Throwing a party for a foodie? Austin, TX is filled with classes, experiences, and restaurants to indulge in.
Foodies are curious, adventurous, and eager about food and drinks. The typical dinner party can get worn out when you’re a foodie. There are PLENTY of fantastic restaurants in Austin, but don’t forget about the unique food and drink experiences available. If you or your guest of honor for a bachelorette party, birthday party, or a weekend getaway to Austin is a foodie, check out these ideas.
Cheese Tasting at Antonelli’s
Mmm cheese! Antonelli’s does a great job with their roster of events. You’ll learn all about cheese in their Cheese 101 classes, and they also host pairing classes, from cheese and jam to cheese and beer. Their events vary each month.
Cooking Class
The most common option for food experiences is a cooking class. In Austin, you have options at Central Market and Sur La Table or local establishments like Thai Fresh and Patricia’s Table. Classes vary in cuisine and technique, but there is bound to be something to learn! Find the full list of culinary classes here.
Food Truck Crawl
Try multiple food trailers with a food truck crawl. If you want options in walking distance, try South Congress, Rainey Street, East 6th Street or South 1st Street. Find the full Austin food truck directory here.
Some of my favorite trailers:
- Veracruz All Natural – tacos!
- Paperboy – Best for brunch because runny eggs
- Patrizi’s – The best Italian food around
- East Side King – Japanese street food
- Little Lucy’s – Mini donuts that are fantastic when warm
Cake Party at Baked by Amy’s
Kids don’t have all the fun. Check out the Big Kid Parties at Baked By Amy’s. Gather friends and decorate mini-cakes.
Breweries, Wineries, Cideries, and Distilleries, Oh My!
There is no shortage of alcohol in Austin. Many of these establishments have a tasting room or taproom that is open on the weekends and sometimes on the weekdays. Some have specific times for tours.
Distilleries are where you’ll find your liquors. There are about 15 of them in the Austin area. Here are some places to visit:
Red or white? Yes, there are some wineries in the area. Check these out:
A growing favorite in Austin is cider. You’ll want to taste the ciders at these cideries:
There are many, many breweries in Austin, but below are my favorites and recommendations. See this post for details on planning a brewery crawl.
- 4th Tap Brewing Co-op
- Adelbert’s Brewery
- Austin Beerworks
- Hops & Grain Brewing
- Zilker Brewing Company
The Barbecue Experience
When you read about food in Austin, you’ve undoubtedly heard about Franklin Barbecue. They open at 11 am and lines start forming around 7 or 8 am, depending on the weather and day of the week. It is a wait that is well-rewarded. Get in line earlier if you want the best pick of meat. If you’re lucky, check their website to see about ordering ahead and picking up when they open.
You’ll also find this waiting experience at other lauded barbecue joints: La Barbecue, Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ, and Micklethwait Craft Meats. Or you can easily enjoy barbecue at one of my favorites – Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew.
Progressive Meal
This party idea is similar to the food truck crawl but with brick-and-mortar restaurants. Try hitting up a few happy hours or plan a three-course meal trail. Something in walking distance downtown would be easiest.
The Big Taste Test
This party idea is a fun one when you and your friends are very enthusiastic about a particular food. Every person picks up the same food item from a restaurant in Austin. You all gather in one place, lay the food out without labels, taste, and vote. It’s more fun when people have preconceived notions about the “best” in Austin. My friends annually participate in a blind barbecue taste test and were most recently surprised to find the favorite of the group came from a little unknown trailer.
Chocolate Tour and Tasting
Visit Chocolaterie Tessaartisan chocolate shop in Austin founded by Master and second-generation chocolatier Tessa Halstead. The private class will take your group behind-the-scenes to learn about the chocolate-making process. There’s a beautiful chocolate for every taste – nuts, caramel, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate are a few.
Farmers’ Market
We have a healthy selection of local goods in Austin and you can find them at the Farmers’ Market. Make a morning out of it by visiting the different booths and finish with lunch or buy groceries for a homemade brunch. Visit a location of the Sustainable Food Center Farmers’ Market or Texas Farmers Market.
Organized Food or Brewery Tours
Don’t want to do the planning? There are tours for that!
Need help planning your perfect foodie party? Send me a message.
Happy Celebrating!
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