Fareground Austin — Restaurant in Austin

🚨 CAUTION: VERY SLOW SERVICE!🚨[Note: I’m going to give the very accomplished and experienced folks behind the Fareground the benefit of the doubt and chalk this up to opening week hiccups. I will DEFINITELY revisit in a month and update this review if things have improved.]

First and foremost, let me say I am a HUGE fan of the ELM group and all of the occupants of this new concept. I WANTED THIS TO BE GREAT. It wasn’t. Just being honest.

I visited mid-afternoon on a Saturday. There were no festivals or concerts going on. The crowd that was present inside wasn’t even that large. However, the customers that were present FAR exceeded the capacity and ability of the Fareground to offer an efficient lunch experience.

I stood in line at Dai Due for seven full minutes and did not move an inch. I bailed to the Contigo line. It was also very slow but it was at least inching along, if even at a snail’s pace.

Meanwhile, my wife stood in the N-Kome line, which was moving just as slowly. She stood in line for twenty minutes before placing an order. Her food was ready ten minutes later. That’s 30 minutes for a bowl of ramen.

At Contigo, I ordered a burger. I stood in line for twenty minutes. I waited an additional twenty minutes after that for the food. 40 minutes for a burger.

As far as quality goes, both the ramen and the burger were signs that the Fareground is not quite “there” yet. The burger was dry. The ramen was not up to Kome standards at all.

Maybe you have time at lunch to walk/drive/bike, wait 40 minutes, eat, and walk/drive/bike back. I suspect most folks working downtown do not (and an average work day lunch rush is going to offer at least TWICE the volume I saw today, so... oof.) But - and this is the sad part - the food right now isn’t worth the wait even if you do have the time.

On the up side: Antonelli’s never seemed to have a long line (maybe most folks haven’t figured out that they have hot food offerings and aren’t just a cheese-by-the-pound counter anymore), Easy Tiger was very quick to serve (likely because all of their food is pre-made), and the bartenders always seemed to be free for any day drinkers looking for a martini lunch.

Overall, I have to think this will get better, but right now... right now I would caution my best friends to stay away, but tell my new neighbors from California to go stand in line at this “great new fancy food court” while the kitchens and counters work out these painful kinks.

See ya in February, Fareground. (Lord help us all if things are not better...

Fareground in Austin, Texas, is a fantastic dining destination that embodies the city's vibrant food scene and community spirit. This innovative food hall brings together a diverse array of culinary offerings in a sleek and modern setting, making it a must-visit spot for food enthusiasts and locals alike.

The first thing you'll notice about Fareground is its inviting ambiance. Located in the heart of downtown Austin, it offers both indoor and outdoor seating surrounded by greenery and striking architectural elements. The space is lively yet relaxed, making it perfect for a quick lunch break or a leisurely dinner outing.

Now, let's talk about the food. Fareground features a curated selection of some of Austin's best eateries, ranging from artisanal tacos to gourmet burgers and everything in between. Each vendor brings their unique flair and expertise to the table, ensuring there's something to satisfy every craving.

One standout dish is the tacos from Dai Due Taqueria—crafted with locally sourced ingredients and bursting with flavor, they're a true taste of Austin. For burger enthusiasts, Contigo's offerings are a must-try, featuring juicy patties and inventive toppings that elevate the classic burger experience.

The beverage options at Fareground are equally impressive, with a variety of craft beers, wines, and specialty cocktails to complement your meal.

What truly sets Fareground apart, however, is its sense of community. It's a gathering place where locals come together to enjoy great food, share stories, and celebrate Austin's culinary diversity. The staff here are friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to offer recommendations and ensure you have a memorable dining experience.

Overall, Fareground is more than just a food hall—it's a celebration of Austin's culinary creativity and community spirit. Whether you're a visitor exploring the city or a longtime resident looking for your new favorite dining spot, Fareground is guaranteed to impress. Don't miss out on this culinary gem in the...

Fareground Austin is technically a food court, but it doesn’t quite fit the traditional definition. The indoor area is fairly simple, featuring a mix of small, independent eateries and a large, constantly busy bar. The setup feels a bit scattered—there’s no real connection between the different vendors, and the layout lacks the cohesive energy you might expect from a food hall. If you walk deeper inside, you’ll find more restaurant options, but overall, the real attraction isn’t what’s inside—it’s what happens outside.

One of the biggest advantages here is that none of the food stalls are part of large chains. Everything is local, independent, and offers something unique, which makes it worth exploring if you’re looking for something beyond typical fast-casual options. The variety is solid—there’s French cuisine, shawarma, tacos, Venezuelan food, and more. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, you can usually find something interesting.

The real highlight of Fareground isn’t indoors, but outside. On select weekends, the courtyard transforms into a lively open-air gathering space with DJs, live music, and a street food festival atmosphere. Some of the indoor restaurants bring their food stands outside, and additional street food vendors set up booths, offering an even wider selection of food, cocktails, and snacks. The entire space comes alive with a fun, social vibe, making it one of the more dynamic food spots in Austin.

If you’re looking for a unique place to eat and drink in a relaxed setting, Fareground delivers. The indoor space might not be the most impressive, but the outdoor events and diverse food options make it a great weekend...