Barbecue plates served during SXSW
Courtesy Agave Photo Studio | Barbecue plates served during SXSW
Courtesy Agave Photo Studio

Where to eat in Austin during SXSW 2025

Long days at SXSW call for delicious fuel.

Kayla Hui
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SXSW is not a sprint—it’s a marathon of nine jam-packed days of keynotes, film screenings, live music and speaker sessions across tech, wellness and more. To survive, you’ll need fuel. Luckily, Austin is dense with incredible restaurants and coffee shops, meaning you’re never far from a good meal. Whether you’re grabbing a breakfast taco before a panel or digging into Caribbean food after a long day, here’s some must-visit spots you should hit during your stay.

Where to get breakfast during SXSW 2025

  • Bakeries
  • Convention Center District

Whether you’re staying at the Fairmont or not, it’s worth stopping by for the viral stuffed croissants, which change seasonally. Executive pastry chef Christophe Frigara uses a special lamination technique to ensure each croissant is perfectly flaky, buttery and pillowy. Right now, almond, raspberry and coffee-filled croissants are on rotation. Since SXSW is hosting sessions at the Fairmont, arrive early to beat the lines. 

  • Coffee shops
  • East Austin

Often touted as some of Austin’s best coffee, Desnudo sources, harvests and roasts its beans in small batches to ensure peak freshness. The miso latte is a must—rich, creamy and nutty—but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. 

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  • Mexican
  • North Shoal Creek
  • price 1 of 4
  • Recommended

Founded by two sisters in 2008, Veracruz has grown from a humble food truck to seven locations serving some of Austin’s best tacos and fresh juices. The East Austin and Line Hotel locations are near SXSW venues, making them a prime breakfast stop. Grab the migas—stuffed with tortilla chips, egg and MontereyJack cheese—and a smoothie to start your day right. 

Where to get lunch during SXSW 2025

  • Bouldin Creek

A break between sessions calls for a drive to Dovetail Pizza, where Neapolitan and New York-style pizzas come together. Their slow-fermented dough results in a chewy yet crispy slice, but the real star is their house-made sesame chili oil, adding just the right crunch.

  • Congress Ave District

You don’t have to travel far for modern Irish fare—Dead Rabbit is conveniently located on Sixth Street. Expect crispy fish and chips, ham and Irish cheddar toasties, lamb shepherd’s pie and mussels steamed in Guinness leak cream. Don’t skip the bread pudding or Irish coffee tiramisu. 

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  • Northwest Austin

A part of the smoked meats trinity to come away with a Michelin star, InterStellar delivers on “the out-of-this-world” compliment reviewers can’t help but use to play off their name. Pitmaster John Bates celebrates the new barbecue trend of expanding the flavors to bring to the pit with peach tea-glazed pork belly and turkey brined with Live Oak Hefeweizen. The line might go to the moon and back, but the pain of waiting melts away once you bite into his acclaimed brisket. 

Where to get dinner during SXSW 2025

  • American
  • Greater Austin
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Inside The LINE hotel, Top Chef winner Kristen Kish and executive chef Alejandro Munoz serve up French- and Italian-inspired dishes made with Texas ingredients. Think strawberry broth crudo, morel mushroom lasagna and pan-roasted swordfish. Pair your meal with a Hey Seoul Sister—a yobo kish soju, gin, campari, rosemary, lemon and egg white concoction. 

  • Caribbean
  • East Cesar Chavez

East Austin’s Canje brings Caribbean flavors from Guyana to Haiti straight to your plate. Their spiced buns, escovitch fish in sweet chili sauce and ceviche are standouts. If you like heat, the jerk chicken is a must. Pair your entrees with Guyanese-style roti and pepper rice for a satisfying end to the day. 

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  • South River City

After a full day of panels and film previews, wind down at Maie Day, a Michelin-recommended steakhouse in the heart of South Congress. It’s known for its inventive approach, which is why you’ll find bourbon-barbecue butter on grilled oysters and spiced apple compote and toffee pecans on cheesecake. Maie Day’s menu is anything but boring, perfect for wrapping up an equally exciting day. 

  • Market District

Great Chinese food can be hard to find in Austin, but step inside Qi, and you’ll forget you’re in a city dominated by barbecue and tacos. Ingredients are sourced from a local farm just 30 minutes away, bringing you fresh, flavorful dishes like hot and sour soup, peking duck, vegetable-filled bird’s nest and more. The cocktails are just as good—think matcha, lemon and yuzu in a glass. 

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