Serious Eats
Where to Eat in Austin
The trio of SXSW Festivals and Conferences (Music, Film, and Interactive), best described as Spring Break for geeks, kicks off this weekend in Austin, Texas. Maybe you've already decided which panels, screenings, shows, and parties you'll be attending—or not. That's OK, there are more pressing concerns like, where are you going to eat?
The SXSW Baby! Guide: Where to Eat During SXSW 2008 [pdf], has all the answers. Compiled and written by Kathryn Yu, a SXSW veteran and a serious eater, restaurants included meet the top criteria of hungry festival-goers: close proximity to the Convention Center, easily accessible by foot, cheap, fast, and tasty.
But you're in Texas. And Texans make some serious barbecue.
If you love barbecue like we do and have access to a car, we highly recommend you drive about 30 minutes south of Austin to Lockhart for some serious Texas barbecue at Kreuz's, Smitty's, and Black's. Texas barbecue comes in two styles: with or without sauce. Brisket, sausage, and beef ribs are the cuts of choice.
Kreuz Market
Address: 19 N. Colorado St, Lockhart, TX
Phone: 512-398-2361
Website: kreuzmarket.com
Kreuz Market was founded 1900 by Charles Kreuz as butcher's shop and market. Over the years, it evolved into a barbecue joint. Due a family feud, the market moved to its current location in 1999. Try the brisket, sausage, and prime rib.
Smitty's Market
Address: 208 South Commerce, Lockhart, TX
Phone: 512-398-9344
Website: smittysmarket.com
Established in 1999 by Nina Schmidt Sells in the building that formerly housed her father's Kreuz Market. Barbecue and sausage are served in the Texas tradition with onion, avocado, tomato, pickles and cheese, served on brown paper and accompanied by your choice of bread or crackers and a plastic knife.
Black's Barbecue
Address: 215 North Main Street, Lockhart, TX
Phone: 512-398-2712
Website: blacksbbq.com
Open since 1932, Black's Barbecue is Texas' oldest major barbecue restaurant continuously owned by the same family. Order the brisket.
More Austin Eats
Serious eaters chime in with their Austin recs: Great Austin Eats and Where to eat in Austin around 6th Street
Map of vegetarian-friendly Austin Eats
Best taqueria in Austin [Chowhound]
Taco Journalism: "In search of tacos y más in Austin, Texas."
The Austin Chronicle on "central-city" barbecue joints
Austin and SXSW Links
SXSW Baby! An Official Weblog for SXSW
SXSW '08 Insider's Guide
Official SXSW site and schedules
Austinist.com and SXSWist