Skip to content

Top Navigation

Food & Wine Food & Wine
  • Recipes & Cooking
  • Drinks
  • Travel
  • Holidays & Events
  • News
  • F&W Classic
  • Video
  • Kitchen & Home
  • F&W Pro

Profile Menu

Your Profile

Your Profile

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Wine Club
  • Podcast
  • Food & Wine Books this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout
Login
Subscribe Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Food & Wine

Food & Wine Food & Wine
  • Explore

    Explore

    • F&W Cooks

      F&W Cooks

      Food and Wine presents a new network of food pros delivering the most cookable recipes and delicious ideas online. Read More
    • Our 22 Best Crock Pot and Slow-Cooker Recipes

      Our 22 Best Crock Pot and Slow-Cooker Recipes

      Looking to amp up your beef stew but unsure where to start? A slow cooker can can take your comfort food to the next level. Read More
    • 50 Affordable Wines You Can Always Trust

      50 Affordable Wines You Can Always Trust

      We’ve assembled a list of 50 of the world’s most reliable, inexpensive wines – bottles that offer amazing quality for their price year in and year out. Read More
  • Recipes & Cooking

    Recipes & Cooking

    See All Recipes & Cooking
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Comfort Food Recipes
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Vegetable Recipes
    • Pasta & Noodle Recipes
    • Chefs
    • Meat & Poultry Recipes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Appetizer Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Fruit Recipes
    • Seafood Recipes
    • Special Diets
    • Cooking Techniques
    • Steal This Trick
  • Drinks

    Drinks

    See All Drinks
    • Wine
    • Cocktails & Spirits
    • Coffee Drinks & Recipes
    • Juices
    • Beer & Brews
    • Champagne & Sparkling Wine
    • Tea Recipes & Ideas
  • Travel

    Travel

    See All Travel
    • Wine Regions
    • Restaurants
  • Holidays & Events

    Holidays & Events

    See All Holidays & Events
    • Valentine's Day
    • Halloween
    • Passover
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • Gifts
    • Super Bowl
    • Easter
    • Thanksgiving
    • New Year's Eve
    • Holiday Entertaining
  • News
  • F&W Classic
  • Video
  • Kitchen & Home
  • F&W Pro

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Profile

Your Profile

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Wine Club
  • Podcast
  • Food & Wine Books this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

LIVE
  1. HomeChevron Right
  2. TravelChevron Right
  3. RestaurantsChevron Right
  4. Where to Eat in Austin During SXSW 2017

Where to Eat in Austin During SXSW 2017

By Food & Wine
Updated March 11, 2017
Skip gallery slides
Save FB Tweet
Justine's Brasserie
Credit: © Crawford Morgan
Every Austinite’s three least favorite words are “South by Southwest.” Well, that or “we’re sold out,” which appears on the front door of Franklin Barbecue on a daily basis. The yearly festival, which runs from March 10th to 19th this year, continues to expand, both in its duration and in its takeover of Austin itself. One of the many reasons for the festival’s expansion and for patrons wanting to extend their stays is, of course, Austin’s bar and restaurant scene.Sure, getting anywhere during SXSW can be a bit of a pain. However, by heading away from the madness of downtown and into any of Austin’s nearby neighborhoods, there are endless options for excellent food and bars that’ll have you planning your next trip to Austin before you even leave the festival. Grab your appetite and a large container of Advil, because here are some of our favorite places to eat and drink at during SXSW.—Max Bonem
Start Slideshow

1 of 16

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Coffee: Wright Bros. Brew & Brew

Wright Bros Brew & Brew
Credit: © Photographer: Roxanne Jo / Wright Bros. Brew & Brew

Half-coffee shop and half-beer bar, Wright Bros. Brew & Brew is simply the perfect spot to start your day during SXSW. With a good sized patio, which is a staple of any fine Austin establishment, and a dedication to serving only the best of both buzz-inducing substances, Brew & Brew is the best spot to recharge from the night before or spend the day hiding out from the festival.

1 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 16

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Coffee: Mañana

Mañana
Credit: © Kate LeSueur

Located inside the swanky South Congress Hotel, Mañana is a great option for those looking for a bit of peace and quiet to start the day, regardless of if you’re staying at the hotel or not. Bright and tranquil, but just barely out of the reach of the festival madness, Mañana is an excellent spot to center yourself before a long day of boozing networking.

2 of 16

3 of 16

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Coffee: Figure 8 Coffee Purveyors

Figure 8 Coffee Purveyors
Credit: © Figure 8 Coffee Purveyors

For those looking to really remove themselves from SXSW’s reach, Figure 8 Coffee Purveyors in Rosewood is a great escape. With premium coffee, outdoor seating and a location far enough from downtown that those not in the know are unlikely to stumble upon it, Figure 8 is the coffee shop you’ll wish was part of your morning ritual back home.

3 of 16

Advertisement

4 of 16

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Tacos: Veracruz All Natural

Veracruz All Natural
Credit: © Ryan Myers / Veracruz All Natural

Everyone in Austin has their favorite breakfast taco, but those who don’t choose Veracruz All Natural are simply misinformed. Their migas taco has developed a cult following, but the entire menu, from their wide range of agua frescas to their stellar al pastor, has turned the family-run business into a mini empire with multiple locations scattered across Austin.

4 of 16

5 of 16

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Tacos: Bouldin Creek Café

Bouldin Creek Cafe
Credit: © Chris Smith

Any trip to SXSW usually results in treating your body with less respect than normal. As such, a trip to Bouldin Creek Café, one of Austin’s best vegetarian options, is a must. Even without bacon and chorizo, their wide range of tacos, especially those filled with their house-made tofu scramble, will please even the most devoted carnivore.

5 of 16

6 of 16

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Pizza: Bufalina

Bufalina
Credit: © Nicolai McCrary

Once a pizza desert, Austin has become home to a ton of pizzerias in recent years. The best, without a doubt, is Bufalina on Cesar Chavez. Fresh out of the oven in under 90 seconds, Bufalina is incredibly popular and for very good reason. They focus on keeping their pies simple and on using only the freshest, seasonal ingredients. Even after opening a second location, a trip to Bufalina will require a wait. However, with a top notch wine list and the best staff in town, being forced to take a break from SXSW never felt, or tasted, so good.

6 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 16

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Pizza: Via313

Via313
Credit: © Hunter Townsend / Via 313

Detroit-style pizza has becoming increasingly popular across the country in recent years, but the Hunt Brothers’ Via 313 is unrivaled in its perfection. With two locations close to downtown on Rainey St. and East 6th St., you’ll never be too far from one of their trucks. Take advantage of this convenience as often as possible.

7 of 16

8 of 16

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

BBQ: Franklin Barbecue

Franklin Barbecue
Credit: © Franklin Barbecue

There isn’t much to say about Franklin Barbecue that hasn’t already been said hundreds of times. The line is insane, but the brisket is unparalleled. You can make an entire day out of simply tailgating in anticipation of their 11:00 a.m. opening. Beware though, even when SXSW isn’t happening, patrons start lining up as early as 7:00 a.m.

8 of 16

9 of 16

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

BBQ: Micklethwait Craft Meats

Micklethwait Craft Meats
Credit: © James Besser Photography

Just down the road from Franklin Barbecue is Micklethwait Craft Meats, a local favorite that has lost its “secret alternative to Franklin” persona as they’ve taken on their own devoted fan base. The Micklethwait team makes everything from scratch, from the bread to the meat to the pickles, and you can truly taste the difference. A pro tip: Their barbacoa might be the unsung hero of their menu, so definitely grab some if it’s available when you visit.

9 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 16

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

BBQ: Kemuri Tatsu-Ya

Kemuri Tatsu-Ya
Credit: © Jody Horton

Kemuri Tatsu-Ya, the ingenious Japanese-Texas hybrid izakaya from the minds behind the stellar Ramen Tatsu-Ya, is brand new and is sure to be very popular during SXSW this year. Since this spot brings brisket, yakatori, and sake together under one roof, we can certainly understand why.

10 of 16

11 of 16

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Evening Eats: Odd Duck

Odd Duck
Credit: © Richard Casteel

There may be no Austin chef who truly represents the city more than Bryce Gilmore of Barley Swine and Odd Duck. However, while Barley Swine is seen as Gilmore’s flagship, Odd Duck has a devoted following that comes to simply see what the team has created next. Known for hyper-local sourcing and fermenting, baking and cooking everything possible onsite, Odd Duck is the best place in Austin to see how the city’s cooking has evolved from Tex-Mex and steakhouse fare to what it is today.

11 of 16

12 of 16

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Evening Eats: Dai Due

Dai Due
Credit: © Thomas and Elizabeth Winslow

To say Dai Due’s Jesse Griffiths is obsessed with locality would be an understatement. An avid hunter and forager, Griffith loves incorporating wild game into his menu whenever possible and with a butcher shop attached to the restaurant, you can even take home some wild boar or venison after lunch.

12 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 16

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Evening Eats: L'Oca D'Oro

L'Oca d'Oro
Credit: © Carlos Benavides

Attending SXSW can feel like an endless series of surface level interactions, so if you’re looking for the comfort of home, visit Chef Fiore Tedesco’s L’Oca D’Oro in Mueller. From the second you walk in, the staff at L’Oca D’Oro aims to treat you like family and with the huge portions of Tedesco’s take on familial Italian, you might need to make some new friends to help you finish.

13 of 16

14 of 16

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Late Night: Thai-Kun at Whisler's

Thai-Kun
Credit: © Nicolai McCrary

After a long day at the conference, enjoying a few cocktails at Whisler’s on East 6th St. is the perfect way to unwind. After a while though, the intoxicating aroma of neighboring Thai-Kun will be too much and you’ll need a snack. The waterfall pork and fried chicken are two highlights of the excellent menu showcasing options from across Thailand. Make sure you have another drink at your disposal though—Thai-Kun doesn’t mess around when it comes to heat.

14 of 16

15 of 16

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Late Night: Magnolia Café

Magnolia Cafe
Credit: Courtesy of Magnolia Cafe

Every city has a crossroads for post-2:00 a.m. eaters and Magnolia Café is most certainly Austin’s. With multiple locations just outside of downtown and a menu too large to categorize, whatever it is you’re craving before bed, more likely than not Magnolia Café can provide.

15 of 16

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 16

Save FB Tweet
Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

Late Night: Justine's Brasserie

Justine's Brasserie
Credit: © Crawford Morgan

The best way to describe Justine’s Brasserie is that melancholy is left at the door. You will not accidentally stumble upon this legendary late night haunt and major magnet for folks in Austin's service industry. One must go with purpose and, as Justine’s proudly preaches to its visitors, “when you think you’ve gone too far, keep going.” Order the steak frites and a glass of wine and marvel at the fact that you’re enjoying excellent brasserie food under the stars at 2:00 a.m. in central Texas. Forget SXSW, Justine’s is reason enough to make a trip.

16 of 16

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Food & Wine

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 16 Coffee: Wright Bros. Brew & Brew
    2 of 16 Coffee: Mañana
    3 of 16 Coffee: Figure 8 Coffee Purveyors
    4 of 16 Tacos: Veracruz All Natural
    5 of 16 Tacos: Bouldin Creek Café
    6 of 16 Pizza: Bufalina
    7 of 16 Pizza: Via313
    8 of 16 BBQ: Franklin Barbecue
    9 of 16 BBQ: Micklethwait Craft Meats
    10 of 16 BBQ: Kemuri Tatsu-Ya
    11 of 16 Evening Eats: Odd Duck
    12 of 16 Evening Eats: Dai Due
    13 of 16 Evening Eats: L'Oca D'Oro
    14 of 16 Late Night: Thai-Kun at Whisler's
    15 of 16 Late Night: Magnolia Café
    16 of 16 Late Night: Justine's Brasserie

    Share options

    Pinterest Mail Email iphone Send Text Message Print

    Login

    Food & Wine

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Food & Wine
    • Contact Us
    • Media Kit
    • Content Licensing

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Other Meredith Sites

    Other Meredith Sites

    • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
    • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
    • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
    • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
    • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
    • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
    • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
    • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
    • Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
    • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
    • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
    • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
    • More this link opens in a new tab
    • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
    • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
    • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
    • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
    • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
    • Parents this link opens in a new tab
    • People this link opens in a new tab
    • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
    • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
    • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
    • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
    • Shape this link opens in a new tab
    • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
    • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
    • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
    • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
    MeredithFood & Wine is part of the Meredith Corporation Allrecipes Food Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.foodandwine.com

    View image

    Where to Eat in Austin During SXSW 2017
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.