Sarah Brady
Updated on: October 16, 2024 8:03 pm GMT
International pop star Dua Lipa made waves in Austin this weekend, but not just for her music at the Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival. On Friday, she paid a visit to the renowned barbecue restaurant, La Barbecue, showcasing her love for good food as well as good music.
Dua Lipa’s Visit to La Barbecue
Dua Lipa’s stop at La Barbecue was eagerly anticipated, as her team had given the restaurant a two-day notice about her visit. Accompanied by a group of eight, the singer enjoyed a delicious meal at the women-owned establishment located in Austin’s Holly neighborhood. Owner Ali Clem was thrilled about the visit, noting, “Dua was super nice.”
The restaurant took to Instagram to share the exciting news, highlighting the pop star’s choice of dishes and their warm interactions.
A Texas BBQ Feast
Dua Lipa and her group opted for a family-style meal, indulging in a variety of smoked meats and sides. Their order included:
- Brisket
- Pork ribs
- Sausages
- Non-stop sides, with the shells and cheese being a standout favorite.
Ali Clem mentioned that the group spent nearly two hours at the restaurant, enjoying good food and chatting with staff. They even had a chance to see the on-site smokers, a popular feature at La Barbecue.
ACL Music Festival Performances
Dua Lipa’s appearance in Austin was part of her headlining act at ACL, where she was set to perform on both weekends of the festival. She took to the American Express stage on Saturday at 8:20 PM, showcasing her talent and connection with fans. This performance marked one of the few U.S. shows for the artist this year, making her sets a must-see for music lovers.
Celebrity Status at La Barbecue
La Barbecue is no stranger to celebrity patrons. Earlier this year, it welcomed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who stopped by for a meal during the South by Southwest festival. The couple took their food to-go after engaging with the staff and taking photos.
Even Jay-Z is a fan, having ordered food from La Barbecue during his headlining performances at ACL in 2017. It’s clear that the restaurant has become a go-to spot for celebrities looking to experience authentic Texas barbecue.
The ACL Experience
Dua Lipa’s performances at ACL are particularly significant, especially for fans supporting her latest album, Radical Optimism. The festival not only provides a platform for her to connect with a broader audience but also highlights the excitement surrounding her limited tour dates in the United States this year.
Other local hotspots are also being speculated as possible stops for Dua Lipa during her time in Austin. Eater Austin suggested that she might enjoy a visit to the cool wine bar Lolo or other notable restaurants highlighted in their Eater 38 guide.
A Fun Stop in Austin
With her dynamic presence and captivating performances, Dua Lipa’s visit to La Barbecue adds another layer of excitement to the ACL Music Festival. Fans can look forward to an unforgettable concert experience while knowing that their favorite pop star also values delicious Texas cuisine.
As Austin continues to be a hub for music and culinary excellence, Dua Lipa’s combined love for both only reinforces the city’s growing reputation as a cultural hotspot.
Dua Lipa’s visit to La Barbecue showed that she’s just like us, enjoying delicious food. This stop also highlights the exciting food scene in Austin. As the festival brings in famous musicians and local artists, it’s clear that music and food go hand in hand.
