It's almost here, so I'm throwing my two cents of highly opinionated and partially substantiated intelligence about food, drink and entertainment for the NetRoots Nation crowd.
To make this more relevant, I'm breaking it down by location, with special attention to the areas attendees are most likely to spend their time navigating.
So let's start with the Convention Center Area and spiral outward. Downward spiral is entirely up to you.
Convention Center Area:
Cedar Door—a favorite local watering hole; mostly outdoor seating (misters and fans to keep things cool); DRINK: a Mexican Martini or a Fireman's 4 golden ale (it's local), FOOD: Respectable Burger, good Buffalo Wings, homemade Potato Chips (Malt Vinegar optional); OPEN: 3pm weekdays, midday weekends, kitchen serves til 10pm (11pm fri-sat); AT: 2nd and Brazos (2-3 blocks west of the convention center; www.cedardooraustin.com
MoonShine-Bar and Grill with a modern take on comfort food; DRINK: Full Bar; FOOD: Solid, be sure to try the Mac and Cheese, great Sunday Brunch if you have the window; OPEN: 11am-10pm (11pm Fri-Sat); AT: Red River and 3rd St. (east of Convention Center and Hilton); www.moonshinegrill.com
Iron Works BBQ-a downtown BBQ institution; FOOD: Texas BBQ-beef brisket, sausage, chicken, ribs (pork) with slaw, potato salad, beans: DRINK: Shiner Bock; OPEN 11am-9pm, M-Sat; AT: Cesar Chavez and Red River; www.ironworksbbq.com
Congress Avenue:
Las Manitas-A Tex-Mex instution; FOOD: Breakfast and Lunch only, pretty much anything's good; OPEN: 7am-4pm (closed at 2 on weekends); AT: Congress Ave between 2nd and 3rd st. (Look for vintage marquee that says "Avenue Cafe")
Elephant Room—Austin's only real Jazz music venue (in a basement, no less) DRINK: Full Bar, plus healthy Tap Wall; MUSIC: Every night, local Ephraim Owens is a must-see on trumpet; OPEN: Happy Hour 4pm, 8pm weekends, 'til late. www.natespace.com/elephant
Thai Passion-Good Thai food and one of your best cheap eats options downtown, plus open 'til 3am. FOOD: Thai standards, limited lunch menu; DRINK: Beer and Wine; OPEN: 11am-3am; AT: Corner of 7th Street and Congress; www.thaipassion.com
Also good: La Traviata (Italian Bistro); Manuel's (Upscale Tex-Mex)
2nd Street District:
Jo's Coffee-One of Austin's favorite local coffee shops; FOOD: Full Breakfast, plus extensive lunch menu; DRINK: Coffee (duh...), beer and wine. OPEN: 7am 'til???; AT 2nd Street between Colorado and Lavaca; www.joscoffee.com
Taverna-Italian Bistro (not local, but not bad) FOOD: good artisan pizzas, pastas, and often good seafood specials; DRINK: Full Bar; OPEN 11am-10pm (11pm fri-sat) although they've been known to close early on weeknights; AT: corner of 2nd St. and Lavaca
Austin Java-Another coffee cafe; FOOD: Good Breakfast in particular, plus pastas, salads, sandwiches; DRINK: Coffee, Beer and Wine; OPEN: 7am weekdays-8pm; AT: 2nd St. at Lavaca in City Hall; www.austinjava.com
Lambert's BBQ-their tagline "Fancy Barbecue?" says it: an upscale take on BBQ (with a higher price point) in a way cool restored historic building. EAT: Barbecue-it's all REALLY good; DRINK: Full Bar-rare for a BBQ joint (even a fancy one) MUSIC: upstairs in the bar, usually not bad; OPEN: Lunch 11-2, Dinner 5:30-11pm, Bar later; AT: 2nd St. @ Guadalupe; www.lambertsaustin.com
South Congress:
The one district you really should explore during the day. Food, Drink, Funky shops, nightlife. Starting from the Austin Motel. Abbreviated info:
Amy's Ice Cream—great local shop, walk-up window only
Continental Club—One of Austin's signature music clubs, specializing in roots, country, and indie bands, plus assorted local favorites like Jon Dee Graham, James McMurtry, Barfield, and more. Look for the sign.
Jo's Coffee/Hotel San Jose—The original Jo's, with an abbreviated menu, is a great coffee stop here; the patio bar at the Hotel San Jose is open to the public (beer/wine only) and is a great outdoor hang.
Guero's-a definitive Mexican Restaurant, loyal following of locals, and popular with the SXSW crowd. Maybe not as good as the hype, but it it stays crowded. Try the Tacos Al Pastor and a fresh margarita during the mid-afternoon lull.
Vespaio/Enoteca Vespaio-Two great Italian restaurants in a town short on same. Vespaio is one of Austin's best restaurants for a dinner to remember, despite the price point, and there's always a crowd (no reservations taken either). Enoteca is next door, and a more casual dining option open for lunch and dinner. Seriously good.
Home Slice Pizza-Run by real New York transplants that know pizza. Slices available except during peak dinner hour. A great food bargain
South Congress Cafe-An American Cafe with southwest flavors, occupies an in-between price point (that's about $10-20 an entree); try the wild boar pozole for sure, despite the heat.
Woodland—another somewhat upscale comfort food joint, and one well the trip, especially if you want a meatloaf sandwich or some killer corn fritters
Hey Cupcake-an Airstream trailer that sells cupcakes, lots of 'em
Warehouse district-Primarily on 4th St. between Colorado and Guadalupe
Malaga-quality Tapas, wines by the glass and full bar
Cedar Street-not to be confused with Cedar Door, a pioneer in this area, with a below ground patio and basement bar, Live music nightly
Fado-OK it's not local, but it remains a popular stop in the district
Oil Can Harry's-Austin's pre-eminent gay dance club, just so you know...
GingerMan-an unlikely import from Houston that has one of Austin's best tap walls
East 6th Street
This is the 6th Street that everyone knows by name. Primarily a college hang. There aren't a ton of establishments worthy of a special trip, but there are a few.
Casino El Camino-a great core sample of Austin, Burgers from Hell's Kitchen here are worth the wait-usually 30 min. or more.
The Parish-A superior live music venue
Cheers-It's trashy, but this is where Jenna Bush was photographed falling down drunk
Emo's-Austin's premier indie/alternative music club, also the gateway to the Red River District
Red River-North of Sixth
Stubb's BBQ-More famous for its huge amphitheater than the food (solid, not great BBQ), plus a restaurant and small stage indoors. Another premier music venue
Club DeVille-pioneered hip in this district, and still a great watering hole for the 21-30something crowd. Mostly patio seating.
Mohawk-Austin's live music bar of the moment, again with a strong indie alternative ethic.
West 6th District
Take a PediCab to connect from E. 6th or Red River if you're hopping it. Faster and more fun.
West Sixth is the latest full district, where plenty of new bars have opened alongside some Austin institutions. From 6th and Lavaca:
The Belmont-60's Hollywood hotel vibe with big patios and a supper club interior-better for drinks than food, although the Cuban sandwich is fine.
Key Bar-urban minimalism meets patio lounge.
Katz's Deli-24 hour New York Deli, perhaps overrated, until you need food at 3am...
Opal Divine's/Mother Egan's-two unaffiliated Irish Pubs, both with excellent pub food
Molotov-Really, someone should have thought of this name years ago...past its moment as a hotspot, but with a roomy downstairs and roof deck.
Hut's Hamburgers-One of Austin's faves
Sixth and Lamar
Whole Foods Headquarters store-an attraction for its numerous walkup/takeout counters-some are real food bargains. Pizza by the Slice, the Sandwich counter, ethnic food buffet, seafood, even barbecue
Waterloo Records-one of the best independent Music stores in the country-check for in-store performances with free beer.
BookPeople-Like Waterloo, except with books
Whew! That's it. There's plenty more to explore, but this is what you'll be closest to. Oh wait, don't forget the Saxon Pub on South Lamar, another local music showcase...
Enjoy!