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via Austin, Underground by Nathan Black

Small and charming, this is the bar that Guitar Wolf picked when they decided they wanted to play a dive bar in Texas. For good reason. The owners, Randall and Donya, are two of the best people you could ever hope to serve you beer.

They have some weekly happenings that are a lot of fun including Monday Twin Peaks/Carnivale happy hour followed by Rock and Roll Karaoke. Wednesday features a movie happy hour.

Every night of the week is packed with some of the best rock and roll bands Austin has to offer. You never know what you are going to get, but it is all most always great.

21 and up.

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(512) 478-4855

via Hoofing It on the SXSW Blog.

Iron Works is a SXSW or any other convention Downtown tradition for me. They do tasty brisket and ribs, as well as decent sausage. It’s not the Salt Lick, but you will not leave Texas having missed a good Q either. They also do a BBQ turkey plate, but in my opinion, that’s not BBQ.

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This is the hotel I will be staying at.

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This is where the Registration, Panels, & Trade Show for the South by SouthWest Conference will be held.

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via Hoofing It on the SXSW Blog.

Lots of tasty new American cuisine to sample here. The last time I went, the Ahi Tuna was pretty darned good.

However, the true secret of the place is that inside the swank Roaring Forks bar, for Happy Hour you can grub down huge and fancy pants bacon cheese burgers and bowls of delicious pork green chile stew for $6. They make a mean drink here too.

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via Hoofing It on the SXSW Blog.

A new Southern fusion (!) restaurant—think chicken fried meets the chipotle pepper. Reports from my frequent downtown dining friend, Brendan: “The biscuits and gravy are particularly good. And even simple chicken tenders with honey-mustard sauce. The brunch is great too.”

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via Downtown Restaraunt Recommendations on the SXSW Blog.

A new place that’s very close to the action is Koriente on 7th and Sabine. Koriente is family-owned, MSG-free, healthy Asian-inspired food. They have an amazing selection of rare teas, some veggie options, yummy bulgogi and melt-in-your mouth Kalbi pot roast.

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via Digital Convergence Initiative.

The Digital Convergence Initiative cordially invites you to its first annual Connect|Converge|Conquer Party during SXSW Interactive 2006.

Date: Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Time: 7PM to Midnight
Where: Ballet Austin, 501 W. Third, Austin

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via Watering Holes on the SXSW Blog.

Though Austin margarita favorite Trudy’s has three locations, the Cedar Door has had at least 3 locations in the 14 years I’ve lived in Austin. A little rustic and laid back—it’s a nice bar with a local feel Downtown. Very close to the Convention Center!

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via Watering Holes on the SXSW Blog.

Even during the peak of SXSW, this place wasn’t packed despite the throngs of people on Red River. Rest your feet. Get a drink. Hang with Romulan Hipsters.

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via Watering Holes on the SXSW Blog.

Irish Pub. Just in case you need a St. Patty’s day outpost and want to avoid the crowds at Fado.

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via Watering Holes on the SXSW Blog.

A new gay bar that has been getting steady and favorable buzz. Just blocks from the Convention Center, perhaps a nice alternative to 4th Streetbars. Rain, Fabric, and Oil Can Harry’s are all still in the Warehouse District between Lavaca and Colorado on 4th and 5th streets.

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via Watering Holes on the SXSW Blog.

Have a drink at the coffin. In my 20s, my buddies and I would hit Casino for burgers and a cocktail and then head to Lovejoy’s for some beers.

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via Watering Holes on the SXSW Blog.

Located in the basement, this subdued jazz club has plenty of atmosphere, even after Austin decided to go smoke free.

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Insanity... simply amazing i hear...

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A great place to see music. Go there on Friday, March 17th to hear a most excellent rock n' roll band that will surely give a good time - The Willowz!

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Emo's is an institution. This isn't the original, but on March 16th, this Emo's version will also be featuring the Willowz. No badge required they say.

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You must go here. Rock n' Roll.

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Also an Austin Institution, and South Congress is a fun part of Austin, not too far from downtown, but not quite as crowded. This club was in the movie Slackers and I think Joe Strummer, of the Clash, may have played there when he ran away that time.

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A cool bar that features some great punk rock. Although, this is SXSW and they could be playing anything.

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This is a really cool, yummy, moderately-priced place. They have a variety of margaritas and they're some of the best in Austin. Great chips and salsa. They also have good brunches on Saturday and Sunday. Cool atmosphere and lots of nice-lookin' Texans running around. (Although, this is SXSW, so normal crowd could be different.)

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This place is close to the UT campus. It's in an old house and has an annex bar. The food isn't the best Austin has to offer, but the atmosphere is fun and they also have some of the best margaritas in Austin. Lot's of tequila to choose from. Good brunches, too.

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Cool location on South Congress, located next to the famous Austin Motel. Nice patio area and very good Mexican food. The Mole is my favorite!

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Cool, big place. Big menu and pretty good food, too. Check out the cool video store, Vulcan Video behind it.

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Best tamales in Austin. A must.

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This place is open 24 hours, is pretty big, usually has cool art up, and features a very Austin waitstaff. Lots of veggie options, too. Go there.

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A little swanky, but, it's Austin, so you can be casual. Cool on the inside and very good sushi.

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Austin's coolest coffee shop. They got good food there, too. It has a huge outside area, so if the weather's nice, check it out. Also, they have free wireless.

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A great record store. Lot's to choose from. They have vinyl, too. And listening stations. Fun!

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Cool, independent bookstore. Lots of neat things to look at. Take a break and read a book. Located next to Whole Food's.

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Need something quick? Pick up a sub. Two locations.

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So, actually, there's lots of these around Austin. I only these two.

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Located on the outskirts of campus, east of the football stadium. This place is quiet. The food here is most excellent.

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Okay, so some people wouldn't call this entertainment, but I think it is. It's the only free presidential library. It's a nice escape from all the hustle and bustle of the festival. Plus, you just might learn something!

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Toys, stickers, bouncy, squishy balls, and a patient staff. This is one of the funnest places to visit and find some cheap gifts to take back.

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Best view in Austin, go near sundown

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Barton Springs Pool--spring-fed natural swimming pool 68°F year-round

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(512) 457-8300

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Hilton Garden Inn affiliate

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From the SXSW 2006 Community blog:

A mostly Asian themed veggie restaurant right across from the Dobie Mall near UT campus.

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In the Radisson.

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Half Price: (512) 335-5759

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512-343-2626

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