South by Southwest (SXSW) Meets the 2nd Street District: Places to Stay, Shop, and Eat
Photo credit: SXSW 2015 (Michael Buckner/Getty Images for SXSW)
Austin Accommodations and Getting around Downtown
Quick Bites, Dining Delights, and Happy Hours Galore
Festival Fashion Favorites – Shopping in the 2nd Street District
As we get closer to spring, the 2nd Street District is gearing up for one of Austin’s most beloved events – the South by Southwest Conference & Festivals. From all over the world, professionals flock to downtown Austin during the week of March 8th–16th for music, comedy, awards ceremonies, professional development, networking opportunities, and film and television screenings. The best part is that the 2nd Street District is just a stone’s throw away from all major SXSW events and happenings. Whether you’re an out-of-town festival goer or a lifelong Austinite, we here at the 2nd Street District have put together an indispensable guide for where to stay, where to eat, where to shop, and how to get around South by Southwest for a trip you’ll never forget.
Accommodations and Getting around Downtown
SXSW attendees can walk to most venues and events from 2nd Street District
A perfect place to stay during the week of the festival is the W Austin Hotel – conveniently located within walking distance from South By’s main epicenter of events held at the Austin Convention Center (ACC). The W Austin also sits right next door to the famed ACL Live music venue as well as countless must-see city attractions like the Texas State Capitol, the Paramount Theater, the Mexican-American Cultural Center, and the Long Center for the Performing Arts. In other words, the W Austin is right in the center of the action.
W Hotel Pool & Cabanas
Best of all, the hotel boasts a number of world class amenities, from massages and facial treatments at the AWAY spa to upscale dining experiences at the W Austin Restaurant & Lounge. Whether you’re looking to relax and unwind after a long day at the festival or keep the party going with a handcrafted cocktail and live music, the W Austin has a little something for everyone.
As for getting to and from the conferences and festivals, the good news is that you can walk to most venues and events in the downtown area. In fact, we highly recommend you drive only as a last resort if you want to avoid the inconvenience of street closures and traffic especially during peak traffic hours on weekday mornings (7–9am) and evenings (4:30–7pm). The festival has a number of terrific resources for helping you navigate Austin and SXSW. So consider using the SXSW Shuttles, the official SXSW GO mobile app, or the Austin Chronicle’s transportation guide. There’s also the very handy Registrant Walking Map, which you can find here.
Quick Bites, Dining Delights, and Happy Hours Galore
The Well
As many of our longtime readers know, the 2nd Street District is home to some of the best restaurants in all of Austin. But with so many great options it’s hard for festival-goers to know the best and most convenient places to eat. Luckily, with our 2nd Street dining guide, you’re in good hands. We cover everything, from quick bites in between SXSW events or full-on culinary adventures with some of Austin’s most innovative chefs.
For a farm-to-table experience unlike anything you’ve ever seen, head on over to The Well, a restaurant whose claim to fame lies in its locally sourced ingredients and commitment to sustainable farming. The Well is the premiere destination for health-conscious epicureans – people who love to eat well without compromising on dietary restrictions. That’s why the Well chefs pride themselves on a menu completely free of gluten, dairy, refined sugar and GMOs. With menu highlights like the pasture-raised roasted chicken, the sustainably sourced salmon, and the Texas Wagyu Sirloin, you never would have guessed eating healthy could taste so damn good.
Bill’s Oyster
If the thought of slurping down a half dozen oysters in a vibrant retro setting sounds like heaven to you, then Bill’s Oyster is your best bet. It’s a laid-back seafood establishment with a gourmet sensibility, inspired by the classic oyster bars of New York City and the culinary heritage of NOLA’s French Quarter. At Bill’s Oyster, you and your friends can knock back hand-crafted cocktails while consuming more seafood than you’ll know what to do with. Here’s a pro tip –try the cheeseburger, hands-down the hottest item on the menu. You will not be disappointed.
And now for RedFarm: the newest addition to the 2nd Street District’s food scene. New York natives will recognize RedFarm’s legendary, colorful take on New York Chinese cuisine. Since its grand opening in Austin last November, RedFarm has taken the 2nd Street District by storm. Beginning on March 2, and just in time for South by Southwest, RedFarm will open for dim sum weekend brunch from 11 am to 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Menu highlights include RedFarm’s classic “Pac Man” Shrimp Dumplings (pictured below), Pork & Crab Soup Dumplings, Gold Scallion Pancakes, and more. The dim sum weekend brunch menu also features the entire RedFarm menu.
At South by Southwest, one of the best places to network is at happy hour. In the 2nd Street District, there’s no shortage of water holes where you and your colleagues can unwind over a cold beer or cocktail. The happy hour at Bill’s Oyster starts everyday from 3 to 5:30 pm, with $3 raw oysters, $4 beers, and $10 Tito’s martinis. Likewise, La Condesa serves up $3 taco specials and half-off all alcoholic beverages Monday through Friday from 5 to 6pm. Round out your day with $3 off all flights and wines by the glass at Cru Food & Wine Bar Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 pm for a more relaxed, intimate evening.
When you’re between SXSW events, there’s plenty of bites to grab on the go. At Royal Blue Grocery, you’ll find a number of tasty take-out meals, including 15 different varieties of fresh tacos every morning, the famous tarragon chicken salad (pictured below), and Nutella Rice Krispie treats. Likewise, Local Foods produces tasty sandwiches and hearty salads made from scratch (pictured below) with locally sourced ingredients along with a killer Texas wine and beer list. And if you’re ever in need of a pick-me-up, then Jo’s Coffee has everything you need – including signature drinks like the Ice Turbo and The Belgian (pictured below)– to keep the SXSW going no matter your energy level.
Festival Fashion Favorites
For tried and true festival goers, there’s nothing like a brand new outfit to take your look to a whole new level. And a great way to spend some of your downtime is to check out the 2nd Street District’s many fashion retailers. Stella Dallas, fashion-conscious females will have their pick of designer threads at low, affordable prices. Stella Dallas caters to ladies whose taste ranges from timeless staples to the latest trends. So pick out a spankin’ new dress or top, then pair it with any number of designer accessories, from bracelets, necklaces, and earrings to handbags, hats, belts, and more!
As a global professional, a great first impression is the key to a successful SXSW experience. At Bonobos, you’ll find everything you need to stand out from the crowd. Whether you’re a casual dress or a suit-wearing executive, Bonobos has it all, from Italian wool blazers and dress pants to snappy sweater polos and casual floral shirts.
With all the downtown walking to be done, now’s a perfect opportunity to invest in a quality pair of kicks. In that case, head on over to Sneaker Politics, where you’ll find everything from classic Air Jordans to Nike, Adidas, and so much more. It’s the 2nd Street District’s one-stop shop for everything streetwear.
Conclusion
While you’ll certainly have your hands full with SXSW’s amazing lineup of events, the festival is also your chance to experience Austin as any local would. The best part is that it only takes a quick walk to discover the 2nd Street District’s most acclaimed eateries and stores. Heck, once you get a taste of the 2nd Street District, you’ll be coming back for more!
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