Iron Works BBQ: http://www.ironworksbbq.com/
Apologies to my non-meateater friends, this one is definitely not for you. (Actually, considering that I'm talking about food in Texas, this entire blog likely won’t be of much interest to you.) But my fellow carnivores, rejoice! Iron Works is one of the most joyous BBQ experiences you will have while in Austin. You’ll likely find a line halfway down the block in order to get into this place, but don’t be discouraged. With the cafeteria-style service, the queue goes quicker than you think and I promise that it’s worth the wait. The photo here is of some of the most tender pork ribs I’ve encountered in the city, but if you’ve never been, let me recommend the sampler plate, which includes pork ribs, sausage and beef ribs the size of your head. Also note the Shiner Bock beer that must accompany your meal, otherwise you may be scoffed at like I was the first time when I just ordered a Diet Coke.
Polvos: http://www.polvosaustin.com/
Word on the street as there is now a second location for Polvos, but the one I went to was at at South 1st St., a bit off the beaten path from the main SXSW shenanigans. So when you go you might want to split a cab with your other Mexican Food loving friends. With a fresh salsa bar (that’s right, I said salsa bar) decorated with lights that would make any suburban father at Christmastime jealous, it’s worth the extra few bucks and minutes to get there. In addition to their impressive interior design skills, they how to treat their guests right: the night we went was unseasonably chilly, so while we waited outside they served us hot spiked tea to keep us toasty at no cost. The drinks are still yummy on the inside (we shared a couple pitchers of Sangria) and for the actual meal, well, my enchiladas came served in a Texas-sized layer of cheese – which is the only way one should enjoy an enchilada, really.
The Friskies Tasty Treasures Truck
Speaking of cheese, I’m not sure if this glorious food truck will be around again this year but if you hear about it, find it. Why on earth would I eat from a truck sponsored by cat food, you ask? First, completely valid question you got there – can’t blame you for doubting me on this one. But the grilled cheese sandwiches are actually quite delicious and most importantly: FREE. That’s right, this place just gives away grilled cheese to all the hungry souls roaming the streets of Austin in search of nourishment, and we all know it’s a general rule of the universe that food is far more delicious when you’re not paying for it. Also, while you eat your grilled cheese, you can actually marvel at the amazing cat sculptures made of… you guessed it… cheese. Just look at my face here. That’s the face of a hungry music lover who couldn’t be more thrilled to be next to such an important work of art.
Serranos: http://www.serranos.com/
Just a hop, skip and a jump past the infamous Austin Venue and restaurant Stubbs on Red River St. is Serranos. This Tex Mex spot seemed to be a bit of a hidden gem as there was no crazy line when we went to sit down, though I learned after the fact that there are a few around the city. Still, I was thrilled with my prompt and generous portion of fish tacos, rice and black beans served to me with just the right amount of spice. And like any good Tex Mex joint, we were served a never ending bowl of salty tortilla chips and salsa to scoop up the remaining pieces of taco filling that lost their way from the soft flour shells. The evening I went, I ended up just drinking about 5 glasses of water (SXSW is like a dehydration center), but my Sonicbids buddies told me that the margaritas were a win.
The Street Sausages on Sixth:
As a Midwestern girl who grew up just outside of Milwaukee with only Polish and German blood in her, my opinion on sausages is one you can trust. To be honest, I have no idea which particular vendor I got this sausage from, but I feel pretty comfortable saying that any one of the vendors you find on Sixth Street will be able provide exactly what you’re looking for if you need something quick, cheap, hearty and unhealthy. Clearly, by the fact that I couldn’t even stop shoving my face to take an acceptable photo, that sausage was notably tasty. If I'm willing to post one of the most unattractive photos of me ever taken because I believe in giving this street sausage the credit it deserves, that's saying something.
The Ranch 616: http://www.theranch616.com/
Those with a more refined palate who by now might be appalled/concerned with my street food choices and other artery-clogging picks will likely find more enjoyment at The Ranch 616. Though even my grease loving tastebuds have to admit that it’s rather enjoyable to take a break from the dirt, sweat and madness of SXSW to have a nice, quiet dinner one evening. Rave reviews all around from the team on this “Upscale Ranch Restaurant.” Pick from some more typical Tex Mex and BBQ choices, or go for something a little less, well, Texas with some citrus salmon and crispy oysters. And doesn’t everyone just look so classy and refreshed during this meal? I suggest you go for this one a bit later in your SXSW experience, after saving your cash from freebies and when you need a little extra rejuvenation from your meal.
Maggie Mae’s, during our Official SXSW Party!
Okay, it might not be gourmet, but remember what I said about the universal free food rule? Each year at Maggie Mae’s, Sonicbids puts on an Official SXSW party, presented by Jansport and with our friends at Planetary Group – and yes, we’ve got free food and drinks galore for you to nosh on while you listen to some of the hottest upcoming bands in our favorite venue. As you can see here, we usually go for the make your own nacho plate, and there are two bars ready to serve you a nice cold one. (Party tip: look for the crazy redhead running around that day – if you mention this blog, she might have the power to give you an extra drink ticket *wink*.) Keep an eye out for how you can RSVP for the party very, very soon!
Ok, now your turn. What new foodie picks should I be checking out this year? Leave a comment and let me know!
