You’re never far from a good meal in Austin

Do like the locals do and avoid the chain restaurants – there are far too many good eats downtown. Tex Mex is the local specialty – just think of the Mexican food you eat now and add more sauces. But your list should also have Texas BBQ on it – slow smoked meat served dry with sauce on the side.

Food joints

Local specials – Austin 360 has daily blog entries about specials (but not an aggregate list, you’ll need to click around). Consider these when you want higher-end fare on the cheap, or everyday fare on the really cheap.

The Best Carts – The best food on the fly is found in Austin’s many food carts. Near the convention center are Kebabalicious (7th street) and The Best Wurst (6th street), two favs of the authors. Kebab serves amazing Turkish wraps (including Falafel) and The Best Wurst features tasty brats with onions and sauerkraut.

Tex Mex – Iron Cactus on 6th is OK, but it’s well worth the walk or cab ride to the original Chuy’s on Barton Springs Road. A favorite for many a celeb who makes Austin their home (or just passes through).

Favorite Burger – If you ask someone who’s been in Austin forever, they’ll send you to Huts on 6th street (near Lamar). And it’s good. But if you don’t want to walk that far, hit Casino el Camino for a tasty tidbit.

Fish – BD Riley’s Irish Pub is as traditional as it gets, and they have live blues daily along side spectacular fish and chips.

Minutes from the Convention Centre Ironworks is place for delicious BBQ!

BBQ – There are a few options downtown, none more famous as Stubbs on Red River. We recommend avoiding a trip to the Salt Lick (also well known) because you can grab it in the airport on the way home. Iron Works on Red River is a great option, too, plus it’s just outside the convention center.

Pizza – Repeat after me, “I’m not going to Chicago. I’m not going to New York.” OK, now that you realize you’re going to Austin, you can imagine the pizza to be just “meh”. However, there is a gem downtown – Frank & Angies on West and 6th. Or after a few cocktails, the extra-doughy slices in the many storefronts on 6th work to soak up your booze.

Veggie – Koriente is vegetarian Asian fusion and gluten free. You’ll find it on 7th street near the convention center. Another option by taxi or bus would be the author’s favorite Tex Mex place in Austin,
El Azteca on east 7th. Dozens of veggie options and cheap.

Sushi – Kenichi is decent and turns into a dance club after the dinner hour. Maiko is OK as well. The best places are both outside of downtown and require a cab (Uchi and Mushashino).

Dessert – Only one place screams Austin, and that’s Amys Ice Creams. She has locations all over, but a nice walk to west 6th street or South Congress is your best bet for a delectable treat.

Coffee – Skip the Starbucks and head to Jo’s on 2nd (or on south Congress) for good coffee, Free WiFi and tasty baked goods. For the city’s best Iced-brewed coffee, head to Juan Pelota’s – the coffee shop inside of Lance Armstrong’s Mellow Johnny’s bike shop at 4th and Nueces.

Upscale – In the mood for French? Hit the tiny Chez Nous – we love the Cotes du Rhone wine and Filet. Eddie Vs serves amazing seafood, and Louis 106 on 6th offers impeccable service and fresh tastes daily.

Avoid – Moonshine, it doesn’t live up to the hype and who wants to eat right outside the convention center? Serranos is Tex Mex, but not so good. There are better places for certain.

Healthy options – You asked, so we put out a call to our friends on Twitter. @sgerichten recommends Koriente (see the veggie option above), @sheimapi recommends The Counter Cafe (we’ve heard the burgers are phenom), @perakos tells us WeFuse is the place, @NashWilliams reminded us about Zen (in SoCo, a slight trek) and you can never, ever go wrong with a couple hours spent in the flagship Whole Foods store on 6th and Lamar.

Grab a drink!

You’ll likely be in many a dive during your stay, especially for the official SXSW music venues. But here are a couple of our favorites to try out any time.

Just Look for the Killer Grill on Club Deville

Outdoor venues – Club Deville on Red River has a fun space embedded deep in the side of a hill, and it’s right next door to Mohawk, which has three different decks. Little Woodrows on west 6th street is a popular place, too. Walking down 6th Street you’ll see plenty of rooftop decks – The Speakeasy on Congress and SIX lounge on 4th are popular and fun.

Upscale venues – The Belmont is a nice enclosed club attached to an “OK” restaurant. Plenty of pretty people. Same with SIX on 4th Street, but the view here is best. For something more secluded, head to Hotel San Jose and have a drink alongside the pool. Very romantic.

Your Friendly Neighbourhood Mugshots ...

The Dives – Casino el Camino is dark and plays real heavy music. It’s a great place to end up, at least once during your trip. Lovejoys has an extensive beer menu, though we don’t like their in-house microbrews. If you’re up for getting your Irish on, try Ma Egans on West 6th. MugShots is another gem to see – far more of local establishment (on 7th Street).

Identification: a reminder for foreign visitors

Visitors from abroad: US bars/venues/restaurants are far stricter than many countries about ID. You have to be 21 to buy alcohol, and therefore to enter bars/venues which sell alcohol. If you do not want to carry your passport around town with you, bring some other official form of ID*, no matter how old you are/look**.

* I can personally confirm a UK drivers license is accepted everywhere in Austin I’ve been.
** We have seen 50 year old, bearded men being asked for ID at SXSW.

Handy Links

• The CHOW guide to eating and drinking in Austin, SXSW Edition
• Chowhound – Where to eat downtown during SXSW 2008
• Citysearch – Austin restaurant recommendations and reviews
• Yelp – Austin restaurant reviews
• Wicked Volume – Controlling your alcohol intake at SXSW (or any other conference)
• Yelp deals (half price) at SXSW week
• Local Eric Larson’s account on where to eat (you’ll need transportation)