After the COVID-19 pandemic hiatus, Austin City Limits Music Festival is officially back and thousands of music fans will once again be venture back to Zilker Park for one of the greatest music festivals in the world.

Previous festival vets know, all too well, the weather will be hot, but you’ll dance and sing along with the performers which will only make you tired, thirsty and hungry. Fortunately, ACL Eats hosts some of Austin’s best chefs, restaurants and eateries, based here in town,

ACL Eats is the festival’s base of operations to 32 eateries all based in Austin with food to serve just about any kind of diet or craving.  You’ll find burgers, kimchi fries and tacos, to gluten-free pastries, vegan desserts and fresh squeezed juices.  So you have no excuse to starve yourself no matter how selective you are about your diet.

Here’s several of our favorites!

Mighty Cone

Austin’s legendary food trailer pioneer, the Mighty Cone, celebrates its return to the festival as being the only vendor to be in service every year since ACL began. Mighty Cone became “the official food of live music” in 2002 when it began food trailer service for the inaugural ACL, also making it one of the first food trucks to pioneer Austin’s now nationally-recognized food trailer scene. (pictured above)

The Original Black’s BBQ

Barrett Black and the team from Black’s BBQ will be serving up BBQ chopped beef sandwiches, smoked sausage on a stick and pork ribs! It doesn’t get any more Texan than walking around the park with a delicious sausage stick in your hand.

Burro Grilled Cheese

If there was ever a life changing food to experience at ACL, Burro Grilled Cheese would be that game changer.  You might possibly live out your grilled cheese fantasies with Burro’s classic Balkan sandwiches. Go for the Coppola or the Waylon & Willie sandwiches to set your expectations of how you think a grilled cheese sandwich should made from now on.

P. Terry’s Burgers

ACL would feel incomplete without P. Terry’s Burger stand. There’s nothing fancy about them, they just make good all-natural black angus burgers, all-natural chicken burgers, our veggie burgers with fresh cut french fries and homemade cookies. They’re always a solid option when you’re craving a burger in between performances.

Chi’lantro

When the hunger pains hit you after a several hours of screaming and dancing from your favorite bands, Austin’s own Chi’lantro will be returning to ACL to fill your bellies with their famous homemade kimchi fries and tacos.  Owner Jae Kim has become a local legend in Austin with his award-winning restaurant, food truck and catering service with his approach to diverse, Korean BBQ-inspired cuisine.

East Side King

Yes you can eat a salad, but it doesn’t have to be boring as hell. Do your arteries a favor and go for the brussels sprouts salad with sweet-spicy sauce, shredded cabbage, basil, cilantro, mint, onion, and jalapeños.  You should also go for the fried Chicken Karaage but don’t try sharing it with someone to save a few calories.  GF/VG

Taco Bronco

Tom Micklethwait, from Micklethwait Meat Co will be offering brisket tacos and nachos made by his new taco truck concept, Taco Bronco, as well as brisket sandwiches and more from his locally famed BBQ truck.

Lambas Royal Indian Kitchen

Lambas specializes in traditional north indian cuisine mostly selling to over 18 different farmers markets as well as two food trailers in Austin.  Each of their meals are prepared with exotic and healthy Indian spices offering vegan, gluten free and meat options.  GF/VG

Peached Tortilla

Peached Tortilla is back with their iconic Asian cuisine with a Southern flair twist. A classic favorite has always been the Brussels sprouts salad, mixed together with cabbage, basil, cilantro, mint, onion, and jalapeños or their signature fried chicken.  If crave something more hearty, try crushing the fried chicken sandwich which made it’s debut at the festival last year!

Tino’s Greek Cafe

Tinos Greek Cafe has been one of Austin’s favorite Greek restaurants with multiple locations around the city. You’ll find a tasty variety of authentic Greek bites made from fresh ingredients good enough to satisfy both the meat eaters and the healthy conscious vegetarian alike.

Skull and Cakebones

Skull and Cakebones specializes in artisanal sweet and savory treats made with locally sourced and never artificial ingredients.  They feature an all vegan menu, proving you can make a tasty treat without using any animal products. Go for the fried cauliflower wings ($11) for a sweet and savory snack. It’s not exactly healthy, but at least it’s plant based!

Tiny Pies

We’ve been big fans of Tiny Pies for several years and it looks like we’re going to be stuffing our faces with some of their delicious pastries. Look out for their tart Key Lime Pie Freeze, which is basically a key lime pie smoothie with chunks of gram cracker crust and vanilla ice cream. Exactly what anyone needs to beat the heat and serve your sweet tooth during the festivities.

Tiff’s Treats

Local cookie favorite, Tiff’s Treats, will make your dessert game a clutch move when you need a quick sweet tooth fix. Their freshly baked cookies have been a local favorite for more than a decade and make for a perfect treat during the festival.

Goodpop

If you find yourself in need of an easy cool down, Goodpop is an easy and refreshing treat. GoodPop will be serving their super fresh, non-GMO, fair trade and organic ingredient popsicles at ACL once again.

Juiceland

Juiceland makes some of the freshest juices in town and it will easily keep you hydrated throughout the duration of the festival.

High Brew Cold Brew

Whenever you need a quick caffeinated jolt, High Brew provides several fun flavors of cold brew coffee that should keep you wide awake long enough to enjoy the final show of the night.

For highlights on more delicious food you can enjoy at ACL Festival 2021, be sure to follow us on Instagram for our food photos and behind the scenes interviews with festival performers!