Austin changes fast. During South by Southwest (SXSW), even seasoned Austinites end up in parts of town they never visit; we try to impress friends who are visiting, follow the music, and avoid the crowds.

The first thing to do if new restaurants, menus, and deals are a priority is check CultureMap's food news column for inspiration. Next, if prestige makes your mouth water, consider getting to know some of the culinary favorites and change-bringers nominated for our 2025 Tastemaker Awards.

Thankfully, Austin's food scene is dense enough that if planning ahead is not your thing, all you have to do is scroll down. Here are CultureMap's recommended restaurants near popular SXSW venues and neighborhoods.

Downtown, 2nd Street
3TEN Austin City Limits Live/Violet Crown Cinema
Austin is at your fingertips from this very central downtown location, but things are going to be very busy. If you're visiting Austin and want as many Mexican meals as possible, stop by ATX Cocina, only about two blocks away. This upscale "modern Mexican" restaurant offers a unique take on traditional, yet adventurous Mexican food — harder to find in other U.S. cities.
Also consider: Quick to-go bites from Royal Blue Grocery (0.1 miles); experimental, Alice In Wonderland-themed cocktails at the Guest House (0.1 miles); four ornate concepts at the Austin Proper Hotel (0.2 miles); some of the city's best, finest Southern dining at Hestia (0.3 miles); high-quality tacos at Veracruz All Natural (0.3 miles); several options in one food hall at Fareground Austin (0.3 miles).

Downtown, 4th Street
Coconut Club/Neon Grotto
This is Austin's LGBTQ+ district, with closer access to the party side of town. It doesn't get much more Austin than Swift's Attic, an eclectic New American bar and restaurant above the Elephant Room (a jazz club that's also worth a visit). The whole menu at this speakeasy-esque eatery sits at the intersection of cozy and adventurous, and the flavored ice ball pourover cocktails are a must-try.
Also consider: New Orleans-inspired French fare and absinthe at Péché (less than 500 feet); rustic Italian food at Red Ash (less than 500 feet); a classy-casual hotel stop at Perfect Strangers (0.1 miles); Southwestern game at Lonesome Dove (0.2 miles).

Downtown, Congress Ave
Paramount Theater
As visitors start getting closer to the Capitol, they'll start to see older cultural institutions and tourist-minded dining. For something new and noteworthy that still hits both notes, visitors should try their best to get a reservation at upscale Mexican restaurant Mexta. Some highly accomplished chefs still working in Mexico opened it in March 2024, and is already smothered in accolades.
Also consider: Casual rooftop hang Upstairs at Caroline (less than 500 feet); underground theater vibes at Hideout Coffee House (0.1 miles); grandiose historical landmark the Driskill Hotel and its brunch spot 1886 Café & Bakery (0.2 miles).

Rainey Street
Electric Shuffle/The Stay Put/Unofficial parties
This being one of the busiest areas not just at the festival, but daily in Austin, flexibility is key. Geraldine's at the Hotel Van Zandt is the place to be, and the rooftop restaurant does accept reservations. The Southern menu is creative but low-key, and the calendar is always full of local talent. The bar inside is better than the pool bar, but you can easily carry drinks out.
Also consider: leader in fine dining Emmer & Rye (0.2 miles or less); upscale American-ish comfort food at Corinne (0.5 miles or less).

Red River Cultural District
Cheer Up Charlie's/Empire Garage and Control Room/Mohawk/Stubb’s
This is one of the best areas in the city for venue hopping, and there are plenty of food trucks around. But if a sit-down meal is the goal, Moonshine Grill makes excellent Southern comfort food, including some of the city's best chicken and waffles. Not more than half a mile from most Red River venues, this restaurant will likely have a wait, but it's in a decent location to explore.
Also consider: Grab-and-go Korean hot dogs at food trailer DittyDog (less than 500 feet); Mediterranean eats and creative cocktails in a literal empty pool at Swim Club (0.3 miles); great burgers at Casino El Camino (0.3 miles).

South Lamar Area
Alamo Lamar
If dinner and a show need to happen at separate venues, Ramen Tatsu-Ya and Tiki Tatsu-Ya are right around the corner from this popular Austin movie theater. Tiki Tatsu-Ya has been one of Austin's buzziest cocktail bars thanks to its theme park-level decor and theatricality, but reservations were extremely difficult to snag. Now an upstairs bar with the same vibes and a more compact menu is taking walk-in overflow.
Also consider: Fancy sushi at Soto (less than 500 feet); creative, highly regarded New American eats at Odd Duck (0.1 miles); vibrant Asian barbecue at Loro (0.9 miles); casual, homey Italian and an aperitivo hour at Uncle Nicky's (0.9 miles).

East Austin
Hotel Vegas
One of Austin's most groundbreaking restaurants in recent years has been Canje, which brought pastry chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph from a well-respected local to a nationally celebrated phenomenon. It's in a niche of its own in Austin, offering upscale Caribbean food, and it's extra fun with a group. It's a bit of a hike compared to the many ultra-casual eateries and trailers on East 6th Street, but it's still less than half a mile away.
Also consider: Award winning Mexican at Suerte (0.2 miles); cult-favorite crispiness at Spicy Boys Fried Chicken (0.2 miles), top-of-the-line sushi at Fukumoto (0.3 miles).

South Congress
Continental Club/Hotel San José
The South Congress area is another that was built for wandering. It's just not a good place to save money. There are tons of good choices, but a recent standout is Maie Day, an unstuffy steakhouse at the South Congress Hotel. This Michelin-recommended restaurant is a nice place to get a hearty treat while still enjoying the sunny, breezy lifestyle visitors expect in Austin.
Also consider: Inventive yet relatively affordable sushi at Lucky Robot (less than 500 feet); New Yorker and vegan-approved pizza at Home Slice (0.1 miles); wide mezcal selection and Oaxacan eats at Chapulín Cantina (0.3 miles); the supremely-Austin Torchy's Tacos (0.5 miles).

Zilker
Zach Theater
This area is busy at all times of day thanks to the surrounding recreational areas. Everything is a bit of a hike in this area, but El Alma, half a mile away, offers a great mix of quality and accessibility. There will probably be a wait, but the frozen margaritas are perfection and the food is delicious. The deck feels very Austin and is usually available sooner than the air conditioned interior.
Also consider: Expensive but gorgeous views nearby at Nido (0.1 miles); very fun Tex-Mex digs at Chuy's (0.5 miles); literati-loved bar and chic restaurant Eberly (0.5 miles).

These recommendations are based on feel, not deals. Check in before heading over as some restaurants make changes to their service to accommodate crowds. This article was first published in 2023 and has been updated with new options for 2025.