What's In Store?
Greasy fingers, bundled up napkins, and full stomachs are a few words that describe EASTside’s barbecue tour experience.
This journey takes you through the best barbecue stops in East Austin – the culinary hotspot of Austin – while sharing the stories of each chef and restaurant. The tour begins and ends with some of Austin’s bests: a simple, yet unforgettable, tasting of brisket-stuffed kolaches to the telling of the incredible journey of one of Austin’s top pitmasters while munching on smoked lamb chops to a sampling of the holy trinity at one line-worthy locale.
Good barbecue and juicy stories are what Texas dreams are made of – so grab your appetite, bring your cowboy hat, and let’s do this the right way, Austin style!
Let's EAT
✓ Start Time: 10:45am & 11am
✓ Location: Central East Austin
✓ Tour Length: ~3 hours
✓ Guests: 14 people max
✓ Stops: 5 Nationally Recognized Joints + 1 Secret Locale
✓ Includes: Local Food & Culture, Transportation, & NA Drinks
✓ Optional Drink Package: $35
✓ Corp & Private Tours: Available Thursdays – Sundays (email for details)
Where Are We Headed?
la Barbecue
Get ready to feast at a place where even Michelin is willing to wait in the line wrapped around the building for the sausage links that are ground and stuffed in-house. Ranked among Texas Monthly’s “Top 50 Barbecue Joints in Texas,” it’s smoky, it’s spicy, and it’s the kind of barbecue that might just ruin all other barbecue for you.
Micklethwait Craft Meats
Featured in Southern Living’s “Top 50 Barbecue Joints” and Food Network’s “America’s 25 Best Food Trucks,” along with consistently making Texas Monthly’s “Top 50,” MCM is savory Austin barbecue with a side of heart and a heap of handmade everything. From brisket so tender it basically falls into your mouth to the best house-made pickles and sides you’ve ever tasted, this joint is where flavor meets craftsmanship.
KG BBQ
From Cairo to Central Texas, Chef Kareem El-Ghayesh brings bold flavors to the Austin barbecue scene. Here, lamb is the leading lady—dressed in Middle Eastern spices, smoked low and slow, and paired with Mediterranean flair. KG BBQ has been honored with a Michelin Bib Gourmand and was a semifinalist for the James Beard Award’s Best Chef: Texas. This isn’t just barbecue; it’s an international affair that will have you longing for more.
Mum Foods
What do you get when Queens meets ATX? A pastrami sandwich worth writing home about! Texas Monthly‘s barbecue editor, Daniel Vaughn, says it’s the best Pastrami in the state, while USA Today crowned Mum’s in “Restaurants of the Year” lineup. This eatery is your one-stop shop for Texas brisket smoked with deli-style finesse—served on housemade rye, with a side of farmer’s market charm.
Parish Barbecue
Parish Barbecue blends Louisiana flavors with Texas traditions. From InterStellar Barbecue and Franklin to his own truck, pitmaster Holden Fulco is quickly gaining recognition for his downright addictive menu offerings. All we’ll say is “come hungry, stay curious, and don’t blame us when you start plotting your return before you’ve even left.”
And just when you think you’re tapped out, we’ll drop one last surprise on you—a sweet treat we’re keeping hush-hush, but trust us, it’s worth the wait.
Savor Rich History & Bask in Backstories
Soak in the soul of Austin’s past and meet its creative spirit. Pulsing with diverse heritage, East Austin beats for its long-lived community. Get ready to chew on more than just barbecue—this tour serves up juicy bites of history too. This is where the city’s roots run deep and its creative soul sings. You’ll leave with a full belly and a brain buzzing with a new appreciation for the historic craft.
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