The 5 Best Sports Bars in Austin to Catch the Game

Austin is a city that knows how to keep things weird—and that includes its sports bars. Whether you're cheering for the Texas Longhorns, rooting for Austin FC, or catching your favorite out-of-state team, Austin's sports bar scene offers everything from massive beer gardens with pickleball courts to historic German biergartens. These five spots represent the best of what Austin has to offer, where the beer flows cold, the screens are plentiful, and the atmosphere is unmistakably Austin. Rep your CityTees Austin gear and head to these legendary spots where game day meets Texas hospitality.

1. Bouldin Acres - South Austin

Location: Corner of South Lamar and Oltorf

Bouldin Acres isn't just a sports bar—it's an adult amusement park. Built on what used to be a two-acre car dealership, this massive beer garden features pickleball courts, cornhole, a fenced-in dog park, lawn games, and countless TV screens scattered throughout the property. The venue also hosts excellent food trucks, including the very good CM Smokehouse BBQ.

What Makes It Special: This is Austin at its finest—creative use of space, dog-friendly vibes, and an atmosphere that prioritizes fun over formality. The weekday happy hour deals are insane, with all-day specials on Mondays and $2 off appetizers, burgers, and drinks Monday through Thursday from 3-5 PM. Whether your team wins or loses, you can always distract yourself with a game of pickleball or hangout with your pup in the dog park.

Best For: Groups who want more than just watching the game, dog owners, anyone who loves outdoor drinking and eating, and people who appreciate a uniquely Austin experience.

2. Cover 3 - North Austin

Location: West Braker Lane

Cover 3 is widely considered Austin's nicest sports bar, and the reputation is well-deserved. With TVs positioned everywhere ensuring perfect sightlines from every seat, Cover 3 combines upscale atmosphere with serious sports-watching capabilities. But what truly sets this place apart is the food—everything on the menu is legitimately delicious.

What Makes It Special: From spicy fried pickles and sliders to their famous brick chicken mac and cheese, the menu at Cover 3 is so good it might actually distract you from the game. The full bar provides whatever you need drink-wise, and the overall experience feels more elevated than your typical sports bar without losing the game-day energy. Fair warning: prices match the quality, so expect a full bill to match your full stomach.

Best For: Special game-day occasions, food lovers who want elevated sports bar cuisine, anyone seeking a nicer atmosphere while still getting the authentic sports bar experience.

3. Scholz Garten - Central Austin

Location: Near UT campus and the Moody Center

Scholz Garten isn't just the oldest bar in Austin—it's the oldest operating business in Texas, dating back to the 1800s. This massive German beer garden has been the epicenter of Texas Longhorns tailgating culture for generations. Located right near the University of Texas campus, it's where tradition meets championship celebration.

What Makes It Special: The history alone is worth the visit, but Scholz Garten also serves some of the best German food in town paired with the largest selection of German beers on draft you'll find in Austin. On Longhorns game days, the energy here is absolutely electric, with generations of fans gathering in a tradition that goes back over a century. Even if you're not a UT fan, the atmosphere, beer, and bratwurst are worth experiencing.

Best For: Texas Longhorns fans, anyone who appreciates historic venues, German beer and food enthusiasts, and people seeking an authentic Austin tailgating experience.

4. Lavaca Street Bar - Downtown Austin

Location: 405 Lavaca Street

Lavaca Street Bar is a hidden gem in downtown Austin that punches well above its weight. This casual, divey bar features 23 TVs ensuring you won't miss a second of action, 24 rotating beer taps, specialty cocktails, wine, and food by Thunder Chief. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, making it feel like your neighborhood spot even in the heart of downtown.

What Makes It Special: With professional basketball, football, hockey, and baseball always on (even teams from outside Texas), Lavaca Street Bar is a haven for sports fanatics of all allegiances. The prices are great for downtown, the staff is friendly, and there's genuinely not a bad seat in the house. The menu features everything from juicy burgers to mouthwatering wings, with the famous Turf n' Surf being a must-try.

Best For: Downtown workers looking for a post-work game-day spot, visitors staying in central Austin, fans of out-of-state teams looking for their game, and anyone who wants a no-frills, authentic sports bar experience.

5. Chalmers - East Austin

Location: Refurbished gas station on Manor Road

Chalmers isn't the type of place you visit to quietly watch a match over a pint. This is a full-on sports-watching affair housed in a converted gas station that's almost entirely outdoors. With tables and chairs as far as the eye can see, multiple bars for ordering drinks, and several food trucks (including the excellent options on-site), Chalmers creates an atmosphere where the crowd rivals the energy of whatever game is on.

What Makes It Special: The outdoor setup makes Chalmers feel like a never-ending tailgate party. This is Austin's premier spot for soccer fans—especially for Premier League, Austin FC, and international matches—but it's also excellent for UFC and other major sporting events. The venue has become legendary for its passionate crowds and festival-like atmosphere. It's also the official Austin watch site for the American Outlaws (U.S. Soccer supporters).

Best For: Soccer fans (especially Austin FC and Premier League), UFC enthusiasts, people who love outdoor venues, and anyone seeking high-energy crowds and communal game-watching experiences.

Honorable Mentions

Austin's sports bar scene runs deep. Here are a few more spots worth checking out:

  • Mister Tramps: An Austin sports bar staple with cheap drinks, friendly staff, and legendary status among soccer fans, especially for Tottenham Hotspur and Austin FC matches.
  • BBG's: Located on historic 6th Street, serving up NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, college sports, boxing, and MMA with great drinks and comfort food.
  • Black Sheep Lodge: From the same team behind Haymaker, featuring a fantastic patio with multiple TVs, great wings, and a massive draft beer list.
  • Pluckers Wing Bar: Multiple locations across Austin with solid wings, good beer selection, and perfectly placed TVs.

Game Day in Austin

Austin sports bars reflect the city's character—laid-back but passionate, creative but authentic, welcoming to all fans while maintaining strong local traditions. Whether you're a Longhorns superfan, an Austin FC supporter, or rooting for a team from back home, these bars create communities where everyone's welcome to pull up a chair, order a cold one, and enjoy the game.

Before heading out, make sure you're wearing your CityTees Austin gear. In a city that's all about local pride and keeping it weird, representing your city is just as important as cheering for your team.

Ready to show your Austin pride? Check out our Austin collection of t-shirts and hats—perfect for game day at any of these legendary Texas sports bars.

CityTees - Where City Pride Meets Simple Style

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