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SXSW: The Travellers' Guide
Buffalo Billiards is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

1. Buffalo Billiards

201 E 6th St (Brazos St), Austin, TX
Sports Bar · Downtown Austin · 89 tips and reviews

SaundraSaundra: Bad sightlines upstairs for watching bands but the sound is exceptional

Residence Inn Austin Downtown/Convention Center is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

2. Residence Inn Austin Downtown/Convention Center

6.6
300 E 4th St (at Trinity St.), Austin, TX
Hotel · Downtown Austin · 27 tips and reviews

SaundraSaundra: Favourite hotel. Starbucks downstairs and not as busy or noisy as the main hotels which is good when you roll in at 3am ready to drop

Starbucks is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

3. Starbucks

6.5
300 E 4th St, Austin, TX
Coffee Shop · Downtown Austin · 36 tips and reviews

SaundraSaundra: The queue is a bit wonky but the service is fast

The Salt Lick BBQ is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

4. The Salt Lick BBQ

6.9
Barbara Jordan Terminal, near Gate 21 (AUS Airport), Austin, TX
BBQ Joint · 205 tips and reviews

SaundraSaundra: crazy cafeteria style set-up threw me for a loop first time but the BBQ is probably some of the best!

The Mohawk is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

5. The Mohawk

8.9
912 Red River St (at E 10th St.), Austin, TX
Rock Club · Downtown Austin · 131 tips and reviews

SaundraSaundra: Hands down...MY FAVOURITE PLACE TO SEE A BAND IN AUSTIN!!

Maggie Mae's is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

6. Maggie Mae's

7.1
323 E 6th St (at Trinity), Austin, TX
Bar · Downtown Austin · 91 tips and reviews
Cedar Street Courtyard is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

7. Cedar Street Courtyard

8.2
208 W 4th St (Colorado & Lavaca), Austin, TX
Lounge · Downtown Austin · 71 tips and reviews

SaundraSaundra: Catch the daytime FILTER showcases during music week. 2 bars, access to bathrooms and always a great bill. what more could you ask for

Phoenix is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

8. Phoenix

5.2
409 Colorado St (E 4th St), Austin, TX
Night Club · Downtown Austin · 15 tips and reviews
SXSW Badge Pick-up is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

9. SXSW Badge Pick-up

500 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX
Convention Center · Downtown Austin · 16 tips and reviews

SaundraSaundra: It gets more organized every year. In and out with no problems!

10. SXSW Swag Bag Collection

101-199 Trinity St, Austin, TX
Candy Store · Downtown Austin · 2 tips and reviews

SaundraSaundra: Who doesnt love a BIG BAG!!

La Zona Rosa is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

11. La Zona Rosa

612 W 4th St (at Rio Grande St.), Austin, TX
Music Venue · Downtown Austin · 31 tips and reviews

SaundraSaundra: Worth the long haul across the city. The sightlines are great and the sound is spectacular. It just seems like a place you should be able to smoke in.....

12. Barbarella

8.2
615 Red River St (btwn 6th and 7th), Austin, TX
Night Club · Downtown Austin · 96 tips and reviews
Congress is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

13. Congress

7.9
200 Congress Ave (at 2nd St), Austin, TX
New American Restaurant · Downtown Austin · 20 tips and reviews

Bon Appetit MagazineBon Appetit Magazine: It occupies the ground floor of a luxe new condo building--not my preferred restaurant location, but I'll go anywhere for executive chef David Bull's distinctly American comfort food.

Frank Restaurant is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

14. Frank Restaurant

407 Colorado St (btw 4th & 5th), Austin, TX
Hot Dog Joint · Downtown Austin · 388 tips and reviews
Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

15. Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill

9.0
303 Red River St (at E 3rd St), Austin, TX
American Restaurant · Downtown Austin · 374 tips and reviews

SaundraSaundra: Call ahead and lock a table on the patio. Order a hard lemonade and something with pork in it

The Ginger Man is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

16. The Ginger Man

301 Lavaca St (at W 3rd St), Austin, TX
Pub · Downtown Austin · 195 tips and reviews
Güero's Taco Bar is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

17. Güero's Taco Bar

8.1
1412 S Congress Ave (at Elizabeth St.), Austin, TX
Mexican Restaurant · Bouldin Creek · 246 tips and reviews
Magnolia Cafe South is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

18. Magnolia Cafe South

8.8
1920 S Congress Ave (at E. Mary St.), Austin, TX
Diner · Bouldin Creek · 285 tips and reviews
Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

19. Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant

214 W 4th St (btw Lavaca & Colorado), Austin, TX
Irish Pub · Downtown Austin · 100 tips and reviews
Noble Sandwich Co. is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

20. Noble Sandwich Co.

12223 Ranch Road 620 N Ste 105 (at Lake Creek Pkwy), Austin, TX
Sandwich Spot · Village at Anderson Mill · 85 tips and reviews

EaterEater: Attention to detail wins the Noble Pig a spot on our list; the fact that they have the best sandwiches in Northwest Austin doesn't hurt, either. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.

Burger Tex is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

21. Burger Tex

5420 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX
Burger Joint · North Loop · 24 tips and reviews

EaterEater: They make their own buns twice a day and have the best condiment bar we know of, but what really keeps us coming back to Burger Tex is the famous Bulgogi Burger. [Eater 38 Member]

Franklin Barbecue - Moving to East Austin 3/12 is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

22. Franklin Barbecue - Moving to East Austin 3/12

3421 N Interstate 35, Austin, TX
Food Truck · Upper Boggy Creek · 21 tips and reviews

EaterEater: This food truck produces what has quickly become one of Austin's, if not Texas', most talked-about barbecue. It's so good they regularly run out of meat; get there early. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.

Tacodeli is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

23. Tacodeli

9.1
1500B Spyglass Dr (at Barton Skyway), Austin, TX
Taco Restaurant · Bartons Bluff-Spyglass · 150 tips and reviews

EaterEater: Two words: Salsa. Doña. The tacos themselves have earned their reputation, but it's this verde sauce that is really why we keep coming back. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.

Antone's is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

24. Antone's

2015 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX
Rock Club · Riverside · 46 tips and reviews

SaundraSaundra: For my Canadian friends, think the legendary Horsehoe vibe but with high ceilings and ventilation. Great sound, sight lines and service

BD Riley's Irish Pub is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

25. BD Riley's Irish Pub

204 E 6th St (btwn Brazos & San Jacinto), Austin, TX
Irish Pub · Downtown Austin · 77 tips and reviews
Barcelona is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

26. Barcelona

7.2
209 E 6th St (at Brazos), Austin, TX
Night Club · Downtown Austin · 37 tips and reviews
311 Club is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

27. 311 Club

311 E 6th St, Austin, TX
Rock Club · Downtown Austin · 1 tip
Beauty Bar is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

28. Beauty Bar

617 E 7th St (Red River St), Austin, TX
Bar · Downtown Austin · 25 tips and reviews
Red Eyed Fly is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

29. Red Eyed Fly

715 Red River St (at E. 8th St.), Austin, TX
Rock Club · Downtown Austin · 30 tips and reviews
Austin Convention Center is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

30. Austin Convention Center

500 E Cesar Chavez St (btwn Trinity & Red River St), Austin, TX
Convention Center · 143 tips and reviews

VH1VH1: Come see us at "#Downloaded, the SXSW Interview" -- Wednesday, March 14, 2:00PM - 3:00PM, Room 18ABChttp://schedule.sxsw.com/2012/events/event_MP990376

The Driskill is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

31. The Driskill

8.9
604 Brazos Street, Austin, TX
Hotel · Downtown Austin · 169 tips and reviews
The Jackalope is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

32. The Jackalope

8.3
404 E 6th St (btwn Trinity St. & Neches St.), Austin, TX
Dive Bar · Downtown Austin · 216 tips and reviews
Torchy's Tacos is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

33. Torchy's Tacos

8.6
5119 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX
Taco Restaurant · Brentwood · 99 tips and reviews
24 Diner is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

34. 24 Diner

8.4
600 N Lamar Blvd #G (at W 6th St), Austin, TX
Diner · Old West Austin · 322 tips and reviews
Whole Foods Market is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

35. Whole Foods Market

9.0
525 N Lamar Blvd. (btwn W 5th & 6th), Austin, TX
Grocery Store · Downtown Austin · 403 tips and reviews

Bon Appetit MagazineBon Appetit Magazine: This 80,000-square-foot store is a site to behold. Sign up for cooking lessons; buy fresh Texas peaches, local Pure Luck Farm goat cheese, and Flat Creek Flat Creek Estate's "Super Texan" Sangiovese.

Waterloo Records is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

36. Waterloo Records

9.4
600 N Lamar Blvd (at W 6th St), Austin, TX
Record Store · Old West Austin · 76 tips and reviews

Jaysyn L.Jaysyn Longoria: Top notch staff here. These guys know their stuff so don't hesitate to ask any questions. Hands down this is Austins best record shop.

The Parish is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

37. The Parish

7.5
214-C E 6th St (San Jacinto), Austin, TX
Rock Club · Downtown Austin · 52 tips and reviews

SoundCloudSoundCloud: An Austin favorite. Quality music, cheap drinks & a great sound system!

Austin Music Hall is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

38. Austin Music Hall

208 Nueces St, Austin, TX
Music Venue · Downtown Austin · 44 tips and reviews

VH1VH1: For the best sound, head to the balcony. The acoustics everywhere else just don’t compare. – Vidhisha B.

6th Street is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

39. 6th Street

Austin, TX
Road · 64 tips and reviews

Kyle S.Kyle Smith: Trophy room! Enough said!

The Driskill Bar is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

40. The Driskill Bar

8.8
604 Brazos St (6th St), Austin, TX
Hotel Bar · Downtown Austin · 117 tips and reviews

Visit AustinVisit Austin: The Driskill bar serves up the Batini! Roll like a cattle barron at this landmark of Texas hospitality. Since 1886 the Driskill has offered luxury and great service. Just don’t longboard in the lobby.

Hole In The Wall is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

41. Hole In The Wall

8.4
2538 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX
Rock Club · West University · 48 tips and reviews

VH1VH1: Sometimes it’s easy to forget how big this place is. Head out back for the less crowded bar and take your drinks to the picnic table in the alley for some people watching on the Drag. – Robert F.

Red 7 is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

42. Red 7

7.0
611 E 7th St, Austin, TX
Rock Club · Downtown Austin · 31 tips and reviews

VH1VH1: If you're drinking, try the root beer-infused vodka. It’s a Red 7 specialty. It's also delicious. – Laura B.

Amy's Ice Creams is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

43. Amy's Ice Creams

8.6
1301 S Congress Ave (at The Cir), Austin, TX
Ice Cream Parlor · 93 tips and reviews

David B.David Blackman: Make sure to get the hot fudge.

Rio Rita is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

44. Rio Rita

1308 E 6th St (at Navasota St), Austin, TX
Bar · 104 tips and reviews
East Side King is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

45. East Side King

8.5
1618 1/2 E 6th St, Austin, TX
Food Truck · 82 tips and reviews

MashableMashable: "Beet Fries, Veggie Meshi (you've never really tried brussels sprouts til you have them this way)." - Kenneth Macias Read more.

Agave is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

46. Agave

5.5
415 E 6th St (at Neches), Austin, TX
Lounge · Downtown Austin · 11 tips and reviews
Cactus Cafe is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

47. Cactus Cafe

8.3
2247 Guadalupe Street (at 24th), Austin, TX
Music Venue · University of Texas-Austin · 17 tips and reviews
Roaring Fork is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

48. Roaring Fork

7.8
701 Congress Ave (at 7th St.), Austin, TX
Steakhouse · Downtown Austin · 90 tips and reviews
Austin City Limits Live is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

49. Austin City Limits Live

9.3
310 Willie Nelson Blvd (at Guadalupe St), Austin, TX
Performing Arts Venue · Downtown Austin · 104 tips and reviews
Home Slice Pizza is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

50. Home Slice Pizza

9.4
1415 S Congress Ave (Gibson St. E), Austin, TX
Pizzeria · 333 tips and reviews

SaundraSaundra: Best NY Style Pizza joint in Austin. Super fast and super delish. Grab a White Pie with spinach slice while you wait and a Eggplant Pie to go

The Peached Tortilla is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

51. The Peached Tortilla

8.8
5520 Burnet Road #100 (5200 Burnet Rd), Austin, TX
Asian Restaurant · Allandale · 69 tips and reviews

SaundraSaundra: Worth the wait!!!!! After these tacos, you"ll never be the same

Slamin Sliders And Fries is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

52. Slamin Sliders And Fries

Burger Joint · Downtown Austin · 1 tip

SaundraSaundra: Get the quinoa slider. No regrets

Blue Ribbon Barbecue is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

53. Blue Ribbon Barbecue

120 E 4th St (at Brazos), Austin, TX
BBQ Joint · Downtown Austin · 46 tips and reviews

SaundraSaundra: Order the pulled pork baked potato loaded for lunch

Stubb's Bar-B-Q is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

54. Stubb's Bar-B-Q

8.2
801 Red River St (at E 8th St), Austin, TX
BBQ Joint · Downtown Austin · 339 tips and reviews

SaundraSaundra: Park yourself on the lone tree on the right. Somewhere to lean and close to 2 bars. Big shows, big sounds, big crowds. Get ready

Esther's Follies is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

55. Esther's Follies

9.1
525 E 6th St (at Red River St.), Austin, TX
Comedy Club · Downtown Austin · 46 tips and reviews

SaundraSaundra: According to Sl8tr, worth a couple hours break on a Friday night. Air conditioned (shocker), seating and good times

Lucy's Fried Chicken is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

56. Lucy's Fried Chicken

8.5
2218 College Ave (S. Congress), Austin, TX
Fried Chicken Joint · Bouldin Creek · 125 tips and reviews

EaterEater: This South Austin beer garden and fried chicken joint is kid-friendly, parent-friendly, and people-who-love-giant-piles-of-fried-chicken friendly. [Eater 38 Member]

The Stage On Sixth is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

57. The Stage On Sixth

508 E 6th St (btwn Neches St & Red River St), Austin, TX
Bar · Downtown Austin · 25 tips and reviews

SaundraSaundra: This is the only place in Austin that I remember being air conditioned. That being said, head outside to the patio.

Lustre Pearl Bar is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

58. Lustre Pearl Bar

97 Rainey St (Driskill St.), Austin, TX
Bar · Downtown Austin · 84 tips and reviews

SaundraSaundra: Get up close and personal to your favourite bands in this patio space. Best bartenders in Austin in my opinion.

Auditorium Shores at Lady Bird Lake is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

59. Auditorium Shores at Lady Bird Lake

9.5
800 W. Riverside Dr., Austin, TX
Park · Bouldin Creek · 52 tips and reviews
Hype Hotel is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

60. Hype Hotel

1100 E 5th St, Austin, TX
Music Venue · 38 tips and reviews

SaundraSaundra: MOVED: 3rd and San Jacinto. Line-ups for RSVPers are brutal but if you have a pass or wristband, you're golden for night shows.

The Belmont is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

61. The Belmont

7.9
305 W 6th St (Lavaca St.), Austin, TX
Music Venue · Downtown Austin · 66 tips and reviews

SaundraSaundra: Dare i say the bigger and better Cedar Street Courtyard for SXSW? Big outdoor space with good sound. Bar staff need to ramp it up though to complete w

The Main is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

62. The Main

5.6
603 Red River St, Austin, TX
Music Venue · Downtown Austin · 4 tips and reviews

SaundraSaundra: formerly, the legendary EMOS, Try to get past the 2" of urine in the porta-potty and you'll love this place.Still one of the greatest venues to see a band outside while feeling like you're inside.

Second Bar + Kitchen is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

63. Second Bar + Kitchen

200 Congress Ave (W 2nd St), Austin, TX
New American Restaurant · Downtown Austin · 198 tips and reviews

64. Lucky J's Chicken & Waffles

1180 E 6th St (at Waller St), Austin, TX
Food Truck · 18 tips and reviews

IFCIFC: They serve chicken.. wrapped in waffles. What more do you want?

W Austin is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

65. W Austin

8.9
200 Lavaca St (at W 2nd St), Austin, TX
Hotel · Downtown Austin · 111 tips and reviews
Rusty's Austin is one of SXSW: The Travellers' Guide.

66. Rusty's Austin

403 E 7th St (Trinity), Austin, TX
Gay Bar · Downtown Austin · 14 tips and reviews

67. P. Terry's Burger Stand

8.5
404 S Lamar Blvd (at Barton Springs Rd.), Austin, TX
Burger Joint · Zilker · 120 tips and reviews

EaterEater: The ethos of this chain is somewhat atypical: small menu, locally-sourced when possible, no freezers, open kitchens, fresh cut french fries, pay above industry average, and no franchising whatsoever.