No true Austin City Limits experience is complete without spending all your money at the ACL Eats food truck court. The long lines, infinite options and inevitable dehydration might overwhelm you, so read on for ORANGE Magazine’s artist-based recommendations on where to refuel while you’re festin’.
Story by Annie Lyons
Illustrations by Alex Guillen
Jay-Z → Shade Tree Organic Lemonade
Jay-Z. Solange. Texas. Lemonade. Maybe it’s wishful thinking, but the stars seem aligned for Beyoncé to make an appearance at ACL. Join ORANGE in sipping some of Shade Tree’s fresh lemonade and crossing your fingers for Queen Bey to grace us with her presence. No Shade, no Tree, but the most exciting aspect of Jay-Z headlining is the chance of a Bey sighting.
Solange → Peli Peli
Solange captured our ears last year with her vulnerable and soulful “A Seat at the Table,” encompassing her experience as a black woman. Mimicking Solange’s minimalist beats, Houston-born Peli Peli advocates intricate flavors rather than in-your-face heat. Peli Peli pushes boundaries with their South African fusion cuisine, sharing the exquisite taste of a culture that central Texans might have little experience with.
Let Peli Peli expand your worldview as much as Solange has with their curried chicken kebabs and sweet chili sauce. Sidenote: stay on the lookout for the opening of Peli Peli’s first Austin location next spring!
Red Hot Chili Peppers → Micklethwait Craft Meats
Don’t feel awkward for jamming next to people over twice your age. Embrace the moment and fully immerse yourself in the Red Hot Chili Peppers experience. Crack a few dad jokes. Sport a Hawaiian shirt. Talk about the complexities of grilling over some Micklethwait barbecue. Micklethwait prides itself on quality, carefully curated meat that will satisfy any Texan.
Whether you grab a brisket frito pie or smoked chicken salad sandwich, the dads are sure to flock. Just leave the “Kiss the Cook” aprons at home.
Chance the Rapper → Juiceland
Chance the Rapper is one of ACL’s biggest draws this year and guaranteed to spread his infectious joy to enormous crowds. Dedicated fans will swarm en masse to the barricade as soon as the fest opens to camp out in the sun all day in hopes of being front and center.
Look after yourself and stay hydrated with Juiceland’s refreshing cucumber kale agua fresca. Plus, you’ll be so on-brand when Chance starts to chant “I got the juice!”
The Head and the Heart → Wholly Cow Burgers
This year, The Head and the Heart fulfills a token ACL line-up role: the folk roots band whose sing-along ballads are prime for a festival crowd. It’s a strong combination, one that’s sure to result in a lively and cheerful set. Similarly, Wholly Cow Burgers knows what works in a delicious burger made with meaningful ingredients. Their exclusive use of local organic hormone and chemical-free grass fed beef ensures both your head and your heart will thank you.
The XX → Skull & Cakebones
The XX know how to put together a dreamy set, easily switching from overarching passion to heartbreaking intimacy that draws the listener close. Their shimmering, ever-changing lights display serves as the cherry on top for festival-goers to start ACL on the right note.
Keep the magic going a little longer with a sweet treat from Skull & Cakebones. Their all-vegan chocolate chip cookie dough boasts a chocolate-coffee sauce and sprinkles, or you can try their ice cream “cakewich,” a dizzying concoction of chocolate and vanilla.
Run the Jewels → Tamale Addiction
Rappers El-P and Killer Mike pack a powerful punch with their sizzling intensity and hard-hitting beats. This big-hearted hip-hop duo know how to work a crowd and keep the energy level high with their thumping bass and effortless charisma. You’ll be left with ringing eardrums and their spicy lyrics still on the tip of your tongue. Afterward, find your fire and take a trip to Tamale Addiction. Their intoxicating blends of spice and savor will treat your tastebuds. Whether you’re inclined to the pork tomatillo or chicken mole, Tamale Addiction promises to bring a little heat to your ACL.
Gorillaz → East Side King
We’ve seen stranger things than brussels sprouts at a music festival. Namely, Damon Albarn’s virtual band that has done more than enough to win its reputation for being a little out there. If you’re into Gorillaz’s unique brand of eclectic funk, strike out from the mold of typical festival food with a stop at East Side King for their brussels sprouts salad. The exhilarating combination of sweet and spicy fried brussels sprouts, jalapeño and fresh herbs will pop off your tastebuds and leave you wanting more.
The Killers → Burro Cheese Kitchen
The Killers are a childhood staple that has endured past the role of the token throwback. If you’re among the thousands ready to scream along to “Mr. Brightside,” you know that nothing beats the classics. Burro Cheese Kitchen follows the same philosophy by amping up a nostalgic comfort food staple: grilled cheese.
You can’t go wrong with simple perfection like The O.G., made with artisan cheeses on hawaiian bread. Give the Waylon & Willie a try if you’re feeling daring: a remixed grilled cheese with caramelized onions, pepperoncinis and a maple bacon sauce. Either way, Burro’s will give you a blast to the past but also keep you facing the future.