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Two halved bagels with eggs and meat.
An egg bagel sandwich at Rosen’s.
Rosen’s

The 17 Best Places to Eat Near Austin City Limits Music Festival

Where to grab tacos, cocktails, and barbecue near Zilker Park

by Erin Russell and Nadia Chaudhury Updated
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An egg bagel sandwich at Rosen’s.
| Rosen’s
by Erin Russell and Nadia Chaudhury Updated

Austin City Limits Music Festival is coming up soon in October, marking the peak of Austin’s events season. Sure, there will be great options inside of Zilker Park (hello, Micklethwait Craft Meats, Hoover’s Cooking, and Taco Bronco), but sooner or later, you’re going to need a break from waiting in line for Chi’lantro’s kimchi fries.

Behold Eater’s updated ACL Music Festival dining map for 2022, with the best eating and drinking bets for newcomers and Austinites alike near Zilker Park this year. There are so many options, from the pick-me-up coffees from Merit Coffee to barbecue from Terry Black’s BBQ, to cocktails from Roosevelt Room, and, if need be, a nice dinner or even happy hour over at Uchi.

The music festival is so nice that it’s even happening twice: Friday, October 7 through Sunday, October 9; and then from Friday, October 14 through Sunday, October 16. For help navigating the food and drink options at the festival itself, check out Eater’s soon-to-be-updated ACL guide. Likewise, check out Eater’s neighborhood guides to downtown Austin and South Lamar.

Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission. The latest CDC guidance is here; find a COVID-19 vaccination site here.

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Deep Eddy Cabaret

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Have an after-fest beer or five far from the Sixth Street crowds. Another easy walk across the pedestrian bridge.

2315 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

Pool Burger

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For tiki cocktails and burgers within walking from the festival grounds, head to Pool Burger, which is open from noon to midnight on Friday and Saturday (it closes at 9 p.m. Sunday). Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

2315 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
(512) 334-9747
(512) 334-9747
A burger in a paper wrap and fries in a tray on a blue picnic table.
Pool Burger serves up a double burger.
Chad Wadsworth

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Better Half Coffee & Cocktails

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The all-day cafe across the river has it all: breakfast and brunch-ready sandwiches and sweet potato pancakes; hearty cheeseburgers and chicken fried steaks; lighter fare like salads and granola bowls; thoughtful espresso and coffee; and carefully curated cocktails, beers, and wines. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

406 Walsh St, Austin, TX 78703
(512) 645-0786
(512) 645-0786
Two plates of food, one with a sunny-side-up egg and a broth and the other with a sandwich with a cup of latte and a drinks menu on a wooden table.
Food and coffee at Better Half.
Courtney Pierce/Eater Austin

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Rosen's Bagels

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The Austin bagel company opened up a downtown cafe since the last ACL, serving up morning and daytime bagel sandwiches, all luckily found at the shuttle center. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are outdoor dine-in areas.

422 W 5th St C, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 502-5027
(512) 502-5027

Also featured in:

The Roosevelt Room

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Looking for a fancy drink and a cheese board after a day of festival fare? The expert bartenders at the Roosevelt Room, near the shuttle drop-off at Republic Square, make classic cocktails from every decade. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor dine-in services.

307 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 494-4094
(512) 494-4094
A cocktail in a steel can with a pile of crushed ice and green mint.
A mint julep at Roosevelt Room.
Roosevelt Room

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Merit Coffee

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For coffee across the river, head to Merit, found near both the Lamar-adjacent pedestrian bridge and walking distance of the shuttle drop-off. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

222 West Ave #120, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 906-0266
(512) 906-0266

Also featured in:

Halcyon Coffee, Bar & Lounge

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Open from the morning until 2 a.m., Halycon is a great place for a much-needed early morning or way late-night caffeine jolt (or coffee cocktails too). It's close to the shuttle at Republic Square. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

218 W 4th St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 472-9637
(512) 472-9637

Also featured in:

Salt Traders Coastal Cooking Zilker

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Jack Gilmore’s seafood comfort restaurant is located near the southwest side of the park for those craving chowders, fish, or samples from the raw bar. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor dine-in services.

1101 S MoPac Expy, Austin, TX 78746
(737) 484-0095
(737) 484-0095
A circular tray of halved oysters and a pile of pink shrimp and ice are surrounded by a little bowl with empty oyster shells, condiments, and crackers.
Oysters from Salt Traders.
Salt Traders

Also featured in:

Chuy's

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Do you want some Tex-Mex? Do you not want to walk far? Chuy's is here for you, and everyone else at ACL. Sometimes a big plate of enchiladas is worth the wait. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

1728 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78704
(512) 474-4452
(512) 474-4452

Also featured in:

Carpenters Hall

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Just down the street from the festival grounds are the hotel restaurant Carpenters Hall and cafe. The former serves up an essentially all-day menu of Austin/Central Texas/German comfort dishes in a bright space and the latter focuses on coffee and pastries. Takeout orders for both can be placed online; and there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services/areas.

400 Josephine St, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 675-5020
(512) 675-5020

Also featured in:

P. Terry's

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A short walk to P. Terry's will yield late-night burgers (and one of the city's popular veggie burgers) until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and 1 a.m. on Sunday. Expect significant lines. Takeout orders can be placed online.

404 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 473-2217
(512) 473-2217

Also featured in:

El Alma

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El Alma is the higher-end cousin to the Austin Tex-Mex mini-chain El Chile. The rooftop patio is an ideal space to share post-fest guacamole and margaritas. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

1025 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78704
(512) 609-8923
(512) 609-8923

Also featured in:

Terry Black's BBQ

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Assuming there's no time to make a barbecue pit stop in Lockhart, Terry Black’s is the next best thing. There is even the opportunity for evening barbecue because the restaurant closes at 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 9:30 p.m. Sunday for those who choose to skip the headliners. Preorders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

1003 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX

Also featured in:

Sandy's Hamburgers

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Are these the best hamburgers in Austin? Who knows. Does it hit the spot and come with a side of frozen custard? Hell yes.

603 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 478-6322
(512) 478-6322

Also featured in:

Uchi

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This message is for the out-of-towners: if you're feeling really lucky or really patient, this Austin standout is within walking distance of Zilker. Get there early if you want any hope of a table. Austinites: Why on earth would you go to Uchi during ACL? You live here. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

801 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 916-4808
(512) 916-4808

Also featured in:

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Odd Duck

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Like Uchi, the renowned Odd Duck is difficult to get into during ACL (there’s always another time), but it’s worth checking out Bryce Gilmore's Odd Duck for dinner. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

1201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 433-6521
(512) 433-6521
The corner of a restaurant bar with stools and someone in the back sitting at the bar.
Odd Duck.
Jessica Pages/Eater

Ramen Tatsu-ya

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Sure, there’ll probably be a line, but the ramen is restorative, which will fuel festival-goers after late nights filled with music and dancing. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services. Also, try your luck at the next-door sibling cocktail bar Tiki Tatsu-ya.

1234 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

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Deep Eddy Cabaret

2315 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

Have an after-fest beer or five far from the Sixth Street crowds. Another easy walk across the pedestrian bridge.

2315 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

Pool Burger

2315 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

For tiki cocktails and burgers within walking from the festival grounds, head to Pool Burger, which is open from noon to midnight on Friday and Saturday (it closes at 9 p.m. Sunday). Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

2315 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
(512) 334-9747
(512) 334-9747
A burger in a paper wrap and fries in a tray on a blue picnic table.
Pool Burger serves up a double burger.
Chad Wadsworth

Better Half Coffee & Cocktails

406 Walsh St, Austin, TX 78703

The all-day cafe across the river has it all: breakfast and brunch-ready sandwiches and sweet potato pancakes; hearty cheeseburgers and chicken fried steaks; lighter fare like salads and granola bowls; thoughtful espresso and coffee; and carefully curated cocktails, beers, and wines. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

406 Walsh St, Austin, TX 78703
(512) 645-0786
(512) 645-0786
Two plates of food, one with a sunny-side-up egg and a broth and the other with a sandwich with a cup of latte and a drinks menu on a wooden table.
Food and coffee at Better Half.
Courtney Pierce/Eater Austin

Rosen's Bagels

422 W 5th St C, Austin, TX 78701

The Austin bagel company opened up a downtown cafe since the last ACL, serving up morning and daytime bagel sandwiches, all luckily found at the shuttle center. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are outdoor dine-in areas.

422 W 5th St C, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 502-5027
(512) 502-5027

The Roosevelt Room

307 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701

Looking for a fancy drink and a cheese board after a day of festival fare? The expert bartenders at the Roosevelt Room, near the shuttle drop-off at Republic Square, make classic cocktails from every decade. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor dine-in services.

307 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 494-4094
(512) 494-4094
A cocktail in a steel can with a pile of crushed ice and green mint.
A mint julep at Roosevelt Room.
Roosevelt Room

Merit Coffee

222 West Ave #120, Austin, TX 78701

For coffee across the river, head to Merit, found near both the Lamar-adjacent pedestrian bridge and walking distance of the shuttle drop-off. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

222 West Ave #120, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 906-0266
(512) 906-0266

Halcyon Coffee, Bar & Lounge

218 W 4th St, Austin, TX 78701

Open from the morning until 2 a.m., Halycon is a great place for a much-needed early morning or way late-night caffeine jolt (or coffee cocktails too). It's close to the shuttle at Republic Square. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

218 W 4th St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 472-9637
(512) 472-9637

Salt Traders Coastal Cooking Zilker

1101 S MoPac Expy, Austin, TX 78746

Jack Gilmore’s seafood comfort restaurant is located near the southwest side of the park for those craving chowders, fish, or samples from the raw bar. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor dine-in services.

1101 S MoPac Expy, Austin, TX 78746
(737) 484-0095
(737) 484-0095
A circular tray of halved oysters and a pile of pink shrimp and ice are surrounded by a little bowl with empty oyster shells, condiments, and crackers.
Oysters from Salt Traders.
Salt Traders

Chuy's

1728 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78704

Do you want some Tex-Mex? Do you not want to walk far? Chuy's is here for you, and everyone else at ACL. Sometimes a big plate of enchiladas is worth the wait. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

1728 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78704
(512) 474-4452
(512) 474-4452

Carpenters Hall

400 Josephine St, Austin, TX 78704

Just down the street from the festival grounds are the hotel restaurant Carpenters Hall and cafe. The former serves up an essentially all-day menu of Austin/Central Texas/German comfort dishes in a bright space and the latter focuses on coffee and pastries. Takeout orders for both can be placed online; and there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services/areas.

400 Josephine St, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 675-5020
(512) 675-5020

P. Terry's

404 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

A short walk to P. Terry's will yield late-night burgers (and one of the city's popular veggie burgers) until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and 1 a.m. on Sunday. Expect significant lines. Takeout orders can be placed online.

404 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 473-2217
(512) 473-2217

El Alma

1025 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78704

El Alma is the higher-end cousin to the Austin Tex-Mex mini-chain El Chile. The rooftop patio is an ideal space to share post-fest guacamole and margaritas. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

1025 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78704
(512) 609-8923
(512) 609-8923

Terry Black's BBQ

1003 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX

Assuming there's no time to make a barbecue pit stop in Lockhart, Terry Black’s is the next best thing. There is even the opportunity for evening barbecue because the restaurant closes at 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 9:30 p.m. Sunday for those who choose to skip the headliners. Preorders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in areas.

1003 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX

Sandy's Hamburgers

603 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

Are these the best hamburgers in Austin? Who knows. Does it hit the spot and come with a side of frozen custard? Hell yes.

603 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 478-6322
(512) 478-6322

Uchi

801 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

This message is for the out-of-towners: if you're feeling really lucky or really patient, this Austin standout is within walking distance of Zilker. Get there early if you want any hope of a table. Austinites: Why on earth would you go to Uchi during ACL? You live here. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

801 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 916-4808
(512) 916-4808

Related Maps

Odd Duck

1201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

Like Uchi, the renowned Odd Duck is difficult to get into during ACL (there’s always another time), but it’s worth checking out Bryce Gilmore's Odd Duck for dinner. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

1201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 433-6521
(512) 433-6521
The corner of a restaurant bar with stools and someone in the back sitting at the bar.
Odd Duck.
Jessica Pages/Eater

Ramen Tatsu-ya

1234 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

Sure, there’ll probably be a line, but the ramen is restorative, which will fuel festival-goers after late nights filled with music and dancing. Takeout orders can be placed online; there are indoor and outdoor dine-in services. Also, try your luck at the next-door sibling cocktail bar Tiki Tatsu-ya.

1234 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

Related Maps