SXSW Grub

Well, it's finally upon us. SXSW is probably the greatest thing about living in Austin, with firm competition from Texas Football and accessibility to Hill Country BBQ. The music festival is my 4 favorite days of the year, every year, even when I am so lucky as to make it to Spain that year. It's just sensory overload in every way, from the tens (if not hundreds) of thousands who flock to downtown during the festival, to the strangest array of people, performers, and venues you will find everywhere, SXSW is frustrating, glorious, and unrivaled in uniqueness. It's the most Austin-ey thing about Austin, and if you play it right, pure bliss.

It's also one of the few days a year where food is not a top priority, and I refuse to go out of my way to get something I really want. Time is short, money is spent on tips, booze, and petty cabs, and frankly you just want some instant gratification. The SXSW diet is pretty simple: give me something that can do one of 3 things:

1) Get rid of my hunger
2) Get rid of my hangover
3) Help prevent 1 and 2

Here's a list of places to grab a bite to eat (arranged by location, for ease of use):
* please note that I am not sure if any carts are moving locations due to SXSW. I hope they are in the same places all weekend

Red River Area:

1. Kebabalicious - 7th between Nuches and Trininy
1. The holy triumphant. The Muhammad Ali of Austin food trucks. I can't stress how.fucking.good. this kebab stand is. I ate here twice a day during SXSW last year. Once on my way downtown at about 2pm, and between shows at around 7-8. The perfect kebab. You lose at life if you don't make it a point to eat here if in the area, unless the line is long (and sometimes it takes 20+ minutes just to order).
2. Best Wurst - 6th and Red River
1. Does this belong on the Dirty 6 or Red River area? There's two locations so it's going on here twice. Best dog in town (sorry Frank). Doesn't matter what type of dog you get, it will be plump, filling, and delicious. Be sure and get everything on it (although I usually opt for extra mustard rather than the curry ketchup). Cash only?
3. Hoboken Pie Company - 8th and Red River
1. One of my favorite (if not overall favorite) streetza places downtown, they crank out mean slices on the cheap. Much better than your average slice, and a great call.
4. Austin Daily Press - 9th and Red River
1. Fucking awesome sandwiches out of an awesome food truck, although the wait is usually a pain in the ass. Your closest option for all Mohawk/Club DeVille shows
5. Some random BBQ trailer at the corner of 7th and Red River
1. I have never eaten here, but it smells infinitely better than the shit at Stubbs (which is passable at best). Cannot say whether it's safe, but given the option between that and the Roppolo's right next to it, you know what to do.
6. Koriente - 7th and Sabine
1. If you're looking for something a bit  healthier, and lower key (read, sit down).

 Dirty 6:

1.  The Jackalope - 6th and Trinity
1. Best burger in town, in one of the coolest bars in Austin. Their pizza is pretty fucking wicked too. Service may be a bit slow, but this one will stop you in it's tracks. $7 1/2lb burger is just insane.
2. The Chupacabra - 6th and Trinity
1. Sister bar/restaurant to Jackalope (they actually have the same owner and share the same kitchen). Takes a much more texmex approach to kickass bar food. The Jalapeno poppers are stuffed with pulled pork, and ridiculously awesome.
3. Best Wurst - 6th and San Jacinto
1. See above post on Best Wurst. I usually find this location a bit busier (more bars nearby) but you can throw any rules out the door for SXSW. 
4. Casino El Camino - 6th between Red River and Neches on the south side of the street
1. Another burger dive. It's awesome. But again, takes for ever.
5. Hoek's Death Metal Pizza - 6th between Red River and Neches on the south side of the street
1. The name says everything...
6. Parkside - 6th and San Jac
1. Classsy. I wouldn't recommend stopping by unless you want to see $200 fly out the door over a 2 hour meal. But why would I put it on the list? They are hosting a few SXSW parties, and there will be free food during those events. Check it out!
2. Ps. the sister restaurant located around the corner, Backspace is supposed to be incredible, and have one of the best pizzas in town.

West 6:

1. The Peached Tortilla -6th and Nueces
1. Super unique taco truck located behind Star Bar. Banh Mi and Brisket tacos are kick ass.
2. One Taco - 6th and Nueces
1. Located on the other side of Nueces from Star Bar. I love this place (especially when ultra drunk), with the Taco Norte and Gowalla taco being my favorites.
3. Whole Foods - 6th and Lamar
1. If you can make it this far west, probably the best place to unwind for a bit, get healthy, and try some kickass food. The fish bar in the back (next to the fish market) makes a great poboy. You can substitute the tilapia for any of the fish you buy at the fish bar, so last night I had a blackened shrimp poboy with some blackened potatoes for $10. Great meal.
4. 24 Diner - 6th and Lamar
1. Again, way too far west, but if you're in the area the chicken and waffles are to die for. A bit pricey, but damn fine food.

 4th Street:

1. Kebabalicious - 2nd and Congress
1. IF this location is open during SXSW (and I'm not sure why it wouldn't be), the walk is worth the effort
2. Frank - 4th and Colorado
1. Some of the best dogs in town. A bit pricey, and not terribly quick, but has an amazing drink menu (complete with bacon infused vodkas, and bacon infused maker's). Their dogs are all homemade, cooked to perfection, and sometimes incorporating all sorts of random meats and ingredients (antelope and rabbit, for instance).
3. All of the high end restaurants in the area are awesome, but do a bit of exploring and you can find something good and cheap within walkable distances.

Rainey Street / South of Convention Center :

1. G'raj Mahal - Davis St, between Red River and Rainey
1. Best Indian food in Austin, hands down, comes out of this unassuming trailer. Located directly across the street from Clive bar, it's good stop for anyone in the south convention center area. Pricey and slow are two major things going against it, but damn fine trailer food.
2. El Naranjo - Rainey St, just south of Davis
1. Possibly the best taco truck in Austin. The sizes might be a little small, but the food is absolutely stellar. Consider getting 3 tacos.
3. Bomb Tacos - inside of Lustre Pearl
1. Your classic dirty taco trailer. I love it. It may not be working, but if it is, be warned the food is so greasy, so good, and the sauce is so spicy. May cause indigestion :)
4. There is an eastern african food trailer next to G'raj Mahal that has always interested me, but I've never tried it. Let me know if it's any good!

Eastside:
You don't need my help here. Find a food truck. It will rock your world. Rinse and repeat. There is a food trailer park at 6th and with a billion great options.