Best Sports Bars to Watch College Football

Football season in Austin means packed patios, roaring cheers, and plenty of burnt orange pride. The city’s best sports bars and beer gardens serve as game-day hubs, pouring cold drinks, dishing out hearty bites, and lighting up wall-to-wall screens. From kickoff to the final whistle, these spots deliver the ultimate college football experience.

Scholz Garten

Open Daily (tailgate scene on home game days opens ~10:00 AM) | 1607 San Jacinto Blvd | Austin, TX

Austin’s oldest beer garden and ultimate Longhorn tailgate hub—think live music, DJs, stacks of burnt-orange fans, beer, brats, and German‑Texan fare right near campus.

Crown & Anchor Pub

Open Daily | Hours vary (typically opens early on game days) | 2911 San Jacinto Blvd | Austin, TX

Campus favorite with a loyal Longhorn following, ample beer selection, big TVs, and a relaxed patio where the local radio often broadcasts its “Texas Tailgate Zone.”

Posse East

Open Daily | Hours vary (open early on weekends and game days) | 2900 Duval St | Austin, TX

A Hyde Park staple since the 1970s—game-day patio tailgates with classic snacks like chili‑cheese dogs, Frito pie, cold beer, and a sea of burnt orange.

Cain & Abel’s

Open Daily | Opens ~2 hours before kickoff on game days | 907 W 24th St | Austin, TX

A West Campus institution—rooftop patio, plenty of screens, strong Texas Tea cocktails, burgers, and a student-packed buzz during Longhorn games.

Victory Lap (West Campus)

Open Daily (especially lively on UT gamedays) | 504 W 24th St | Austin, TX

Tailgate‑style bar with turf lawn, misters, lawn games, DJs, and massive screens—an immersive walk‑from‑campus Longhorn experience.

Dirty Martin’s Place

Open Daily | Game Day Hours Start ~10:30 AM | 2808 Guadalupe St | Austin, TX

A UT icon since 1926, Dirty Martin’s serves up classic burgers and old-school charm just steps from campus. With covered patios, big screens, and a loyal Longhorn following, it’s a beloved spot to grab a burger, sip a beer, and cheer on Texas with generations of fans.

The Tavern

Open Daily | Often opens early on game days (~11:00 AM) | 922 W 12th St | Austin, TX

Historic West End bar with 50+ TVs, rooftop deck, and consistent Longhorn crowd—great for groups wanting atmosphere and classic pub fare

Haymaker

Open Daily | Typically midday–late hours; game-day specials on Saturdays | 2310 Manor Rd | Austin, TX

East Austin pick‑your‑seat bar with picnic tables, pool and darts, strong beer special tradition, and a beloved fan‑filled patio on game day.

Austin knows how to make game day unforgettable. From classic bars to lively patios, each spot brings fans together for good food, cold drinks, and plenty of team spirit.