Top 10 Food & Drink Tours in Austin, TX for Foodies

Austin is one of the top culinary destinations in Texas, and if you’re on a road trip through the Lone Star State, a food and drink tour here is a must. From smoky BBQ joints and food truck parks to craft breweries and tequila tastings, Austin’s tour scene offers road trippers the perfect way to eat, sip, and explore like a local. These tours go far beyond your average meal—they’re immersive experiences that blend flavor with storytelling, culture, and history.

Whether you’re craving brisket from a pitmaster, sipping your way through South Congress breweries, or sampling tacos from tucked-away food trucks, there’s a tour for every palate and pace. Many of these experiences are designed with travelers in mind—offering small group sizes, flexible booking, and insider knowledge that brings the city’s vibrant food scene to life.

Why Austin food and drink tours are perfect for road trippers:

  • Try iconic Austin eats and hidden gems in one outing

  • Learn local food culture, history, and cooking styles

  • Great mix of walking, bus, and specialty drink tours

  • Designed to fit into one afternoon or evening of your trip

Top 10 Food & Drink Tours in Austin

1. Austin Eats Food Tours

Austin Eats is the city’s most acclaimed food tour company, known for expertly curated routes that spotlight everything from famous BBQ joints to trendy food trucks. Their signature tours take you behind the scenes of Austin’s most iconic restaurants while offering generous tastings and insider stories. Whether you join the East Austin Happy Hour Tour or the Best of Austin Food Truck Tour, you’ll get a delicious crash course in the city’s eclectic food culture.

Perfect for travelers, Austin Eats offers flexible scheduling, small group sizes, and even private tour options. Their guides are engaging locals who provide a perfect mix of culinary insight and laid-back Texas charm. It’s ideal for food-loving road trippers wanting to sample the city’s best bites without the hassle of researching every stop.

Key Features:

  • Multiple tour themes (BBQ, food trucks, brunch, more)

  • Large portions and plenty of stops

  • Vegetarian-friendly options on request

  • Great for couples, families, and groups

  • Local expert guides with culinary backgrounds

  • Small group sizes for a personal experience

  • Private and corporate tour options available

Address: 201 E 5th St, Austin, TX 78701
For More Info: Visit Website

2. Twisted Texas Tour

Twisted Texas Tour brings a high-energy, party-on-wheels vibe to Austin’s food and drink scene. Their Brunch Bus and Live Music & BBQ Tour combine local eats with live music, games, and a mobile stage that literally rocks while you roll. This is not your average food tour—it’s a celebration of Austin’s wild side, perfect for travelers looking to blend great bites with good times.

The tour includes multiple food stops, locally brewed drinks, and a soundtrack from onboard musicians. Ideal for road trippers wanting a fun, social way to experience the city, Twisted Texas offers both daytime and evening departures. Their guides double as entertainers, ensuring laughter, learning, and lots of tasty memories.

Key Features:

  • Food tours with live music onboard

  • Brunch, BBQ, and brewery tour themes

  • Adult-friendly fun with included drinks

  • Onboard games and high-energy hosts

  • Group-friendly and private options

  • Stops at top-rated eateries and drink spots

  • Great for birthdays, friend groups, or solo travelers

Address: 525 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
For More Info: Visit Website

3. Austin Detours

Austin Detours offers immersive, small-group experiences that mix food with art, history, and culture. Their Food Truck Tour is a standout, guiding you to hidden gems and local favorites that most visitors would never find on their own. You’ll sample authentic tacos, gourmet sliders, and unique desserts, all while learning about the local chefs and neighborhoods that shape Austin’s diverse culinary identity.

This tour is perfect for road trippers wanting a hyper-local perspective on Austin cuisine. With expert guides and flexible itineraries, Austin Detours makes it easy to get the flavor of the city without the stress of planning. Their commitment to supporting local businesses and sharing real stories makes each tour meaningful and memorable.

Key Features:

  • Authentic local food truck tastings

  • Small group sizes with personal attention

  • Focus on local culture, stories, and neighborhoods

  • Tours available daily, including evenings

  • Vegetarian and allergy-friendly accommodations

  • Great mix of food, walking, and sightseeing

  • Private and custom tours available

Address: 602 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78701
For More Info: Visit Website

4. Discover Texas Wine Tours

Discover Texas Wine Tours specializes in all-inclusive, chauffeured wine tasting adventures through the Texas Hill Country—starting right from Austin. Perfect for couples or small groups, these tours take you to award-winning vineyards and boutique wineries just outside the city. You’ll enjoy private tastings, scenic drives, and even vineyard picnics, all curated with a local touch.

Each tour includes transportation, reservations, and a knowledgeable guide to share insights about Texas wine culture. It’s an ideal way for road trippers to relax, sip, and explore without worrying about logistics. For those craving a slower, scenic break from downtown, this is one of the best food and drink experiences you can book.

Key Features:

  • All-inclusive wine tasting tours from Austin

  • Stops at 3–4 wineries in the Hill Country

  • Includes tastings, transport, and lunch options

  • Private and shared group tours available

  • Great for couples, birthdays, and girls’ trips

  • Expert wine hosts and scenic views

  • Custom itineraries available upon request

Address: 15019 Honeycomb Dr, Austin, TX 78728
For More Info: Visit Website

5. Austin Brewery Tours

Austin Brewery Tours takes beer lovers on a journey through the city’s thriving craft beer scene. This guided bus tour offers behind-the-scenes access to some of Austin’s best breweries—like Hops & Grain, Austin Beerworks, and Zilker Brewing. You’ll sample a variety of seasonal brews, learn how beer is made, and meet the people behind the taps.

Designed with beer-loving road trippers in mind, each tour includes transportation, tastings at 3 breweries, and light snacks. It’s a laid-back, fun way to experience the local flavor while giving your taste buds a true taste of Austin. Whether you’re a hophead or just beer-curious, this tour delivers an unforgettable experience.

Key Features:

  • Visits 3 top local breweries

  • Guided tastings and behind-the-scenes tours

  • Comfortable bus transport included

  • Small group tours and private options

  • Snacks and water provided

  • Knowledgeable, beer-savvy guides

  • Great for groups, bachelor trips, and craft fans

Address: 702 San Antonio St, Austin, TX 78701
For More Info: Visit Website

6. Secret Food Tours Austin

Part of the global Secret Food Tours network, the Austin edition offers a deep dive into the city’s street eats, BBQ, and Tex-Mex flavors. Led by local guides with a passion for storytelling and flavor, this walking tour stops at a curated mix of iconic joints and hole-in-the-wall favorites. Tastings range from slow-smoked brisket to breakfast tacos and even surprise desserts.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want an authentic local food crawl with historical context and off-the-beaten-path charm. The small group size and flexible pacing make it ideal for road trippers exploring downtown on foot. With lots of flavor and fun facts, it’s one of the most engaging food walks in the city.

Key Features:

  • Curated tastings of Austin’s most iconic foods

  • Local stories and historical background at each stop

  • Includes 5–6 food tastings and a secret bite

  • Great for solo travelers or couples

  • Vegetarian options with advance notice

  • Covers central downtown neighborhoods

  • Great value and generous portions

Address: 100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
For More Info: Visit Website

7. ATXcursions

ATXcursions offers one of the best brewery tour experiences in Austin, combining top-tier craft beer with seamless transportation and fun, relaxed vibes. Their Classic Brewery Tour includes stops at three distinct breweries where guests enjoy guided tastings, behind-the-scenes looks, and casual mingling with fellow beer lovers. Designed for visitors and locals alike, this tour balances learning with laid-back enjoyment.

What sets ATXcursions apart is their knowledge of the local brewing scene and strong relationships with brewers. They also offer private group packages, making them a favorite for bachelor parties, birthdays, and road trip crews looking to toast their way through Austin. It’s a solid choice for travelers wanting a professional yet fun beer tour.

Key Features:

  • Visits 3 local breweries with tastings

  • Round-trip transportation included

  • Knowledgeable guides with brewing insights

  • Ideal for groups and events

  • Clean, comfortable tour buses

  • Flexible booking with weekend tours available

  • Private group bookings and event options

Address: 501 N Interstate Hwy 35, Austin, TX 78702
For More Info: Visit Website

8. Food Tasting Network – Austin

Food Tasting Network curates elevated food and drink tours in Austin that go beyond the basics. Their popular Progressive Dinner Tour takes guests on a multi-course journey across several restaurants, with each course served at a different location. It’s a great way to explore Austin’s fine dining and modern culinary scene in one evening—without having to make separate reservations.

Perfect for couples or food-loving travelers, these tours are both stylish and satisfying. Guests are guided between restaurants with context about chefs, ingredients, and neighborhood culture. It’s less casual than other tours but offers a high-end, foodie-focused experience that fits well into a memorable Austin road trip.

Key Features:

  • Progressive multi-course dining tours

  • High-end restaurant and chef partnerships

  • Includes drinks, appetizers, mains, and dessert

  • Culinary storytelling throughout the tour

  • Ideal for date nights and upscale outings

  • Private tours and corporate packages available

  • Focused on modern, elevated cuisine

Address: 823 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
For More Info: Visit Website

9. Texas Tipsy Tours

Texas Tipsy Tours offers private, luxury transportation to wineries, breweries, and distilleries around Austin and the Hill Country. Designed for those wanting a custom day trip with a splash of style, this tour company is ideal for couples, bachelorettes, or small groups looking to sip and explore. You can choose from preset itineraries or build your own route with stops at vineyards, tasting rooms, and scenic spots.

Each tour includes a professional driver, a luxury vehicle, and detailed planning assistance. Travelers appreciate the flexibility and personalized service, which makes it feel more like a curated experience than a standard group tour. It’s an excellent choice if you’re combining a road trip with a celebratory toast.

Key Features:

  • Private wine, beer, and spirits tours

  • Luxury transportation with professional driver

  • Customizable stops and itineraries

  • Great for bachelorettes, birthdays, and couples

  • Optional add-ons: charcuterie, decor, photographer

  • Hill Country views and Austin pick-up available

  • Easy booking with white-glove service

Address: 11801 Domain Blvd, Austin, TX 78758
For More Info: Visit Website

10. Austin Wine & Cider

Austin Wine & Cider specializes in small-batch winery and cidery tours focused on local and sustainable producers. This company offers an alternative to the traditional wine trail by highlighting lesser-known venues crafting high-quality drinks with unique Texas character. Their cider experiences, in particular, appeal to travelers who want something different from the typical wine-focused outings.

With a focus on storytelling and taste education, their guides walk guests through how each drink is made and what makes it special. Their tours are perfect for curious travelers, couples, and road trippers looking to go off the beaten path and sip something new in an intimate setting.

Key Features:

  • Unique focus on local cideries and boutique wineries

  • Emphasis on small-batch, sustainable producers

  • Great for wine and cider lovers alike

  • Educational, guided tastings included

  • Small group sizes for personal attention

  • Transportation options available

  • Off-the-beaten-path locations and flavors

Address: 412 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
For More Info: Visit Website

How to Choose the Best Food & Drink Tour in Austin

Match the Experience to Your Appetite

When selecting a food or drink tour in Austin, it’s important to consider what type of culinary experience you’re craving. Are you a BBQ lover looking to sample legendary brisket? A craft beer enthusiast wanting to visit the city’s best breweries? Or maybe you’re seeking a well-rounded food truck tasting adventure? Knowing your appetite will help narrow the field—some tours focus heavily on meat and smoked flavors, while others prioritize fine dining, sweets, or vegetarian-friendly stops.

Also think about the vibe you want. Some tours are upbeat and social with live music and group games (like Twisted Texas), while others are more intimate and curated, perfect for couples or relaxed solo travelers. Austin’s tour scene offers options for all comfort levels, from walking tours downtown to chauffeured wine country escapes. Matching the tour to your ideal pace and flavor profile will ensure it becomes a highlight of your road trip.

Compare Tour Types and Support

Austin’s food and drink tours come in many forms—walking, bus-based, private, or progressive dining experiences. Walking tours are great if you’re staying downtown and want to sample several spots within close proximity. Bus tours or luxury van options are ideal for longer tastings, such as winery or brewery circuits where transportation is key. Consider how much time you have, how much walking you want to do, and whether you’re comfortable navigating the city or would prefer someone else handle the logistics.

It’s also smart to compare what’s included: Do tours offer full tastings or just samples? Are drinks part of the package? Can they accommodate dietary restrictions or special occasions? Review refund policies, group size limits, and customer support options in case plans change. Finally, look at reviews from other travelers—especially road trippers—who can offer insight into how flexible, friendly, and satisfying the experience truly was.

Final Thoughts on Finding Food & Drink Tours in Austin

Austin is one of the best places in Texas to take a food or drink tour—not just because of the variety of flavors, but because of the stories behind each bite. Whether you’re devouring tacos from a food truck, sipping Hill Country wines, or walking through downtown with a guide sharing local lore, these experiences help turn your road trip into something deeper and more memorable. Each tour adds a unique flavor to your journey and reveals Austin’s culture through its kitchens, breweries, and distilleries.

Choosing the right food or drink tour means thinking about what you want to taste, how you want to experience it, and who you’re sharing it with. From high-energy brunch buses to quiet wine tastings among the oaks, Austin has an experience for every traveler’s style and schedule. Whatever you choose, you’ll leave with a fuller stomach and a richer understanding of this legendary Texas city.

FAQs About Food & Drink Tours in Austin, Texas

What types of food are typically included on Austin food tours?

Most Austin food tours feature a delicious mix of iconic local flavors—expect everything from smoky brisket and pulled pork to inventive tacos, sliders, and gourmet doughnuts. Many tours also highlight Austin’s thriving food truck scene, offering tastings from some of the city’s best mobile kitchens. Some walking tours also include sweet treats like pecan pie, churros, or local chocolate to round out the experience. Depending on the tour type, you might explore classic Tex-Mex, Southern comfort food, or globally inspired fusion dishes. Tours that focus on specific neighborhoods, like East Austin or South Congress, tend to reflect the diversity of those areas. You’ll likely get a curated mix of bold, flavorful dishes that reflect Austin’s reputation as a food-forward city with deep roots and modern creativity.

Austin’s drink tours cover a full spectrum of alcoholic beverages—far beyond just beer. While brewery tours are popular thanks to the city’s booming craft beer scene, there are also excellent wine tasting tours that head into the nearby Hill Country. These often include visits to scenic vineyards just outside the city, with options for private or shared transportation and picnic-style meals. If spirits are more your style, several tours focus on local distilleries producing small-batch whiskey, vodka, and even craft tequila. Many food tours also include drink pairings or stops at cocktail bars and cider houses. No matter your preference, you’ll find tours tailored to beer lovers, wine enthusiasts, and fans of handcrafted spirits—all led by guides who know their stuff.

Yes, many Austin food and drink tour companies can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Common accommodations include vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. However, because some tours involve pre-set tastings or fixed menus (especially those involving BBQ or tacos), it’s crucial to contact the provider ahead of time to ensure your needs can be met. Tours like Secret Food Tours and Austin Eats often offer alternatives when requested, but last-minute substitutions aren’t always possible. If you have allergies or strict dietary concerns, choose smaller or private tours where flexibility is easier to manage. The key is communication—most Austin tour operators are happy to make adjustments when they can, as long as you give them time to prepare.

The average food or drink tour in Austin lasts between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the theme and number of stops. Walking tours that stay in one neighborhood typically run 2 to 2.5 hours and include 4 to 6 tasting stops. Bus or van-based brewery and wine tours are usually longer—often 3 to 5 hours—since they involve more travel time and extended tasting sessions. Some premium experiences, like progressive dinners or Hill Country wine tours, may last half a day or more. Tour descriptions typically outline the exact duration, so make sure to plan your road trip itinerary accordingly. These tours are designed to be immersive but manageable—even for travelers on tight schedules.

While most food tours in Austin are geared toward adults, there are several that welcome families and children. Tours focused on food trucks, street food, or dessert tastings tend to be more kid-friendly and often include non-alcoholic beverage options. If you’re traveling with children, look for tours that take place during the day and avoid those centered on bars or alcohol-heavy stops. Brewery or cocktail tours are typically 21+ only and require valid ID. However, some mixed-format tours (like brunch buses or neighborhood food crawls) may allow older teens or children if accompanied by adults. Always check with the tour operator about age requirements before booking—many are happy to accommodate families if the experience is appropriate.

Downtown Austin is the most popular choice for walking food tours, thanks to its dense collection of iconic restaurants, food trucks, bars, and dessert spots. South Congress (SoCo) is another favorite—offering a blend of upscale eats, taco stands, coffee shops, and boutique foodie finds, all with an artsy, walkable vibe. East Austin has also become a hotspot for culinary exploration, especially for travelers looking to try innovative, fusion-style cuisine and hidden local gems. Each neighborhood offers its own flavor. Downtown is best for first-timers, SoCo is great for scenery and variety, and East Austin is perfect for those who want something less touristy and more local. Tour guides typically select areas based on walking ease, concentration of venues, and storytelling opportunities, so you’re likely to enjoy the vibe no matter which you choose.

While tipping isn’t always mandatory, it’s very much appreciated and often expected—especially if your guide was engaging, informative, and attentive throughout the experience. In Austin, standard tips for food and drink tours range from $10 to $20 per person, depending on the length of the tour and group size. For private or luxury experiences, 15–20% of the tour cost is a good benchmark. Most tour companies will let you know if gratuity is included in the ticket price. If it isn’t, bringing cash or having a payment app handy (like Venmo or Cash App) makes it easy to thank your guide. Tipping helps support Austin’s vibrant tourism and service culture and encourages passionate, personalized experiences from local experts.

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