Where to Eat On-the-Go During SXSW in Austin

Fast, portable dining options, from burgers to grain bowls to salads

by Erin Russell Updated Feb 24, 2020, 11:33am CST

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Bowls at Cava

| Cava/Facebook

by Erin Russell Updated Feb 24, 2020, 11:33am CST

With all the madness of South by Southwest (SXSW) going on in Austin, there’s often not time to sit down to eat before dashing off to the next panel/concert/film. These convenient options near SXSW venues are fast, reliable, and easily consumed on-the-go (or while standing in line) if needed.

Get a taste of local flavor with the ever-popular P. Terry’s burger stand — the veggie burger is particularly popular, even among carnivores. Downtown Austin food hall Fareground offers a convenient way to try Austin favorites without all the formality. For those who have had too much barbecue and breakfast tacos, the smoothies at Soup Peddler, grain bowls at Cava, or poke from Malibu Poke will be a welcome change of pace.

Pro-tip: many of these restaurants offer online preorders for pick-up orders, so cut that wait time in half by planning ahead.

For more dining and drinking ideas, check out the rest of Eater’s SXSW coverage.

With updates by Nadia Chaudhury.

Whole Foods Market

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The flagship of the Austin-based grocery store has an array of restaurants within (including all-vegan Next Level Burger and a dedicated taco station) in addition to its grab-and-go buffet.

525 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

(512) 542-2200

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Biderman's Deli

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Bagels and sandwiches can be found at the daytime shop, like Taylor ham/eggs/cheese, lox, and Reubens,

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

(512) 712-5100

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P. Terry's Burger Stand

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It’s hard to beat the burgers, veggie burgers, and shakes at this local fast food restaurant. Conveniently, there’s a location downtown and one on Barton Springs Road.

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515 Congress Ave #130, Austin, TX 78701

(512) 473-8722

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Malibu Poke

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In the western downtown area is the stellar poke spot with vegetable and sauce-filled bowls of tuna, salmon, chicken, or tofu.

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211 Walter Seaholm Dr LR 115, Austin, TX 78703

(512) 609-8510

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Cava

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The winner of Eater’s Bowl Bowl is the build-your-own Mediterranean bowl chain. The Congress Avenue location features grain bowls, pitas, and salads. From the base, add a spread like crazy feta or hummus, proteins like falafel or spicy lamb meatballs, and top with veggies.

515 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

(512) 256-8002

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A spread of salads and grain bowls from Cava, arranged on a dark grey background. — Dishes from Cava

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Flower Child

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Get lighter food to go at healthy restaurant chain Flower Child, including wraps, salads, and lots of sides (including gluten-free mac and cheese).

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500 W 2nd St #133, Austin, TX 78701

(512) 777-4132

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Easy Tiger

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If there’s not enough time to wait for a table for sausage and pretzels at this beer garden, grab a quiche or baked good from the street-level bakery.

709 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701

(512) 614-4972

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Soup Peddler Real Food & Juice Bar

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The quick-and-easy chain made its way into downtown Austin, bringing forth juices, smoothies, soups, salads, and grilled cheese sandwiches.

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205 W 3rd St, Austin, TX 78701

(512) 444-7687

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Tacodeli

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Easy new-school tacos can be found at the very convenient centrally located restaurant from the Austin chain.

301 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

(512) 601-6631

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Patika Luncheonette

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The favorite South Austin coffee shop opened a casual daytime cafe in the middle of downtown Austin with simple breakfast dishes, sandwiches, salads, and soups during the weekdays.

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100 Congress Ave Suite 125, Austin, TX 78701

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Fareground

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This gorgeous food hall is truly representative of some of Austin’s best restaurants: there’s tacos at Dai Due Taqueria, sushi and ramen from Ni-Kome, Israeli food at TLV, sandwiches and pasta at Italic, bowls and cookies at Henbit, and rotisserie chicken and sides from Contigo. Dine in the airy interior or on the grassy hill outside or take it to-go.