Lifestyle Mirror

Brace yourselves, culture junkies. Tomorrow begins the 10-day culture fest that is South By Southwest (SXSW). Starting March 8, visitors will be flocking to Austin for the annual interactive, film, and music festivals that have become a major destination.

But unlike its closed-campus counterparts (like Lollapalooza in Chicago and Coachella in California) SXSW takes its festivalgoers around the city, giving them a taste of Austin that’s more than the sum of its temporary entertainment. Film and music festivals or not, the city has some of the best restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping, and nightlife venues to explore. (Take that, New York!) And with transportation services like pedicabs and Car2Go, there’s no excuse not to get out.

So, with the help of some on-the-ground locals, we rounded up the best spots to hit during South By Southwest. Check out the list below for our favorites. —Sasha Levine (@sashalevine)

BREAKFAST

Polvo’s
2004 South 1st Street, Austin
The place to go for morning Mexican. Can’t go wrong with huevos rancheros this close to the border.

Magnolia Café South
1920 South Congress Avenue, Austin
Though open 24/7, this quirky Austin landmark is a great way to start your day.

Kerbey Lane Café
3003 South Lamar Boulevard, Austin
This Austin institution—with vegan and vegetarian options—is not to be missed by those passing through.

LUNCH

Torchy’s Tacos
2809 South 1st Street, Austin
Refuel at this joint for lunch—or for an afternoon snack.

Franklin Barbecue
900 East 11th Street, Austin
You’re going to have to wait in line here, but it’s all going to be worth it. This classic barbeque is cheap and delicious, so grab a picnic table on the porch and ask for extra moist brisket.

Lambert’s Downtown Barbecue
401 West 2nd Street, Austin
Because you can never have too much BBQ, and because this one adds a little extra swank.

DINNER

Uchi
801 South Lamar Boulevard, Austin
This swanky contemporary Japanese and sushi restaurant was made famous by James Beard award-winning chef, Tyson Cole.

Uchiko
4200 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin
As Uchi’s sister restaurant, this elegant Japanese farmhouse restaurant is a must-try.

Bacon
900 West 10th Street, Austin
Get your hearty dose of Southern food at this relaxed bacon haven.

TRAILERS              

The Mighty Cone
2512 Rio Grande Street, Austin
Because everyone needs to try meat out of a cone (at least) once.

Ms P’s Electric Cock
1101 South Congress Avenue, Austin
Fried chicken only gets better with fried pickles.

LATE NIGHT

Justine’s
4710 East 5th Street, Austin
Hidden on the east side, this high-end brasserie-inspired spot has great outdoor seating and the swanky crowd to match.

The Jackalope
404 East 6th Street, Austin
Listen to heavy metal and punk music and watch horror Japanese films while you eat and drink.

BARS

Whip In
1950 North Interstate 35 Frontage Road, Austin
This Indian gastropub-brewery-convenience store-live music venue is a true South Austin spot.

Hotel San José Bar
1316 South Congress Avenue, Austin
Find some calm at this chic, outdoor spot in the heart of Austin’s trendy neighborhood.

Yellow Jacket Social Club
1704 East 5th Street, Austin
Another reliable spot for the hip set to enjoy a good beer and the great outdoors.

Easy Tiger
709 East 6th Street, Austin
Avoid “Dirty 6th,” as the locals call it, and hit this relaxed spot that’s slightly reminiscent of Brooklyn.

East Side Show Room
1100 East 6th Street, Austin
Drink your swanky Prohibition-era cocktails while listening to live music.

COFFEE

Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
3825 Lake Austin Boulevard, Austin
Right on the lake, this spacious coffee spot is an Austin gem crawling with great opportunities for people-watching.

Flipnotics
1601 Barton Springs Road, Austin
This shop is situated on a hillside below a canopy of trees, so you can drink your coffee in what feels like a tree house.

Bouldin Creek Coffeehouse
1900 South 1st Street, Austin
Eat vegetarian. Drink great coffee.

SHOPPING:

By George
1400 South Congress Avenue, Austin
As one of the only high-end designer shops in the city, here’s where the swank set can get its dose of high-end fashion.

Feathers Boutique
1700B South Congress Avenue, Austin
Feathers offers up a daily rotating inventory of vintage and designer clothing, shoes, and accessories.

Uncommon Objects
1512 South Congress Avenue, Austin
This unique shop is loaded with vintage finds, antiques, and quirky odds and ends.