Free cancellation

Austin BBQ Tour: 6 Tastings, Michelin & Bib Gourmand Stops

5.0 (30 reviews) · By Locals Know Barbecue Tour

Experience the best of East Austin's barbecue scene on the Austin BBQ Tour: 6 Tastings, Michelin Stops & Skip the Line. Enjoy the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle as you visit six top barbecue spots, including a MICHELIN One Star restaurant and two Bib Gourmand smokehouses. No need to sweat in the Texas heat or wait in long lines — your guide handles all the logistics, so you can focus on the food.

Each stop offers generous tastings, often enough for a full meal. Highlights include smoked lamb with Middle Eastern spices from chef Kareem El-Ghayesh, Texas-style pastrami from a deli praised by Texas Monthly, and a famous sausage and brisket joint that draws crowds from all over. Plus, there's a surprise sweet stop that will leave you thinking you're done — but you're not!

Along the way, your guide shares stories about East Austin’s history and how these blocks became some of the most talked-about barbecue spots in America. Whether you're a barbecue fanatic or just looking for a fun foodie adventure, this tour offers a delicious, hassle-free way to explore Austin’s vibrant food scene.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Austin BBQ Tour?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy six different barbecue stops.

What’s included in the tour?

You’ll ride in a luxury SUV or minibus, depending on group size, with skip-the-line access at each stop, all taxes and gratuities at restaurants, a local guide, and enough tastings for a full meal.

Are there any age restrictions?

Yes, the tour is suitable for adults aged 8 and up. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

What about dietary restrictions or allergies?

Please inform us in advance if you have specific dietary needs. While the tour focuses on barbecue, special arrangements may be limited.

Is alcohol included?

Alcoholic beverages are not included, but there is an optional $35 drink package available at booking.

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations made within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Free cancellation

Cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund.

Reserve now

Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.

Duration 3 hours

Check availability to see start times.

Live tour guide

English

Key facts

Duration 3 hours
Languages English
Group Size Up to 13 people
Ages Adults 8–100
Accessibility Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; suitable for all fitness levels

What's included

Included

  • Luxury SUV for groups of 8 or fewer; minibus for larger groups
  • Skip-the-line access at all participating barbecue stops
  • All restaurant taxes and gratuities
  • Air-conditioned vehicle transportation
  • Local guide sharing East Austin’s food scene and neighborhood history
  • Six generous tastings — enough for a full meal

Not included

  • Guide gratuity
  • Alcoholic beverages (optional $35 drink package available at booking)
  • Pick-up and drop-off outside the meeting point

Itinerary

  1. Stop 1

    Smoked lamb with Middle Eastern spice from chef Kareem El-Ghayesh, a James Beard semifinalist and MICHELIN Bib Gourmand honoree, bringing Cairo flavors into Central Texas barbecue.

    35 minutes
  2. Stop 2

    Texas pastrami on house-made rye, praised by Texas Monthly’s barbecue editor as the best in the state. A deli with Queens-style techniques and a great reputation.

    25 minutes
  3. Stop 3

    The MICHELIN One Star spot, famous for its sausage and brisket. The line often wraps around the building, but with skip-the-line access, you’ll walk right in.

    25 minutes
  4. Stop 4

    A MICHELIN Bib Gourmand smokehouse, named a Top 50 barbecue joint by Southern Living and ranked among America’s 25 Best Food Trucks by Food Network. House-made sides and brisket-stuffed kolaches are highlights.

    25 minutes
  5. Stop 5

    Louisiana flavors meet Texas tradition with menu options from pitmaster Holden Fulco, who cooked at Franklin and InterStellar Barbecue. Expect bold, smoky tastes.

    25 minutes
  6. Stop 6

    A secret sweet stop that you won’t be told about beforehand. You’ll think you're done eating — but you’re not.

    10 minutes

Meeting point & pickup

Meet at the starting point

You will receive a text on the day of the tour with the exact address, parking instructions, and guidance on how to find your guide. The meeting location is also included in your confirmation email.

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Cancellation & confirmation

Free cancellation

Cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund.

  • 100% refund if canceled at least 1 day in advance
  • No refund if canceled within 24 hours
  • May be canceled due to bad weather or insufficient bookings

Instant confirmation

Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.

From $175.00 per person

Adult Age 8–100
1
  • Free cancellation
  • Secure checkout with our booking partner

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