The Longhorns are back! The 2023 University of Texas at Austin football season kicks off this Saturday against Rice, and locals can enjoy game day fun at some of our favorite bars and restaurants in Austin. Hook ‘em!
LessSkinny’s Off Track opened just last year, but the 1970s-inspired sports bar has quickly garnered a legion of fans thanks to its well-priced cocktails and tasty small bites. The groovy interiors hold multiple televisions, and the bar will play UT Austin football games all season on their jumbotron. Other game day bonus features at Skinny’s include a special stadium menu, lawn games and $3 tall boys.
This West Campus staple recently closed its iconic location at the corner of 24th Street and Rio Grande, but thankfully, the bar only moved a couple blocks away to continue their gameday traditions. Patrons can expect a casual and lively environment to catch a game, as well as a myriad of beers and and — perhaps most notably — their notorious teas, each made with a mix of vodka, gin, rum and triple sec. Grab yourself a Bevo Tea and cheer on the horns!
The dive bar-esque Nickel City was named one of the Best Bars in America by Esquire for good reason. Their shooters are delicious and dangerous, and their frozen drinks will keep you cool. Chat with one of their friendly bartenders and catch a game on TV. The neighborhood bar is also home to Delray Cafe, a food trailer churning out incredible sliders, wings and hot dogs outside the establishment.
Victory Lap is a project from NoCo Hospitality, the same team behind Skinny’s, Superstition Higher Ground and Estelle’s, opening in conjunction with UT’s first game of the season on Sept. 2. Decked out in burnt orange and UT Austin football memorabilia, the new bar invites students and alumni alike to cheer on the Horns. Plus, before every game of the season, When Where What will host its third year of tailgate events at Victory Lap, complete with a DJ, lawn games and festive photo ops.
Little Woodrow’s is a classic sports bar, with locations across Austin, as well as in San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and beyond. The Texas-inspired ice house contains dog-friendly spaces, yard games and sports events always playing on their TVs. Their Burnet Road venue is the Official Gameday HQ of the Texas Exes, ensuring a strong legion of Longhorn fans will be present for every match-up.
Located right on the edge of the UT Austin campus, The Posse East has been a student favorite for more than 50 years. Primarily known as an ideal pre-game tailgate on the way to Darrell K. Royal Stadium, it’s also a great place to watch the game if you’re not catching it in person. Find affordable bar food, ice cold beer and die-hard Texas fans filling up The Posse East every Saturday.
Head to Scholz Garten for their epic University of Texas Tailgate Party, which the biergarten hosts for every game throughout the season. The eatery’s storied history dates back to 1866, when German immigrant and Civil War veteran August Scholz opened his bar and café. Today, the centrally-located gathering place serves beer, wine, pretzels and more delicious fare, all wonderful to partake in during UT Austin football games. Prost!
If a game is on, Haymaker is packed with fans looking for a good time. The outdoor area is especially exciting to gather in, and becomes more enticing as temps cool down throughout the season. There’s an incredible array of beers available, and the gastropub food will satisfy your appetite.
Crown & Anchor Pub opened in 1987 and more than 25 years later, the neighborhood spot is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., 365 days a year. Thanks to its five large TVs, you can always count on catching the game at Crown & Anchor. Known for its extensive list of beer offerings, specifically local favorites like Austin Beerworks and Live Oak Brewing Company, this is an awesome university-area place to appreciate a frosty pint this football season.
Texas Chili Parlor is a downtown institution, famous for its epic chili and watering hole-esque environment. Always full of locals, pull up a seat and enjoy the UT Austin football game over a Mad Dog Margarita and Chili Dog.