GlobalSIP 2013 Guide to Austin


Conference Location, Driving Directions, and Parking

GlobalSIP 2013 is located at the Austin Convention Center (ACC) in downtown Austin. Driving directions from several locations in Austin are as follows.

  • From ABI Airport (~10.3 mi):
    • Hwy TX-71 W (~6 mi)
    • Right onto I-35 N (~3.5 mi)
    • Take exit 234B to 2nd-4th / 1st / Caesar Chavez St.
    • Turn left onto E. 1st St.
    • Facility on right.
  • I-35S (from Dallas/Waco):
    • Take exit 234A to 1st / Holly St.
    • Turn right onto E 1st St.
    • Facility on right.
  • I35N (from San Antonio):
    • Take exit 234B to 2nd-4th / 1st / Caesar Chavez St.
    • Turn left onto E. 1st St.
    • Facility on right.

Official ACC parking is located in two locations as shown on the map (courtesy of the Austin Convention Center -- www.austinconventioncenter.com/directions/directions.htm):

  • 2nd Street garage: 10-story building w/ 1000 spaces located at 201 E 2nd St. Entrances are on both Brazos St. and San Jacinto St.
  • 5th Street garage: 5-story building w/ 685 spaces located at 601 E 5th St. Entrance is on 5th St.
Parking garage hours are 6:30A-9:30P (Sun-Thur), 6:30A-2:00A (Fri, Sat). Parking may be paid on entry for $8 or on exit with fees that depend on length of stay. See Austin Convention Center website for associated fees.

Hotel Information

Several hotels are conveniently located within walking distance from the venue. Information for these hotels is included below along with a Google approval rating and distance from venue (map is courtesy of the Austin Convention Center -- www.austinconventioncenter.com/directions/directions.htm).

  1. Sheraton Austin (0.8 mi) - 3.8 stars: 701 E. 11th St., (512) 478-1111
  2. Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown (0.3 mi) - 3.9 stars: 500 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd, (512) 480-8181
  3. DoubleTree by Hilton Austin-University Area (1.7 mi) - 3.6 stars: 1617 IH-35, (512) 479-4000
  4. DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Austin (1.4 mi) - 4.0 stars: 303 W 15th St, (512) 478-7000
  5. Driskill Hotel (0.7 mi) - 4.3 stars: 604 Brazos St, (512) 439-1234
  6. Embassy Suites Austin Downtown (0.6 mi) - 4.1 stars: 300 S Congress Ave, (512) 469-9000
  7. Extended Stay America Downtown (1.0 mi) - 3.3 stars: 600 Guadalupe St, (512) 457-9994
  8. Four Seasons Hotel Austin (0.2 mi) - 4.5 stars: 98 San Jacinto Blvd, (512) 478-4500
  9. Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown (0.2 mi) - 3.7 stars: 200 San Jacinto Blvd, (512) 472-1500
  10. Hilton Austin (0.1 mi) - 4.1 stars: 500 E 4th St, (512) 482-8000
  11. Holiday Inn Austin Town Lake (0.8 mi) - 3.3 stars: 20 N I H 35, (512) 472-8211
  12. Homestead Studio Suites Austin - Downtown - Town Lake (0.9 mi) - 3.3 stars: 20 N I H 35, (512) 472-8211
  13. Hyatt Regency Austin (0.6 mi) - 4.2 stars: 208 Barton Springs Rd, (512) 477-1234
  14. Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin (0.7 mi) - 4.0 stars: 701 Congress Ave, (512) 457-8800
  15. La Quinta Inn- Austin Capitol (0.8 mi) - 3.0 stars: 300 E 11th St, (512) 476-1166
  16. Omni Hotel Austin Downtown (0.5 mi) - 3.9 stars: 700 San Jacinto Blvd, (512) 476-3700
  17. Radisson Hotel & Suites (0.2 mi) - 3.9 stars: 111 E Cesar Chavez St, (512) 478-9611
  18. Courtyard by Marriott Austin Downtown (0.1 mi) - 4.0 stars: 300 East 4th Street, (512) 236-8008
  19. Residence Inn by Marriott Austin Downtown (0.1 mi) - 3.9 stars: 300 East 4th Street, (512) 236-8008

Recommended Restaurants Near Venue

There are many high quality restaurants downtown at all price ranges. Many are within walking distance or a short cab ride away.

  • High-end:
    • Congress (0.5 mi) - 28 Zagat Rating - 200 Congress Ave -Contemporary American food with the ultimate dining experience. Congress uses fresh, seasonal premium ingredients.
    • Eddie V's Prime Seafood (0.2mi) - 26 Zagat Rating - 301 E 5th St - Arguably the best of a very large number of high end steak and seafood restaurants downtown. Also has a nice piano bar with a half-price appetizers happy hour Tue-Sat 5-7pm and all day Sunday and Monday.
    • Ruth's Chris Steak House (0.6 mi) - 26 Zagat Rating - 107 West 6th Street - Upscale steak restaurant surrounded by a club environment.
    • Finn and Porter (0.1mi) - 23 Zagat Rating - 500 E 4th St - The Hilton's own upscale restaurant has very good steaks, seafood, and surprisingly, some of the best sushi in downtown.
    • La Condesa (0.5 mi) - 23 Zagat Rating - 400 W 2nd St - Trendy high-end Mexico-city style restaurant, with an emphasis on seafood. In the new 2nd street district, at the corner of Guadalupe and 2nd.
    • Fogo de Chao (0.1 mi) - 25 Zagat Rating - 309 E 3rd St - High-end Brazilian Churruscaria next to a number of other high-end chain restaurants like Flemings steak house and Roy's.
    • Driskill Grill (0.3 mi) - 25 Zagat Rating - 604 Brazos St - In the historic Driskill hotel at 6th and Brazos. Always a first-class meal. Reservations recommended.
    • Perry's Steakhouse & Grille (0.6 mi) - 26 Zagat Rating - 114 W 7th St - An impeccable Texas steakhouse experience, this new restaurant in an old bank building is hard to beat. Dinner daily except Sunday, lunch only on Fridays.
    • Sullivan's Steakhouse (0.4 mi) - 24 Zagat Rating - 300 Colorado St
    • 3 Forks (0.5 mi) - 24 Zagat Rating - 111 Lavaca St
    • Truluck's (0.5 mi) - 24 Zagat Rating - 400 Colorado St
    • Fleming's Prime Steakhouse (0.1 mi) - 25 Zagat Rating - 320 E 2nd St
  • Moderate:
    • Chez Nous (0.4 mi) - 26 Zagat Rating - 510 Neches St - Authentic, country-style French food with long-serving staff and loyal customers. Can't miss with the 3-course menu de jour for about $25. Vegetarian course available.
    • La Traviata (0.4 mi) - 23 Zagat Rating - 314 Congress Ave - Authentic small Italian bistro with lively atmosphere.
    • Roaring Fork (0.6 mi) - 24 Zagat Rating - 701 Congress Ave - In the historic Intercontinental hotel at 7th and Congress, very good "Texas fusion" cuisine. Great happy hour.
    • Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill (0.1 mi) - 24 Zagat Rating - 303 Red River St - Just behind the Hilton on Red River. Slightly upscale Texas soulfood classics like meatloaf and catfish. Also has good pastas and trendy dishes. A casual atmosphere making it popular for drinks after work.
    • Gumbo's (0.7 mi) - Not Rated by Zagat -710 Colorado St - Authentic Cajun (New Orleans) food served in a classy atmosphere. Truly outstanding seafood prepared in the unique Cajun style. 8th and Colorado in the Brown Building.
  • Low-cost:
    • Manuel's (0.4 mi) - 21 Zagat Rating - 310 Congress Ave -Very good Mexican food and margaritas, in the heart of the downtown nightlife action. Congress between 3rd and 4th.
    • Iron Works BBQ (0.1 mi) - 22 Zagat Rating - 100 Red River St- Authentic Texas-style BBQ: brisket, pork ribs, sausage, chicken and sides. In old iron shop 4 blocks from the Hilton, Red River and Cesar Chavez (1st).
    • Mekong River (0.4 mi) - Not Rated by Zagat - 215 E 6th St - Best nearby option for Vietnamese and Thai, they do better Vietnamese than Thai. 6th St between Brazos and San Jacinto.
    • Casino El Camino Bar & Grill (0.3 mi) - Not Rated by Zagat - 517 E 6th St - Best hamburgers in Austin are served out the back of this dark bar on 6th between Red River and Neches, but be prepared to wait for 30 minutes to get it.
    • Iron Cactus Mexican Grill & Margarita Bar (0.4 mi) - 18 Zagat Rating - 606 Trinity St - With slightly above average Tex-Mex, the main attraction here is the prime location (especially the 3rd floor patio with a view of the 6th street scene). On the corner of Trinity.

Convenient Exercise and Outdoor Activities

Austin has been ranked as one of the fittest cities in America by several national publications. Below are a few recommended activities.

  • Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail (0.2 mi) - A beautiful and popular trail around Lady Bird Lake (previously Town Lake). Enter the trail on Trinity Avenue on the other side of Cesar Chavez (1st) St. We suggest you go right when entering. There will be a few foot bridges to cross the lake to create a loop of desired distance, the longest being about 5.5 miles (going over the bridge under the Mopac freeway to the other side).
  • Kayaking (0.2 mi) - Kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddle boards can be rented on Lady Bird Lake at several locations on both sides of the lake. Congress Avenue kayaks is the closest kayak rental facility at 74 Trinity St.
  • Mount Bonnell (6.1 mi) - While this hill may only classify as a "mountain" in Texas, it is a gorgeous vantage point overlooking Lake Austin and some of Austin's most exclusive homes.
  • SoCo (1.0 mi) - South Congress & Academy Dr - Although Austin's famous bats are not around in the winter, a stroll down South Congress avenue still provides plenty of excitement. The boutiques, shops, and galleries of SoCo offer an inside look at the unique culture of South Austin.

Museums and Cultural Attractions Close to Venue

There are several other reasons to get out and about in Austin. Consider these attractions near the conference venue.

  • The Texas State Capitol (1.0 mi) - 112 E 11th St - Enter on Congress at 11th St. Beautiful rotunda, one of the United States's most beautiful (and largest) capitol buildings.
  • Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum (1.5 mi) - 1800 Congress Ave - Just north of the capitol at Congress and 18th. IMAX theater facility next door.
  • Austin Museum of Art (0.5 mi) - 700 Congress Ave - On Congress at 9th.
  • Alamo Drafthouse (0.3 mi) - 320 E 6th St - An Austin original, a unique movie theater showing the best recent and classic movies, while serving tasty food, beer, and wine. Very popular, get tickets ahead of time.

Helpful Links

Austin General Information
http://www.austintexas.org/

Austin Interactive Map
http://www.austintexas.org/mapexplorer/

Austin Insider Map
http://www.austintexas.org/includes/content/docs/media/Austin-Map.pdf

Austin Music Guide
http://issuu.com/austincvb/docs/austinmusicguide

Visit Austin - EAT
http://www.austintexas.org/visit/eat/

Austin History
http://www.austintexas.org/visit/discover/history/

Austin Overtures (tour Austin for the discriminating travler)
http://www.austinovertures.com/?utm_source=Austin&utm_medium=largerec&utm_campaign=Austin%2BOvertures

Recommended Restaurants in Austin Not Within Walking Distance

There are several other notable restaurants that are worth the drive.

  • High-end:
    • Barley Swine (2.4 mi) - 28 Zagat Rating - 2024 S Lamar Blvd - Austin's new favorite restaurant. Restaurant with an evolving menu and many local ingredients. They don't take reservations. On S. Lamar.
    • Hudson's on the Bend (25.7 mi) - 27 Zagat Rating - 3509 Ranch Road 620 N - Legendary upscale restaurant in the beautiful Texas hill country along the Colorado River that offers axis venison, wild boar, pheasant, quail, trout and lobster.
    • Uchi (1.6 mi) - 29 Zagat Rating - 801 South Lamar Boulevard - Best Japanese/sushi in Austin and arguably in Texas, the problem is that everyone knows this and they don't take reservations after 7pm, so be prepared to wait an hour or more at the bar or outside patio. On S. Lamar.
    • Vespaio Ristorante (1.4 mi) - 26 Zagat Rating - 1610 South Congress Avenue - Outstanding Italian food. Like Uchi, getting in can pose problems especially Thursday onwards.
    • Wink (1.7 mi) - 27 Zagat Rating - 1014 N Lamar Blvd - Trendy restaurant with small portions of delicious gourmet creations, you'll want to have 3 courses. With an emphasis on local and organic produce, sometimes their justifiable pride in their restaurant comes off to some as a bit pretentious. Expensive food is balanced by a carefully-selected wine list with small markups. Lamar and 11th, somewhat hidden.
    • Perla's Seafood & Oyster Bar (1.3 mi) - 26 Zagat Rating - 1400 South Congress Avenue - Remarkable cape-cod style seafood in a laid-back setting.
    • Fonda San Miguel (6.3 mi) - 25 Zagat Rating - 2330 North Loop Boulevard West - Impeccable interior Mexican cuisine in a lively yet elegant environment.
  • Moderate:
    • Jack Allen's Kitchen (12.1 mi) - 26 Zagat Rating - 7720 W Highway 71 - Superb American food with locally-grown ingredients served in a comfy environment.
    • South Congress Café (1.4 mi) - 23 Zagat Rating - Casual bistro with a diverse menu. Good backup if you can't get into Vespaio (above).
    • Clay Pit (1.5 mi) - 20 Zagat Rating -1601 Guadalupe St - Stylish Indian bistro with very good food, although purists may not think it completely authentic. Guadalupe and 16th.
    • Franklin Barbecue (0.9 mi) - 28 Zagat Rating - The best barbecue restaurant in the U.S according to Bon Appetit magazine. Be prepared to wait for several hours. Food runs out in the early afternoon so plan accordingly.
    • Home Slice Pizza (1.3 mi) - 26 Zagat Rating - 1415 South Congress Avenue - New York style Pizza in an atmosphere that reflects South Austin culture.
    • Salt Lick (22 mi) -25 Zagat Rating - Legendary BBQ ranch 20 miles from downtown in Driftwood, this will be an unforgettable pilgrimage to the glories of Texas BBQ and an excuse to see the "real Texas" just outside cosmopolitan Austin. In a "dry" county so no alcohol served, but you can bring your own.
    • Bartlett's (8.7 mi) - 26 Zagat Rating - 2408 West Anderson Lane - A diverse American dining experience in North Austin.
  • Low-cost:
    • East Side King (2.8 mi) - 26 Zagat Rating - 2310 South Lamar Blvd. - Brand new Asian fusion restaurant. Features stunning food from Austin legend and Uchiko chef, Paul Qui.
    • Guero's (1.3 mi) - 20 Zagat Rating - 1412 South Congress Avenue - Lovable large Mexican restaurant on S. Congress in an old building, popular with locals and tourists alike.