FRIDAY FIVE
Outside Lands is by far the biggest music-meets-food-meets-art-meets-weed event of the year in the Bay Area. Even though it’s changed a lot since it first debuted in 2008—just check out all the bougie things you can do there this year—it hasn’t managed to completely sell out quite like its Southern California sister, Coachella.
From Paul Simon headlining to Lil Wayne gracing us with his presence at the Lands End stage (say whaaa?!), the music is only one of the main attractions. The food scene also makes Outside Lands a go-to destination for locals and people around the country, offering festival-goers a taste of the Bay Area — and as we know, there is a lot of deliciousness to taste.
If you’re attending this weekend and need to know where to go if you’re hit with a case of the munchies, consider the following food destinations. Since there will be more than 80 food vendors, 45 wineries, and 30 breweries, it’s a great chance to sample and support the local food scene.
1. Noosh
If you’ve ever wanted to experience an extra pita sandwich, Noosh knows how to knock it out of the park. Located in the Fillmore District, this new kid on the block in the SF food scene is a perfect hybrid of California cuisine and traditional Eastern Mediterranean. On the menu will be Aleppo pepper marinated-chicken pita sandwiches for the carnivores, which are stuffed with hummus and cucumbers, and Aleppo pepper mushroom pita sandwiches for your veggie friends. The “loaded” tahini fries sound like a great munchie snack too. A stop at Noosh will definitely be in order if things get out of hand at Weed Lands, or if you just happen to walk by their tent and get a whiff of the fresh pita.
Noosh | sfoutsidelands.com/vendor/noosh
2. Baconland
For a city that’s known for having a lot of vegans and vegetarians, you’d be surprised by the bacon smorgasbord that exists at Outside Lands. As the Outside Lands website explains, Baconland is “a celebration of that salty, porky goodness you crave.” Located next to Gastro Magic, Baconland is a stand (not exactly a “land” as advertised) that offers a unique selection of artisanal bacon flights showcasing different flavors. The flavors vary on the basis of different production methods. Baconland also offers sweet treats, like the Bacon Crunch Bar. If you love bacon, this might be your little slice of heaven at Outside Lands.
Baconland |sfoutsidelands.com/vendor/baconland
2. Itani Ramen
Slurping on ramen in the cold fog to stay warm is just as effective as wearing a puffy jacket, making Itani Ramen a popular spot at Outside Lands. Even if the fog has yet to roll in, ramen is the kind of comfort food that will satisfy your food cravings after you devour a weed truffle. On the menu this year is chicken shoyu ramen, which includes ground chicken, corn, and daikon sprouts; veggie miso ramen; and the infamous furikake waffle fries, which are topped with lots of garlic and yuzo mayo. Outside of Outside Lands, Itani Ramen can be found across the bay in Oakland on Telegraph Avenue.
Itani Ramen | sfoutsidelands.com/vendor/itani-ramen
3. Causwells
This is the perfect option for carnivores and vegetarians who are suffering from insatiable burger cravings. This year, Causwells is offering a Double Americana Burger, a beet and garbanzo-bean burger, and fries. The beloved burger spot regularly ranks among those making the best burgers in San Francisco, thanks to the housemade Worcestershire sauce and the overall impeccable construction of the two patties stacked on top of each other to make one big beautiful burger. The veggie option is delicious too. In real life, this Marina staple can be found across the street from the Presidio Theatre.
Causwells | sfoutsidelands.com/vendor/causwells
4. Rich Table
San Francisco is full of the food equivalent of millionaires next door — but instead of millionaires, there are Michelin-star chefs. Rich Table is one example of a low-key Michelin-star restaurant that you’ll just casually be able to try at Outside Lands. If eating at a one-Michelin-star restaurant while high on edibles is your thing, then stop by. On its menu are the porcini doughnuts with raclette cheese, which may be the most perfect festival food. Outside the festival, you can check out the rest of the menu in Hayes Valley.
Rich Table | sfoutsidelands.com/vendor/rich-table
5. Guittard Chocolate Company
A sweet tooth can strike us at the most unexpected time, like while rocking out to Blink-182 in a mosh pit or twerking to Bob Moses in the Heineken tent. Don’t freak out if this happens; there are plenty of sweet food options at Outside Lands, like Guittard Chocolate. The beloved Bay Area chocolate maker — which marks its 150th anniversary this year — will be serving delectable chocolate bars, chocolate flights, and even chocolate-and-wine pairings this year. You’ll know where to go when you’re ready for dessert.
Guittard Chocolate | sfoutsidelands.com/vendor/guittard-chocolate
