Austin’s first food hall, full of some of the most popular chefs in town, is the best thing to hit downtown all year! I find there is a major shortage of really great, fast-casual, to-go food with quality ingredients and care, and Fareground really solves that problem. With a full bar curated by ELM restaurant group and Master Sommelier Craig Collins, you can actually order affordable wine that pairs perfectly with tacos or a grilled cheese or just an after work drink in an easy-going setting. The line up includes Dai Due Taqueria, Ni-Kome sushi and ramen, Contigo, Henbit (a new concept from the Emmer & Rye family), Antonelli’s Cheese Shop, and Easy Tiger breads & pastries.
While it can get wild during lunch hours, the late evening is a great time to go and unwind and grab some food when you don’t want to cook or if you are heading to a show downtown and don’t want to eat street food. Every time I try a different restaurant stall it’s better than the last. The best way to get a taste of Fareground is to go with a couple friends and divide and conquer. Here is the low down:
HENBIT:
- Lemongrass Shrimp Bowl with Crispy Rice Salad, Radish, Cilanto, Benne and Lemongrass Dressing. — The vibrant flavors are intoxicating and the keffir lime is dreamy.
- Peanut Chicken & Lime Leaf Rice with Chicken Laap, Pickled Carrots and Cabbage– If you don’t eat shrimp, go for this bowl!
- Monster Cookie- This is my new favorite cookie in town. While it’s definitely a play on Levain Bakery’s giant marathon cookies, I couldn’t be more excited to welcome this melty chocolate, and finely chopped pecan cookie as my neighbor.
- Matcha Lavender Latte – I don’t drink coffee, so this iced drink is a fun alternative to water and goes well with the cookie!
DAI DUE TAQUERIA:
With the care and complexity of the blue corn tortillas and his sparkle with masa Chef Gabe Erales food physically transported me right back to Mexico City.
- Tortas: Grilled Cauliflower with Sweet Potato Mole, Pickled Sweet Potato, Avocado, Salsa Macha, Greens & Chile Morita Mayo.
- Taco: Pollo Pipian with Grapefruit, Greens & Cilantro
NI-KOME:
If you are a fan of the popular sushi spot on Airport, Kome, you’ll love this grab and go version where you won’t have to wait for a table and can even get ramen.
- Nigiri + Roll Combo ($15) equals 4 pieces of nigiri and 8 roll pieces. The tuna and hamachi are everything I have been looking for in the sushi scene in Austin: fatty, fresh, flavorful, and tender.
They also offer chicken karaage, miso soup, shumai, shio ramen, miso ramen, vegan ramen, and mochi ice cream. 
CONTIGO:
Rotisserie chickens, burgers, and fried green beans. I’ll have to go in early for the Breakfast Sandwich only served from 7 a.m. – 11 a.m.. It’s on Challah with egg white and bacon.
- Grab a Quarter Chicken ($7) which is much better than any grocery store rotisserie or you can add two sides for $15; however, I think getting dishes from some of the other restaurants or sides at Henbit are a little better.
- Crispy Green Beans – you know these guys, it’s what Contigo on the East Side is known for!
ANTONELLI’S CHEESE SHOP:
This is the best cheese in Austin and maybe all of Texas. They have signature cheese boards with crackers and meats and a rotating, buttery grilled cheese of the day. I prefer the grilled cheese over the macaroni and cheese here. Also, when the weather is nice out, grabbing a ready to eat cheese board and hitting the grassy lawn outside is a pretty dreamy activity.
EASY TIGER BAKESHOP:
- Go for the giant face-sized pretzel no matter what. You don’t have to eat it all obviously because you have to save room for the Monster Cookie.
- Housemade Chex Mix
- They also have artisan sandwiches and a standard chocolate chip cookie if you are looking for something a little more basic
