When fans are able to finally enter Q2 Stadium to take in an Austin FC match on Saturday, the play on the field will not be the only attraction. Many local restaurants have taken up residence inside the stadium to give fans the full Austin experience inside Austin FC’s new home.
At Q2 Stadium, concession fare will stretch far beyond the world of peanuts and hot dogs. For any fan thinking about a visit, Food & Beverage at Q2 Stadium is an attraction unto itself.
“We wanted the stadium to feel like it feels in Austin when you’re walking down any of the different neighborhoods and you can see a little bit of everything,” said Sam Boisjoly, Executive Chef of 512 Food Co. “We wanted to be inclusive of all cultures, all backgrounds, we just wanted it to feel like Austin.”
512 Food Co. Executive Chef Sam Boisjoly (left) with Easy Tiger Head Doughpuncher David Norman (right)
Some of the many restaurants to be featured at Q2 Stadium include Slovacek’s, Bao’d Up and Taco Flats. Let’s take a look at some of Chef Sam's favorites...
The El Rey Sandwich from Valentina’s Tex-Mex BBQ
Near Section 137 and in Grab & Go Markets
Chef Miguel Vidal has put together a sandwich that any BBQ fan would be happy to enjoy, it’s like a BBQ buffet in a sandwich: brisket, pulled pork, onions, pickles, slaw, habanero mustard and BBQ sauce.
“It’s absolutely decadent,” said Boisjoly. “After you have an El Rey, you need to be in a stadium so you can walk it off.”
Be sure to get there early as these sandwiches may sell out before the match even starts.
Brisket Taco with Verde Salsa from Valentina’s Tex-Mex BBQ
Near Section 137 and in Grab & Go Markets
This taco has mesquite-smoked, chopped brisket topped with sea-salt lime guacamole on a fresh flour tortilla. Served with tomato serrano salsa on the side.
“It’ll change your life,” said Boisjoly of the taco. “It’s simplicity, very unpretentious, very real but once you have it you’re like ‘Wow, this is something else.’”
Easy Tiger Large Pretzel with Grain Mustard and Beer Cheese Sauce from Easy Tiger
Near Sections 108 and 127
The Austin staple is excited to be a part of this experience at Q2 Stadium and Head Baker David Norman puts a lot of love into everything he does. The pretzel comes with the Grain Mustard, while the Beer Cheese Sauce is available for purchase.
The Austin Table
One of the coolest features in food at Q2 Stadium will be "The Austin Table," a concession stand rotating and highlighting food options from favorite local chefs and restaurants.
For the “The Austin Table,” the Club has partnered with the Escoffier School Of Culinary Arts to create an environment where young culinary students can learn about the business and work with some local chefs. As for the chefs, the Club is looking to showcase everybody, not just the big names.
Nixta Taqueria will be featured for this match but the future schedule includes: Chennai Café, Casa Chapala, Botanero, Easy Tiger, SXSE Food Co., The Peached Tortilla, Otoko Austin, and Sugar Pine. The full schedule will be released in the coming weeks.
Duck Carnitas Taco from Nixta Taqueria | The Austin Table
Near Section 137
For opening weekend, the Duck Carnitas Taco will feature at The Austin Table with duck confit, salsa cruda, radish, saved white onions and cilantro (gluten-free) is on deck.
--
These dishes are just some of the amazing dining options fans will be able to choose from when they make their way to Q2 Stadium. To complement, plenty of local beer and cocktail vendors and options will also be available. The best of Austin will be on display at Q2 Stadium.
“If I had a friend that had a three-hour layover and he wanted to see Austin, I’d bring him to a game and he could say he saw the whole food and beverage scene in Austin,” said Boisjoly.
