There is no way you’re visiting Texas and not coming across a barbecue spot. More than just a regional cuisine, barbecue is a…
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From hearty BBQ to authentic Tex-Mex, Texas has something to offer every foodie out there. One of the best ways to explore the state’s culinary scene is by taking a Texas food tour, and ExperienceFirst is one of the best tour companies out there (with thousands of 5-star reviews to prove it).
We offer a variety of food tours that will take you on a culinary journey across Texas. Our tours are designed to give you a taste of the state’s classic dishes, as well as some lesser-known gems that you won’t find in your typical tourist guide.
Grab your knife and fork, and get ready to experience the best of the Lone Star State’s food scene with these six top-rated tours from ExperienceFirst.
1. Dallas Food and Culture Tour
If you’re a foodie in Dallas, you’re in for a treat. The city has a vibrant culinary scene, and one of the most iconic cuisines in the area is Tex-Mex. Dallas is home to some of the best Tex-Mex restaurants in the state, offering a unique fusion of Texan and Mexican flavors.
One of the best places to visit to get your fill is the Historic West End, and that’s exactly where we set our Dallas Food and Culture Tour. Located in the heart of downtown Dallas, the West End is rich in history, architecture, culture, and some of the best restaurants in town.
Our Dallas food tour takes you to a classic steakhouse with serious Old West vibes for their famous chuckwagon chili. It’s traditional Texas chili, which means what? No beans! We also try tacos, but not just any tacos. These are gourmet. Think blackened tilapia, mango salsa, and red chile tomatillo taco in a house-made tortilla.
The most unique dishes on the tour are the fried grits, which come in four different flavors (crab, cheese, blueberry, and bacon and jalapeno) and the mangonada, a tropical sorbet served with a savory chamoy sauce and topped with tajin spice. It’s salty, sweet, and spicy, all at the same time, which sums up the Dallas food scene in a nutshell.
2. Happy Hour West Village Food Tour
Dallas’ West Village is a vibrant neighborhood known for its trendy shops, restaurants, and nightlife. On our Happy Hour West Village Food Tour, we cover this popular tourist destination as we sample our way through four completely different cuisines.
These range from NYC-style pizza to a Mediterranean mezze platter to Southwest fare. Do cactus fries (literally, from a cactus) and wild boar meatballs soaked in a raspberry jalapeno glaze sound good? It doesn’t get any more Texas than this.
We finish off the tour with a sweet treat that originally hails from Mexico. Paletas may look like ordinary popsicles, but this dessert packs a much larger punch. You’ll get to choose from a variety of pops made from fresh natural fruits such as strawberry and mango or from creamy ingredients like Sicilian pistachio. You can even dip them in white or dark chocolate and get sprinkles on them. What a way to end your day.
3. Fort Worth Sundance Square Food, History, and Architecture Tour
Heading out of Dallas, let’s visit Fort Worth where Sundance Square is a bustling district that’s a must for anyone visiting the DFW area. With its historic buildings and diverse culinary offerings, tourists and locals alike love our Fort Worth Sundance Square Food, History, and Architecture Tour.
Here are a few foodie favorites:
- The Little Red Wasp has incredible whipped ricotta drizzled with Texas olive oil and honey and served with sourdough bread and locally sourced tomatoes.
- We also visit a Fort Worth favorite called Riscky’s BBQ for Texas brisket. When in Texas, you must try the brisket, and this is the place to do it.
- You’ll get to try Texas fine dining at Reata as you feast on tenderloin tamales with pecan mash.
- Don’t forget dessert! We wrap up at Melt for a full serving of their premium small batch, high-quality ice cream.
This tour also takes in all the wonderful architecture and history of Sundance Square. We even beat the heat as we step inside the Sid Richardson Museum to view their collection of the great Western artists Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell. It’s the best of Fort Worth in two hours — you don’t want to miss this tour!
4. Historic Downtown San Antonio Food and Culture Tour
Moving farther south, we’re in San Antonio, where its historic downtown has an eclectic food scene. I’m talking sizzling Tex-Mex and mouth-watering barbacoa. You can taste and see it all on the Historic Downtown San Antonio Food and Culture Tour
We start the tour with the most important meal of the day as we visit La Panaderia for fresh baked concha! This beloved treat is cherished in Mexican cuisine and good fuel for our walk as we take in historic sights such as the Alamo and San Fernando Cathedral.
By the scenic river walk, we’ll stop into the Esquire Tavern for a plate of their brisket fries. Strolling by the river, we visit one more historic site, the Menger Hotel. But this place isn’t just for looks. We’ll be filling up on tacos, whether you want pulled pork, chicken fajita or, my favorite, barbacoa. Follow that with their mango ice cream, made from a recipe dating to 1872, and you’ll taste how history and flavor merge on this one-of-a-kind Texas food tour.
5. San Antonio Market Square Tex-Mex Food and Shopping Tour
San Antonio’s Market Square, also known as El Mercado, is lined with shops and stalls selling an array of goods, plenty of them edible. On our San Antonio Market Square Tex-Mex Food and Shopping Tour, we’re here for both — great food and artisan creations for the perfect souvenir.
This tour satisfies all your cravings. Here’s just a taste of what you’ll sample:
- We’ll visit the place where fajitas were invented and chow down on chili con queso!
- Savor a generous portion of elote en vaso (that’s corn in a cup), an authentic Mexican street food treat.
- Indulge your sweet tooth with freshly made desserts like flan and tres leches cake.
While there, you’ll be able to take in a performance from the strolling mariachi band and get time to shop from over 30 vendors for everything from clothing to pottery to jewelry.
6. Pearl District Food and History Tour
A former brewery complex, San Antonio’s Pearl District has been transformed into a trendy hotspot, offering a unique blend of art, culture, and entertainment. As you wander through the streets of the Pearl, you’ll be captivated by the dynamic mix of restaurants, shops, and bustling outdoor spaces.
The Pearl District Food and History Tour is the best way to experience the Pearl, learning about its storied past and its present, summed up in the clever creations of local chefs. These creations include unusual dishes like bacon-wrapped quail legs and ice cream coming in flavors like goat cheese and thyme. (They also have more traditional options like chocolate chunk, plus vegan and dairy-free choices.)
One of our most memorable stops is La Gloria, helmed by Chef Johnny Hernandez, its menu showcasing an extensive selection of Mexican street food favorites such as tacos, tortas, ceviches, and antojitos.
Best Food Tours in Texas
The reason these are the best food tours in Texas is because they let you immerse yourself in the rich and diverse culinary traditions that define the Lone Star State. That might be savoring melt-in-your-mouth brisket or exploring regional specialties, but each stop on the tour offers a unique and unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Want to learn more about our Texas food tours? Check them out below.
- Dallas
- West Village
- Fort Worth Sundance Square
- Downtown San Antonio
- San Antonio Market Square
- Pearl District
With our local guides, you’ll not only discover the flavors that have made this state famous but also gain a deeper understanding of the cultural influences that shape its cuisine. We can’t wait to share our Texas feast with you!
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