WHERE TO EAT IN AUSTIN DURING SXSW

I don't often write about cities outside of New York, but when I do, you can bet it's for a good reason. A reason like South By South West (aka. SxSW). SxSW is an annual conference held in Austin Texas that, like myself, lots of New Yorkers travel for. Manhattanites, these are some awesome spots you need to check out while you're there! 

Voodoo Doughnut

212 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701 || (512) 215-8586

If you've never experienced sinking your teeth into a thick and fluffy Voodoo Doughnut doughnut, you must change that! I'm not one who is often all about the crazy colorful over-the-top, for lack of a better term, junk food. But man, these are incredible! And, I have to admit, the craziness makes them extra fun to eat. It's like being a kid again.

Tourchy's Tacos

1311 SOUTH FIRST ST. AUSTIN, TX 78704 || (512) 916-9235

When it comes to Austin, there are like Biggy V. Tupac feuds about who makes the better breakfast tacos. Dare I say, these are my favorites so far but then again, I've only been to two places so far. I suppose it would be better to say, "stay tuned". FYI, I haven't met a bad breakfast taco there. A lot of people favor the other place I visited (see later in this guide) so really it's personal preference. I recommend going to a different taco truck every morning and coming to your own conclusion. Let me know what you end up thinking!

Chi'lantro BBQ

1509 South Lamar, Austin, TX 78704 || (512) 428-5269

These loaded fries were my everything. They have heat, spice, flavor, cheesiness—they have everything! I know it's not being served from truck, but it they are beyond worth getting yourself to their shop. I'm seriously obsessed with them.

Home Slice Pizza

1415 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 || (512) 444-7437

As a New Yorker, when I travel a lot, it makes me realize just how much I love my home. Home sick, Home Slice was the perfect fix! The pizza is awesome. I say that as a born and raised Manhattanite. It smells like a Manhattan pizza joint the second you walk in the doors. Love it there!

Hopdoddy Burger Bar

1400 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 || (512) 243-7505

When you hear about burgers in Austin, Hopdoddy will likely be one of the first recommendations you'll get. It's a chain out there where you can order some uniquely crafted playful cheeseburgers.

(UPDATE: Permanently Closed)

Symon's Burger Joint

2416 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705 || (512) 614-2694

Back in my 9-to-5 life I launched The Chew's website. If you're like OH MY GOD I KNOW THE CHEW, then you definitely know Chef Michael Symon. He's super duper fun. Naturally, when in Austin, I had to check out his burger joint. It's definitely a fun, quirky and not taking itself too seriously spot.

Eden East

755 Springdale Rd, Austin, TX 78702 || (512) 428-6500

Mason jars filled with candles and flowers lined the picnic tables under a big white tent embellished with light bulbs sits adjacent to a chef driven food trailer—it doesn't get more beautifully Austin than this!

La Barbecue

2401 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702 || (512) 605-9696

Prepare yourself for an epic line. It will look short but it will last forever. I'm talking bring a snack and some water or Gatorade if it's a hot day. That said, it's so so so worth the wait. From the turkey through every single piece of meat the barbecue game in Austin is insane! Loved everything about this place!

Veracruz All Natural Food Truck

1704 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702 || (512) 981-1760

Another breakfast taco contender. Add it to the list and pick your fave! I'm seriously so curious which way you'll go.

Gourdough's Big. Fat. Donuts.

1503 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704

If you've done any sort of Google search for food in Austin before reading this, I'd put money on the fact that you have already seen then name Gourdoughs (if this is the first article you've read, I love you even more, right now). These are the most over-the-top doughnuts I've found to date. The one in this photo is topped with brownies—I mean Jesus H. Christ! If you're a doughnut lover, you gotta check these out.

(UPDATE: Permanently Closed)

Hey!...You Gonna Eat or What?

1720 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704 || (512) 296-3547

Another food truck you've gotta check out. I mean if deep fried ham and cheese doesn't get you, I don't know what will.

Foreign & Domestic

306 E 53rd St, Austin, TX 78751 || (512) 459-1010

I was at Foreign & Domestic for an event and got to try a little bit of everything. It's all so homey, soulful and, well, downright yummy.