Drink

Where to Watch UT Austin Football Games

By Avery Matschek
August 26, 2025

The Longhorns are back! The University of Texas at Austin football season is in full swing, and locals can enjoy game day fun at some of our favorite bars and restaurants in Austin. Hook ‘em!

Cain and Abel’s

907 West 24th St.

This West Campus staple offers a casual and lively environment to catch a game, as well as a myriad of beers 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!

Nickel City

1133 East 11th St.

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 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

504 West 24th St.

Victory Lap in West Campus leans into Longhorn spirit with burnt-orange accents, framed jerseys and UT Austin memorabilia. The sports bar draws students and alumni on game days with wall-to-wall TVs, communal seating and casual game-day fare and drinks. Its walkable location to Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium makes it a convenient pre- and post-game stop. Note: The newest Victory Lap location at 85 Rainey Street will officially opens on Saturday, August 30th.

Little Woodrow’s

Multiple locations

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.

The Posse East

2900 Duval St.

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.

Guests watching a UT game (Photo courtesy of Scholz Garten)

Scholz Garten

1607 San Jacinto Blvd.

Scholz Garten hosts a University of Texas tailgate party for every game throughout the season. The biergarten dates back to 1866, when German immigrant and Civil War veteran August Scholz opened a bar and café on the site. The venue has changed ownership several times, but its original spirit remains. Today, the downtown gathering place serves beer, wine, pretzels and other fare during UT Austin football games.

Haymaker

2310 Manor Road

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 temperatures cool down throughout the season. There’s an incredible array of beers available, and the gastropub food will satisfy your appetite.

Exterior and sign (Photo courtesy of Crown & Anchor Pub)

Crown & Anchor Pub

2911 San Jacinto Blvd.

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.

Open Sign (Photo courtesy of Texas Chill Parlor)

Texas Chili Parlor

1409 Lavaca St.

Texas Chili Parlor is a downtown institution known for its 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.

Bouldin Acres

2027 South Lamar Blvd.

Pickleball courts, food trucks and lawn games abound at South Lamar’s Bouldin Acres. Both dog-friendly and family-friendly, Longhorn fans flock to this welcoming space that holds more than 20 televisions.

The Pitch

13000 Harris Ridge Blvd.

Primarily known as the best place to catch an Austin FC game on TV, The Pitch also invites Longhorn fans to watch football games on the weekends. Patrons can order from four restaurants, two bars and a coffee shop — all on one tab — and enjoy their drinks and meals in the common outdoor space. Situated right next door to Parmer Field, it’s a fun entertainment destination for all sports fans.

Cover 3

Multiple locations

If you’re looking for an easygoing environment and consistently tasty food, Cover 3 could be the spot for you. The space holds many televisions to show the games of the day, so throw on your jersey and head to Cover 3 to cheer on your team.

The Tavern

922 West 12th St.

Even if you’re not a Texas fan, chances are you can find your team’s game on one of the 30 televisions available at The Tavern, a longtime local treasure located just off North Lamar. On top of the ample viewing options, game day menu items like the Texas Brisket Queso and famous Tavern White Wings will level up any watching experience. Customers can even inquire beforehand about hosting their watch party at The Tavern.

rollin smoke bbq — Rollin Smoke BBQ at Chalmers in East Austin.

Chalmers

1700 East Cesar Chavez

Chalmers, a recent addition to the East Side, has become a go-to spot for football season. Located in a revamped West Texas-themed gas station, the venue features a central bar equipped with large screens for game viewing. With ample space both indoors and outdoors, it provides an ideal setting for game day gatherings. Buckets of domestic beers, White Claw, and Karbachs are available for $20.

*UT Loaded Waffle Fries (Photo by Consumable Content)*

The Dirdie Birdie

10910 Domain Dr. Suite 120, Austin

At The Dirdie Birdie, football fans can catch college and professional games on 11 big-screen TVs spread across the bar, dining room and outdoor patio. The space combines a full menu of food and drinks with a setting that keeps every play in view, making it a popular stop on game day.

Shoal Creek Saloon

909 N Lamar Blvd.

Shoal Creek Saloon, set along its namesake creek, is best known as the Austin home for New Orleans Saints and LSU Tigers fans, but the venue’s 30-plus TVs make it a reliable spot to catch any game. The menu pairs Louisiana favorites with Texas comfort food, from po’boys and gumbo to chicken-fried steak, smoked pork chops and a rotating burger of the month.