Locals Know ATX Food Tours

Locals Know Taco Tours: Explore Austin’s best tacos joints in a flavor-filled, culturally immersed walking tour.

Ready to taco 'bout one of the best food tours in Austin? Join the Locals Know Taco Tour, where our guides get you access to skip the lines, and dish out an up-close and personal look into the local flavor while your tastebuds will do the samba. This isn’t your average taco crawl; it’s a walking fiesta through East Austin’s most iconic taquerías, Michelin-recognized food trucks, and long-loved neighborhood gems.The tour covers just under a mile on foot, weaving through community gardens, historic streets, and photo-op goldmines like East Austin’s most beloved murals. Come hungry, wear comfy shoes, and get ready to spice up your camera roll.Optional drink package available for those who prefer their tacos with a side of margarita magic. Buen provecho!The Line-Worthy Itinerary (Minus the Line):Stop 1:Don't let the name fool you. This taco truck is bringing the flavor (and the mole). It has earned Bon Appétit’s “Best Tacos in the Country” list and its cult following for good reason. On our stop, you’ll sample, not one but two, saucy, savory tacos that are both crowd-favorites. Think chicken and shirimp that's juicy, zesty, and wrapped in the kind of tortilla that hugs back. It’s homemade magic with abuela-level soul.Stop 2:She’s a saint, she’s a smoke whisperer, and she’s serving beef so tender it practically testifies. We’ll sip creamy horchata and dive into La Santa Barbacha’s juicy barbacoa, slow-cooked to perfection and packed with righteous flavor. Michelin loves her, and so will you.Stop 3:Bright, bold, and built for flavor, this taqueria is a neighborhood staple serving tacos with standing power. We’re going in for their classic al pastor and chips with a side of their chef’s-kiss dips.Stops 4 & 5:Smell the mint, snap the shot, and savor the beauty of where food and creativity grow side-by-side. First, we’ll stroll through Este’s lush community garden—a vibrant patch of herbs, veggies, and native plants that supply the kitchen and scent the air with fresh epazote and magic. While you're soaking up the neighborhood vibes, we'll take in some of the Eastside’s most iconic murals. Think bold color, deep culture, and wall art that deserves a place in your camera roll.Stop 6:Welcome to queso birria heaven. This cantina takes the taco game up a notch with their signature smoky birria tacos, dunked in savory consume and paired with chips and salsa so good they should come with a warning. This is where Tex-Mex tradition meets chef-crafted execution.One Last Sweet Surprise...Just when you think you can’t eat another bite, we’ll hit you with a final treat—something sugary, crispy, and worth every step of the walk. Let’s just say churros might be involved, but our lips are sealed because it's not what you think.What to Bring:Bring your appetite first and foremost! Comfortable clothes and shoes are smart, and layers are your best friend for unpredictable Texas weather. If rain’s on the radar, go ahead and pack that umbrella! Oh, and a little cash to tip your guide is always appreciated, especially if they knock your socks off.