Where To Eat, Drink & Recharge During ACL

September 29, 2023

As the countdown to the Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL) begins, the heart of Texas is pulsating with anticipation. ACL has long been the beacon of fall festivals, drawing music enthusiasts from all corners of the country to the vibrant city of Austin. But, of course, this festival isn’t just about the music; it’s a cultural phenomenon that embraces the true essence of Austin’s lifestyle.

For ACL attendees, the experience extends beyond the festival grounds. It’s about savoring the city’s eclectic culinary scene, finding the perfect pre-game spot, and discovering those oases of relaxation and rejuvenation amidst the festival frenzy. Whether you’re a seasoned ACL veteran or a first-time festival-goer, we’ve got you covered with the ultimate guide to navigate the festival’s surroundings. Join us as we explore where to eat, where to pre-game, where to relax, and where to recover – all in the spirited spirit of ACL.

Where To Eat Downtown/Near The Festival & Limited Time Festival Specials

Diner Bar

Diner Bar announced a special offer exclusively for ACL wristband holders. Located in the vibrant heart of downtown Austin and led by Executive Chef and James Beard Award Winner Mashama Bailey, Diner Bar invites festival-goers to savor a remarkable dining experience with a 10% discount on their meal and cocktails at all business hours (all menu items and cocktails, beer and wine apply, offer excludes happy hour items). This limited-time promotion is available both weekends of ACL from October 5th-8th and October 12th-15th, must show your ACL wristband to redeem. Diner Bar is open daily from 4pm -10pm and is located at 500 San Jacinto Blvd & E 5th St. Austin, TX 78701, USA

TenTen

Located in the heart of Downtown, modern Japanese restaurant TenTen is the perfect spot to enjoy a pre-festival meal! Visit TenTen to enjoy The Friday Lunch, their lunch-exclusive menu featuring TenTen favorites including donburi rice bowls, sushi and specialty robata dishes. TenTen will be offering a free starter (choice of Edamame or Chicken Karaage) when ACL badge holders spend $30 and show proof of their badge during Friday lunch and dinner (October 6th & 13th), Saturday and Sunday dinner (October 7th, 8th, 14th & 15th).

The Well

The Well reimagines healthy dining by combining premium nutrition, locally sourced and sustainable farming and genuine flavors. Available for dine-in, pickup and delivery, The Well makes for the perfect, convenient spot for a delicious and healthy fuel-up for all the ACL festivities. The Well will be offering a free scoop of golden turmeric ice cream when ACL badge holders spend $25 and show proof of their badge during Friday lunch and dinner (October 6th & 13th), Saturday and Sunday dinner (October 7th, 8th, 14th & 15th).

Devil May Care

Downtown Austin’s underground lounge, Devil May Care recently launched their new happy hour menu offered Monday through Friday from 5:00pm – 6:30pm. With features like $2 oysters, $12 burger & fries, half off select wine bottles and $7 mini tinis, this isn’t a happy hour to miss! Stop by on Friday on your way to or from ACL for the happy hour specials. Don’t worry if you miss happy hour, Devil May Care will be open for dinner and late night entertainment for those still wanting to experience the ultimate underground lounge after the festival.

Walton’s Fancy and Staple

For a limited time during the ACL weekends, guests can savor Walton’s Fancy and Staple’s new Italian Croissant Sandwich special, served on a buttery croissant, featuring roasted eggplant, creamy burrata, zesty basil aioli, sun-dried tomato pesto, crisp red onion, and fresh spinach. In addition to the delicious ACL special, Walton’s is offering $5 cocktails including their new Jagged Little Spritz, a playful nod to Alanis Morissette. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic brunch cocktail or something with a twist, Walton’s has you covered. It’s the perfect way to fuel up and embrace the festival spirit. Conveniently located at 609 W. 6th St. Walton’s invites you to savor the flavors, soak in the atmosphere, and create unforgettable memories during ACL weekend.

Garbo’s Lobster

Garbo’s newest location on North Lamar Boulevard is just 7 minutes away from Zilker Park! The new location has a walk-up, to-go window perfect for those in a hurry to get to the fest. Additionally, the team has put together Picnic Packs which consist of 2 Maine Rolls, 2 bags of Cape Cod Kettle Chips, Smoked Mahi Dip served with crackers, and 2 Coca-Colas for $77, available for to-go only. For those interested in sitting down and dining, the restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating, a variety of fresh lobster rolls, small bites, and homemade desserts.

Tacodeli

ACL season is back, and Tacodeli’s Spyglass location is your go-to destination for satisfying your taco and margarita cravings in style. With its expansive menu featuring breakfast tacos, beef, chicken, seafood, and veggie tacos, Tacodeli makes it easy for you to grab a quick bite on the go or to sit down and relax. The dog-friendly patio offers ample seating, perfect for snacking on queso and sipping margaritas, or taking your margs to go en route to the fest. Tacodeli is located at 1500 Spyglass Dr Suite B, Austin, TX 78746. Their hours are Monday – Friday 7am – 9pm and Saturday – Sunday 8am – 9pm.

TLC

TLC announced its upcoming Oyster Festival on Saturday, October 14th from noon to 6pm, and you won’t want to miss it. Join them for a day of delectable oysters, mouthwatering seafood, and live entertainment. You can look forward to a variety of East Coast and Gulf oysters, prepared raw, grilled, and fried. Participate in oyster shucking and oyster eating competitions, with cash prizes up for grabs, and groove to the music of Lila and Sofia. RSVP here. TLC is located at 1100 S Lamar Blvd. Suite 1150 Austin, TX 78704

Where To Munch Before The Festival

Progress Coffee + Beer

Looking for a caffeine kick before hitting ACL? Locally owned Progress Coffee + Beer has got you covered. Swing by for a cup of their freshly roasted on-site coffee and treat yourself to mouthwatering tacos by Pueblo Viejo Food Truck. It’s the ideal pre-festival pitstop for coffee lovers and taco aficionados. Progress Coffee now has two locations. Check out their newest Buda location at 750 FM2001, Buda, TX 78610 open Sunday – Wednesday from 7AM – 12AM and Thursday – Saturday from 7AM – 2AM.

The Grey Market

Grab breakfast and lunch pre-fest at The Grey Market by Executive Chef Mashama Bailey. Located downtown, adjacent to sister restaurant Diner Bar, The Grey Market offers hearty breakfast, fast lunch and afternoon libations. Fill up on southern breakfast classics and all day eats like Hash & Eggs, Blue Plate Specials, Shrimp & Grits, and Fried Chicken Sandwiches. Local draft beer, cocktails, wines by the glass, and zero-proof drinks.

Revelry Kitchen + Bar

Revelry Kitchen + Bar is your go-to destination for pre-gaming festivities. Located at 1410 E 6th Street Austin, TX 78702, their spacious patio, mouthwatering food and drink selection, and electric party atmosphere make them the place to be throughout the festival. Enjoy their happy hour deals featuring $2 off House Cocktails, $2 off Wine, $1 off all Local Beers, $5 Wells, $5 Selected Appetizers all Monday night long and Tuesday-Friday: 4pm – 7pm.

Where To Relax & Recharge

Viva Day Spa

Festival life can be tough on your skin and muscles, but locally, women-owned Viva Day Spa will have you feeling renewed and revived. Treat yourself to a rejuvenating HydraFacial, a Deep Tissue Massage, or really get rid of that ACL dust with their luxurious Vivafy Spa Package. Get festival-ready or decompress after the fest with these spa treatments and leave feeling refreshed and pampered. Book your appointment today at any of their Austin locations at this link.

Swift Fit Events

Swift Fit Events announced a series of captivating events slated for the month of October, all FREE and open to the public. Their October calendar features an array of wellness and fitness activities featuring Grounded Yoga on Sundays and Mondays, Grounded Strength and Cardio on Tuesdays and Dance Cardio and Yoga on Saturdays. For more information about all of Swift’s Community Events visit their website.

Where To Recover

Sazan Ramen

After an electrifying festival experience, there’s no better place to unwind, recharge, and savor the warmth of comforting ramen than Sazan Ramen. Dive into their $5 happy hour specials, indulge in their soul-soothing bowls of paitan ramen, and explore their selection of Japanese whisky. Sazan is open Sunday – Thursday 11:30am – 9pm and Friday – Saturday 11:30am – 10pm. They are located at 6929 Airport Blvd #146 Austin, TX 78752.

Daiboku Ramen by Sazan

After soaking in the sights and sounds of ACL, let Daiboku Ramen treat your taste buds without denting your budget. Daiboku is now serving $3 Sake Bombs, $3 Select Beers, and $10 Classic Ramens through the end of October. Daiboku is located at 609 W 29th St Austin, TX 78705 and is open daily from 11:30am – 9pm.

As the final chords of ACL’s headlining acts reverberate through Zilker Park, and the festival’s last encore fades into the night, Austin continues to pulsate with energy. The memories made, the music shared, and the flavors experienced will linger long after the festival gates close. It’s a reminder that Austin, Texas, isn’t just a place to attend a music festival; it’s a destination that weaves its cultural fabric into every moment of your stay.

We hope our guide has enriched your ACL experience, helping you discover the best places to dine, drink, relax, and recover. Whether you’re relishing a tantalizing meal, soaking up the pre-game atmosphere, unwinding at a spa, or sipping on comforting ramen, Austin has it all.

Eva Rogers

A Texan through and through, her passion for the Lone Star State is evident in every word she writes.Hailing from the vast plains of West Texas, Eva has a deep appreciation for the unique blend of tradition and innovation that defines the Texan spirit. Eva crafts articles that celebrate the diverse tapestry of Texas, from its bustling urban centers to its serene rural landscapes.