Love SXSW. The music, the movies, the Shiner Bock, the lines that make you vaguely homicidal. Heading to Austin to throw down? Not without this survival guide.

Food for Thought
It’s late, and you’re so sauced that scary falafel cart looks inviting. Head to Star Seeds Cafe (3101 North I-35; 512-478-7107) instead, the 24-hour diner with surly waiters and extra-friendly grub. The next morning (er, afternoon), nurse your hangover with a breakfast taco at Taco Xpress (2529 South Lamar; 512-444-0216). Detoxing? Mr. Natural (1901 East Cesar Chavez Street; 512-477-5228 and 2414 South Lamar; 512-916-9223) is a vegan-vegetarian restaurant so tasty you’ll forget it’s either one. Sometimes the best treats come to those who wait at home. Or in their hotel rooms. Tiff’s Treats (512-473-2600) delivers delicious cookies and brownies.

A Fine Vintage
Resale joints may be a dime a dozen, but none is funkier than Room Service Vintage (107 East North Loop Boulevard; 512-451-1057), a retro furniture and clothing store that doubles as a giant DIY kit for your dream lounge. Lake Austin Goodwill (701 Newman Drive; 512-478-6711) is where local DJs score killer records on the cheap.

Make a Splash
The only room you could get was at the Trailer Park 8? Upgrade, superstar. An all-day access pass to the celebrity-filled pool at the Four Seasons (98 San Jacinto Boulevard; 512-478-4500) costs only $20.

Bring (Home) the Rock
Congratulations. You survived another SXSW. Shouldn’t you have something to show for it other than a glove box full of parking tickets? Like one-of-a-kind rock posters from the Flatstock 8 Poster Convention (Austin Convention Center; 500 East Cesar Chavez Street).

Go home and hang them with pride. Then take the world’s longest disco nap.