Tocquigny

SXSW visitors typically gravitate to the local trendy hotspots in Austin, such as Magnolia Café, Chuy’s, and Guero’s. But, if you want to experience the deeper, multi-cultural flavor of Austin, there are many hidden haunts that the locals are either just discovering themselves or keeping secret from the SXSW crowd.

These top ten secret eateries are all close in proximity to the Austin Convention Center and will give any visitor a quick tour of Austin neighborhoods during their foodie adventures.

1. Aster’s Ethiopian

Located directly off the Southbound I-35 feeder road, this small, homey restaurant will transform your senses with flavors that are unlike what you would expect in Austin.  It is hard to pick one entrée, so the staff happily serves a tapas style plate, Atakelt Beyaynetu, with five exotic entrees such as Fasolia Wott (potato, green beans, and other veggies with a garlic cinnamon, ginger sauce) and Keyi Miser (lentils with ginger and garlic). For an authentic experience use the bread as your fork and eat with your right hand.

2804 N I-35, University Area - Google Map
Aster’s Ethiopian Website

2. Blue Dahlia Bistro

East Austin has transformed itself into a must-visit area of Austin. Blue Dahlia invites guests to sit outside in a romantic, bohemian setting, sipping wine and eating organic treats, such as open-faced sandwiches, tartines with ricotta, black pepper, and agave, or the amazing smoked trout platter with a surprising tangy garbanzo and olive salsa. Make sure to save room for the flourless chocolate cake.

1115 E. 11th St., East Austin - Google Map
Blue Dahlia Bistro Website

3. Buenos Aires

Located on the “Tex-Mex” mile, parallel to the popular eclectic area of South Congress, this Argentinean restaurant offers empanadas filled with spinach, ricotta, and onions, or variations with beef, chicken, or tuna. The Lomito Beef was voted the “The Best Sandwich in Austin” by The Onion.

2414 S. 1st St., South Austin - Google Map
Buenos Aires Website

4. Casa De Luz

If you’re looking for the ultimate SXSW hangover relief restaurant, Casa De Luz serves up a hardy combo plate of wholesome micro-biotic food in a Zen setting. Drink your caffeine in advance but head there for a lunch that will rejuvenate the mind and body in preparation for the long days of music, film, and technology.

1701 Toomey Rd., South Austin - Google Map
Casa de Luz Website

5. Koriente

As you walk into Koriente you will see a hand-painted story that explains, “My Mom started this restaurant because she hates to cook.” The narrative goes on to explain that Mom loved to eat out but could not find anyone who felt food should be healthy and balanced. The featured Asian-fusion curry is spicy yet comforting and is filled with chunky carrots, onions, potatoes, and onion with hearty rice medallions. The side salad and soup is a meal itself, but you can’t stop eating once you take the first bite.

621 E. 7th St., Downtown - Google Map
Koriente Website

6. Marakesh

Located just south of the Capitol, Marakesh provides freshly made Greek delights that rival eateries located in Greece. It is a struggle to decide which three combo choices to pick on each visit: hummus, tabouleh, falafel, stuffed grape leaves, or baba ganoush NOTE: that’s not three things.  Chunks of feta and fresh pita bread accompany the combo. Sit near the window and watch the downtown crowd stroll by.

906 Congress Ave., Downtown - Google Map
Marakesh on Yelp

7. Somnio’s Café

Located in the heart of the “78704” neighborhood (the “Keep Austin Weird” zip code), Somnio serves seasonal meals with produce from local farms.  They are vegetarian-friendly with their soups and stir-fries but also offer a Bison Burger. Since everything is local the entries can run out of food. Be sure to “bring-your-own-beer” to enjoy with dinner. 

1807 S. 1st,  South Austin - Google Map
Somnio’s Cafe Website

8. Sushi-A-Go-Go (Trailer in Shell parking lot)

This is not only an excellent sushi “restaurant,” but they also teach sushi classes. The menu is impressive. Start with the Trio roll with salmon, yellow tail, and tuna and be adventurous with the Texan roll filled with steak, jalapeno, and Texas sauce. They also have a six-piece Go-go box with a six-piece sampler.

4001 Medical Pkwy, Rosedale - Google Map
Sushi-A-Go-Go Website

9. Veggie Heaven

If you are looking for vegetarian, eclectic Austinites head to Veggie Heaven for some bubble tea and 70 veggie variations with names such as Four Seasons Tofu - #41.  For a guaranteed great first visit order the Spicy Yam dish and Thunder Tofu.

1914 Guadalupe St. #A, University Area - Google Map
Veggie Heaven Website

10. Whip In

No doubt this is the hippest convenience store in America. It is filled with a staggering selection of wine and beer to rival any fine liquor store.  Within the store is the Parlour Café which serves both Indian food and “South Austin Mood” food.  Order fresh made naan with “The 78704Ever,” which contains black bean masala, cilantro, chutney, and queso (bacon is extra). Choose a beverage from their store and enjoy it with your chutney and queso.

1950 S I-35, South Austin - Google Map
Whip In Website

What’s for dessert?

Sugar Mama’s Bake Shop

Along S. Congress SXSW visitors flock to the Hey Cupcake trailer with the rotating, lit cupcake.  If you are looking for an adventure in cupcake flavors, go around the block to Sugar Mama’s Bake Shop on South 1st and try the Black and Tan with a Guinness Stout cake and Irish cream cheese frosting, or the Elvis, a banana cupcake with peanut butter topping plus gold sparkles. This is a favorite SXSW stop for @zappos_spouse from Zappos and a destination for high-tech meetups.

1905 S. 1st Suite A, South Austin (closed Mondays) - Google Map
Sugar Mama’s Bake Shop Website