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • A BBQ and Wine shuttle, great for solo travelers, couples, and small groups
  • Bottled water

Learn More ...

 

6. Secrets of Downtown Austin Food Tour

Experience the culinary delights of Downtown Austin on the Secret Food Tour. Indulge in Texas flavors, from famous BBQ brisket to Instagram-worthy breakfast tacos, with surprises like the Secret Dish!

What to Expect

  • Immerse yourself in Southern hospitality
  • Discover surprises like the Secret Dish throughout the tour
  • Savor Texas flavors, including iconic BBQ brisket and Instagram-worthy breakfast tacos

Learn More ...

 

7. 6 Course Dinner Experience

Inspired by what is available locally and rooted in old world cooking techniques. We bring you our version of New American cuisine. Focusing on high quality sustainable ingredients that compliment our ever changing wine list.

Tasting Menu

  • 6 course menu
  • Oyster
  • Tuna Sashimi
  • Shrimp Cocktail
  • Duck Confit
  • Cheese Course
  • Grapefruit Brûlée

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8. Austin Street Eats

Are you hungry for an urban culinary adventure on a sweet e-bike? From tacos to barbecue, from cupcakes to ice cream, from vegan to gluten-free, whatever floats your boat, we got you.

What's Included:

  • Bottled Water
  • Disposable Rain Poncho
  • Use of E-bike
  • Use of Bike Helmet
  • Use of Walkie Talkie

Learn More ...

 

9. Texas Hill Country Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar Tasting

Dive into a world of flavor with our handpicked selection, perfectly matched with our signature Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar for a taste sensation that will delight your palate.

What to Expect

  • Texas Hill Country Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar Tasting.
  • Wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.
  • Enjoy a guided tasting session with small bites and curated products.

What's Included

  • Enjoy a selection of Small Bites to tantalize your taste buds.
  • Discover a Compilation of curated products, carefully selected for your enjoyment.
  • Engage in a Guided Tasting, led by experts to enhance your experience.

Learn More ...

 

10. Private Group Bus Tour: Brewery, Bites, and Ax Throwing

Raise a glass and unleash your wild side on the Beers & Blades private tour—craft brews, axe-throwing, and nonstop laughs on a party bus you won’t forget!

What to Expect

  • A private party bus with a lively guide
  • Stops at local craft breweries for tastings
  • Thrilling axe-throwing session at a top venue
  • Live solo musician on board the BYOB vehicle

Learn More ...

 

11. Brewery Bus Tour with Live Music

Dive into Austin's lively brewery scene on a one-of-a-kind tour featuring live local music onboard, craft beer tastings at three breweries, insightful commentary on the local beer culture, and a meal from an onsite food truck, all in a BYOB setting.

What to Expect

  • Taste your way through three of Austin's top breweries with craft beer samples included
  • Enjoy live music from local talent as you ride, bringing the concert experience to the streets
  • Get insights into Austin's beer scene from your engaging guide, with the option to purchase extra beverages
  • Includes a meal from a brewery's onsite food truck, making this BYOB tour the perfect start to your weekend

Learn More ...

 

12. Weird Austin Live Band Bus Tour

Explore Austin's unique charm on a tour that blends its weird, wild stories with live local music, iconic street art, and secret spots, capped off with a sweet treat to remember the city by.

What to Expect

  • Experience Austin's unique vibe with live music from local talent
  • Discover vibrant street art and iconic downtown views
  • Uncover the city's secret spots and major attractions
  • End your tour with a delightful sweet treat

Learn More ...

 

13. BYOB Brunch Bus with Live Music

Embark on Austin's ultimate brunch tour, featuring visits to three top eateries for local delights, complimentary brunch cocktails, and the vibrant energy of a live band, encapsulating the city's famed music and culinary scene.

What's Included

  • Live music on board the bus
  • 3 brunch specialties
  • 1 adult beverage at each stop
  • BYOB bus (beer/wine only, no hard liquor)

What to Expect

  • Savor Austin's best with breakfast tacos, kolaches, and chicken & waffles at three top eateries
  • Enjoy a complimentary brunch cocktail at each stop
  • Experience the soul of Austin with a live band accompanying your culinary journey
  • Bring your crew and BYOB for a brunch adventure like no other

Learn More ...

 

14. Bike and Chew

Austin’s east side is full of authentic tacos and breweries. This tour is still full of Texas history, cultural highlights, artistic landmarks to see, but now you’ll be able to taste it as well with our favourite breweries and Tacos´ spots!

Included

  • 2 Tacos
  • 3 rounds of drinks 
  • Bike, Helmet, & Guide

Learn More ...

 

15. Austin´s Gem

This adventure packs the most information possible, and covers much of Austin's hip east-side downtown including The Texas State Cemetery, State Capitol, French Legation, moon towers, various iconic murals and other unique destinations.

Included

  • 3 breweries
  • 3 flights of craft beer
  • Bicycle & helmet (not to keep)

Learn More ...

 

Conclusion

Austin's food tours offer a gateway to experiencing the city's soul through its diverse culinary landscape. These fifteen must-experience tours transform casual dining into unforgettable adventures, letting you eat like a local while creating lasting memories.

Each tour brings its own unique flavor to the table:

  • Savor authentic BBQ with passionate pitmasters
  • Discover hidden gems in East Austin's food scene
  • Indulge in sweet treats at beloved local bakeries
  • Experience global cuisines right in the heart of Texas

The true magic of these tours lies beyond the food itself - you'll connect with local chefs, learn about Austin's rich culinary heritage, and discover neighborhoods you might have missed on your own. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime resident, these carefully curated experiences will deepen your appreciation for Austin's vibrant food culture.

Don't settle for standard restaurant experiences - step into Austin's dynamic food scene through these exceptional tours. Your taste buds will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Austin food tours suitable for dietary restrictions or allergies?

Most tours do their best to accommodate dietary needs such as vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free options. However, it’s important to notify the tour operator in advance so they can make arrangements. Always double-check with each provider beforehand.

2. How should I dress for a food tour in Austin?

Comfort is key! Wear casual clothing suitable for the weather and comfortable walking shoes. Some tours involve walking or biking, while others are indoor or van-based, so check the activity level before booking.

3. Do I need to tip on food tours?

While gratuity is not always included, it’s customary and appreciated to tip your guide, especially if they’ve gone above and beyond. A standard tip ranges from 15% to 20% of the tour cost.

4. Can kids join food tours in Austin?

Yes! Many tours are family-friendly, especially those centered around sweets, food trucks, or hands-on cooking experiences. That said, some brewery or wine-focused tours may have age restrictions, so be sure to check the details.

5. What’s the best way to book a food tour in Austin?

Most tours can be booked online directly through the provider’s website or through popular platforms like Viator, Airbnb Experiences, and GetYourGuide. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during weekends and festival seasons.