Cross-section of a Texas-style brisket showing the smoke ring

Texas BBQ Tour

Five days. Lone Star State. The pitmasters you would never get to without us.

2026 Tour Dates

Oct 28 – Nov 1, 2026Fully Booked
Nov 4 – 8, 2026Places Available

Approved Hotels — Downtown Austin

  • Downright Austin, A Renaissance HotelRecommended
  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin Downtown – University
  • Placemakr Downtown Austin
  • Hotel Indigo Austin Downtown – University
  • Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown–Convention Center

Your hotel must be in the downtown area. Check with David before booking.

The Raw Experience

Texas is where the BBQ is. Twice a year David takes a small group through the joints, pitmasters, and smokehouses that set the standard for the rest of the world - from Austin institutions to Hill Country gems most travel guides have never heard of. You book your own flights and get yourself to Texas; everything on the ground is taken care of. Past tour groups have spanned the UK, US, and Australia, with most guests British.

5 Days of Smoke

Five guided days through the best BBQ in the world.

Spring and autumn departures. Small group. Serious BBQ enthusiasts only.

Meet the Pitmasters

Access to pitmasters you cannot Google your way to.

Austin institutions, Hill Country old guard, off-the-map gems. All curated by David.

Five days, eaten and explained.

Day 1

Arrive Austin

Land in Austin. Group dinner at a David-curated kick-off joint. The week starts the way the trip ends - over BBQ.

Day 2

Austin institutions

Franklin’s, La Barbecue, Terry Black’s and the spots that built the modern Texas BBQ canon. Eat as you go, learn as you eat.

Day 3

Hill Country old guard

Lockhart - Smitty’s, Black’s, Kreuz Market. The originals. Direct-heat pits, sausage rings, butcher-paper service.

Day 4

Off-the-map gems

Pitmasters and smokehouses you would never find on TripAdvisor. Towns most travel writers have never been to.

Day 5

Final pit visits & home

A handful of last cooks and a debrief over a cold drink. Out via Austin.

"Without a doubt, this BBQ tour was one of the best presents I've ever given to myself."

Past Tour Guest, Wilson's BBQ Texas Tour

What's included

  • Daily private BBQ joint tour guided by David
  • Small group of up to 6 guests
  • Curated platters at 4 participating restaurants
  • Skip the line at 4 participating restaurants
  • Meet the owners and/or pitmasters
  • Daily hotel pick-up and drop-off

Not included

  • Return flights to Austin, Texas
  • Travel insurance
  • Hotel accommodation (approved hotels recommended)
  • Meals at BBQ joints 5–9 (approx. $30–50 inc. tip)
  • Personal expenses, snacks and drinks
  • Airport transfers

Secure your spot.

Email David with your full name, mobile number and preferred tour dates. He'll send you an invoice for a £100 fully refundable deposit to hold your place. Final payment details are provided prior to the balance being due.

01

Email David

Your name, mobile number and preferred tour dates.

02

Pay the deposit

£100 fully refundable deposit secures your place.

03

Book flights & hotel

Choose from the approved downtown Austin hotels.

04

Show up and eat

David handles everything from collection onwards.