Where to Eat 2024

Women serving tamales - Florentine Codex

There are several places and food options available for breakfast and lunch in and around campus.


For conference registrants attending in-person, below are some suggestions for places to try for meal breaks when you need to refuel in between conference activities.

On Campus

UT Student Activities Center

William C. Powers, Jr. Student Activity Center (WCP)

A convenient spot to grab a bite, as the WCP is right next door to Patton Hall (RLP)! Food options at the WCP available in early January are Chick-fil-A (Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm) and Longhorn Coffee Co. (Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm).

O's Campus Cafe EER - UT Austin

O's Campus Cafe at EER

Interested in a more cafeteria-style setting with several hot meal options? Then try O's Campus Cafe at the Engineering Education & Research Center (EER). In early January, the cafeteria will be open Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 1:30pm. Closed on weekends.

Peter O'Donnell Building - UT Austin

O's Campus Cafe at POB

You can also find a hot meal for breakfast or lunch at this other O's Campus Cafe location, which can be found at the Peter O'Donnell Building (POB). For early January, hours are Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 1:30pm. Closed on weekends.

Shake Smart at UT's Gregory Gym

Shake Smart at Gregory Gym

Shake smart is located in the lobby area of Gregory Gym. They offer various protein smoothies, blended bowls, and wraps. Hours in early January are Monday-Thursday 7:00am - 10:00pm, Friday 7:00am - 8:00pm, and Saturday 10:00am - 8:00pm.

Texas Union - UT Austin

The Texas Union

The Texas Union near The Drag has a food court area with several options including Panda Express and Shake Smart.

Off Campus - East Side / Manor Road

Snarf's Sandwiches - Near UT Austin

Snarf's Sandwiches

Located across the street from UT's School of Law, Snarf's is a convenient off campus option that is walking distance from the main campus area. Snarf's offers a variety of oven-toasted sandwiches, salads, and soups.

El Chile Cafe - Manor Rd Austin

El Chile Café and Cantina

A perfect lunch choice if you're looking for a great Austin Tex-Mex meal. This restaurant is near campus but further east on Manor Road. You will need to drive there, take a rideshare (such as Uber or Lyft), or hop on the CapMetro Bus 20.

Manor Road - Near UT Austin

Other Manor Road Options

Manor Road (specifically the strip between E. Dean Keaton and Airport Blvd) is popularly known for its eclectic restaurants and delicious food options. Although Manor Road is not too far away from campus, you will need some wheels to get you there and back. You can drive your own vehicle, take a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, or bus it (CapMetro Bus Route 20).

Off Campus - West Side / The Drag

Cava - The Drag - UT Austin

Cava

Just off The Drag (Guadalupe Street), a perfect choice for those looking for a Mediterranean-style meal. Cava offers fresh salads and pita wraps. The restaurant is within walking distance of the university campus.

Foxtrot on the Drag

Foxtrot

Foxtrot offers grab & go options like breakfast tacos, pizza, smoothies and salads. Hours are Monday - Saturday, 6:30am - 11:00pm

Kerby Lane Cafe - The Drag - UT Austin

Kerbey Lane Cafe

Needing some comfort food for breakfast or lunch? Try this Austin staple located right on The Drag. Kerbey Lane offers a wide variety of breakfast and lunch selections. The restaurant is within walking distance of the university campus.

The Drag - UT Austin

Other Options on The Drag

The Drag is a small section of town that is sandwiched between Guadalupe and San Antonio Streets and that runs parallel to the west side of UT campus. This area has a number of restaurants and eateries (ranging from casual sit-down to fast-food) for those wanting to walk and explore other places on their own.

Off Campus - South Side / Towards Downtown

The Clay Pit - Austin

The Clay Pit

A local favorite in the downtown area near campus, The Clay Pit serves contemporary Indian cuisine. Check out the lunch specials!