Austin City Limits Best Eats 2015

Weekend one of Austin City Limits Music Festival is behind us and if we learned anything it is that the food at ACL is as noteworthy as this year’s music lineup. You will not find normal festival fare here – no funnel cakes, corn dogs or deep-fried Twinkies. But, whether you are a local or an out-of-towner looking for some classic Austin fare, the food at Austin City Limits will impress. Here is the lowdown on what you should be putting in your mouth at ACL weekend two.

Torchy’s Tacos

If you have ever been to Austin, known someone who has been to Austin or is just named Austin, you have heard of Torchy’s Tacos. Torchy’s is known among the locals for its giant tacos and The Scallywag ($6) is no exception – coconut shrimp covered in – wait for it – Cap’n Crunch (yep, the cereal!), bacon, green chilies, pickled onions, cilantro, peach habanero jam all snuggled in a flour tortilla. If this is a little too much stimulation for your palate, the Green Chili Pork Taco ($6) is a traditional favorite and the Green Chile Queso ($6) is a no-brainer.

Chi’lantro

This Korean BBQ fusion restaurant is a hit with the locals. Several food trucks and brick-and-mortars now surround the city and it is commonly known around town as the home of Kimchi Fries. Do yourself a favor and add the Korean BBQ ribeye to the caramelized kimchi, cheddar, Monterey jack, onions, cilantro, Magic sauce (think spicy mayo), sesame seeds and Sriracha that top these fries ($10).

East Side King

East Side King is another food truck/brick-and-mortar location (seeing the trend here?). East Side King was started by Chef Paul Qui of Top Chef fame and has gained national recognition ranging from Anthony Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern to Food and Wine and GQ magazines. The recognition for this Asian fusion spot is well deserved. The Thai Chicken Kara-age is a staple and will not disappoint – deep fried chicken thighs, sweet and spicy sauce, basil, cilantro, mint, onion and jalapeno ($9). If you are an Asian food connoisseur, you can make an entire meal out of the menu with the Brussels Sprout Salad ($9) and Pork Belly Steamed Buns ($9) with no regret. One note, the chicken and Brussels sprout salad are spicy, and I don’t mean a little tingle, this is a burn that will linger.

The Mighty Cone

The Hot & Crunchy Chicken and Avocado Cone ($10) is a little compact snack created by a food truck owned by a local fancy restaurant (Hudson’s on the Bend), which explains the refinement in this fast food. Chicken and avocado are breaded in super crunchy batter, deep fried and wrapped in a flour tortilla which is then nestled in this adorable little cone and topped with ancho sauce and mango slaw.

Trudy’s

Mini Stuffed Avocados. I have never had a fried avocado before coming to Austin, and I feel like my life was empty because of it. You will never look at an avocado the same, especially when it is then stuffed with spicy chicken and cheese and served with chipotle, suiza and queso for dipping ($8).

Lonesome Dove

What else would you expect from the culinary director of Austin City Limits, Tim Love (you may have seen him a time or ten on the Food Network), than the most unique bite of ACL – Rabbit and Rattlesnake Sausage, served with house-made pickles and a spicy mustard dipping sauce ($8). It sounds weird, but is quite delicious and you can order some Truffle Mac ‘N’ Cheese ($6) right along side it.

Tiff’s Treats

The Tiffwich ($6) – because cookies and ice cream! Also, Austin did not quite get the memo about Fall yet and this will really cool you down in the mid-day heat. Practical and delicious!

GoodPop

Austinites love their cold brew coffee and this food stall is serving it as a Cold Brew Popsicle ($4). So if you are feeling a little sluggish from the marathon that is Austin City Limits, head on over for this heart-pumping treat that is sure to get you back in the action.