10 great carryout options near downtown Austin during SXSW
If you’re on the move and need a meal that you can eat while standing in line, waiting for the bus or sitting on a park bench, Austin has plenty of options for easy carryout.
Whether you crave a sandwich, a poke bowl or a pre-made vegan meal, restaurants downtown have your quick fix covered. And they all offer online ordering, in case you’re in a serious hurry. (Asterisks indicate this critic’s top picks.)
Cava
Build you own Mediterranean-inspired bowl with a variety of grains, greens and healthful proteins. 515 Congress Ave. 512-256-8002, cava.com.
Chi’lantro
A fusion of Korean and Tex-Mex informs the tacos and bowls at this Austin-based chain. 823 Congress Ave. 512593-6290; 303 Colorado St. 512-5804459, chilantrobbq.com.
*JuiceLand
Find grab-and-go vegan dishes packed with impressive flavors, from Mexican-inspired wraps to vermicelli rolls and an assortment of snacks. And, of course, organic juice and smoothies. 120 E. Fourth St. 737-300-2120; 607 W. Third St. 512-512-356-9348, juiceland.com.
Malibu Poke
In addition to the expected bowls of tuna and salmon poke, this import from Dallas offers unexpected proteins like shrimp, teriyaki chicken and ginger tofu. 211 Walter Seaholm Drive. 512-6098510, malibupoke.com.
The Onion
This longtime downtown favorite has made its name serving hot slices to latenight revelers, but as they say on their website, you don’t have to be drunk to enjoy their pizza. 408 Brazos St. 512476-6466, onionbaby.com.
*P. Terry’s
Get yourself a double with bacon and grilled onions and jalapeños (or a veggie burger, if you’re into that sort of thing). 515 Congress Ave. 512-243-7375, pterrys.com.
*Rosen’s Bagel Co.
Stop by this Republic Square takeout window for some of the best bagels in the city. Get one with a schmear or load it up with Wagyu roast beef from Salt & Time, one of Austin’s top butcher shops and delis. 422 Guadalupe St. rosensbagels.com.
*Tacodeli
The Akaushi picadillo and frontera fundido shrimp with rajas are two staples at one of Austin’s longest-running taquerias. 301 Congress Ave. 512-6016631, tacodeli.com.
Torchy’s
The fast casual grew from a trailer to a multi-state chain based on the strength of creations like a fried chicken taco with green chili queso. 110 San Antonio St. 512-792-5909, torchystacos.com.
*Vaquero Taquero
This excellent taqueria that got its start just north of the UT campus specializes in Mexico City street tacos like bistec, al pastor and nopales. 603 Sabine St. vaquerotaquero.com.