11 Must-Try Eats In Austin, Texas During ACL Festival Week
The rhythm of live music fills the air and so does the scent of smoky brisket, sizzling tortillas, and fresh coffee. Festival week turns every street into a stage and every corner into a kitchen. Food becomes part of the soundtrack – bold, soulful, and unforgettable.
In Austin, tacos fuel mornings, barbecue carries the afternoon, and sweet indulgences end the night. Each bite feels like a verse in the city’s song, keeping the energy high long after the music fades.
1. Breakfast Tacos That Fuel Festival Days
Mornings in Austin start with warm tortillas wrapped around fluffy eggs, crispy bacon, and melty cheese. Local spots like Veracruz All Natural and Tacodeli create morning masterpieces that locals line up for.
The portable nature makes them perfect for eating on the go between festival sets. Grab extra salsa verde for an authentic Austin experience!
2. Smoky Brisket BBQ Worth The Wait
Franklin Barbecue and La Barbecue serve up brisket so tender it falls apart with just a gentle tug. The signature black pepper crust and pink smoke ring are hallmarks of properly smoked Texas beef.
Lines form early, but festival-goers who plan ahead reap flavorful rewards. Pro tip: many places sell out by early afternoon, so make this a pre-festival adventure.
3. Creamy Queso That Defines Tex-Mex
Velvety melted cheese dip studded with green chilies, tomatoes, and spices sits at nearly every Austin table. Torchy’s Tacos’ version comes topped with guacamole, cotija cheese, and cilantro for extra flair.
The stretchy, gooey goodness pairs perfectly with salty tortilla chips. This shareable snack gives tired festival feet a perfect excuse to sit and recharge between bands.
4. Handheld Smoked Sausage Wraps
Juicy smoked sausage links nestled in soft pretzel bread create the perfect festival food. Banger’s Sausage House crafts dozens of housemade varieties, from traditional German-style to creative options like duck and fig.
The portable nature makes these ideal for enjoying while walking between stages. Add house-made mustard or kraut for an extra flavor kick that captures Austin’s blend of traditional and innovative food approaches.
5. Plant-Based BBQ That Fools Meat-Eaters
Counter Culture and The Beer Plant transform jackfruit, seitan, and mushrooms into smoky, saucy delights that capture authentic BBQ flavor without animal products. The secret lies in the spice rubs and slow-cooking methods.
Even dedicated carnivores find themselves impressed by these plant-based creations. This inclusive option ensures everyone in your festival crew can experience Austin’s famous BBQ scene regardless of dietary preferences.
6. Nashville-Inspired Hot Chicken With Austin Twists
Crispy, spicy, and impossibly juicy, Austin’s take on hot chicken sandwiches brings serious heat. Tumble 22 offers heat levels from “wimpy” to “cluckin’ hot” to suit all spice tolerances.
The cooling slaw and pickles balance the fiery seasoning perfectly. These substantial sandwiches provide festival-goers with protein-packed fuel that keeps hunger at bay through hours of dancing and singing along.
7. Cheesy Tex-Mex Enchiladas That Comfort And Satisfy
Matt’s El Rancho and Maudie’s Tex-Mex serve enchiladas smothered in chili con carne or queso that locals consider essential Austin eating. The corn tortillas wrapped around seasoned meat, cheese, or vegetables create the perfect comfort food.
These hearty plates provide ideal pre-festival fuel. The combination of savory fillings and rich sauces represents generations of Tex-Mex tradition that defines Austin’s food identity.
8. Ice Cream Sandwiches For Festival Heat Relief
Tiff’s Treats serves velvety ice cream squeezed between two fresh-baked cookies – the perfect antidote to October sunshine. The dense, creamy texture holds up better than regular ice cream during warm festival afternoons.
Unique flavor combinations change regularly, featuring local ingredients. This cold, sweet treat provides welcome relief when temperatures rise at outdoor stages while offering an authentic taste of Austin’s dessert scene.
9. Late-Night Street Tacos Worth Staying Up For
After the last ACL set, follow locals to taco trucks like Las Trancas serving authentic street-style tacos on double corn tortillas. Simple toppings of cilantro, onion, and lime let quality meats like pastor, barbacoa, and lengua shine.
These small, flavorful tacos satisfy post-concert hunger perfectly. Many trucks stay open until 2am or later, making them ideal for night owls coming from festival afterparties.
10. Craft Beverages That Capture Austin’s Spirit
Austin Beerworks and Deep Eddy Vodka represent the city’s thriving craft beverage scene. Local breweries create refreshing options perfect for festival weather, from light lagers to fruited sours. Cocktail bars mix drinks using locally-distilled spirits and Texas ingredients.
These craft beverages showcase the city’s independent spirit and creative approach to drinks, providing the perfect complement to Austin’s diverse food offerings.
11. Gourmet Craft Burgers With Texas Attitude
Austin’s burger scene goes beyond basic patties with spots like Hopdoddy creating masterpieces topped with local ingredients. Think Tillamook cheddar, caramelized onions, and aioli on freshly-baked buns.
These substantial handhelds provide much-needed sustenance for dancing through festival sets. Many places offer local beef or even bison options, showcasing the rich ranching heritage of the region while satisfying serious hunger.
