Please don’t let the haters fool you; Coachella doesn’t have to be the Hunger Games! If you’ve packed like a pro (which I know you did after consulting my ultimate packing list), then you already have the best secret weapons to keep yourself cool, calm, and collected, even in the desert heat. Even though dressing fly enough to fit in with the supermodels feels like the most important activity of the day, eating good food and staying hydrated are the real keys to lasting all night to enjoy the headliners. I, for one, cannot operate under hangry conditions, so eating (and eating good while I’m at it) is priority #1 the moment I step onto the festival grounds. If you, too, need your food sitch sorted out before climbing the Coachella Mountain, here’s where to find the best food at Coachella.
New School Quality Grilled Cheese
@nicole.ludwig EVERYTHING I ATE COACHELLA DAY 1 🤩😋 @KING’S HAWAIIAN #coachella #whatieatinaday #coachelladay1 #foodie ♬ original sound – Nicole Ludwig
Cheese and carbs are a pretty self-explanatory fire combo, but festival goers are particularly raving about New School’s King’s Hawaiin loaded pretzel bites. You can find them at Terrace North.
Gerard’s Paella
@danielleysgoodeats If there’s one food I’m gonna get at Coachella it’s always the famous paella #fyp #foryou #coachella #coachella2025 #paella #coachellafood ♬ original sound – Danielle
Gerard’s is a Coachella classic loved by the diehards, and since it’s (gratefully) back in 2025, you’re not going to want to miss out! Find their stand (that serves $20 portion sizes fans are happy about) by the Sonora Stage.
Electrolit HQ
Having a full belly is v important, but I can’t stress this enough: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!!! This year, Coachella is combatting the record-breaking heat by putting an Electrolit hydration bar next to the main stage so you can recharge and continue raving, duh. Oh, and for the multitaskers like myself, you can also grab a tequila cocky made with Electrolit at various bars on the grounds to keep the party going with a lil less hangover.
Chick Next Door
I was oh so thrilled to see Chick Next Door make the cut for Coachella because it’s my neighborhood fave! These massive chicken tendies won’t break the bank like some of the more elaborate entrees and will keep you full. Their stand is on the south side of the grounds for GA and VIP.
Birrieria San Marcos
@taylordonoghueeLast night was my fav night so far♬ The Thrill – Wiz Khalifa
If you have access to VIP, the Birrieria San Marcos truck in 12 Peaks looks good enough to inhale.
Ronan Pizza
@spencer.gothberg Coachella Day 1 Food Review #fyp #foodie #coachella #coachella2025 #bensonboone #chicknextdoor #Ronan #SoemthingGoodLA ♬ original sound – Spencer Gothberg
There’s a ton of pizza at Coachella, as always, but Ronan’s Neopolitian is getting consistent 10s across the board from the foodie crowd at the fest.
Flavors Of East Africa
This San Diego family-owned staple is back at Coachella and serving up generous $22 plates (that are shareable) to keep the hanger at bay between sets.
Yeastie Boys
Get the LA bagel experience with Yeastie Boys’ TV-worthy bagel sammys, which are available in the camping area. Okay, yes, they’re pricey for a bagel, but if you’re camping, I’m gonna go ahead and say you deserve a treat. Plus, if it makes you feel any better, they’re always that expensive (I love LA!!).
Kogi
Their Korean food, particularly their loaded fries, is pretty life-changing after being on your feet for a few hours.
Farmhouse Kitchen
This veggie option is getting rave reviews for the vibes, flavor, and creative meat-free options.
Pappy & Harriet’s
This tried-and-true BBQ spot in Joshua Tree is the final destination you need to unwind when the traffic is too crazy to escape the desert. It’s affordable, always a good Western time, and you never know who will be performing there (including Paul McCartney).
