ACL Eats becomes one of the most popular areas at the festival come mealtime.
Tom McCarthy Jr./Special to American-Statesman
There are almost as many local food vendors as there are bands at ACL Fest. And, just like the stages at the festival, the ACL Eats food court (and its satellite siblings) might introduce you to a new love. We’ve eaten at most of these restaurants and vendors, and have attended every ACL Fest, so we have as many food opinions as we do thoughts on music. Below are 20 of the dishes we most highly recommend at the two-weekend festival in Zilker Park. (Asterisks indicate vegetarian dishes.)
Pepperoni pizza from Bambino (Big Tent)
One of the best pizza joints in Austin is a no-brainer when looking for pizza at the festival.
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Fish tacos from Cabo Bob’s.
PROVIDED BY CABO BOB’S
Fish tacos from Cabo Bob’s (ACL Eats)
Smoked and fried chicken wings from CM Smokehouse.
MATTHEW ODAM/AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Hot and crunchy chicken and avocado cone from The Mighty Cone.
Austin 360
Pepperoni pizza from Bambino.
Matthew Odam/American-Statesman
Soak in some (hopefully) Cali-type weather with fish tacos inspired by the owner’s time in San Diego.
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Chicken wings from CM Smokehouse (ACL Eats)
Tap into some Ren Fest vibes with these big wings that are smoked then fried. They’re some of the best in the city.
Carnitas tacos from Cuantos Tacos (ACL Eats)
Take your pick of tacos from one of the Top 10 taco spots in Austin, but start with carnitas.
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*Vegan bowl from Four Brothers Venezuelan Grill (ACL Eats and South Eats)
This restaurant is known for its arepas but the vegan bowl is a great way to get some nutrients in the mix.
Chicken nuggets from Hawk’s Hot Chicken (ACL Eats)
What’s an easier fest food than a pile of nuggies? And you can share them with your festies.
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*Pimento cheese sandwich from High Road Deli (ACL Eats)
A picnic-in-the-park classic.
MATTHEW ODAM/AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Smashburger from JABS Burgers (ACL Eats)
One of the best smashburgers in the city. You may be looking for a shaded area to nap after crushing one of these burgs.
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Lamb bowl from KG BBQ (ACL Eats)
It’s not quite the lamb chop at the award-winning trailer in East Austin, but it’s close.
Barbacoa tacos from La Santa Barbacha (ACL Eats)
One of the city’s best taco trucks makes barbacoa as well as anyone in town.
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Footlong corndog from Mama Fried (ACL Eats)
The offshoot of LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue brings big State Fair energy with this snack.
*Avocado cone from The Mighty Cone (ACL Eats)
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Frito Pie from Ranch 616 (The Grove)
Another OG. Copied by many, equaled by none.
Pork bánh mì from Saigon on 7th.
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Pork bánh mì from Saigon on 7th (ACL Eats)
Best bánh mì in town … in the park … sign me up.
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Steak frites bucket from Salt & Time (ACL Eats)
You can’t get Salt & Time’s great steaks on East Seventh anymore, but you can get this bougie bucket at the park.
Chicken shawarma pita wrap from Shawarma Point (ACL Eats)
All the protein, carbs and veggies you need to power you through an afternoon.
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Sonoran hot dog from T-Loc’s (ACL Eats)
Bacon-wrapped dogs from one of the best food trucks in town. Grab some napkins.
*Chips and queso from Tacodeli (ACL Eats)
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Al pastor quesadilla from Vaquero Taquero (ACL Eats and South Eats)
It’s probably not coming straight from the trompo, but festers can’t be choosers.
Grilled steak tacos from Veracruz All Natural (ACL Eats)
Since you might grab one of the restaurant’s migas tacos in the morning before coming to the park, you may as well close the loop with a steak taco for dinner.