SXSW Fediverse House - Walking Distance Food, Drinks & Attractions

When attending the inaugural Fediverse House at SXSW 2025 (hosted by Flipboard and Surf), you’re going to be based at the Speakeasy Austin (412 Congress Ave). Being just three blocks from the Austin Convention Center puts you in a prime location, but you’ll still need places to eat, drink, and unwind between sessions about decentralized social media.

Downtown Austin during SXSW can be overwhelming. When I mentioned I was heading there, the most common response was an appalled “WHY?!” from local Austinites. But with a little planning and some insider knowledge, you can navigate the chaos and find some hidden gems that will make your trip memorable.

These are my own nerdy, eclectic tastes. If you have additional recommendations or comments, add them to this Mastodon or BlueSky thread to help others.

This list is organized by walking distance from the venue, with my personal recommendations marked with a star (★).

Very Close (2-7 minute walk)

Punch Bowl Social Austin ★
522 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701 | 🍔 🍹 🎭
A solid choice when you want entertainment along with your food and drinks. They have bowling, arcade games, and craft cocktails in a space that manages to be lively without being overwhelming. Recommend reservations for groups.

Museum of the Weird
412 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701 | 🎭
When you need a break from fediverse talks and want to experience some of that famous “Keep Austin Weird” culture, this museum of oddities and sideshow relics is a perfect quick diversion. No reservations required and you can typically get through it in 30-45 minutes.

Zanzibar ★
304 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701 | 🍔 🍹
If you’re seeking a more tropical escape from the conference chaos, this rooftop tiki bar offers excellent cocktails and island-inspired dishes in a lush setting. The ambiance alone makes it worth visiting. Reservations recommended, especially during SXSW.

Eureka!
200 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701 | 🍔 🍹
When you need a substantial meal between Fediverse House sessions, their gourmet burgers alongside craft beer and whiskey selections hit the spot. Casual enough for impromptu meetups but nice enough for more formal networking.

The Jackalope ★ 404 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701 | 🍔 🍹
A quirky dive bar with surprisingly excellent burgers. Perfect for when you need to escape the conference pretense and just unwind in a laid-back environment. No reservations needed.

Mexic-Arte Museum
419 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701 | 🎭
For a cultural break, this museum of Mexican and Latin American art offers thoughtful exhibits in a conveniently located space. Can be experienced in under an hour if you’re between sessions.

Congress Avenue Bridge Bats ★
Congress Ave Bridge, Austin, TX 78704 | 🎭
Get batty. Every evening around sunset (March-November), 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under the Congress Avenue Bridge to feed. This spectacular natural event is completely free to watch from the bridge or nearby viewing areas. For a unique perspective, consider booking a bat-watching cruise with Lone Star Riverboat. Best viewing times in March are typically 7-8pm, but call their Bat Hotline (512-327-9355) for daily updates on emergence times.

Toy Joy ★
403 West 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 | 🎭
A quirky toy store with a similarly themed candy shop next door. It’s the perfect place to take a break from tech talks and indulge your inner child with unique toys, gifts, and novelties you won’t find anywhere else. One of my favorite places to visit if I have some money to burn.

Whataburger Museum of Art (Pop-Up) ★
610 N. Interstate Highway 35, Austin, TX 78701 | 🎭
A pop-up art gallery celebrating fan-created Whataburger artwork. Open March 8-9 only at Wanderlust Wine Co. This uniquely Texan exhibition showcases artistic interpretations of the beloved burger chain. Perfect for some quirky social media content.

Castle Hill Graffiti Park (Hope Outdoor Gallery) ★
1012 Baylor St, Austin, TX 78703 | 🎭
Pixelfed, Flashes and Vernissage users won’t want to miss this. Street art enthusiasts should check out this ever-changing outdoor gallery. While the original location has been relocated, the new site still features incredible murals and street art from local and international artists. The area surrounding the gallery also features plenty of street art on nearby buildings and alleys.

Short Walk (10-12 minute walk)

Kung Fu Saloon
716 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701 | 🍹 🎭
A personal favorite for unwinding after a day of panels. This vintage arcade bar has games, good drinks, and a friendly atmosphere that’s perfect for casual networking or just blowing off steam with some Skee-Ball.

The Roosevelt Room
307 W 5th St, Unit-B, Austin, TX 78701 | 🍹
When you need a quiet place for a serious conversation or to impress a potential client, this cocktail bar delivers with expertly crafted drinks in an atmosphere that actually allows for conversation. Strong recommendation to make reservations.

Garage
503 Colorado St, Austin, TX 78701 | 🍹
Hidden inside a parking garage (yes, really), this speakeasy offers creative cocktails and an intimate setting. Great for smaller meetings where you need to actually hear each other talk about ActivityPub implementations. I haven’t been here yet but it’s on my list for this year!

Midnight Cowboy
313 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701 | 🍹
If you’re planning ahead, this reservation-only speakeasy delivers an upscale cocktail experience. Book well in advance during SXSW as it fills quickly.

Quick Ride (Uber/Scooter, 5-10 minutes)

Holey Moley ★
807 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78702 | 🍔 🍹 🎭
When you’re all networked out and just want something fun, this indoor mini-golf bar with themed holes, food, and cocktails is the perfect diversion. Pro tip: there’s a secret bar hidden somewhere in the building - see if you can find it! Recommended to reserve your tee time during busy periods.

Pease Park & The Troll Hike ★
1100 Kingsbury St, Austin, TX 78703 | 🎭
Need some fresh air and a complete break from the decentralized social media atmosphere? Take a quick ride to see Malin, the 18-foot-tall troll sculpture hiding in Pease Park. These trolls can be found all across the world. So far, I’ve visited five of them! It’s a surprisingly delightful art installation that gives you an excuse to get some steps in and clear your head.

Electric Shuffle
91 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701 | 🍔 🍹 🎭
If you’re looking for a structured group activity that still involves drinks, this high-tech shuffleboard bar offers a great experience with interactive games that even tech industry folks will appreciate.

Cidercade Austin ★
600 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704 | 🍹 🎭
With over 150 arcade games and craft cider on tap, this is a relaxed alternative to the typical bar scene. No reservations required, and it’s spacious enough that you can usually find a game to play without too much waiting.

East Austin Street Art
East 6th Street between I-35 and Plaza Saltillo | 🎭
East Austin has become a haven for street photographers, with numerous murals and graffiti pieces scattered throughout the area. Take a short scooter ride east of I-35 and explore the neighborhood around East 6th Street. The area is constantly evolving with new artwork, but you’ll find concentrations of impressive murals along East 6th, 7th, and Cesar Chavez Streets. Don’t miss the “You’re My Butter Half” mural at 2000 E. MLK Jr. Blvd or the “Greetings from Austin” postcard mural at 1720 S 1st St.

Go during the day and plan for at least an hour to explore the area and take photos.

A Few Tips for Fediverse House & SXSW Navigation

1. Wear comfortable shoes - You’ll be walking much more than you expect, even between nearby venues.

2. Consider scooter apps or pedicabs - For destinations beyond walking distance, electric scooters or pedicabs can be faster than waiting for rideshares during peak times.

3. Make reservations where possible - Even for places that don’t normally require them, SXSW changes everything about Austin’s typical crowd patterns.

4. Stay hydrated - Austin in March can be surprisingly warm, and conference air conditioning combined with talking all day will dehydrate you quickly.

5. Have backup options - Even with reservations, places fill up quickly during the festival. Always have a Plan B in mind.

Looking forward to seeing many of you there and discussing the future of the fediverse!