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SXSW 2012
Stag is one of SXSW 2012.

1. Stag

9.0
1423 S Congress Ave (Elizabeth St. E.), Austin, TX
Men's Store · 35 tips and reviews

John B.John Barbarian: A men’s men’s store. It’s slightly rugged, with a nice selection of pearl snaps and a cold beer while you try on clothes. Also, if you're hungry, the best slice of pizza is next door at Home Slice.

Walton's Fancy and Staple is one of SXSW 2012.

2. Walton's Fancy and Staple

8.9
609 W 6th St (Nueces St.), Austin, TX
Deli · Downtown Austin · 104 tips and reviews

John B.John Barbarian: Once you tire of tacos, head to this self-described gourmet delicatessen/bakery for something a little lighter. It’s an ideal escape from the craziness of SXSW.

Easy Tiger is one of SXSW 2012.

3. Easy Tiger

709 E 6th St, Austin, TX
Bar · Downtown Austin · 300 tips and reviews

John B.John Barbarian: Just a few blocks away from the convention center, this is a fantastic place to stop for a quick beer and a meeting. There’s a great outdoor patio downstairs and plenty of tables.

Frank Restaurant is one of SXSW 2012.

4. Frank Restaurant

407 Colorado St (btw 4th & 5th), Austin, TX
Hot Dog Joint · Downtown Austin · 388 tips and reviews

John B.John Barbarian: Homemade sausage and bacon Bloody Marys. What more could you ask for?The food is delicious but quick enough that there’s a constant stream of people to run into all day long.

The Best Wurst is one of SXSW 2012.

5. The Best Wurst

7.9
201 E 6th St (Brazos St.), Austin, TX
Food Truck · North Burnet · 25 tips and reviews

John B.John Barbarian: It's my mobile food item of choice.

Cisco's Restaurant & Bakery is one of SXSW 2012.

6. Cisco's Restaurant & Bakery

7.7
1511 E 6th St (at Comal), Austin, TX
Mexican Restaurant · 48 tips and reviews

John B.John Barbarian: Authentic and greasy, this East 6th institution cures almost any hangover. Try the Cisco Plate for a taste of everything or do the migas with a side of fajita steak if you’re into eggs.

Franklin Barbecue is one of SXSW 2012.

7. Franklin Barbecue

9.1
900 E 11th St (at Branch St), Austin, TX
BBQ Joint · 354 tips and reviews

John B.John Barbarian: One time I ate a whole pound of super moist brisket, a sausage, and a side of beans at this place. Then I promptly threw it up in the airplane bathroom. Eat here. But don't do that.

Houndstooth Coffee is one of SXSW 2012.

8. Houndstooth Coffee

8.8
4200 N Lamar Blvd Ste 120 (at 43rd St), Austin, TX
Coffee Shop · Rosedale · 116 tips and reviews

John B.John Barbarian: For all you coffee freaks looking for a pour over, these guys do it right. Their imported beans taste just like coffee.

Lady Bird Lake Trail (West) is one of SXSW 2012.

9. Lady Bird Lake Trail (West)

9.5
Lady Bird Lake (Western Bank), Austin, TX
Hiking Trail · Barton Hills · 101 tips and reviews

John B.John Barbarian: The running trail along Lady Bird Lake is gorgeous and a perfect way to squeeze in some exercise amidst the beers, BBQ and tacos.

Uchiko is one of SXSW 2012.

10. Uchiko

9.3
4200 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX
Japanese Restaurant · Rosedale · 181 tips and reviews

John B.John Barbarian: Head to the sister restaurant of Uchi for some of the best Japanese food in North America. Their chef also recently won Top Chef!

Mugshots is one of SXSW 2012.

11. Mugshots

407 E 7th St (btw Trinity and Neches), Austin, TX
Bar · Downtown Austin · 33 tips and reviews

John B.John Barbarian: The best backup meeting bar. It’s pretty regular but has good bourbon and is strangely never busy even in the thick of SXSW.

Spider House Patio Bar & Cafe is one of SXSW 2012.

12. Spider House Patio Bar & Cafe

2908 Fruth St (at W 29th St), Austin, TX
Bar · North University · 186 tips and reviews

John B.John Barbarian: This may be a slight hike from downtown but they have one of Austin’s best patios, an ace beer selection (try Austin Beer Works: Peacemaker), wi-fi, lots of plugs to power up, and even a thrift store.

Magnolia Cafe South is one of SXSW 2012.

13. Magnolia Cafe South

8.8
1920 S Congress Ave (at E. Mary St.), Austin, TX
Diner · Bouldin Creek · 285 tips and reviews

John B.John Barbarian: The best late night preventative hangover dish? Two words: buckwheat pancakes.

Le Café Crépe is one of SXSW 2012.

14. Le Café Crépe

7.3
200 San Jacinto Blvd (at 2nd St), Austin, TX
Creperie · Downtown Austin · 126 tips and reviews

John B.John Barbarian: These crepes are ridiculous. Go early or during off times to avoid a long wait. So many sweet and savory options, but my favorite is the simple sugar and butter crepe. Can't mess with perfection.  

Four Seasons Hotel Austin is one of SXSW 2012.

15. Four Seasons Hotel Austin

8.7
98 San Jacinto Blvd (at E Cesar Chavez St), Austin, TX
Hotel · Downtown Austin · 78 tips and reviews

John B.John Barbarian: The hammock on the back lawn is a delightful way to relax at dusk by the lake. You don't need to be a guest to use it, just use your super discreet powers to fit in :)