Food

Southland

Your SXSW Dining Guide

SXSW is a thing that is happening soon. You’re aware. Now, we’ll let you handle the film and music stuff. We’ll handle the fried chicken and rum stuff. Via these places: five recently opened restaurants, each just a quick walk from some of Austin’s best venues.

0.02 MILES FROM AUSTIN MUSIC HALL

A Handsome Spot for Foie and Grappa

Inside: Here’s a nice-looking spot. Wooden tables, leather chairs, a wine wall... big patio, too.
On the menu: The Austrian chef is doing French fusion, which in this case means crispy pig ears, beef tartare and foie gras. Wait at least 30 minutes after eating to crowd surf.

0.2 MILES FROM THE MOODY THEATER

Go Here for Rum

Inside: Straight from the Péché guys, this island-themed hangout is all aqua-colored banquettes, palm-tree wallpaper and assorted tiki mugs.
On the menu: Jerk pork chops, grilled octopus and ceviche. Oh, and rum. Like, so much rum.

0.2 MILES FROM THE BELMONT

Fueling Up on Fried Chicken

Inside: Lots of wood. It’s like a barn, but a really nice, modern barn you’d want to frequent regularly.
On the menu: Southern things, mostly. Think fried chicken, quail grits and crawfish pot pies with a side of bourbon. That’s a nice thought.

0.4 MILES FROM THE CONVENTION CENTER

Here’s a Restaurant with No Tables

Inside: There are 26 seats but zero tables. Or servers. Instead, everything’s focused around a three-sided chef’s counter.
On the menu: Well, that depends. Because at your disposal is a three-, five- or seven-course menu with dishes that rotate based on what’s fresh and delicious. When in doubt, go seven.

0.4 MILES FROM HOTEL VEGAS

A Very Necessary Breakfast Joint

Inside: The second coming of this casual breakfast spot is sporting green stools and a communal counter. And biscuits.
On the menu: Biscuits. Plus crab cake benedicts, strong coffee and other last-night-just-turned-into-tomorrow-morning essentials you need following the inevitable shenanigans at nearby Hype Hotel and Hotel Vegas.