Why tacos?
Because SXSW Interactive is a taco festival with a badge lanyard, and it's been that way since the year Twitter launched here. Everyone knows this and no one says it out loud. So we're saying it.
The Taco / Panel Ratio is the only metric that matters. Below 2:1 and you did the trip wrong. There is no keynote worth a bad breakfast taco. There is no fireside chat worth missing Rainey at sunset. There is no product launch worth eating on 6th Street.
We roast the format, never the people. Panels-about-panels, "AI-native storytelling," rooftop QR menus, founder vests, $28 breakfast tacos, the sixth "will Gen Z ever" panel of the day. Punch at the ritual, not the marketer. Everyone in the room paid to be there. Some of them are our friends.
Deep in the heart of Texas, this is the law:
Brisket first. Panels second. Takes optional.
Taco Takes is one theater in the Panel Fatigue Network. The whole industrial-events complex is mapped at panelfatigue.com. We're the Austin post.
Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by SXSW, South by Southwest, SXSW LLC, or any related entity.
We just show up. A lot. If SXSW would like to be affiliated with us, we accept payment in barbacoa. Our lawyers can be reached at Franklin BBQ, in line, around 9am.
Frequently Argued Questions
Is Taco Takes affiliated with SXSW?+
No. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by SXSW, South by Southwest, SXSW LLC, or any related entity. We just show up. A lot.
What is the Taco / Panel Ratio?+
The only SXSW metric that matters. Tacos eaten divided by panels attended. Below 2:1 and you did the trip wrong.
Where should I actually get breakfast tacos?+
East Austin. Not 6th Street. Veracruz, Nixta, Cuantos Tacos, Discada, Papalote. Our Survival Tacos page has the routes.
Can I read Taco Takes if I'm not going to SXSW?+
Absolutely. Mail-Order Austin ships Franklin, Valentina's, and Salt Lick anywhere UPS goes.
Do you roast the people at SXSW?+
We roast the format — panels-about-panels, founder vests, $28 breakfast tacos, rooftop QR menus. Never the people. Everyone in the room paid to be there.