Austin in 1 Day - Tasting multiple East Austin taco styles (truck and taquería samples)
In Collaboration with Locals Know ATX Food Tours. Updated on April 1, 2026.
A 2.5-hour guided walking taco tour through East Austin. Meet at The Long Goodbye (Manor Road) for check-in, then walk just under a mile with tastings at several neighborhood taquerías, a stop at a community garden and iconic murals, a birria/queso stop, and a final sweet treat. Non-alcoholic beverages and a knowledgeable local guide are included. The tour finishes at a different location in East/
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Locals Know ATX Food Tours, inspired by the tour Locals Know Taco Tours: Explore Austin’s best tacos joints in a flavor-filled, culturally immersed walking tour.. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Tasting multiple East Austin taco styles (truck and taquería samples)
- Neighborhood murals and local street-art photo stops
- Visit to an East Austin community garden
- Queso-birria tasting stop
- A final sweet surprise (churro-style treat)
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Itinerary
Day 1
Afternoon walking tour of East Austin with multiple food tastings, a garden and mural stop, and a sweet finish.
Meet at The Long Goodbye — check-in & intro
Meet your guide at The Long Goodbye on Manor Road. Quick introductions, safety notes, and overview of the route before the walk begins.
Tips from local experts:
- Free parking is available near The Long Goodbye — plan to park and meet your group there; arriving 10 minutes early helps with a prompt departure.
- Bring a small bag or jacket for samples; the venue has limited seating so expect a brief standing check-in.
- If you plan to buy the Elevated Drink Package, bring a valid 21+ ID and keep it accessible for the guide to verify.
Stop 1 — Featured East Austin taco truck sampling
First food stop at a well-known East Austin taco truck for two signature taco samples (chicken and shrimp-style flavors described on tour). Guide arranges skip-the-line access where possible.
Tips from local experts:
- This stop is at a street-side taco truck; seating may be limited — plan to stand or gather at nearby curbside benches.
- Non-alcoholic beverages are provided by the tour; if you want water between tastings, ask your guide.
- If you have shellfish or poultry allergies, notify the guide before the stop so they can advise the kitchen or suggest alternatives.
Stop 2 — La Santa-style barbacoa tasting and horchata
Second tasting focuses on slow-cooked barbacoa and a creamy horchata sample; contains a short guided chat about regional cooking and smoking techniques.
Tips from local experts:
- Barbacoa is slow-cooked and may contain bones or rendered fat; ask the guide if you need a boneless or leaner portion.
- Horchata contains dairy or rice — if you have lactose intolerance, check with the guide about alternatives.
- This stop is popular with locals; keep personal items close and be prepared for a brief line even with skip-the-line access.
Stop 3 — Neighborhood taquería: al pastor & chips
Local taquería stop for classic al pastor tacos and house-made dips with chips. Guide introduces you to flavor pairings and salsa choices.
Tips from local experts:
- Al pastor can be spicy; try a small bite first and sample salsas incrementally to find your preferred heat level.
- This taquería may have indoor seating; if you prefer to sit, let your guide know so they can find seats for the group.
- Consider sharing plates among friends for a wider range of flavors without overeating between stops.
Stop 4 — Este community garden stroll & mural photo stops
A relaxed walk through an East Austin community garden and a short mural walk to photograph the neighborhood's colorful street art and learn about local creative culture.
Tips from local experts:
- Sidewalks in East Austin can be uneven; wear sturdy shoes and watch your step around garden beds and curbs.
- Bring a camera or phone with charged battery — several large murals make for great group photos.
- If you need mobility assistance, notify the guide in advance; some garden paths or mural-adjacent sidewalks may be narrow or unpaved.
Stop 5 — Queso birria cantina tasting
Cantina stop featuring smoky birria tacos dunked in consommé and served with chips and salsa. Guide explains the Tex‑Mex and regional crossover influences.
Tips from local experts:
- Birria is traditionally served with consommé for dipping — bring napkins and pace your bites to enjoy both taco and dip.
- This stop may involve standing room or counter service; if you need a seat, tell the guide early so they can arrange seating if available.
- If you prefer less spice, request milder salsa or have your guide advise on taco fillings that are milder.
Final stop — Sweet surprise (churro-style treat)
A final sweet bite to round out the tour — a crispy, sugary treat (churro-style) chosen by the local guide to finish the tasting experience.
Tips from local experts:
- This final treat is included and may be warm — allow a few minutes to cool before eating to avoid burns.
- If you have dietary restrictions (e.g., gluten), tell the guide earlier in the tour so they can confirm the dessert ingredients.
- The tour ends nearby; if you plan to return to your vehicle, rideshare, or continue exploring, have a plan since the endpoint differs from the start.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Total Activities | 7 |
| Total Places | 7 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Restaurant, Outdoor |
