Each year around mid September Austin City Limits (ACL) sweeps through Austin, Texas bringing with it bands like Arcade Fire, Coldplay, Kanye West, Empire of the Sun, Cut Copy, Pretty Lights and dozens more. It attracts tens of thousands of music fans from all over the world and creates an amazing opportunity to meet new people and enjoy the outdoors. However, the three-day event is physically demanding, spanning 11 hours each day with shows on eight stages across 350 acres that make up Zilker Park.
If you’re attending, you probably have a stiff neck, sunburn, mild headache from lack of sleep, lack of water and possibly over consumption of alcohol. So do yourself a favor and check out JuiceLand. This shop, locally owned and operated by Matt Shook, recently changed its name from Daily Juice but has been running since September 2001. It’s located at 2307 Barton Springs Road, just across the street from the main ACL entrance which makes it super convenient for concert goers in the know.
As a completely unaffiliated, unpaid blogger I’m recommending this place because it has amazing tasting, healthy drinks that will brighten your day. My personal favorite is the Originator — a combination of fresh apple juice, banana, blueberry, cherry, peanut butter, rice protein, spirulina and flax oil that goes way beyond “slushie” and actually provides real nutritional benefits. I personally cannot digest apple juice but that’s no problem at Juiceland, just sub in OJ, pineapple or any of their other fresh juices. In addition to being fresh many of their ingredients are also organic and locally grown! So while everyone else clogs their digestive system with kettle corn or sips yet another beer, you’ll be cleansing your yourself and enjoying a cool healthy treat served in a fully compostable cup.
From smoothies to juices, cocktails and cleanser shots, there’s something for everyone here and the staff is super friendly. Also, check out their wide selection of vegan cookies, vegan granola bars, quinoa salads and other fresh eats. The only downside here is the huge selection that makes choosing a real challenge. Check out their menu in advance here and bring $5-$15 depending on your appetite for drinks + snacks.
Currently, JuiceLand has two locations in Austin and remains an independently owned business. Regular visitors can get a punch card and rack up points towards a free drink. Regular hours are 7am to 9pm but during warm nights I regularly see them open at 10pm and for ACL they stay open until 11pm.
For a real break in the standing action of watching performances all day check out Barton Springs for a refreshing dip in natural spring water for just $3 then grab a JuiceLand drink before you head back into the crowds.
