Surviving ACL: The Eats [updated]

Since I posted this, they released the lineup for this year's eats.  Here is the listing.  Since there are literally only two new entrants, I decided to just update this post instead of do a whole new one.  See below for new vendors.

The food at ACL Fest is legit.  I remember hitting up the Willie Nelson 4th of July picnic in Luckenbach 20 years ago, and the food was garbage.  Turkey legs and sad nachos and lukewarm Bud.  In these new days of food trucks on every corner, the days of bad hot dogs and nachos at an outdoor event should be wiped off the face of the earth.  You'll pay for the honor of enjoying these eats, but it definitely beats the alternative of garbage from Sodexo or whatever.

The Menu from last years' ACL is ridiculously detailed, so I'm not going to try to run through that whole thing.  But if you scroll down through it, you can see that the menu is varied and eclectic, and will allow you to try several iconic Austin places or just get some food in your belly.  The choice is yours.  Here are some eats that I remember from the past few years.

• Chi'Lantro Kimchi Fries.  $8.  This trailer used to be right across the street from my office and it was awesome.  They pretty much serve that one kind of meat 7 or 8 different ways.  The burger, with a fried egg on it, is so fantastic.  But that wasn't an option here, so I went with the fries.  I recall them being less than warm, and kind of bad underneath the yummy kimchi. 
• East Side King's Poor Qui Buns.  $8.  So stinkin' good.  I love those soft, steamed buns, and the pork and seasoning going on in this was great.
• P. Terry's burger. $4.  Best deal in the park.  I like these burgers anyway, but instead of dropping $8 on something weird and potentially bad, you can fire down two excellent burgers for the same price.  This is definitely my go-to when in the park and trying to snag food in between shows.
• Mighty Cone!  $7.  These things are awesome.  They have a chicken and a shrimp, and I recall destroying several a year ago.  Great crunch on the fried protein, plus a tasty sauce, some slaw, and a tortilla of sorts.  Yummo.
• Mmmpanadas green chile chicken empanada.  $8.  My recollection of this is that this was a poor choice.  I thought it would be a good change of pace, but I recall it being kind of waxy and dry.
• Stubb's chopped beef sandwich with chips.  $8.  Another go-to for me, easy to grab and go and jam this sucker home with little fuss or muss.  And a bag of Fritos with it is choice as well.

Then, assuming the restaurant list will be the same or similar this year, here are some things that I want to seek out to try:

• Tamale Addiction.  I dig tamales, and this would probably be a good change of pace from the burgers.
• Southside Flying Pizza.  A slice of pie of the meatball sub, those sound great right now.
• Peached Tortilla.  We have eaten at their new brick and mortar a few times recently and like it. Brisket tacos or pork belly tacos?  Heck yes.
• Mighty bird burrito.  We ate there the other day with kids in tow and liked it.  Burrito is perfect fest fare.
• Freebirds!  Again, burrito sounds like a good plan.

I'm sure we'll get a few new joints added in and a few will drop out, but in general terms, the food choices at the park are good during the big weekend.

As for actual eating, know that it is a grind to get the best stuff during the usual eating times. If you want to get Torchy's at noon, then expect to wait for it.  This is one of the reasons I go with the burger - for ease - they have them ready and you just snag, pay, and roll along. Also, regardless of how tired you are of standing, you likely are not going to get a spot to sit in the shade by the food stands unless it is an off time.  Usually, every seat in the big eating tent is occupied by some large group of bored-looking college kids who are texting each other and fanning themselves with their hip straw fedoras.  They aren't eating, but when you glance around with food in hand, hopefully scanning for a spot to sit, they do not move, or offer their seat, they just continue to chew their gum and stare.  I love the youth.

[UPDATE]

The new menu drops out a few names, but most of the major players I remember from the past are coming back for another trip.  New entrants to the game:

• Burro Cheese Kitchen.  I've eaten these things while at the Austin Beerworks brewery, and they are freaking good.  Those little King's hawaiian rolls with cheese melted inside are mighty tasty!
• uhhhhh.
• ummmmm.
• welp...
• Trudy's.  Trudy's will be there serving up stuffed avocados for $8 (yummo) and Cholula Honey Chicken Tenders for $6.  Their stuffed avocados are mighty fine!

Not much else added to the lineup for real food.  Lambas Royal Indian is gone [edit, added not to the Farmer's Market], also gone are Max's Wine Dive and Oh Kimchi!  Otherwise, same as last year.  Which is helpful for my planning purposes.  I can still aim for the Freebirds and Mighty Bird burritos and the P. Terry's burger action!  I'd also go hit up one of those Burro sammies!