Texas quarterback Arch Manning autographs hats for fans following the Longhorns’ season-opening 52-0 win over Colorado State on Aug. 31, 2024.
Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman
College football is back, and with it comes the rituals Austin knows best: game-day crowds, cold drinks and plenty of burnt orange. Whether you’re in it for every down and replay or just the energy of being surrounded by fans, the city is buzzing with places to catch the action. The Texas Longhorns kick off their season Saturday against Ohio State. Their first home game at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium is on Sept. 6.
For those who won’t be in the stands, Austin offers a lineup of bars, rooftop patios, beer gardens and even hotel lounges that transform into watch-party hubs each weekend. Many feature food and drink specials. Here’s a guide to top spots to watch and where to score deals this season.
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East Austin
Patrons visit Central Machine Works on Friday, June 10, 2022.
Mikala Compton/American-Statesman, Austin 360
Central Machine Works
CMW is adding a massive projection screen and full sound inside the stage area. The spot is known for its sprawling beer hall and brewery setup. It’s offering burnt orange jello shots ($4), frozen cocktails ($7), wings ($9), mega nachos ($10), beer pitchers ($15) and pizzas ($15).
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4824 E. Cesar Chavez St. 512-220-2340. cmwbrewery.com.
Ever wondered what a cheeseburger designed by barbecue wizard Aaron Franklin would taste like? You can find out in the evenings at Uptown Sports Club.
MATTHEW ODAM / AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Uptown Sports Club
Uptown is screening games inside and outside on an 80-inch TV. It’s a casual East Side setting where fans can grab a drink, a hot dog and a seat among fellow Longhorn faithful. Deals include $2 hot dogs with a drink and $2.50 “Beertinis” in creative twists like the Eastside (Modelo with Tajín rim and lime).
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1200 E. Sixth St. 512-551-2013. uptownsports.club.
Matthew McConaughey runs onto the field with the Texas Longhorns in the first half of an NCAA College Football Playoffs first round game against the Clemson Tigers at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, Texas, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024.
Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman
Other spots in East Austin
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Central Austin
Burger Bar is offering “Burger Boxes” which include four smash burgers and fries.
Provided by Giant Noise
Burger Bar Campus
Grab-and-go “Burger Boxes” of four smash burgers and fries make for easy tailgate fare before kickoff.
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1901 San Antonio St. 737-473-8900. burgerbarcampus.com.
La Condesa’s Margarita la Clásica, is made with blanco tequila, Patron Citronge and a house mix of lime juice, agave and water. It is an often-ordered drink on the menu. [Contributed by Jody Horton]
Austin 360
La Condesa
The modern Mexican restaurant streams the game in its bar area for fans who want to watch while enjoying tacos and margaritas. It serves $4 margaritas from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on game days.
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400A W. Second St. 512-377-6305. lacondesa.com.
Otopia Rooftop is the only rooftop bar in Austin’s West Campus District.
Provided by Giant Noise / Garrett Smith
Otopia Rooftop
Located just steps from campus, this rooftop bar pairs skyline views with multiple TVs for game day.
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1901 San Antonio St. 737-243-9040. otopiarooftop.com.
Omni Austin Hotel Downtown hosts lobby activations and shows games in its Capital A Bar & Lounge.
Provided by Giant Noise
Omni Austin Hotel Downtown
Just blocks from the stadium, Omni hosts lobby activations and shows games in its Capital A Bar & Lounge. It offers $5 draft beers and $10 flatbreads during games.
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700 San Jacinto Blvd. 512-476-3700. omnihotels.com/hotels/austin-downtown/dining/capital-a.
Pool entry at Swim Club is free before 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 30.
Provided by Giant Noise.
Swim Club:
This poolside bar offers an early start to the party with televised games and shaded cabanas. Pool entry is free before 11:30 a.m on Aug. 30. Deals include $9 bloody marys and $4 Lone Stars.
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650 E. 10th St. 512-404-6921. swimclubaustin.com.
Texas football quarterback Arch Manning and running back Quintrevion Wisner celebrate after a touchdown against UTSA.
Aaron E. Martinez/American-State/Austin American-Statesman
Other spots in Central Austin
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North Austin
The Burnet location of Taco Flats will be serving beer and tacos on game day.
Provided by Taco Flats.
Taco Flats – Burnet Road
The Burnet location is set up with TVs throughout the bar for a neighborhood feel and easy access to tacos and beer.
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5520 Burnet Rd. 512-284-8352. tacoflats.com.
Glen Powell watches the fourth quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Oct. 19, 2024.
Sara Diggins/American-Statesman
Other spots in North Austin
Cover 3: 2700 W Anderson Ln., #202. 512-374-1121. cover-3.com.
Lavaca Street Bar (Domain): 11420 Rock Rose Ave., #100. 512-575-4428. lavacastreet.com.
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South Austin
Texas students cheer at. the Georgia game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium Saturday October 19, 2024.
Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman
Pins Mechanical Co.
Season-opener watch party with giveaways, beer towers, and giant cocktails.
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4323 S. Congress Ave. 512-518-1696. pinsbar.com/locations/austin.
Texas Sake Co. is offering $20 pitchers of rice lager for game days.
Provided by Texas Sake Co / Jeremiah Macias
Texas Sake Co.
Texas Sake Co. is offering $20 pitchers of rice lager for game day. It is closed Monday through Wednesday.
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440 E. St. Elmo Rd. 512-344-9127. txsake.com.
The Texas Longhorns offense lines up for a snap during the game against Clemson in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024.
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman
Other spots in South Austin