Austin's food scene is one of the best in the country, anchored by legendary barbecue and expanded by a diverse, creative culinary community. Franklin Barbecue and la Barbecue draw lines for their famous brisket. Tex-Mex is a way of life, with breakfast tacos served at hundreds of spots across the city. Food trucks and trailers are an Austin institution, with entire food truck parks offering cuisines from around the world. Guided food tours take you through neighborhoods like East Austin, South Congress, and the Rainey Street District, sampling the best bites and learning the stories behind them.
Difficulty
EasyDuration
2-4 hours
Cost
$50-100 per person for guided tours; self-guided is cost of food
Best Time
Lunch tours 11 AM-2 PM; dinner tours 5-8 PM
Best Time to Go
Year-round
What to Bring
- •Comfortable shoes
- •Water
- •Camera
- •Empty stomach
Requirements
- Appetite
- Comfortable walking shoes
Pro Tips
- Franklin BBQ line starts at 7 AM for 11 AM opening—or order online
- Breakfast tacos are a must—try Veracruz All Natural or Valentina's
- Food truck parks on South First and East Austin are great for groups
- Book guided tours in advance, especially weekends
- Don't skip the kolaches at Czech Stop if you road-trip to Austin
Where to Go
- ➤South Congress
- ➤East Austin
- ➤Rainey Street
- ➤South First Street
- ➤North Loop