Vegging Out at SXSW 2006

Noodle-ism

This famous noodle shop is a block off of Congress Avenue on 5th Street. The menu is clearly marked with vegan dishes, and there are plenty of choices. Their edamame is great, cooked with star anise and sprinkled with salt. I love their crispy tofu, which comes with many of the meals or can be ordered as a side. The Li Hong soup is a great vegetarian broth with mushrooms, Chinese greens, and thick noodles. They're open until 11PM most nights, but they will be staying open until 3AM during the music fest.

P.F. Chang's

Yes, it's a chain. But, it's right next to the convention center and their tofu lettuce wraps are really good. I also like the MaPo tofu which is served with lots of broccoli.

Koriente

You've got fresh Korean food with lots of vegan choices, including a great vegetable stew and complementary pickles. Look for this one at the east end of 7th Street.

The Hideout

This coffeehouse on Congress Avenue usually has veggie chili and vegetable sandwiches. They also have pretty good drinks, although they are served very hot, something I neglected last year when I sipped too much liquid out of my fresh chai latte.

Marakesh

The north end of Congress Avenue is where you'll find this Middle Eastern restaurant. It has got all of the usual veggie fare like hummus, baba ganoush, falafel, and dolmeh, and it's all really good.

Mongolian Grille

Across from the convention center parking garage is this Austin institution. You get a bowl and can fill it with all sorts of vegetables, add some tofu to your liking, then season it with sauces you make yourself based on recipes posted on the wall. They cook it while you watch, and you eat it at your table along with complimentary rice and flat bread. The soup that comes with the meal isn't vegetarian, so you should pass that on to a friend.

Thai Passion

This Thai eatery is just west of Congress on 7th Street. They've got great food with lots of veggie options. Their Thai iced tea is strong and sweet and goes well with their spicier curries. They should also be open until 3AM during the festival.

Jimmy John's

If you want a quick sandwich, the block of 6th street just east of Congress Avenue features this franchise. They've got two kinds of veggie sandwiches, made on fresh bread when you order, and they don't mind customizing. They're also open quite late on the weekends.

Chipotle

This shop closed early, but if you want a black bean burrito around lunchtime, you'll find a good deal here. They're at the corner of 8th and Congress. I get mine with their hot salsa and plenty of ChipotleTabasco sauce.

Alamo Drafthouse Downtown / South Lamar

If you've got a film badge or pass, you'll be spending plenty of time at one of these theaters. The Alamo does a good job with being veggie friendly. They've got a nice buffalo mozzarella and tomato sandwich, several veggie pizzas, the spicy blue garden burger, and a good selection of salads. I like their buffalo salad with grilled tofu substituted for chicken.

Whole Foods Market

If you've got a little time to kill, head down 6th Street to Lamar and visit the Whole Foods megastore. They've got plenty of counter space inside where you can try all manners of gourmet vegetarian food prepared by the Whole Food chefs. If you've got any questions, the staff is very helpful and knowledgeable.

Veggie Heaven

If you're catching a movie at the Dobie or you just want to catch the north/south Dillo, this UT-area restaurant on Guadalupe is a vegetarian or vegan's dream. They've got over 50 different vegetarian dishes, and everything I've tried has been yummy. My favorite is the Fire Dragon Tofu which is served in a red chili sauce with cauliflower.