Guide to Austin for LA People

Eat at Iron Works while you're in town.

Since I lived in Austin for three years and went to my first SXSW ten years ago, I'll give you my own take on Austin even though I'm not going this year. First of all badges aren't worth buying if you're just going as a fan. If you're networking and your company is paying for it, then go for it...otherwise those panels in the Convention Center just aren't very interesting. Press passes are incredible. One year I stood very close and snapped some cool photos of Ray Davies (he's back this year doing some acoustic songs at 5:00PM on Friday for badge holders). Of course Neil Young is giving the keynote this year, so that will be cool...and Morrissey. If you live in Austin you can get a wristband. Unfortunately the first 4,000 sold out this year in the first day (for $110-$130). In past years they've sold between 5,000 and 6,000. They're deciding tomorrow if they'll sell more. You can also just show up at venues and try to buy tickets. Some venues/door people like your cash and you can get in but it's usually limited. If you have a badge don't walk around town wearing it. Austinites can smell the smog on you and they probably hate you. Why give them even more fuel? I know SXSW stimulates the Austin economy, but that doesn't mean the locals like you.

Once you're at SXSW the number of bands is overwhelming. Bands are playing in the airport. It's ridiculous and you'll get sick of it by the end of the weekend. A lot of the best action is the day parties. Many of the biggest bands play free shows during the day with free food and beer. Some of the parties are invite only, but many of them aren't. A lot of the industry people are busy networking so you can see a lot of cool stuff around town. This site has a pretty good list of what's going on during the day - Showlist - I'll give you some recommendations for specific events next week. To me SXSW is not about seeing Morrissey or other established bands. Avoid those shows. They're hard to get into and you should see them on their inevitable tour when they're headlining their own gig with their crowd, sound guy, etc. All your friends will be bugging you to see their band. Try to avoid these shows too (unless there's a chance nobody else will show up - there's nothing sadder than SXSW gigs with nobody in the crowd). The point is, expose yourself to new bands and avoid chain restaurants, coffee shops and clothing stores.

Austin Food Advice
Eat some real barbeque (pork ribs). Not just the free dry chicken at those parties. Rudy's Country Store is fantastic. It looks like a manufactured chain restaurant (and they do have a bunch of locations) but the food is great. If you're at the Convention Center walk over to Iron Works and get a sandwich. Tender and good. Everytime I eat at Stubb's I'm pleasantly surprised. It's not the best, but in most cities probably would be. Artz Rib House is good too. Of course a lot of people will tell you that the Salt Lick is the best, but during SXSW it's not really worth the drive when you've got so many other substitutes.

Eat some real Tex-Mex. Curra's Grill is my favorite. It's an unassuming little place but damn good. Guero's is another great place. It's a little fancier with long waits and great margaritas. Chuy's is pretty good too. You can't go wrong with Las Manitas or Maudie's either.

Sightseeing
Go see a great view of Town Lake at Mount Bonnell park. Take a dip in Barton Springs. Check out the bats if they're back at the Congress bridge.

Shopping
Walk along South Congress and see the antique and used shops. Buy some records at Waterloo Records.

Other
Have some late night food at Magnolia. Drink some fresh roasted coffee at Little City. Eat some homemade ice cream at Amy's Ice Cream. Feast on some of the best barbeque chicken you've ever had at Hoover's. Enjoy a greasy hamburger at Casino El Camino.