In Austin for SXSW? Howdy! Welcome to The State Capitol of Texas and The Live Music Capital of the World. Whether this is your first time visiting or you’re a regular, I’m sure you can agree that this city is absolutely incredible and has so much to offer.
If you play your cards right, you can experience an entire SXSW without paying for food or drink. However, you’ll be tired of small plates by Sunday. Take some time out of your day and experience our favorite authentic Austin Recommendations.
List compiled by Intern and University of Texas Senior, Brittany Fietsam.
Breakfast
Kerbey Lane
- Tip: Try the Migas with queso! Also, the Guadalupe location is open 24 hours.
- Menu | Directions
Magnolia Cafe
- Large portion, southern comfort restaurant.
- Menu | Directions
Austin Java
Jo’s Coffee
- Tip: Love the 2nd Street location but the SoCo location has the famous “I love you so much” wall.
- Menu | Directions
Juan In A Million
Gourdough’s
- Serves crazy donut creations out of a vintage airstream.
- Menu | Directions
VooDoo Doughnut
- Keeps donuts weird in a colorful, quirky environment.
- Menu | Directions
Brunch
Banger’s
- Uses a whole bottle of champagne in $10 Manmosas on Sundays. Also has live music.
- Menu | Directions
Irene’s
- Tip: Photo opportunity in front of their hedge wall.
- Menu | Directions
Easy Tiger
Snooze an A.M. Eatery
Lunch
Texas Chili Parlor
- Tip: Great chili and Adam’s favorite hole in the wall restaurant in Austin! Located near the UT AT&T Conference Center.
- Menu | Directions
Lucy’s Fried Chicken
- Tip: Will have live music on the patio during SXSW.
- Menu | Directions
Home Slice
Shoal Creek Saloon
- Tip: It’s crawfish season!
- Menu | Directions
Scholz Garten
- Was established in 1866 after the Civil War and is one of the oldest operating businesses in Texas.
- Menu | Directions
East Side King
- Asian Fusion with Austin soul.
- Menu | Directions
P. Terry’s
- Tip: Arguably better than In-N-Out Burgers. They also have really tasty shakes.
- Menu | Directions
Whole Foods
Toss Pizzeria & Pub
Hopdoddy Burger Bar
- Tip: Definitely worth trying a shake!
- Menu | Directions
Cabo Bob’s
- Tip: Best burritos around and they won’t leave you hungry.
- Menu | Directions
Dinner
Perry’s Steakhouse
- Tip: Amazing pork chop special on Friday afternoon and on Sundays.
- Menu | Directions
Ranch 616
El Alma
- Tip: Rooftop dining with Austin skyline view.
- Menu | Directions
Trudy’s
- Tip: Must try the Stuffed Avocado and Mexican Martinis. Also, sit at the bar for 20% off your entire ticket.
- Trifecta Challenge: Drink the 2 martini max at all 3 central Austin locations.
- Menu | Directions
El Arroyo
- Tip: Happy hour margaritas are $2.00 (M-F, 2-6pm). Known for their witty sign out front.
- Menu | Directions
Hula Hut
- Located on Lake Austin.
- Menu | Directions
Shady Grove
- Austin inspired home cooking under a relaxing pecan grove.
- Menu | Directions
Abel’s On the Lake
- Good food and great view of Lake Austin, but sometimes the service is slow.
- Menu | Directions
Chinatown
- Tip: Located within walking distance of 6th Street. Karaoke and Sake bombs are always a great way to start the night.
- Menu | Directions
Best BBQ & Steak
Coopers BBQ
- Tip: It’s very easy to size up couple of pounds worth of BBQ and end up with a $40 bill. Ask for 1/4 to 1/2 pound portions.
- Menu | Directions
Franklin Barbecue
- Tip: Opens at 11am but line starts around 9am and they always sell out. While this is “world class,” the line may deter from the overall experience.
- Menu | Directions
Freedmen’s
La Barbecue
- Tip: Live music on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Menu | Directions
Bob’s Steak & Chop House
Steiner Ranch Steakhouse
Salt Lick
- Tip: BYOB
- Menu | Directions
Rudy’s
Best Queso
Kerbey Lane
Torchy’s Tacos
Best Coffee Shops
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
- Located on Lake Austin.
- Menu | Directions
Dominican Joe
Monkey Nest
Breweries & Distilleries
Deep Eddy’s Distillery
- Tip: Schedule a tour before you go. Has a fun hangout area outside with cornhole and other games available.
- Website | Directions
Hops & Grains
Uncle Billy’s
Zilker Brewing Company
Austin Beerworks
Bars
Driskill Hotel Bar
Icenhauer’s
- Tip: On Sundays they have the best, most upbeat live music on Rainey. For a Sunday Funday, brunch at Banger’s then walk down the street to Icenhauer’s.
- Menu | Directions
Mean Eyed Cat
- Bar dedicated to Johnny Cash and Stubbs BBQ available.
- Menu | Directions
Star Bar
- Known for their over-the-top “Hail Mary” bloody Mary. Only offered on Sundays.
- Menu | Directions
The Outdoors
Paddle Boarding
Hamilton Pool Preserve
- Tip: Bring your camera. Natural pool created by an underground river that collapsed thousands of years ago. Requires a reservation.
- Website | Directions
The Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake
Mount Bonnell
The State Capitol
Barton Springs Pool
Before you leave 6th Street…
- Roppolo’s Pizza: the best late night pizza of your life. Well worth the $5 slice after a night downtown.
- Directions
Get Around Without Uber & Lyft
Tip: Usually easy to find promotion codes for the apps, especially for first time users.
*Visit Do512 to find more about local events around town.
