Locals Know Taco Tours

If the words “taco tour” make your heart beat a little faster, Locals Know Taco Tours is exactly the Austin afternoon you’ve been dreaming about.

• What it is: A guided walking taco adventure through Central East Austin, kicking off at the beloved La Santa Barbacha before strolling to three more nationally recognized taquerias. It’s all about the spots locals rave about—not the usual tourist traps.

• When it happens: Every Friday and Saturday from 1:30–4:00 p.m., with a special tour on May 22, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. It’s perfectly timed for a lazy afternoon of tacos, chatter, and exploring murals in the sunshine.

• The route: Over about 2.5 hours, you’ll walk roughly a mile through East Austin. The pace is relaxed, with plenty of time to savor your tacos, snap photos of colorful street art, and soak up the neighborhood’s personality.

• What you’ll eat & see: Four different taquerias, each with its own style—from slow-simmered barbacoa to veggie-friendly creations and classic Tex-Mex comforts. Along the way, your guide points out three standout murals, sharing stories behind the artists, the neighborhood, and Austin’s ever-evolving food scene.

• What’s included: Tacos at each stop, non-alcoholic drinks to keep you refreshed, and all restaurant gratuities. Your guide handles the ordering, tipping, and timing so you can just focus on the important part: deciding which taco is your new favorite.

• Optional upgrades: Feeling festive? Add an optional drink package (around $35) and pair your tacos with margaritas, local brews, or other sips curated along the route.

• Group vibes: Tours typically host 3–14 guests, which keeps things social but intimate. It’s easy to swap taco recommendations, share favorite bites, and collect new restaurant ideas from both the guide and your fellow taco lovers.

• Private & corporate fun: Planning a team outing, birthday, or friends’ weekend? Private and corporate tours are available any day of the week, turning the city’s taco scene into your own walking party.

• Why it’s a must-do: In one afternoon, you get a crash course in Austin flavor, street art, and neighborhood history—guided by people who actually eat at these places on their days off. You leave full, happy, and armed with a long list of “we have to come back here” spots.

• Pro tip: Come hungry, wear comfy walking shoes, and clear your post-tour schedule—you might just wander back to your favorite stop for an encore taco.