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Where to Watch UT Austin Football Games

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! 

Where to Watch University of Texas Football Games this Season
Exterior and sign (Photo Courtesy of Skinny’s Off Track Bar)

Skinny’s Off Track Bar 

1806 East 12th St. 

Skinny’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. 

Patrons with drinks
Patrons with drinks (Photo courtesy of Cain & Abel’s)

Cain and Abel’s 

907 West 24th St. 

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! 

Nickel City
Nickel City (Photo by Holly Cowart)

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 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 (Photo by Richard Casteel)
Victory Lap (Photo by Richard Casteel)

Victory Lap 

504 West 24th St.

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
Little Woodrow’s (Photo courtesy of Little Woodrow’s Burnet)

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 Bar
The Bar (Photo courtesy of Posse East)

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

Scholz Garten

1607 San Jacinto Blvd. 

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. Since then, the venue has gone through several ownership changes, but the original spirit of the space remains. 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! 

UT Flag
UT Flag (Photo courtesy of Haymaker)

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

Exterior and sign
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
Open Sign (Photo courtesy of Texas Chill Parlor)

Texas Chili Parlor 

1409 Lavaca St. 

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. 

Bouldin Acres
Bouldin Acres (Photo courtesy of Bouldin Acres)

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. And coming soon — a second Bouldin Acres locale on Braker Lane! 

The Pitch (Photo courtesy of The Pitch Austin)
The Pitch (Photo courtesy of The Pitch Austin)

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. 

Cocktails
Cocktails (Photo courtesy of Cover 3)

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 restaurant specializes in “Dining, Spirits & Sports” — what more could you want for a top-notch gameday experience? 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
The Tavern (Photo courtesy of The Tavern)

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. 

Drinks being served
Drinks being served (Photo courtesy of Chalmers)

Chalmers

1700 East Cesar Chavez

Chalmers, the latest addition to the East Side, is set to 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
UT Loaded Waffle Fries (Photo by Consumable Content)

The Dirdie Birdie

10910 Domain Dr. Suite 120, Austin

This fall, The Dirdie Birdie is a prime destination for football fans. Offering a lively atmosphere, delicious food, and a variety of drinks, it’s a great spot for catching college or professional games. With 11 big-screen TVs spread across the bar, dining room, and outdoor patio, every play is within view. Whether cheering for a favorite team or simply enjoying the ambiance, The Dirdie Birdie stands out as a top choice for game day.

TLC Austin (Photo courtesy of TLC)
TLC Austin (Photo courtesy of TLC)

TLC Austin

1100 S Lamar Blvd Ste. #1150

TLC on South Lamar is celebrating the UT football season with its “Big Tex College Football Tailgate” series, offering fans Texas Longhorn-themed drink and food specials. With multiple TVs and sound for every UT game, TLC provides an all-day gameday menu featuring items like the Texan Burger, $1 Gulf Oysters, and a “40 Acres” Seafood Boil special. Drink options include Bevo’s Burnt Orange Rita, Texas-sized Mimosas, and Bloody Marys, making TLC the perfect place to cheer on the Longhorns in burnt orange style.

RELATED: Campus Curated — Top Places to Dine, Drink & Discover Near UT Austin

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