When it comes to football, Longhorn Nation knows the right way to do game day. For students at the University of Texas at Austin, Saturdays in the fall are basically a national holiday.
While many UT students enjoy packing the stadium, there are quite a few other places you can find Texas fans sporting burnt orange. Whether you’re looking to grab a drink before heading over to DKR, support the Longhorns from Austin during away games, or just stay out of the sun without missing the action, there are spots all over Austin known for their popularity on game days.
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To help you get started, we’ve compiled this list of ten great places to tailgate for UT Austin football games.
10 Best Spots for Students to Watch Longhorn Football Near West Campus
1. Victory Lap
Address: 504 W 24th St, Austin, TX 78705
Distance from Rambler: 4-minute walk
Neighborhood: West Campus
Want the ultimate game day experience without the stadium crowds? Victory Lap delivers with its lively atmosphere, outdoor patio turned turf field and huge TV for all the game action. Whether you’re here before, during, or after the game, Victory Lap is a staple on Texas game days.
2. Moxy
Address: 2522 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705
Distance from Rambler: 4-minute walk
Neighborhood: West Campus
Another option that’s walking distance from West Campus, Moxy is located right on Guadalupe Street. This spot is especially popular among UT students for their game day specials and delicious cocktails, not to mention the abundance of photo-ops!
3. Pluckers
Address: 2222 Rio Grande St Ste D116, Austin, TX 78705
Distance from Rambler: 6-minute walk
Neighborhood: West Campus
Come hungry, because Pluckers is home to some of the best chicken wings in Texas. This Austin-born restaurant features daily specials and is always packed with proud Texas students, especially at its West Campus location featuring both indoor and outdoor seating.
4. Cain & Abel’s
Address: 907 W 24th St, Austin, TX 78705
Distance from Rambler: 5-minute walk
Neighborhood: West Campus
A West Campus classic for UT students, Cain & Abel’s is always a hotspot during any sporting event. Whether you’re looking for a spot to meet up with friends before the game or if you’d rather cheer the Longhorns on by grabbing a Texas Tea than making the trek to the stadium, Abel’s is the place for you.
5. The Tavern
Address: 922 W 12th St, Austin, TX 78703
Distance from Rambler: 6-minute Uber
Neighborhood: Downtown
Whether you’re here for Longhorn football or any other sport, the Tavern is a hotspot. Along with classic grub like chicken wings and burgers, the Tavern is famous for having 50 TVs, making it the perfect place to watch the game or grab a bite to eat beforehand.
6. Scholz Garten
Address: 1607 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
Distance from Rambler: 6-minute Uber
Neighborhood: Downtown
Another spot that’s walking distance from DKR Stadium, Scholz Garten is famous for being packed on a UT game day. As the oldest operating business in Texas, it’s clear that this beer garden is doing something right.
7. Haymaker
Photo courtesy of Haymaker.
Address: 2310 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
Distance from Rambler: 7-minute Uber
Neighborhood: East Austin
Do you have a larger group? Haymaker’s giant picnic tables with both indoor and outdoor seating options are just what you need, along with their daily specials and games including pool and darts. This location is also a short five-minute drive or a one-mile walk from DKR if you want to catch the game in person.
8. Parlor and Yard
Photo courtesy of The House.
Address: 601 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Distance from Rambler: 8-minute Uber
Neighborhood: Downtown
With everything from cornhole to picnic table seating, Parlor and Yard gives the ultimate backyard vibe. This is an especially popular spot if you’re looking to watch the game, since you can find it on any of the numerous TVs around the bar or on the giant screen outside.
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9. Buford’s
Photo courtesy of Buford’s Austin.
Address: 700 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Distance from Rambler: 8-minute Uber
Neighborhood: Downtown
Located on West 6th Street, Buford’s is known for its lively Longhorn atmosphere. The giant sports bar is dotted with dozens of TVs and a massive screen in the main outdoor area, so you won’t miss a moment of the action.
10. Little Woodrow’s
Address: 520 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Distance from Rambler: 8-minute Uber
Neighborhood: Downtown
With drink specials all week long, Little Woodrow’s expansive outdoor seating is a great place to catch any game or just hang out. The West 6th Street location of this popular sports bar was also named “The Best Dog-Friendly Restaurant in Austin!”
We hope that this list of some of our favorite spots to tailgate gets you excited for UT game days! If you have any other questions, contact the Rambler team, who is always happy to help.
