Where to Eat Downtown During Formula One Weekend

by Meghan McCarron Nov 13, 2013, 10:05am CST

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by Meghan McCarron Nov 13, 2013, 10:05am CST

Photo: Meghan McCarron/EATX

This weekend Austin will be taken over by the second annual Formula One United States Grand Prix. The Circuit of the Americas track is not exactly in restaurant heaven, but downtown is flooded with F1 specials and events, including, perhaps, giant bags of Doritos. The Fan Fest includes the Cadillac Cafe, which will feature chefs from Garrido's, Sway, the Bonneville, and more. Beyond those options, Eater has mapped out the various F1 culinary enticements around downtown, as well as some recommendations for spots for race fans off the beaten path.

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Bess Bistro

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[Photo: annaustin/Flickr]

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500 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701

(512) 477-2377

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Parkside

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This swank downtown restaurant is offering a Johnnie Walker Flight for F1. Thirty-five dollars gets 1oz each of the Johnnie Walker Black, Johnnie Walker Platinum, Johnnie Walker Blue.

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301 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701

(512) 474-9898

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W Austin

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The W Austin is really, really excited about their COTA Flame cocktail, which was specially created for F1 weekend. It features many local Texas ingredients and a flamed orange peel.

200 Lavaca St, Austin, TX 78701

(512) 542-3600

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Mulberry

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Mulberry will be hosting a lamb roast on Sunday, November 17. Their post-race party runs from 4-10 pm featuring food, drinks and music on the patio.

360 Nueces St, Austin, TX 78701

(512) 320-0297

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TAPASITAS Tapas & Bar

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Newly launched Tapasitas in the old Bar Mirabeau space, isn't running any specials, but their 'global tapas' menu is generating buzz, and they're still under the radar enough to offer a good chance of snagging a seat.

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800 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701

(512) 436-9633

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Hut's Hamburgers

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Like cars that go fast but not so into the fancy-pants atmosphere? Soothe your scruffy soul with a burger and a beer at this Austin landmark.

807 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703

(512) 472-0693

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Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden

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In an interview with Eater earlier this year, owner Ben Siegel said Rainey Street was surprisingly quite last year during F1. Ditch the crowds and check out their playful menu and epic tap wall.

81 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701

(512) 386-1656

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Max's Wine Dive

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Mix the F1 champagne ethos with your secret desire for fried chicken. Chef Erica Beneke does great work with local ingredients as well.

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207 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701

(512) 904-0111

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Swift's Attic

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F1 and Austin are an odd fit, with the town's hippie ethos rubbing up against an event that loves the word "VIP." Swift's presents a near-perfect marriage of fine dining and keeping it weird, making it the weekend's ideal dining destination.

315 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

(512) 482-8200

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