Headed to Austin with two colleagues for business. We will have one full day to sightsee before the conference. Need recommendations for 2 nights for dinner, music,etc. Staying at Sheraton Capitol which is where the conference is. Other than stopping at a food truck park for lunch on way to San Antonio I haven't been downtown since I was in college- early 90's. Want my colleagues to experience some unique Texas things- BBQ, chicken fried steak (more for me), great country music, etc. All females so I'm a little apprehensive of what I'm reading about the homeless problem and crime. We are open to renting a car and driving out to hill country on our first full day. I'm also aware that the SXSW is the same time so I'm sure downtown is going to be a zoo. Would love some recommendations.

Continental club music

Gotta get bbq in East Austin

Broke Spoke for drinks, music & dancing

Perla's, Red Ash, El Chile, El Alma are a few good restaurants. Your hotel location warrants awareness but the homeless aren't the predatory zombies some want you to believe. Dirty Sixth sucks, elsewhere is fine.

For BBQ try Terry Black's or Stiles Switch (Aggie owned) if you don't want too much of a wait, SXSW is probably going to affect the lines though.

For breakfast you can try Batch for kolaches or maybe Verzcruz's 183 location for tacos.

If you're in town on Wednesday you might check out Warren Hood's band at ABGB in southwest Austin. He is the son of Champ Hood, who was in Uncle Walt's Band back in the 80's. They were an influence on Lyle Lovett.

Warren and his cousin Marshall put on a good show. Mix of country, bluegrass, jazz. Warren is an incredible fiddle player. Beer and pizza are good.

For your Chicken Fried Steak, Jack Allen's is a winner.

You're not gonna find a good CFS in this town.

expresswrittenconsent said:

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You're not gonna find a good CFS in this town.

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Hoover's

expresswrittenconsent said:

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You're not gonna find a good CFS in this town.

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Wrong
- Bill Miller's

Check out Comedor..named best new restaurant in the state by texas monthly and tenth best in the country by esquire.

I'm a tiny owner in it

Suerte and Licha's Cantina are both on East Sixth.
The duck mole flauta at Suerte is on point.

tamc93 said:

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Visit the Grackle Statue....

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vbaggie93 said:

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All females so I'm a little apprehensive of what I'm reading about the homeless problem and crime.

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The hobos downtown are mostly contained to Congress Ave and 6th Street. 90% of them will just ask you for money and that's it. 5% will ask you for money and call you slurs when you don't give it to them. The last 5% will be passed out or peeing in alleys and won't bother you. Violence shouldn't be a problem but keep your valuables out of or hidden in your car.

The most annoying people downtown besides the hobos are the street salesmen representing "charities" who standing in front of you so you have to look at them.

You need to avoid the area around 7th and Neches. The homeless shelter is down there, and it's a mess.

Matsui said:

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Gotta get bbq in East Austin

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He only has two days.

This place is very good:

Kerlins BBQ