Austin: Downtown & SoCo Food Tour with BBQ, Tacos & Treats

Summary

Downtown bites, SoCo strolls, smoky brisket and taco stops in Austin

You’ll wander through Downtown Austin and South Congress with a local guide, tasting smoky BBQ brisket, fresh tacos, diner sweets, and more—plus one surprise secret dish. Expect laughter over iced coffee, stories from longtime locals, and that feeling when you realize you’re already planning your next bite before you’ve finished the last one.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway through our first breakfast taco when I realized how much I’d underestimated Austin’s food scene. Our guide, Jamie, waved us over to this tiny spot off Congress—he knew the cook by name (they fist-bumped), and the tortillas were still warm from the griddle. There was something about standing outside with the city buzzing around us, salsa dripping onto my hand, that just felt right. I tried to say “gracias” with my mouth full—probably shouldn’t have—but nobody seemed to mind.

After that it was a blur of flavors and little stories. We wandered past murals and vintage shops in SoCo while Jamie pointed out which diners had been there since the ’50s (the neon signs looked like they hadn’t changed). The BBQ brisket stop hit me hardest—the smoky smell hung in the air before we even got inside. That first bite was all peppery crust and melt-in-your-mouth beef; I actually closed my eyes for a second. Someone in our group asked about the pinto beans recipe and ended up getting a whole lesson on Texas chili politics from the owner. People here really care about their beans.

I didn’t expect dessert to matter much but that chocolate chip pecan cookie was still warm, gooey in the middle, pecans almost caramelized at the edges. We sipped iced coffee on a curb while Jamie told us about “Keep Austin Weird”—I thought it was just a slogan but you can kind of feel it everywhere. There was some secret dish too—I won’t spoil it—but it made us laugh for reasons that probably wouldn’t make sense if you weren’t there. By then my feet hurt but honestly I didn’t want to stop wandering or snacking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Downtown and South Congress Food Tour

• Meet guides in Downtown Austin
• Explore Downtown Austin streets
• Taste BBQ brisket and tacos
• Try the Secret Dish
• Travel to South Congress district
• Discover SoCo dining and nightlife
• Taste diner favorites and BBQ
• Enjoy sweet treats in SoCo
• Try the Secret Dish again

Top questions

How many food tastings are included on this Austin food tour?

The tour includes 6 different food tastings plus a secret dish.

Does this Austin food tour include BBQ brisket?

Yes, Texas-style BBQ brisket is one of the featured tastings on the tour.

Is there a vegetarian option available?

You should contact the tour provider in advance for any dietary requirements so they can try to accommodate you.

How much walking is involved during the Downtown & SoCo food tour?

The tour involves a fair amount of walking; comfortable shoes are recommended.

Are drinks included on this Austin food tour?

The tour includes drinks like handmade Italian cream soda and specialty iced coffee.

Does this tour visit both Downtown Austin and South Congress?

You can choose between tours focusing on Downtown or South Congress (SoCo); each has its own route and stops.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; public transportation options are available nearby.

What is the “secret dish” mentioned in the tour description?

The secret dish is a surprise revealed during your tour experience.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walks through either Downtown Austin or South Congress with plenty of stops for BBQ brisket with pinto beans, breakfast tacos, diner favorites like meatball subs or empanadas, sweet treats such as flan-inspired cheesecake or chocolate chip pecan cookies, refreshing drinks like Italian cream soda or iced coffee—and yes, there’s also a surprise secret dish along the way.