Dark Mode Light Mode

Keep Up to Date with the Most Important News

By pressing the Subscribe button, you confirm that you have read and are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

Locals Know Taco Tours

The crunch crispy queso, churro sugar smiles, and salsa on your shirt are just a few signs you’ve survived (and thrived on) the Locals Know Taco Tour.
LOCALS KNOW TACO TOURS AUSTIN TEXAS LOCALS KNOW TACO TOURS AUSTIN TEXAS

What's In Store?

This walking taco tour takes you through East Austin’s tastiest taquerías, from Michelin-approved trucks to long-loved neighborhood faves. Along the way, you’ll savor everything from mole-drenched tacos and juicy barbacoa to smoky birria consume, creamy horchata, and garden-grown garnishes that bring the flavor full circle.

But this isn’t just about what’s on the plate. You’ll stroll past iconic murals, explore a vibrant community garden, and hear the stories behind each taco stop… because every tortilla has a story to tell.

Taco ’bout a perfect day in Austin. Come hungry, wear stretchy pants, and let’s walk, talk, and taste our way through Austin’s most beloved food-following, one unforgettable taco at a time.

Let's EAT

Tour Times: Fri. & Sat., 1:30pm
Location: Central East Austin
Tour Length: ~2.5 hrs (~1 mile)
Guests:  3-14 tour-goers
Stops:  4 Nationally Recognized Taquerias & 3 Murals

Includes: Local Food & Culture, Restaurant Gratuities, & NA Drinks
Optional Drink Package: $35
✓ Corp & Private Tours: Available Mondays – Sundays (email for details) 

Where Are We Headed?

Stop 1:
Don’t let Austin’s humble food truck scene fool you. This taco truck has made Bon Appétit’s “Best Tacos in the Country” list and continues to be a local legend. This East Austin staple slings scratch-made tortillas stuffed with bold, soulful flavors like their signature mole taco (complex, rich, and a little bit magic) and the wildly popular shrimp taco with creamy chipotle sauce. With lines that start early and flavors that linger long after, this stop is proof that sometimes abuelita really does know best.

Stop 2:
Famed as a Michelin Guide Recommended, La Santa Barbacha is holy ground for barbacoa lovers. Chef Ana Torrealba slow-cooks her beef to juicy perfection and pairs it with hand-pressed colorful tortillas, fresh cilantro, and house salsas that hit all the right notes. And the pineapple mint agua fresca… it’s the chill to your chile. This isn’t just a taco truck, it’s a spiritual experience you did not know you needed.

Stop 3:
A neighborhood favorite for nearly two decades, Eater Austin calls this tacquera one of the city’s “Essential Taco Joints.” Known for its vibrant patio and laid-back vibes, this stop brings us signature al pastor tacos with charred pineapple and salsas that deserve their own trophy case.

Stop 4 & 5:
We’ll slow things down with a stroll through Este’s  garden where fragrant herbs and edible flowers are harvested daily for their coastal Mexican menu. Named one of Esquire’s Best New Restaurants in America, Este is where the sea meets the soil in East Austin. While we breathe in the scent of epazote and mint, we’ll also stop for pics at a few of the most iconic murals nearby—color, culture, and fresh food all in one short stint.

Stop 6:
Featured in Texas Monthly and beloved by locals for its modern Tex-Mex, this cantina delivers the goods with crispy-queso birria tacos dunked in smoky consomé and tortillas that soak it all in. Add in their roasted salsa and a killer patio, and you’ve got yourself a birria baptism. This place walks the line between comfort and culinary craft so well.

Bonus: The chips and roasted salsa are practically a love language, and we’re fluent.

And for dessert…
Just when you think you’re stuffed, we’ll surprise you with one last sweet bite—a crispy, cinnamon-dusted treat that ends the tour on a high. (No spoilers, but let’s just say churros might be involved in the making of this dessert but they’re not how it ends.)

Savor Rich History & Bask in Backstories

This isn’t just a taco tour—it’s a stroll through the sabor and soul of East Austin. As you crunch, dip, and sip your way through each stop, you’ll also take in the vibrant culture, deep-rooted history, and creative spirit that make this neighborhood unforgettable. From family-run taquerías to trailblazing chefs rewriting the taco canon, every bite has a backstory.

Along the way, you’ll pass murals that speak louder than words, gardens that nourish more than menus, and streets that have seen generations of flavor. Come hungry for tacos, leave full of Austin’s amore.

Got Lingering Questions?

What's the Fuss?

Keep Up to Date with the Most Important News

By pressing the Subscribe button, you confirm that you have read and are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
View Comments (1) View Comments (1)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Submit Comment

Previous Post
EAST Austin Home is where you make it.

Home is Where you Make it

Next Post
EAST Austin Home is where you make it.

Home is Where you Make it