I have something a little silly, a little crazy to say. Stay with me here: Austin City Limits Music Festival may be the best place to dine in town.
I promise this is a hot, albeit cost-prohibitive, tip. Think about it. The annual music festival, which runs the first two weekends of October in Zilker Park, is loaded with some of the best restaurants in the city. No reservations are required, and with paired-down menus, you’re likely getting a taste of what the restaurant does best. All you have to do is brave a line in the middle of a dusty field. (Of course, a ticket that costs at least $170 is also required for this hack.)
Take KG BBQ, for example. The barbecue spot, which has a Michelin Bib Gourmand award, will be at the festival this year. A Michelin-recognized restaurant in the middle of Zilker Park!
If you’re ready to spend, you can also treat the festival as your personal buffet. Haven’t been able to make it out to JABS for a burger? Snag yourself one at the fest! If you plan on being at the fest from open until close, you could fit in a brunch, snack, and dinner. Throw in a dessert, too.
Am I making sense? I hope so. Either way, the festival’s food lineup this year is stacked and I want to highlight a few of my favorites:
🍕 Bambino
Bambino only opened a year ago in Austin, but the pizza has made its mark. I delight in the Coppa Cabana pie when I visit – it comes with orange marmalade. 🤤 Bambino will be in the Big Tent next to the Miller Lite stage.
🌮 Cuantos Tacos
As taco expert Mando Rayo told us, Cuantos Tacos can do no wrong. You’ll be able to find Cuantos Tacos and their yummy, greasy street tacos in the main food court that’s sandwiched between the Tito’s tent and the Miller Lite stage. I’ll see you in line!
🌭 T-Loc's Sonora
Nothing screams festival food more than a good ole’ hot dog, if you ask me. T-Loc’s Sonora will also be in the main food court with their inventive dogs. Fingers crossed the restaurant brings its Con Todo dog to the festival. It comes with jalapeño sauce, mustard, mayo, diced onions, diced tomatoes, sauteed onions, pinto beans, a bacon-wrapped dog, on a steamed bun.
