Best Places to Eat Before Blues on the Green

Blues on the Green at Zilker Park (Credit: Bill Oriani via Flickr CC)

This guest blog article is by Adam Rosenfield.

Ah, KGSR’s Blues on the Green, the quintessential summer event in Austin. The evening features free live music from prominent artists in Zilker Park on Wednesday night. You and your friends can set your DVRs for Modern Family and still enjoy the hot, yet beautiful, summer night.

With musical acts like Charlie Mars, Quiet Company and Shinyribs still to come, Austinites have a convenient excuse to sample the delicious culinary options located within two miles (!) of Zilker Park. Lucky for Austinot readers, I’ve come up with food choices for every Blues on the Green occasion.

The Inexpensive Blues on the Green “We Have Ten Minutes Before the Concert Starts” Options

So you both swiped right on Tinder, and you’re looking for a low key way to get to know each other. Or maybe you’ve been in a relationship for awhile and just want to save money in preparation for your big romantic vacation. Try the following food choices before Blues on the Green…

P. Terry’s

P. Terry’s burger, fries and shake (Credit: Eric Highland)

404 S Lamar Blvd at Barton Springs

Austin’s beloved burger chain. What’s more casual than a double with cheese and a chocolate milkshake, all for under $7? (And don’t forget the fries!) Vegetarians are in luck, as P Terry’s has their own homemade veggie burger recipe.

Whole Foods

Whole Foods downtown (Credit: That Other Paper via Flickr CC)

550 Bowie St at Lamar between 5th and 6th

Is this not the classic Austin date spot? While parking may be trouble, there’s nothing like traversing the salad bar, munching on some large tacos from the taco bar, or even kibitzing over kale from the vegan bar. You might even run into an Austin celebrity or two making the same walk to Zilker for some live music.

The Mighty Cone

The Mighty Cone (Credit: Joselito Tagarao via Flickr CC)

1720 Barton Springs Rd

You’ll be walking a lot, so why not eat something that’s portable (and won’t melt)? Mighty Cone has options for the protein craving individual (the Hot & Crunchy Chicken is the ACL original after all) and the vivacious vegetarian (who doesn’t like a Hot & Crunchy Avocado Cone?).

This food trailer sits in the middle of Austin’s new The Picnic food trailer park. So if chicken in a cone doesn’t suit you, you can try some comfort food from The Seedling Truck, New Orleans po-boy from Turf N Surf, or elegant Spanish tapas from Tapas Bravas!

The “Can We Just Sit Down and Chat About Our Day Before Singing Our Hearts Out?” Options

Was work stressful? Need a pint or two, or just a big meal? Here are some options exceptionally close to Zilker Park on Barton Springs before Blues on the Green…

Shady Grove

Shady Grove (Credit: Jamie Campbell via Flickr CC)

1624 Barton Springs Rd

An Austin staple, and home to summer’s Thursday night live music event: Unplugged at the Grove. You might fall asleep due to a meat coma before the show, but you’ll be full for the two hours of Blues on the Green, and even when you wake up in the morning.

El Alma

El Alma (Credit: Joel G Goodman via Flickr CC)

1025 Barton Springs Rd east of Lamar

I can’t go any further without a stop for Mexican food. If you arrive early enough, you can take advantage of happy hour until 6 PM. Snack on some Ceviche Clasico or Empanadas along with your $4 Big Ass Beer.

Missed happy hour? El Alma’s Enchiladas Placeras or Carne Asada tacos should do the trick. Need to impress? Go with the Ribeye Adobado.

Dock and Roll Diner

Dock and Roll (Credit: Dock and Roll)

1503 S 1st St about two miles from Zilker Park

Lobster anyone? While a little farther away than some of the other options, why not splurge a little before some easy music? You’ll love Dock and Roll’s Maine Event, complete with lobster claw and knuckle meat, and Dock and Roll’s special mayo. These seafood dishes will ensure you aren’t too “crabby” during Blues on the Green!

The “I Just Want a Snack” Options

Juiceland

Juiceland (Credit: chotda via Flickr CC)

1625 Barton Springs Rd across from Shady Grove

Austin is hot, that much is a fact. Why not chill out while sipping on a Brazilian Kiss (complete with fresh apple juice, acai and banana)? Healthful options from Juiceland are one way to quell your appetite while lounging in your picnic chair at Blues on the Green! Skinny Limits (located at The Picnic) is also a great option.

Sno-Beach

Sno-Beach (Credit: alachia via Flickr CC)

801 Barton Springs Rd across from Palmer Events Center

The running theme of this article is “hey, it’s hot outside.” So why not go somewhere that is described as Austin’s most popular spot to cool off? It’s great for families, too. Who wouldn’t want to try a snow cone flavor called Tiger’s Blood?

Chuy’s

Chuy’s (Credit: BrtinBoston)

1728 Barton Springs Rd

Yes, I know some of you are confused. Chuy’s, like the sit down place? Well, the fact of the matter is simple: Chuy’s happy hour goes from 4-7 PM and included is…A FREE NACHO BAR. What’s better than a free snack before some Blues???

I’m sure I missed some ideas for the best places to eat before Blues on the Green. Feel free to add your favorites in the comments section below!

Adam Rosenfield is a writer, recruiter and sports lover who enjoys connecting everything and everyone that is Austin, and Texas (the state) for that matter. You can tweet him at @adamrosenfield.

@theAustinot asks:

Where is your favorite place to eat before Blues on the Green?