Love it or hate it, SXSW is right around the corner. The annual festival makes Austin the top destination for tech, music and film, bringing thousands of visitors––and even more traffic––to the city. While we love the tourism for our economy, every year we locals find ourselves having to fight through the crowds to get to our favorite neighborhood hangouts. As old pros at this, Red Fan has created our daytime guide to getting the most out of your South-by experience with our must-hit, can’t-miss spots for refueling, relaxing and experiencing the city in a way only a true Austinite can.
STOP 1: FUEL YOUR DAY WITH SOME #BRONCH AT SUERTE
With a full day ahead of you, you’ll need to set yourself up for success from a breakfast standpoint. Suerte’s newest addition to their already critically-acclaimed menu is every Austinite’s favorite meal – brunch. With their Mexican pastries, micheladas, duck mole flautas and all the huevos you can get your hands on, there’s about 0 percent chance you’ll leave unsatisfied. Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Pro tip: Get your table reserved, like, yesterday. Suerte’s national recognition is sure to make this spot even more popular come March.
STOP 2: EXPLORE ALL THE PASTA-BILITIES AT JULIET ITALIAN KITCHEN
Juliet Italian Kitchen, located in the heart of Austin’s beloved Zilker Park neighborhood, is only a short hop, skip and a jump away from all of the SXSW action. Juliet embodies community and camaraderie through shared meals between friends and family, offering SX-goers with the perfect place to relax and recharge in between their activities. To make it even easier, Juliet offers a prix fixe lunch menu that offers a wide variety of appetizer and entree options that will give you the boost you need to make it through to dinner.
STOP 3: BRING YOUR SXSW EXPERIENCE TO NEW HEIGHTS AT CRUX
Because so much of South-by is centered around food, it can’t hurt to incorporate a little exercise into the weekend. Why not try out a uniquely-Austin way to get your heart rate up? Crux Climbing Center offers day passes with on-site training, so you can get harnessed up and in the air in no time!
STOP 4: TASTE THE BEST OF AUSTIN’S LOCAL INGREDIENTS, WITH ITALIAN FLAIR
It wouldn’t be a visit to Austin without a journey through the lively East-side of the city. Start, or end your evening at Intero for sustainability-focused, farm-to-table Italian with house-made pasta and artisanal chocolate. Intero translates to “whole” or “entire” in Italian, and its zero food-waste kitchen exemplifies its name. You will be tempted to fill up on delicious pasta and fresh veggies, grown just outside of Austin, but you can NOT miss out on the handcrafted chocolate truffles. If you simply can’t eat another bite, don’t worry, you can always take truffles to go. Bonus, the extensive wine list pairs perfectly with Intero’s sweet and savory offerings.
STOP 5: CAP OFF THE NIGHT WITH AN EVENING OF AUTHENTIC JAZZ AT PARKER JAZZ CLUB
At the end of the evening, take some time to relax and unwind at one of Austin’s premier entertainment spots serving up authentic jazz, Parker Jazz Club. From the moment you step out of the elevator that leads to the basement lounge, you’ll be transported into a timeless atmosphere with the sounds of live jazz circling throughout the room from center stage. With upscale service and drinks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy––no matter your musical tastes.
