Surely by now you are getting excited for SXSW. The annual conference is the only one of its kind to bring together the brightest and most excitable minds of music, film and technology. It’s a place to get inspired by innovations, learn new trends and potentially score some new business arrangements.
It’s also a great place to eat.
SXSW takes place in Austin, deep in the heart of Texas. Home of magnificent ribs, briskets and all that good stuff. Having had the pleasure of attending SXSW for the past half decade, here are some things I have enjoyed putting into my body.
Casino El Amino – Without a doubt one of my favorite places of all time. Located right on 6th street, it’s a classic dive bar with friendly tattooed waitresses and cheap drinks. What makes this place amazing is the burgers. 3/4 pounds of medium goodness that will put all other burgers to shame. The armadillo burger is my favorite – the burger is cooked to perfection and topped with Serrano chiles, jalapeno cheese and cilantro mayo. You must try. Take a look at this burger:
Chi’lantro – While most of the food truck hype has gone to Portland (a similarly weird city), Austin is also home of many many food trucks. One of our favorites is Chi’lantro – a food truck that serves up Korean inspired tacos. No doubt inspired by the successful Korean fusion successes in LA and Vancouver, this place serves up tacos that nicely balances the sweet Korean meat with the heat you would get with Mexican food. All for a few bucks. What more can you ask for in life?
Chuy’s – You are in Texas, you are near Mexico, is there a better reason for you to try out Tex-Mex? I think not. While Chuy’s is not in your downtown core, it is just a mere few dollars away via cab. The margarita’s are large and boozy and there is enough on one plate to feed an entire family, probably. The staff is friendly and it’s just a good time.
BBQ
BBQ seems to be almost religion in Texas (and most of the South), so you owe it to yourself to taste some of these delicious goodness. I generally stick to ribs and brisket, but it’s all up to your appetite I guess.
Salt Lick – So far my favorite BBQ place in and around Austin, you will definitely need a car or a friend to take you out there but it’s worth it. The meat is tender and flavorful and the setting is great.
Ironworks and Stubbs – Probably the two most popular and easily accessible bbq joints in Austin, both of these houses have the luxury of being near the convention center for easy access. I have never really liked Stubbs and had liked Ironworks until last year, when the meat I received came out a bit dry. Still, they are the only ones within walking distance, so if you don’t have the time to travel out, then either of them are good bets for you to get your meat on.
Franklin’s and JMueller’s – I only heard of Franklin’s last year when I heard multiple people boast about the place, and according to Anthony Bourdain, these two bbq places are generally considered 1-2 (in some order) in the city. They are both a bit out of the way, but if it’s that good, gather up your friends and go.
While you might be tempted to stay within the convention center and score all the free food that is available (and there will be lots), make the attempt to around town and eat at the local restaurants – the food is great and you’ll be support the people who put up with our crap year in year out.
See you in Texas!