What to eat at ACL Fest 2019

Matthew Odam @odam

Wednesday

Oct 2, 2019 at 2:00 PM Oct 2, 2019 at 3:02 PM

There was a time when you’d go to music festivals or concerts and have limited options for dining. Maybe a slice of pizza from an anonymous chain here, a dry burger or hot dog there. Times have changed.

The Austin City Limits Music Festival and producer C3 Presents have long been in the business of bringing great local flavor to food courts. The theme started small at ACL years ago with Mighty Cone and has blossomed into a wonderland of local eats. With gates opening at 11 a.m. and the festival running until 10 p.m., there’s a possibility you’ll want (late) breakfast, lunch and dinner all at Zilker Park. And the festival has you covered.

Below are my 10 top picks for dining (and drinking) at ACL Fest, with the full ACL Eats menu listed below. Keep in mind offerings might change based on availability. Food vendors accept cash, credit cards and the ACL Cashless Payments method.

Mighty Cone’s Hot & Crunchy Avocado Cone ($12). You have to pay tribute to the O.G. And, while it’s not light, the avocado version has the broadest appeal. Zipped with a spicy sauce, this seeded, crunchy-fried, oblong handheld has probably been to more ACL Fests than you.

Torchy’s Tacos Green Chili Queso and Chips ($9). One of the best bowls of queso in Austin, this piquant, creamy dish is good for sharing with your homies.

Bananarchy’s S'more Banana ($6 for half, $9 for whole). The clever dessert stand is serving a variety of frozen sweet treats, including a chocolate-dipped nanner with graham and marshmallow creme.

Burro Grilled Cheese’s Waylon & Willie ($9). Maybe the best sandwich in Zilker Park for the weekend, this musically named oozer has cheddar and Jack cheeses, along with pepperoncinis, caramelized onions and spicy maple bacon sauce. Get extra napkins.

Dean’s One Trick Pony’s Pony Boy ($9). If you haven’t stopped by the tiki burger bar at the Line hotel, here’s your chance. The burger served on a Hawaiian bun is awash in queso, so get extra napkins.

East Side King’s Brussels Sprouts Salad ($9). Vegetarians will be pleased with this Brussels sprouts salad that launched a thousand Austin imitators with its sweet chili sauce, jalapeno and herbs.

JuiceLand’s Cucumber Mint Agua Fresca ($7). Look, I’m no weather man, but it’s probably going to be warm. There’s nothing more refreshing at Zilker Park than an agua fresca made with cucumber, kale and mint. And, unlike most things in the park, it’s actually pretty good for you. This stand will probably also provide the vibiest service experience.

Lonesome Dove Western Bistro’s Grilled Beef Hot Dog ($7). Hand capacity is at a premium at events like this, so having a meal you can crush with just one fist is clutch. Chef Tim Love’s stand will top your dog with pineapple salsa or kimchi.

Micklethwait Craft Meat’s Pulled Pork Mac-N-Cheese ($12). There’s a chance you’re going to need something to soak up some alcohol, luckily, one of the city’s best barbecue operations is there for you.

Scholz Garten’s Chili Cheese Waffle Fries ($9). One of the best dishes for sharing that you’ll find at the festival. Sturdy, alcohol-absorbing and filling, these fries should fortify you for hours.

Complete Austin360 ACL Fest coverage

ACL Eats full list of food vendors:

DOUBLE BOOTHS

Chi’Lantro BBQ

The Original Kimchi Fries (Korean BBQ Beef, Vegetarian (VGT), Or Vegan (V)) (GF) - $11

Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich - Two For $9

Korean Fried Tofu Sandwich (VGT) - Two For $9

Mighty Cone

Hot & Crunchy Cone (Chicken Or Avocado (VGT)) - $12

Hot & Crunchy Shrimp Cone - $13

Hot & Crunchy Chicken & Avocado Cone - $15

Death By Chocolate Brownie (VGT) - $5

Salt Lick BBQ

Chopped Beef Sandwich - $10

Sloppy Brisket Nachos - $12

Pork Rib Boat - $12

Sausage Wrap - $9

Torchy’s Tacos

Trailer Park Taco (Fried Chicken, Green Chiles, Lettuce, Pico De Gallo, Cheddar Jack Cheese, Poblano Sauce, Flour Tortilla) - $8

Washingtonian Taco (Smoked Pulled Pork, Grilled Onions, Jack Cheese, Pickles, Avocado, Chipotle BBQ Sauce, Sour Cream, Flour Tortilla) - $8

Green Chili Queso And Chips - $9

Lobster Tostada (Chilled Lobster Salad, Guacamole, Cotija Cheese, Avocado Sauce, Corn Tostada) - $10

SINGLE BOOTHS

Amy's Ice Creams

Super Premium Ice Cream (Mexican Vanilla (GF), Belgian Chocolate (GF), Zilker Mint Chip (GF) Or Oreo) (VGT) - $5, $7 In A Waffle Cone

Toppings (Pecans, Oreos, Reese's Pieces, M&M's, Gummi Bears, Fresh-Cut Strawberries, Or FREE Rainbow Sprinkles) - $1

Milk Shake (Mexican Vanilla (GF), Belgian Chocolate (GF), Coffee (GF) Or Oreo) (VGT) - $7

Frosted (Raspberry Lemonade Or Aloha) (V) - $7

Austin's Pizza

Pizza (Pepperoni Or Cheese (VGT)) - $10

Pizza Rolls With A Side Of Ranch Or Marinara (Pepperoni Or Cheese (VGT)) - $10

Gluten-Free Pizza (Pepperoni Or Cheese (VGT)) (GF) - $12

Bananarchy

Hand-Dipped Frozen Banana (Chocolate With Toffee (VGT)(GF), Chocolate With Graham (V), Chocolate With Peanuts (V)(GF), Peanut Butter With Oreos (VGT)) - $5 Halfsie, $8 Wholsie

S'more Banana (VGT) (Chocolate-Dipped With Graham And Marshmallow Creme) - $6 Halfsie, $9 Wholsie

Frozen Banana With Everything (Chocolate-Dipped With Toffee, Graham, Peanuts, And Oreos) (VGT) - $6 Halfsie, $9 Wholsie

Add Drizzle (Chocolate (V)(GF), Peanut Butter (VGT)(GF), Marshmallow Creme (VGT)(GF), Caramel (VGT)(GF)), Nutella (VGT)(GF)) - $1

Blenders & Bowls

The Strawberry Banana Acai Bowl (Acai, Granola, Strawberries, Bananas, Honey) (VGT) - $11

The Berry Coconut Acai Bowl (Acai, Granola, Coconut Flakes, Strawberries, Blueberries, Honey) (VGT) - $12

The Chocolate Peanut Butter Acai Bowl (Acai, Granola, Peanut Butter, Strawberries, Cashews, Chocolate Chips) (V) - $12

Add-Ons (Fresh Fruit, Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chips, Cashews, Coconut Flakes, Honey) - $1

Burro Grilled Cheese

The OG (Kings Hawaiian Bun, Cheddar Cheese, Jack Cheese) (VGT) - $7

VIA 206 (Sourdough, Cheddar & Jack Cheese, Balsamic Apricot Fig Sauce) (VGT) - $8

Waylon & Willie (Sourdough, Cheddar Cheese, Jack Cheese, Pepperoncinis, Caramelized Onions, Spicy Maple Bacon Sauce) - $9

Long Tall Texan (Sourdough, Cheddar Cheese, Jack Cheese, Smoked Brisket, Pineapple Serrano Sauce) - $12

*Add Watermelon Slice To Any Sandwich For $4

Chispas

Cool Ranch Doritos Nachos - $8

Carne Asada Tacos (Cilantro, Lime, Onion, Salsa Verde) - Two For $9

Butternut Squash Tacos (Goat Cheese, Agrodolce, Pepitas) (VGT) - Two For $10

Mexican Street Tacos al Pastor (Pineapple, Corn Tortillas) - Three For $10

Dean's One Trick Pony

Pony Boy (Creekstone Farms Beef Patty, Queso, Charred Onion Mayo, Fry Sauce, Tomato, Pickle, Hawaiian Bun) - $9

Dean’s Double (Two Creekstone Farms Beef Patties, Double Queso, Charred Onion Mayo, Fry Sauce, Tomato, Pickle, Hawaiian Bun) - $13

Beyond Burger (Beyond Vegan Patty, Vegan Queso, Roasted Tomato, Basil, Caramelized Onion, Vegan Gluten-Free Bun) (V)(GF) - $15

Bat Pops (Strawberry Basil Or Passionfruit Coconut) (VGT)(GF) - $6

*All Burgers Served With House Made OTP Potato Chips

East Side King

Chicken Kara-age (Deep Fried Chicken, Sweet Chili Sauce, Onion, Jalapeno, Fresh Herbs) (GF) - $10

Brussels Sprouts Salad (Fried Sprouts, Sweet Chili Sauce, Onion, Jalapeno, Cabbage, Fresh Herbs) (GF)(V) - $9

Fried Chicken Tacos (Deep Fried Chicken, Spicy Mayo, Onion, Jalapeno, Cabbage, Fresh Herbs, Flour Tortilla) - Two For $9

Flyrite Chicken

Standard Fried Chicken Sandwich (Fried Chicken Breast, Pickles) - $9

Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich (Spicy Fried Chicken Breast, Pickles) - $9

Vegan Sandwich (Crispy Vegan Multi-Grain Patty, Pickles) (V) - $9

Tater Tots (V)(GF) - $4

GoodPop

Cookies N' Cream Popsicle (V)(GF) - $4

Watermelon Agave Popsicle (V)(GF) - $4

Orange N' Cream Popsicle (V)(GF) - $4

Strawberry Lemonade Popsicle (V)(GF) - $4

Happy Chicks

Chicken Tenders (With One Sauce) - $8

Vegan Tenders (With One Sauce) (V) - $8

Happy Fries (V) - $5

Triple Chocolate Brownie (V) - $5

Sauce Choices: Pineapple Sweet & Sour (GF), Honey Sriracha (GF), Buttermilk Ranch

JuiceLand

Fun Punch (Pineapple, Cherry, Ginger) (V) - $7

Blue Lemonade (Blue Magik, Lemonade) (V) - $8

Watermelon Agua Fresca (V) - $7

Cucumber Mint Agua Fresca (Kale, Cucumber, Mint) (V) - $7

Kababeque

Wraps (Chicken Tikka Shawarma Or Lamb Beef Gyro) - $10

Rice Bowl (Chicken Tikka Shawarma (GF)) - $10

Salad Bowl (Falafel Fritters (VGT)(GF)) - $10

Side (Masala Fries) (VGT) - $5

Lambas Indian Kitchen

Spicy Lamb Wrap - $10

Chicken Tikka Wrap - $9

Vegetable Samosas With Mango Chutney (V) - Two For $9

Turmeric Rice Bowl With Curried Chickpeas (V)(GF) - $9

Lonesome Dove Western Bistro

Double Cheeseburger (Caramelized Onion, Kohlrabi, American Cheese, House Pickles) - $12

Kick Ass Nachos (Queso, Sour Cream, Pico De Gallo, Pickled Jalapeno) (VGT) - $9

Grilled Beef Hot Dog (Pineapple Salsa Or Kimchi) - $7

Truffle Mac And Cheese - $8

Micklethwait Barbecue

Texas Pit BBQ Brisket Sandwich - $12

Oak Smoked Chicken Salad Sandwich - $10

Pulled Pork Mac-N-Cheese - $12

Vegetarian Frito Pie (VGT)(GF) - $10

mmmpanadas

Green Chile Chicken Empanada - $8

Argentine Style Beef Empanada - $8

Spinach And Mushroom Empanada (VGT) - $8

Fried Plantains With Mango Salsa (V)(GF) - $8

Ranch Hand

Heartbrand Plate (Grilled Kale, Sweet Potatoes, Avocado, Roasted Pepitas, Habanero Chimichurri) (V)(GF) - $9

Cilantro Bowl (Organic Spinach, Avocado, Black Beans, Cucumber, Pickled Watermelon Radish, Fresh Grilled Corn) (V)(GF) - $9

Coffee & Pepper Akaushi Sirloin (GF) - $7

Rosemary & Garlic Chicken Breast (GF) - $5

Scholz Garten

Scholz Chili Cheese Dog - $8

Chili Cheese Waffle Fries - $9

German Bratwurst - $9

Scholz Pretzel & Bier Cheese (VGT) - $8

ShadeTree Beverage Co.

ShadeTree Fresh Squeezed Classic Lemonade - $6

ShadeTree Fresh Squeezed Strawberry Lemonade - $6

Shake Shack

Shackburger - $8

Double Shackburger - $11

Fries (VGT) - $5

Cheese Fries (VGT) - $6

Shawarma Point

Chicken Shawarma (Wrap Or Rice Plate (GF)) - $10

Beef & Lamb Gyro (Wrap Or Loaded Fries) - $10

Falafel (Wrap (V) Or Salad (V)(GF)) -$10

Side (Seasoned Fries Or Hummus & Pita) - $5

Skull & Cakebones

Beyond BBQ Burger With Chips (Beyond Meat Patty, Follow Your Heart Cheese, Pickles, House BBQ Sauce, Slaw, Homemade Sourdough Bun) (V) - $14, $15 With Avocado

Avocado Toast (Sourdough Bread, Avo Smash, Cherry Tomatoes, Toasted Hemp Seeds) (V) - $9

Cookie Dough Brownie Sundae (Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Brownie Bites, Chocolate Sauce, Whipped Cream, Sprinkles) (V) - $8

*Gluten-Free Sourdough Available For $2

Sno-Beach

Sno-Cone (Tiger's Blood, Strawberry, Coconut, Or Blue Raspberry) (V)(GF) - $5

Natural Sno-Cone (Mango, Guava, Or Sweet Tea) (V)(GF) - $6

Cream Topping (VGT)(GF) - $1

Southside Flying Pizza

Massive Pizza Slice (Five Exotic Cheese (VGT), King Of Pepperoni, Trio Italiano, Or Vegetariano (VGT)) - $12

Scrumptious Pizza Rolls With Marinara Sauce (Pepperoni Or Vegetariano (VGT)) - $12

Meaty And Juicy Baked Chicken Wings (Sweet Hot Barbecue Sauce) - $12

Chocolate Brownie (Whipped Cream, Chocolate Sauce, Candy Surprise) (VGT) - $6

Tacodeli

Sirloin Fajita Taco (Grilled Sirloin, Jack Cheese Glaze, Sautéed Poblano-Onion Rajas) - $6

Shrimp Diablo Taco (Texas Gulf Shrimp, Red Chile Sauce, Green Onions) - $7

Portobello Frijolero Taco (Portobello Mushrooms, Organic Refried Black Beans, Sautéed Poblano-Onion Rajas) (V) - $5

Akaushi Beef Nachos (Chips, Seasoned HeartBrand® Akaushi Ground Beef, Queso) - $11

Tamale Addiction

Mix & Match Any Two Tamales For $10

Pork With Tomatillo Sauce (GF)

Chicken With Mole Sauce

Beans And Goat Cheese (VGT)(GF)

Spinach With Caramelized Onions (V)(GF)

The Peached Tortilla

BBQ Brisket Tacos - Two For $10

Korean Steak Tacos - Two For $10

Crunchy Fish Tacos - Two For $10

Crispy Fries (VGT) - $4, $8 With Queso

Tiff's Treats

Warm Cookies (Chocolate Chip Or Snickerdoodle) (VGT) - Two For $4, Dozen For $20

Tiffblitz (Blend Of Ice Cream, Cookies, And Brownies) (VGT) - $6, $8 With A Cookie On Top

Tiffwich (Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich) (VGT) - $7

Brownie (VGT) - $6, $8 With Ice Cream Scoop

Tiny Pies

CBD Texas Two-Step (Chocolate Brownie, CBD Caramel, Pecan) (VGT) - $8

Sweet Tiny Pies (Tart Cherry, Chocolate Cream, Key Lime, Or Texas Two-Step (Chocolate Brownie & Pecan)) (VGT) - $7

Savory Hand Pie (Spinach, Ricotta, Red Bell Pepper, Cheddar Crust) (VGT) - $7

Wholly Cow Burgers

Grass-Fed Beef Cheeseburger (King’s Hawaiian Bun) - $9

Chicken Bacon Caesar Wrap (GF) - $9

Grass-Fed Beef Frito Pie With Cheese (GF) - $10

French Fries (V)(GF) - $5

MINI FOOD COURT