
Austin South Congress Food Tour with 5 Tastings, Tacos & Sweets
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 77 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Austin South Congress Food Tour with 5 Tastings, Tacos & Sweets worth booking?
Austin South Congress Food Tour with 5 Tastings, Tacos & Sweets is a 3-hour experience in Austin, United States, from $100 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 77 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (77)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $100 per person
On our Secret Food Tour: Austin - South Congress, you'll escape the hustle and bustle of Downtown to discover a living, breathing Texan landmark. Our experienced guides will take you on an eclectic journey through Austin's vibrant and unique dining, nightlife, and shopping district the locals call "SoCo." On your adventure, you're likely to stumble upon delicious diner favorites, smoked BBQ specialties, and refreshing sweet treats. Throughout the experience, you'll see firsthand why this town is so fabulously "weird" and learn why we want to keep it that way! South Congress isn't just any old street in Austin, it's the artery that leads straight to the heart of Texas.
What you get
About this experience
On our Secret Food Tour: Austin - South Congress, you'll escape the hustle and bustle of Downtown to discover a living, breathing Texan landmark. Our experienced guides will take you on an eclectic journey through Austin's vibrant and unique dining, nightlife, and shopping district the locals call "SoCo." On your adventure, you're likely to stumble upon delicious diner favorites, smoked BBQ specialties, and refreshing sweet treats. Throughout the experience, you'll see firsthand why this town is so fabulously "weird" and learn why we want to keep it that way! South Congress isn't just any old street in Austin, it's the artery that leads straight to the heart of Texas.
What's included
Included
- Our delicious Secret Dish!
- Savory Meatball Sub – comfort food done right
- Classic Old-Fashioned Soda – fizzy, sweet, iconic
- Crafted Iced Coffee – cool, bold, and local favorite
- Authentic Street Taco – Austin’s #1 taco city flavor
- Warm Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookie – sweet Southern treat
Not included
- Gratuities
- Pick-up and Drop-off
What you'll see and do
South Congress Avenue
Our experienced guides will take you on an eclectic journey through Austin's vibrant and unique dining, nightlife, and shopping district the locals call "SoCo."
60 minutes here
Cozy neighborhood diner serving breakfast with a diverse menu including Tex-Mex and vegetarian choices, available at any time of the day.
30 minutes here
Big Top Candy Shop
You will see a Vibrant candy shop with a lively circus theme, showcasing classic confections and a nostalgic soda fountain experience.
30 minutes here
Allens Boots
You will enter distinctive and enduring Western Stores known for their vast collection that encompasses a wide range of classic boots, belts, hats and stylish clothing options.
30 minutes here
I Love You So Much Mural
Iconic crimson graffiti message adorning the north-facing wall of the beloved Jo's Coffee, known for its distinct and rebellious charm.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Austin
We'll meet in front of the “I Love You So Much” Mural at Jo’s Coffee at 1300 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour will end at Magnolia Cafe, located at 1920 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704.
Options you can book
Austin SoCo Small Group Tour
Small Group Food Tour: Choose this option to join our Secret Food Tour Austin South Congress in a group of 12 people or less!
Private Austin SoCo Food Tour
Private Tour Upgrade: Choose this option to upgrade to a private food tour of Austin South Congress for only you and your group
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Secret Food Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- *Please note: the itinerary and menu is subject to change, based on the locations' availability, weather, and other circumstances.
- *This tour involves a fair amount of walking; comfortable shoes are recommended.
- *Please ensure to contact us in advance of the tour for any dietary requirement, to ensure we can cater for them the best we can.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 77 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
8 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
77 verified traveler reviews for Austin South Congress Food Tour with 5 Tastings, Tacos & Sweets. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great food
Food was great. Enjoyed the commentary but she had a few facts wrong. Her constant laugh bothered us.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the food and the commentary during your time exploring South Congress. Our guides each have their own personality and style, and we understand that not every style will be the right fit for every guest. We also appreciate your note about a few details mentioned along the way. We put a lot of thought into the stories and local insight that are part of the tour, so feedback like this is useful as we continue to keep the experience engaging and informative. Most importantly, we’re happy to hear that the food was a highlight of the tour. We hope you enjoyed discovering the different flavors and getting a taste of what makes South Congress such a fun part of Austin!
via Tripadvisor
Superb and filling!
We had an absolutely fantastic afternoon on the South Congress Secret Food Tour with Lexi. From the moment we met over coffee at Jo’s, her enthusiasm and endless energy made the experience so much more than just a food tour. We enjoyed an incredible mix of Austin’s best, including the famous meatball subs at Home Slice, writing our dreams on the “Before I Die” mural, delicious tacos from Tacos Güeros, an Italian cream soda from Big Top Candy Shop, and finishing with amazing tacos at Torchy’s. Along the way, Lexi took us through the South Congress boutiques, where we even ended up buying a pair of boots from Allen’s Boots! Lexi’s knowledge of Austin, its history, culture and local stories was outstanding. She didn’t just point out places, she made us feel like we were part of the history, bringing every stop to life with fascinating stories and recommendations. If you’re visiting Austin, this tour is an absolute must. Thank you, Lexi, for your time, your passion and your endless energy. You made our day unforgettable, and we couldn’t recommend you highly enough. Five stars!
Response from the operator: We appreciate your thoughtful review. It’s rewarding to know your experience left such a positive impression. We’d love to welcome you back to Secret Food Tours!
via Tripadvisor
Awesome tour, even better guide
Sohail provided a ton of information on Austin and the food scene. He also provided great recommendations for other things to do in the area.
Response from the operator: We are grateful you chose to spend part of your visit with us! Knowing the experience resonated with you in such a meaningful way is exactly the kind of feedback we value. Secret Food Tours sends our appreciation.
via Tripadvisor
BEST Food Tour Ever!!!!!!!
Sohail was our tour guide and he was awesome!!!!!! We were a group of 8. Two other couples were in our tour. Sohail gave us some great history around Austin during our food tour. The restaurants he picked out for our bites were all wonderful and diverse. Everyone in our group loved the tour and said it exceeded their expectations!!!!!!! Great job!!!!
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your thoughts! It’s always good when the tour feels like a natural part of your day. We hope to see you again through Secret Food Tours.
via Tripadvisor
Great neighborhood and super fun Guide!
Loved the guide and loved the neighborhood! Really fun hearing facts in history and visiting an authentic slice of Austin! I’m not a fan of sweets, so those stops weren’t up my culinary alley, but they were interesting places and fun to visit. Loved the tacos and the meatball sub!
Response from the operator: It’s great to have this kind of feedback come through. We’re pleased the experience balanced food and local context effectively. We’d be happy to welcome you again with Secret Food Tours!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $100 to $335
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 27
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Secret Food Tours, who run 207 experiences we rank across 112 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.6 and 17 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Secret Food Tours runsWhy this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Austin South Congress Food Tour with 5 Tastings, Tacos & Sweets: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Austin.
How much does Austin South Congress Food Tour with 5 Tastings, Tacos & Sweets cost?
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Prices start at $100 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Austin usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Austin South Congress Food Tour with 5 Tastings, Tacos & Sweets take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Austin is not rushed.
Is Austin South Congress Food Tour with 5 Tastings, Tacos & Sweets worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 77 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Austin, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Austin South Congress Food Tour with 5 Tastings, Tacos & Sweets?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Austin South Congress Food Tour with 5 Tastings, Tacos & Sweets suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Austin South Congress Food Tour with 5 Tastings, Tacos & Sweets?
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Around 27 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Austin can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Austin and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Austin South Congress Food Tour with 5 Tastings, Tacos & Sweets start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Austin within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Austin?
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Austin's activity list runs on food and water: barbecue crawls to the pits that sell out by noon, Lady Bird Lake kayaking under the Congress Avenue bat colony, live music walks on Rainey and Red River, and Hill Country wine and distillery runs. We weight timing detail in the ranking, because a barbecue tour that arrives after the brisket is gone is a different product entirely. On Outty we rank every Austin experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include From Austin: Hill Country BBQ & Wine Shuttle, Best of Austin Small-Group Driving Tour with Local Guide, The Escape Game: Epic 60-Minute Adventures in Downtown Austin. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Austin?
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March to May and October to November, avoiding the triple-digit summer. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Austin?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Austin South Congress Food Tour with 5 Tastings, Tacos & Sweets?
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Included: Our delicious Secret Dish!; Savory Meatball Sub – comfort food done right; Classic Old-Fashioned Soda – fizzy, sweet, iconic; Crafted Iced Coffee – cool, bold, and local favorite; and Authentic Street Taco – Austin’s #1 taco city flavor. Not included: Gratuities; and Pick-up and Drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Austin South Congress Food Tour with 5 Tastings, Tacos & Sweets?
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We'll meet in front of the “I Love You So Much” Mural at Jo’s Coffee at 1300 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Austin South Congress Food Tour with 5 Tastings, Tacos & Sweets offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Austin South Congress Food Tour with 5 Tastings, Tacos & Sweets?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Austin South Congress Food Tour with 5 Tastings, Tacos & Sweets wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Austin South Congress Food Tour with 5 Tastings, Tacos & Sweets if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Austin South Congress Food Tour with 5 Tastings, Tacos & Sweets?
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Across 77 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, knowledge and storytelling. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
What booking options are available for Austin South Congress Food Tour with 5 Tastings, Tacos & Sweets?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Austin SoCo Small Group Tour, Private Austin SoCo Food Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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