Must-Try Eats at Austin City Limits Music Festival: Weekend One Highlights

As a seasoned festival-goer at Austin City Limits Music Festival, I’ve tried it all—from general admission to VIP. Regardless of my access, one important question always guides my food choices: Do I need quick fuel to hold my spot for the big show, or can I indulge a little? Most weekends at ACL turn out to be a blend of both.

Here’s a rundown of my top food finds this year:

La Santa Barbacha’s Quesabarbacha
My first meal kicked off at La Santa Barbacha. Known for winning a Michelin Bib Gourmand, their “Quesabarbacha” features tender barbacoa, gooey cheese, and fresh toppings—all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. It was flavor-packed and perfectly portable, making it ideal for a busy festival day.

La Taquicardia’s Melon Horchata
With the heat soaring to 93 degrees, I craved something refreshing. La Taquicardia’s melon horchata was a sweet relief. It was cool and naturally fruity, a great way to hydrate between music acts.

Kababeque’s Chicken Skewers
Later that night, I was looking for something lighter and settled on Kababeque’s chicken skewers. Juicy and grilled to perfection, they came drizzled with tzatziki sauce and rested on a bed of basmati rice. After a day in the sun, this dish was just what I needed.

Skull & Cakebones’ Mango & Cucumber Salad
On a hot Saturday afternoon, I opted for something bright and refreshing from Skull & Cakebones. Their mango and cucumber salad topped with chamoy and Tajín was the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. This was a hit, especially in the heat.

Lonesome Dove’s Truffle Mac & Cheese
Indulging a bit, I tried Lonesome Dove’s truffle mac & cheese made with orzo. Rich and creamy, each spoonful brought a comforting warmth that paired well with the festival vibe.

OKO’s Manok Chicken
Another excellent quick bite came from OKO with their Manok chicken skewers. Smoky and citrusy, these were served over crispy fries. It was satisfying and easy to eat while enjoying the music.

The Berry Coconut Bowl at Blenders & Bowls
As my festival journey concluded, I treated myself to an acai bowl from Blenders & Bowls. Fresh berries and coconut flakes atop icy acai offered a perfect, cool treat on a hot day. Year after year, this dish proves its worth.

Brotherton’s BBQ Chopped Brisket Sandwich
I ended my festival with Brotherton’s chopped brisket sandwich. Packed with flavor and moisture, it made for a warm, hearty meal to enjoy at home after a thrilling weekend.

These food finds showcase the vibrant culinary scene at ACL, where diverse flavors and local favorites come together to enhance the festival experience. Whether you’re rushing to catch a set or taking a leisurely stroll, there’s always something delicious waiting to recharge your energy!

For more culinary delights and festival updates, check out Eater for insights into Austin’s food trends.

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