A New Taco Tour Is Taking Over
Words Ashley Bowling Photos Shelby Bella
If there’s one thing East Austin does better than almost anywhere else, it’s transforming a simple meal into a whole mood. A quick taco turns into a patio hang, and one margarita turns into “Let’s order another round.” And before you know it, you’ve spent your entire afternoon on a high, bouncing between murals, neighborhoods buzzing with local music, and the kind of food that makes you swear you’re never eating a “bad taco” again.
That’s the spirit behind Locals Know ATX Food Tours—and why they are officially expanding beyond Locals Know BBQ Tours with a brand-new walking experience: Locals Know Tacos Tours, running Fridays and Saturdays at 1:30 p.m. Starting at 2806 Manor Rd., this tour is built for anyone who wants to go deeper than the usual Austin lists and taste the places locals actually talk about.
Expect a curated crawl of tacos, chips and dips, and Mexican traditions and delicacies—plus a few surprises that keep the afternoon feeling like a little adventure. It’s savory and sweet, classic and unexpected, and perfectly paced so you can actually soak up the neighborhood between bites. We’re leaning into the full Manor Road experience: the color, the energy, the small details you miss when you’re just driving through.
You’ll taste stops that represent the best of East Austin like La Santa Barbacha, a Michelin Guide-recognized favorite that’s earned its reputation one rich, soulful bite at a time. Then there’s Granny’s Tacos, a true local comfort spot with the kind of everyday magic that keeps a neighborhood fed. El Chilito brings an unfussy Austin rhythm to the mix, while holding fast to the cultural traditions that shaped this land, and is always a solid call when you want something that hits every time. And of course, we’re paying respect to an Austin classic: El Chile Café y Cantina, where bold flavors and strong margaritas have been holding court for two decades.
In true East Austin fashion, the tour isn’t just about what’s on the plate. It’s about catching the vibe: sipping margs, chasing murals, and walking off that last bite just enough to make room for the next one. Tickets start at $85. And honestly, it’s the kind of afternoon you’ll want to repeat, because Austin always has one more taco worth chasing.
Contact:
Fridays & Saturdays: 1:30pm
Starts At: 806 Manor Rd.
To Book: eastsideatx.com/foodtours
