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Henbit’s pork sandwich

Where to Eat and Drink Near the Austin Convention Center

Great and convenient restaurants and bars near where many of SXSW’s events take place

by Sommer Brugal Updated Feb 24, 2020, 11:32am CST

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Henbit’s pork sandwich

| Henbit [Official]

by Sommer Brugal Updated Feb 24, 2020, 11:32am CST

The area surrounding the Austin Convention Center isn’t typically thought to be one of the city’s premier food and drink destinations. But in fact, the area, that welcomes guests from all over the world for major events like South by Southwest (SXSW), RTX Austin, and Wizard World Comic Con, is home to a number of restaurants and bars worth a visit.

Here’s Eater’s guide to the best eating and drinking options around the Austin Convention Center. From barbecue to burgers to fruit smoothies to craft cocktails and more, this list has everything covered. There are post-panel drinks at Firehouse Hostel, Neapolitan pizza from Backspace, group-friendly food hall Fareground, great fried chicken from Gus’s, healthy fare from Blenders and Bowls, and much more. This update adds Biderman’s Deli.

For more introductions to Austin, scope out Eater’s complete guide to dining and drinking in the city, as well as Austin’s essential restaurants, hot new restaurants, essential bars, hot new cocktail bars, best happy hour deals, and the downtown neighborhood guide.

If a favorite food or drink destination convenient to the convention is missing, let Eater know through the tipline or in the comments.

With updates by Nadia Chaudhury.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Biderman's Deli

The Jewish-style deli expanded with a downtown outpost, which means bagels (made by Austin’s best bagelmaker Rosen’s) and schmears and sandwiches with fillings like corned beef, pastrami, and turkey during daytime hours.

Entrance on E 8th St. - 800, Brazos St #215, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Biderman's Deli (@bidermansdeli) on Apr 30, 2019 at 12:05pm PDT

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Small Victory

Small Victory shakes up clever cocktails with memorable names and an innovative ice program. Open from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., this intimate bar is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. Small bites are also available.

108 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

Small Victory

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Firehouse Lounge

Experience classic cocktails and innovative combinations without the pretentiousness at this aptly named hostel and lounge. Located right off East 6th Street, Firehouse sits in Austin’s oldest-standing fire station behind the moving bookshelf. The live music completes the speakeasy vibe.

605 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

A bar with people. — Firehouse Lounge

Also featured in:

Midnight Cowboy

A reservations-only policy and old-school-inspired cocktails give this speakeasy a unique vibe that stands out from other East 6th Street bars. Even better: there’s a casual walk-in-only back patio.

313 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

A cocktail from Midnight Cowboy

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The Backspace

Head to the Backspace for Neapolitan pizzas, cheese boards, and meatballs for lunch or dinner. During happy hour, enjoy half-priced beer, wine, and antipasti.

507 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

The Backspace’s pies

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Koriente

For healthy, quick, affordable, pan-Asian fare, Koriente has it covered. The menu includes curries, vegetable-centric combinations, and chicken and fish dishes too. Enjoy complimentary soup with any entree order.

621 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

A bowl from Koriente — Koriente

Also featured in:

Easy Tiger

Easy Tiger is a surefire winner for groups large and small. Snacks include a housemade pretzel and mustard, a cheese plate, and beef jerky. For heartier options, opt for sausages or sandwiches. Beer options are plentiful. For a morning trek, pick up a coffee and one of the freshly made pastries.

709 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

Food from Easy Tiger

Also featured in:

Blenders and Bowls

Craving something on the lighter side? Choose from a number of smoothies and bowl options, in addition to the shop’s token item: acai bowls.

206 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

Acai bowls from Blenders & Bowls

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Vince Young Steakhouse

Steak reigns at this upscale restaurant, but dishes like crab cake, pork belly, lobster rolls, and bacon mac and cheese are equally as delicious. Don’t skip out on a stellar cocktail or decadent desserts.

301 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

Steaks at Vince Young

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Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill

Moonshine offers classic American comfort foods like chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and chicken fried steak. The drink selection includes bourbon, whiskey, Texas vodka and gin, and scotch.

303 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

Chicken and waffles at Moonshine

Also featured in:

Fareground

For those looking to cater to different cravings, Austin’s first food hall is the place to go, full of the city’s leading chefs and restaurants. There’s excellent sushi and ramen courtesy of Kome, bowls and cookies at Henbit, rotisserie chicken from Contigo, hummus from TLV, and stellar tacos from Dai Due. The bar serves up a smart list of wine, beer, and draft cocktails.

Open in Google Maps

111 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

Dai Due Taqueria’s breakfast tacos

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Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

Famously hot and spicy fried chicken is what you’ll find at the fried chicken chain. Pair the fried bird with comforting sides like baked beans, fried okra, and mac and cheese.

117 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

A plate on fried chicken next to two bowls with mac and cheese and greens, next to a bottled beverage in a brown paper bag on a table with blue-and-white-checkered tablecloth. — Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

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Iron Works BBQ

Authentic Texas barbecue is Iron Works’s ethos. And just steps from the convention center, locals and visitors alike can sample this restaurant’s famous chopped beef, signature beef ribs, and specialty sauces.

100 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

Barbecue from Iron Works BBQ

Also featured in:

21 Austin Restaurants With Easy Parking

Alta's Cafe

Take refuge away from the bustling downtown area by indulging in a coffee or wine over at the cafe which overlooks Lady Bird Lake.

74 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

Alta’s

Also featured in:

16 Spots in Austin to Indulge in Wine and Cheese

Little Brother

Seek caffeine and booze from what might be Austin’s tiniest bar ever from the team behind Better Half and Brew & Brew. Equal attention and care is paid to the coffee as the cocktails.

Open in Google Maps

89 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

Little Brother’s back bar

Also featured in:

Half Step

Located in the heart of nearby entertainment district Rainey Street, Half Step offers just a handful of expertly made cocktails. Indoors you’ll find an intimate, lounge vibe; the outside patio offers an airy, casual atmosphere. Opt for the bartender’s choice if you’re feeling adventurous, the patio offers an airy, casual atmosphere.

75 1/2 Rainey Street, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

Half Step

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Biderman's Deli

Entrance on E 8th St. - 800, Brazos St #215, Austin, TX 78701

The Jewish-style deli expanded with a downtown outpost, which means bagels (made by Austin’s best bagelmaker Rosen’s) and schmears and sandwiches with fillings like corned beef, pastrami, and turkey during daytime hours.

Entrance on E 8th St. - 800, Brazos St #215, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Biderman's Deli (@bidermansdeli) on Apr 30, 2019 at 12:05pm PDT

Small Victory

108 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701

Small Victory shakes up clever cocktails with memorable names and an innovative ice program. Open from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., this intimate bar is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. Small bites are also available.

108 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

Small Victory

Firehouse Lounge

605 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701

Experience classic cocktails and innovative combinations without the pretentiousness at this aptly named hostel and lounge. Located right off East 6th Street, Firehouse sits in Austin’s oldest-standing fire station behind the moving bookshelf. The live music completes the speakeasy vibe.

605 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

A bar with people. — Firehouse Lounge

Midnight Cowboy

313 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701

A reservations-only policy and old-school-inspired cocktails give this speakeasy a unique vibe that stands out from other East 6th Street bars. Even better: there’s a casual walk-in-only back patio.

313 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

A cocktail from Midnight Cowboy

The Backspace

507 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701

Head to the Backspace for Neapolitan pizzas, cheese boards, and meatballs for lunch or dinner. During happy hour, enjoy half-priced beer, wine, and antipasti.

507 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

The Backspace’s pies

Koriente

621 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701

For healthy, quick, affordable, pan-Asian fare, Koriente has it covered. The menu includes curries, vegetable-centric combinations, and chicken and fish dishes too. Enjoy complimentary soup with any entree order.

621 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

A bowl from Koriente — Koriente

Easy Tiger

709 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701

Easy Tiger is a surefire winner for groups large and small. Snacks include a housemade pretzel and mustard, a cheese plate, and beef jerky. For heartier options, opt for sausages or sandwiches. Beer options are plentiful. For a morning trek, pick up a coffee and one of the freshly made pastries.

709 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

Food from Easy Tiger

Blenders and Bowls

206 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78701

Craving something on the lighter side? Choose from a number of smoothies and bowl options, in addition to the shop’s token item: acai bowls.

206 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

Acai bowls from Blenders & Bowls

Vince Young Steakhouse

301 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701

Steak reigns at this upscale restaurant, but dishes like crab cake, pork belly, lobster rolls, and bacon mac and cheese are equally as delicious. Don’t skip out on a stellar cocktail or decadent desserts.

301 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

Steaks at Vince Young

Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill

303 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

Moonshine offers classic American comfort foods like chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and chicken fried steak. The drink selection includes bourbon, whiskey, Texas vodka and gin, and scotch.

303 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

Chicken and waffles at Moonshine

Fareground

111 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

For those looking to cater to different cravings, Austin’s first food hall is the place to go, full of the city’s leading chefs and restaurants. There’s excellent sushi and ramen courtesy of Kome, bowls and cookies at Henbit, rotisserie chicken from Contigo, hummus from TLV, and stellar tacos from Dai Due. The bar serves up a smart list of wine, beer, and draft cocktails.

Open in Google Maps

111 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

Dai Due Taqueria’s breakfast tacos

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

117 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701

Famously hot and spicy fried chicken is what you’ll find at the fried chicken chain. Pair the fried bird with comforting sides like baked beans, fried okra, and mac and cheese.

117 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

A plate on fried chicken next to two bowls with mac and cheese and greens, next to a bottled beverage in a brown paper bag on a table with blue-and-white-checkered tablecloth. — Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

Iron Works BBQ

100 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

Authentic Texas barbecue is Iron Works’s ethos. And just steps from the convention center, locals and visitors alike can sample this restaurant’s famous chopped beef, signature beef ribs, and specialty sauces.

100 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

Barbecue from Iron Works BBQ

Alta's Cafe

74 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78701

Take refuge away from the bustling downtown area by indulging in a coffee or wine over at the cafe which overlooks Lady Bird Lake.

74 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

Alta’s

Little Brother

89 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701

Seek caffeine and booze from what might be Austin’s tiniest bar ever from the team behind Better Half and Brew & Brew. Equal attention and care is paid to the coffee as the cocktails.

Open in Google Maps

89 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

Little Brother’s back bar

Related Maps

Half Step

75 1/2 Rainey Street, Austin, TX 78701

Located in the heart of nearby entertainment district Rainey Street, Half Step offers just a handful of expertly made cocktails. Indoors you’ll find an intimate, lounge vibe; the outside patio offers an airy, casual atmosphere. Opt for the bartender’s choice if you’re feeling adventurous, the patio offers an airy, casual atmosphere.

75 1/2 Rainey Street, Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

Half Step

Related Maps