10 San Francisco food favorites to try at Outside Lands
It seems that every year a new music festival is born somewhere in the world. Outside Lands premiered in Golden Gate Park in 2009 and, true to its culinary capital roots, one of the festival’s signature features is its outstanding selection of food. It is the one festival our crew attends at which we look forward to experiencing the eats rather than chowing down on a substantial meal to keep us going the whole day. At Outside Lands, you plan your agenda around musical acts and what you’re eating in between. There’s ChocoLands, BeerLands, Food Truck Lands, and more. Trust us, you want to be aware of all your options before you settle for something that doesn’t feed your heart as much as the next stand might. I encourage you to check out the 2014 restaurant list ahead of time. In true SF fashion, composting bins will be available; make like a local, and put your waste where it belongs. Read on for 10 San Francisco food favorites that stand out at the Park and on the streets of the city.
PHOTO: Serious Eats.
4505 Meats: Cheeseburgers
Recommended by Jonna Constantine for National Burger Month, she describes it as “the best burger you’ll eat standing up! The seeded bun and special sauce make this burger crave-able.”
PHOTO: TripAdvisor.com
Farmerbrown’s Little Skillet: Fried chicken and waffles
People line up around the block for brunch at Farmerbrown. Enjoy your soul food lounging on a picnic blanket with awesome sounds and terrific people watching.
PHOTO: SFGate.com
Blue Bottle: New Orleans Style Iced Coffee
San Francisco is home to many boutique coffee bars, but Blue Bottle is my all-time favorite. Their NOLA style iced coffee is the perfect pick-me-up for after hours of dancing.
PHOTO: Freshroll.
Freshroll Vietnamese Rolls & Bowls: Banh Mi sandwich
The ingredients are fresh and make for the best kind of full in a day that requires all of your energy.
PHOTO: UrbanSpoon.
Namu Street Food: “Real” Korean tacos
Ssam style “taco”, seasoned rice, pickled daikon, kimchee salsa, kimchee remoulade, teriyaki sauce, toasted seaweed, nori, with bulgogi or chicken thigh. Done and done.
PHOTO: Gourmet.com.
Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream
Golden Gate Park cools down into the night but while you’re dancing in a field full of friends, you might be warm enough to be in the mood for an ice cream. Don’t miss this local favorite.
PHOTO: OnSugar.
American Grilled Cheese Kitchen: Classic grilled cheese sandwich
The cheese speaks for itself. If there’s an option to add pickles, take it. Trust me.
PHOTO: Stereogum.
Outside Lambs: Lamb Poutine
There is a whole section of food dedicated to lamb menus; welcome to San Francisco. Hidden away in one of the passages, this magical place is where you’ll find the veteran OL-goers. I could live on lamb poutine alone for the three days of the festival.
PHOTO: Cook With Eva.
Kara’s Cupcakes: S’mores Cupcake
If I had to choose one sweet treat to have at Outside Lands, the s’mores cupcake from Kara’s would be it. It’s the perfect accompaniment to an afternoon of sprawling out in the fresh air amongst the trees.
PHOTO: Outside Lands.
WineLands
For you oenphiles, this may seem like an obvious choice but even for someone like me who 9 times out of 10 won’t turn down a glass of wine, I didn’t make time to visit the WineLands tent until the last day of the festival the second time I attended. As soon as I discovered the beauty of this place, I didn’t want to leave. It functions like a wine tasting carnival. You purchase tickets that you trade (1-3 tickets per pour) at stands. Don’t forget you are less than 2 hours from wine country; the selection of wines reflects that while the experts making the pours are clearly not your average wine bar server.
What’s your favorite Outside Lands food?
Catherine Abalos is founder and editor of The Single Diaries.
