10 Best Sports Bars in Austin for College Football & Basketball (2025 Edition)
Introduction
Austin bleeds burnt orange, and with over 50,000 fans packing Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium every Saturday, the city transforms into one massive tailgate during college football season! The Longhorns kicked off their 2025 season against Ohio State, and whether you're catching every down or just soaking up the energy, these sports bars deliver the perfect game day experience.
From East Side dives to rooftop patios overlooking the skyline, this Austin list can tell you where to find the best screens, coldest beers, and most electric atmosphere.
We're still building our methodology and this is an initial list - please provide comments to help us improve our recommendations. Whether you're a die-hard Longhorn, an SEC rival fan, or just love the chaos of March Madness, these venues have you covered.
East Austin
Central Machine Works
Location: East Austin - 4824 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, TX 78702 512-220-2340 cmwbrewery.com
What Makes It Special: CMW is transforming their stage area into a massive sports viewing experience with a huge projection screen and full sound system. This sprawling beer hall and brewery setup has that perfect Austin vibe where craft beer culture meets college football passion.
Sports Setup: They're adding a massive projection screen in the stage area with full surround sound that'll make you feel like you're in the stadium. The beer hall setup means multiple viewing angles throughout the space, perfect for big crowds during rivalry games.
Food & Drink: Game day specials that won't break your budget - burnt orange jello shots for $4, frozen cocktails at $7, wings for $9, and mega nachos for $10. Beer pitchers run $15 and pizzas are $15, making it easy to feed your whole crew without emptying your wallet.
Atmosphere: The sprawling beer hall creates natural energy as fans gather around the massive screen. East Austin locals mix with college kids and alumni, creating that perfect blend of neighborhood authenticity and game day excitement. The brewery setting adds character you won't find at typical sports bars.
Special Features: The massive projection screen in the stage area is a game-changer for big games, while the full brewery on-site means fresh craft beer flowing all day. Their affordable game day food and drink specials keep you fed without breaking the bank, and the sprawling indoor/outdoor beer hall setup means there's room for everyone even during packed rivalry games.
Uptown Sports Club
Location: East Austin - 1200 E. Sixth St., Austin, TX 78702 512-551-2013 uptownsports.club
What Makes It Special: This casual East Side spot screens games inside and outside on an 80-inch TV, creating that perfect neighborhood sports bar vibe. It's where you go when you want authentic Austin atmosphere without the tourist crowds.
Sports Setup: 80-inch TV screens both inside and outside ensure you never miss a play. The dual setup means you can enjoy Austin's perfect fall weather while watching the game, or head inside when things get rowdy.
Food & Drink: Can't beat their $2 hot dogs with a drink purchase - perfect game day fuel. Their creative "Beertinis" at $2.50 are genius, especially the Eastside with Modelo, Tajín rim, and lime. This is budget-friendly sports watching at its finest.
Atmosphere: Pure East Austin energy with a mix of Longhorn faithful and neighborhood regulars. The casual setting means no pretense, just cold beers and football. Perfect for when you want to watch the game without the production of bigger venues.
Special Features: Indoor and outdoor viewing with 80-inch screens gives you options depending on the weather and your mood. The $2 hot dogs with drink purchase and creative $2.50 "Beertinis" make this one of the most affordable game day spots in town, all while maintaining that authentic East Side neighborhood vibe you can't manufacture.
Other East Austin Options:
- Bucket's: 2020 E. Cesar Chavez St. 512-474-2567
- Chalmers: 1700 E. Cesar Chavez St. 512-893-3844
- Cosmic Saltillo: 1300 E. Fourth St. 512-763-7216
- Haymaker: 2310 Manor Rd. 512-243-6702
Central Austin
Burger Bar Campus
Location: Central Austin - 1901 San Antonio St., Austin, TX 78705 737-473-8900 burgerbarcampus.com
What Makes It Special: Right in the heart of campus, this spot knows what college fans want - quick, quality food that travels well. Their grab-and-go "Burger Boxes" are genius for tailgating or watching games on the go.
Sports Setup: Being so close to campus means this place is ground zero for pre-game energy. While primarily a burger joint, the campus location ensures you're surrounded by burnt orange on game days.
Food & Drink: The "Burger Boxes" with four smash burgers and fries are perfect for sharing or for those with championship appetites. Easy grab-and-go format means you can get your food and find your perfect viewing spot elsewhere if needed.
Atmosphere: Campus location means pure college energy, especially on game days. This is where students fuel up before heading to the stadium or grab dinner between quarters. The energy is contagious when the Longhorns are playing.
Special Features: Steps from UT campus makes this the perfect pre-game or halftime food stop, and their grab-and-go "Burger Boxes" are tailgate gold. The four burger and fries combo deals feed a group easily, and the location means you're surrounded by that pre-game and post-game campus crowd energy that makes college football special.
La Condesa
Location: Central Austin - 400A W. Second St., Austin, TX 78701 512-377-6305 lacondesa.com
What Makes It Special: This modern Mexican restaurant brings upscale vibes to game watching, streaming games in their bar area. It's where you take out-of-town guests who want good food with their football.
Sports Setup: Games stream in the bar area, creating a more intimate viewing experience than massive sports bars. Perfect for those who want to watch the game while enjoying quality cocktails and conversation.
Food & Drink: $4 margaritas from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on game days is an absolute steal for downtown. Their regular menu of tacos and Mexican fare beats typical bar food by miles. This is elevated game watching for those who appreciate quality.
Atmosphere: More refined than your typical sports bar but still gets lively during big games. Second Street location means a mix of locals and visitors, creating interesting dynamics during rivalry matchups.
Special Features: The $4 margaritas during early games from 11am to 2pm is an unbeatable downtown deal, paired with upscale modern Mexican cuisine that elevates game day dining. Their Second Street District location puts you in the heart of downtown, and the dedicated bar area for game viewing means you get both quality food and focused sports watching.
Otopia Rooftop
Location: Central Austin - 1901 San Antonio St., Austin, TX 78705 737-243-9040 otopiarooftop.com
What Makes It Special: The only rooftop bar in West Campus, this spot pairs skyline views with multiple TVs for an elevated game day experience. Being steps from campus means instant access to Longhorn energy.
Sports Setup: Multiple TVs positioned throughout the rooftop ensure everyone gets a view of the game while enjoying Austin's skyline. The outdoor setup is perfect for those beautiful Texas fall afternoons.
Food & Drink: Rooftop pricing but worth it for the views and atmosphere. Full bar menu means you can get everything from beer to craft cocktails while watching the game from above it all.
Atmosphere: West Campus location means younger crowd with serious school spirit. The rooftop setting adds something special to game watching - touchdown celebrations hit different with the skyline as your backdrop.
Special Features: As the only rooftop bar in West Campus, this spot offers unmatched Austin skyline views while you watch the game. Multiple TVs throughout the outdoor space ensure you never miss a play, and being steps from UT campus means you're at the epicenter of student energy on game days.
Omni Austin Hotel Downtown
Location: Central Austin - 700 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin, TX 78701 512-476-3700 omnihotels.com/hotels/austin-downtown/dining/capital-a
What Makes It Special: Just blocks from the stadium, the Omni transforms into game day headquarters with lobby activations and viewing parties in their Capital A Bar & Lounge. It's where visiting fans and locals converge.
Sports Setup: Capital A Bar & Lounge has multiple screens with hotel-quality audio/visual setup. The lobby activations on game days create festival atmosphere beyond just watching on TV.
Food & Drink: $5 draft beers and $10 flatbreads during games make this surprisingly affordable for a downtown hotel. The quality matches what you'd expect from Omni, just with game day pricing.
Atmosphere: Mix of hotel guests, visiting team fans, and locals creates unique energy. The proximity to stadium means pre and post-game crowds, plus you might spot some sports media personalities.
Special Features: Located just blocks from DKR Stadium, this hotel bar offers $5 draft beers and $10 flatbread specials that make it surprisingly affordable for downtown. The lobby activations on game days create a festival atmosphere that goes beyond typical hotel bars, making it a true game day destination.
Swim Club
Location: Central Austin - 650 E. 10th St., Austin, TX 78701 512-404-6921 swimclubaustin.com
What Makes It Special: This poolside bar brings Miami vibes to Austin game days with televised games and shaded cabanas. Free pool entry before 11:30 a.m. on August 30th made this a hot spot for early season games.
Sports Setup: TVs positioned around the pool area mean you can watch the game while cooling off. Shaded cabanas provide premium viewing spots for groups who want that VIP experience.
Food & Drink: $9 bloody marys and $4 Lone Stars are perfect for day drinking by the pool. The poolside menu covers all your basics while keeping prices reasonable for the unique setting.
Atmosphere: Pool party meets game day creates an energy you won't find anywhere else in Austin. The mix of swimsuits and team jerseys is uniquely Austin. Perfect for those early season games when it's still hot.
Special Features: Poolside game viewing with shaded cabanas creates a unique Austin game day experience you won't find anywhere else. With $9 bloody marys and $4 Lone Stars, plus free pool entry before 11:30am on select days, this spot turns football watching into a pool party event.
Other Central Austin Options:
- Commodore Perry Estate: 4100 Red River St. 866-976-4312
- Crown & Anchor: 2911 San Jacinto Blvd. 512-322-9168
- Draught House: 4112 Medical Pkwy. 512-452-6258
- Lavaca Street Bar: 405 Lavaca St. 512-469-0106
- Little Woodrow's: 520 W. Sixth St. 512-477-2337
- Mayfair: 501 W 6th St., Ste. 300. 737-231-0885
- Posse East: 2900 Duval St. 512-477-2111
- Rustic Tap: 613 W 6th St. 512-472-0822
- Scholz Garten: 1607 San Jacinto Blvd. 512-474-1958
- Shoal Creek Saloon: 909 N Lamar Blvd. 512-474-0805
- Star Bar: 600 W. Sixth St. 512-477-8550
- The Tavern: 922 W. 12th St. 512-320-8377
- Via 313: 3016 Guadalupe St. 737-307-0313
North Austin
Taco Flats - Burnet Road
Location: North Austin - 5520 Burnet Rd., Austin, TX 78756 512-284-8352 tacoflats.com
What Makes It Special: The Burnet location brings that neighborhood sports bar feel with TVs throughout and easy access to quality tacos and cold beer. This is your no-frills, reliable game watching spot.
Sports Setup: TVs positioned throughout the bar ensure everyone gets a good view. The setup prioritizes function over flash, which is exactly what you want when the game matters more than the atmosphere.
Food & Drink: Solid tacos and cold beer - sometimes that's all you need for a perfect game day. Neighborhood pricing means you can afford to stay for the late game too.
Atmosphere: Pure neighborhood feel where regulars have their spots and newcomers are welcomed into the fold. Burnet Road location draws a diverse crowd of longtime Austinites who remember when this was the edge of town.
Special Features: TVs throughout the bar area ensure great viewing from every seat, while the quality taco menu elevates this above typical bar food. Neighborhood bar pricing keeps things affordable for regular visits, and the Burnet Road location offers easy access with plenty of parking.
Other North Austin Options:
- Cover 3: 2700 W Anderson Ln., #202. 512-374-1121
- Lavaca Street Bar (Domain): 11420 Rock Rose Ave., #100. 512-575-4428
South Austin
Pins Mechanical Co.
Location: South Austin - 4323 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78745 512-518-1696 pinsbar.com/locations/austin
What Makes It Special: This isn't just a bar - it's an adult playground with bowling, pinball, and giant cocktails. Their season-opener watch party with giveaways set the tone for the whole season.
Sports Setup: Multiple screens throughout the venue mean you can watch while you bowl or play pinball. The combination of activities and sports creates energy beyond typical sports bars.
Food & Drink: Beer towers and giant cocktails are perfect for groups. The sharing format encourages that communal game day spirit. Food menu covers bar favorites with enough variety to please everyone.
Atmosphere: South Congress location brings together old and new Austin. The games and activities mean there's always energy, even during commercial breaks. Perfect for groups who want entertainment beyond just watching.
Special Features: Bowling and pinball alongside sports viewing creates an entertainment experience beyond typical sports bars. Beer towers and giant cocktails for groups encourage that communal game day spirit, while season-opener watch parties with giveaways show they're serious about sports. The South Congress location puts you in the heart of Austin's most iconic strip.
Texas Sake Co.
Location: South Austin - 440 E. St. Elmo Rd., Austin, TX 78745 512-344-9127 txsake.com
What Makes It Special: Austin's own sake brewery brings something different to game day with $20 pitchers of rice lager. It's where East meets West meets Texas football. Closed Monday through Wednesday, so plan accordingly.
Sports Setup: The tasting room setup means more intimate viewing than massive sports bars, but the unique setting makes up for it. This is for fans who appreciate craft beverages with their football.
Food & Drink: $20 pitchers of rice lager offer something different from typical game day beers. The sake selection provides options you won't find anywhere else. Limited food menu, so eat before or plan to order in.
Atmosphere: St. Elmo district location means you're in Austin's brewery heartland. The crowd appreciates both craft beverages and college sports, creating sophisticated game watching. Not your typical rowdy sports bar.
Special Features: The $20 pitchers of rice lager on game days offer a unique alternative to typical beer selections, while the sake brewery setting creates an atmosphere you won't find at any other sports bar. Located in the St. Elmo brewery district, you're in the heart of Austin's craft beverage scene, though note they're closed Monday through Wednesday.
Other South Austin Options:
- Armadillo Den: 10106 Menchaca Rd. 512-993-2998
- Bouldin Acres: 2027 S. Lamar Blvd. 512-536-0132
- Meanwhile Brewing: 3901 Promontory Point Dr. 512-308-3659
- Moontower Saloon: 10212 Menchaca Rd. 512-712-5661
- Pluckers: 3909 S. Lamar Blvd. 512-443-9464
- South Austin Beer Garden: 10700 Menchaca Rd. 512-704-2787
Conclusion
Austin's sports bar scene perfectly captures the city's unique blend of college town energy, craft beer culture, and Texas-sized passion for football. From the massive projection screen at Central Machine Works to the poolside viewing at Swim Club, each venue brings something special to game day. Whether you're looking for campus proximity at Burger Bar, rooftop views at Otopia, or the unique sake brewery experience at Texas Sake Co., there's a perfect spot for every type of fan.
The diversity of these venues reflects Austin's evolution from college town to major city while maintaining that authentic burnt orange spirit. As the Longhorns continue their season, these bars will be packed with fans cheering on the burnt orange!
What's your go-to spot for watching Texas football? Comment to help us improve our lists and share your favorite game day traditions. Hook 'em! 🤘
Bibliography
- Austin American-Statesman - "No Texas football tickets? No problem: Where to watch games in Austin this season" - August 28, 2025
- Central Machine Works Official Website - cmwbrewery.com
- Uptown Sports Club Official Website - uptownsports.club
- Burger Bar Campus Official Website - burgerbarcampus.com
- La Condesa Official Website - lacondesa.com
- Otopia Rooftop Official Website - otopiarooftop.com
- Omni Austin Hotel Official Website - omnihotels.com/hotels/austin-downtown
- Swim Club Official Website - swimclubaustin.com
- Taco Flats Official Website - tacoflats.com
- Pins Mechanical Co. Official Website - pinsbar.com/locations/austin
- Texas Sake Co. Official Website - txsake.com