Story by Caroline Richardson 
Interactive by Selah Maya Zighelboim 

The number of nom options at South By Southwest can become overwhelming when you’re looking for a quick bite.

Whether you’re gearing up for a show, waiting in between sets or regaining your strength, finding a place to eat should be convenient but unforgettable. These spots around town are worth pausing the chaos, even if it’s just to grab-and-go.

South Bites Foodpark

Specifically created for the SXSW crowd, this wild collection of vendors offers a chance to mingle with other festivalgoers while you munch. The wide array of gourmet selections include Garbos Lobster Truck, Burro Cheese Kitchen, Lucky Lab Coffee Co., Jeni’s Splindid Ice Cream and many more eccentric options.

Annie’s Café & Bar

Located just down from the Paramount and Stateside Theatre, Annie’s is the oldest restaurant in downtown Austin. From freshly made bread and pastries to a full bar and cocktails, this joint has pretty much got you covered. Stop by for their specialty SXSW brunches and dinners Thursday, March 12 through Sunday, March 22.

Second Bar + Kitchen

Fun fact: Jason Stude, the Chef de Cuisine here at Second Bar + Kitchen, appeared on Food Network’s “Chopped” this past September. So that’s pretty cool. What else is cool is that this joint is open and serving until 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays for peeps who need a second, post-show dinner. For just a small snack, try out their chicken fried olives or sautéed brussel sprouts served in a mini, cast-iron skillet. They also provide a full to-go menu.

P. Terry’s

When all else fails, P. Terry’s is the place to go.  If you’re in the mood for simple, heaven-sent goodness, sink your teeth into one of their juicy, $3 burgers. Their milkshakes are some of the best as well, and they come in vanilla, double chocolate, strawberry, caramel and root beer. Plus, this classic Austin burger joint is just a stone’s throw away from Auditorium Shores at Town Lake.

Bananarchy

The long awaited reopening of this heavenly snack occurs March 16,, and man, are Austenites pumped. Specializing in frozen, hand-dipped bananas rolled in a topping of your choice, this food truck has quickly become a hotspot here in Austin.

The Soup Peddler

It started with one man, David Ansel, as he carried coolers full of soup around on the back of his bike as a gift to friends and neighbors. As word got out about this heart-warming young man and his love for serving others, popularity for his soup grew. Today, The Soup Peddler resides in three different locations across Austin (no longer on the back of a bike) and still serves up homemade, healthy soups as well as smoothies, juices and pressed sandwiches.

Sugar Mama’s Bakery

This down-home, mom and pop bakery specializes in personal pies, melt-in-your-mouth cupcakes and cookies so adorable and addicting you convince yourself that all the calories are more than worth it. You work them off running venue to venue anyway, right?  

With a week full of entertainment, art, spontaneity, and excitement, don’t miss out on one bite — uh, bit — of what this city has to offer.