Welcome to the University of Texas at Austin, home of the Longhorns! If you’re heading to town to catch a game, here’s what you need to know about where to stay, eat, drink, and tailgate. But first, a few key facts about University of Texas football:
- SEC Team: University of Texas Longhorns
- Coach: Steve Sarkisian
- Stadium: Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium
- Fun Fact: The original mascot of the University of Texas wasn’t a Longhorn steer — it was an American Pit Bull Terrier who went by the name of “Pig!”
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WHERE TO STAY IN AUSTIN
Whether you’re looking to stay steps from campus or treat yourself to one of the many hip boutique hotels throughout the city, you have a number of options.
Moxy Austin – University
2552 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705 • (737) 471-2621
If proximity is your top priority, you should stay at the Moxy Austin, one of the closest hotels to campus. It has a boutique hotel vibe with backyard games to keep you entertained before or after a UT win.
Hotel Ella
1900 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78705 • (844) 720-1497
For a totally different vibe, stay at the historic Hotel Ella. This grand old mansion was built by Goodall H. Wooten, the son of one of the founders of the University of Texas. Today, it has 47 guest rooms in the heart of the city. It is named for Wooten’s wife, Ella, who was one of the first women to graduate from UT.
Hotel Van Zandt
605 Davis St, Austin, TX 78701 • (512) 542-5300
With a rock and roll attitude and a location right next to Rainey Street, Hotel Van Zandt gives you a music-driven spin on an Austin stay. Go to the game during the day, then find out why Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World.
The Loren at Lady Bird Lake
1211 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704 • (512) 580-1182
For an upscale stay, The Loren at Lady Bird Lake is worth the nine-minute cab ride. This modern hotel overlooks Lady Bird Lake (hence the name!) and the rapidly expanding downtown Austin skyline. A luxury aesthetic and sleek rooftop bar and restaurant make it the perfect place to retreat after a long day spent cheering on the Longhorns.
Downright Austin
701 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78701 • (512) 478-1111
A bold, colorful take on Texas hospitality, Downright Austin is close to both the University of Texas and the Texas State Capitol. The interior has perfectly retro pink touches, and the refreshing pool is a much-needed amenity when you’re in town for early fall games.
The Driskill Hotel
604 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701 • (512) 439-1234
The Driskill Hotel is one of the most iconic stays in Austin. Located at the corner of 6th and Brazos Streets, it’s steps from the city’s buzz but maintains a luxurious and historic feel. Fun fact: it was known as Lyndon B. Johnson’s unofficial headquarters.
Austin Proper Hotel
600 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 • (512) 628-1500
Designed by Kelly Wearstler, the Austin Proper Hotel is a 238-room hotel that feels uniquely Texas with a sleek, sophisticated spin. It’s both artful and walkable, and you’ll feel like you’re getting the best of Austin between the raucous game day experience and this hip space.
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WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN AUSTIN
Austin’s food scene is unrivaled, and you’ll find yourself with more restaurants to visit than time to do so. Tacos? Brisket? Burgers? The choice is yours.
Dirty Martin’s Place
2808 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705 • (512) 477-3173
Dirty Martin’s Place is a century-old establishment serving up burgers, onion rings, beer, and shakes. It’s the place you go to fuel up for a long afternoon or tailgating — or your first stop after the game.
Red Ash
303 Colorado St #200, Austin, TX 78701 • (512) 379-2906
If you’re up for a nice meal after the game — or want to make a reservation for Friday night — head to Red Ash. This Italian spot downtown is known for booking up early.
Franklin’s Barbecue
900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702 • (512) 653-1187
Texas brisket should be at the top of your culinary bucket list when you’re in town for a Longhorns game, and Franklin’s Barbecue is one of the most classic places to feast on a brisket platter.
Dai Due
2406 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722 • (512) 524-0688
Dai Due combines a butcher shop with a farm-to-table approach to Texas cuisine. The eatery focuses on seasonal ingredients, and nearly all of its produce, meat, and ingredients are sourced straight from the surrounding regions.
Vaquero Taquero
104 E 31st St, Austin, TX 78705 • (512) 366-5578
When you want a quick breakfast taco fix or post-game bite, head to Vaquero Taquero. This taco joint is just a stone’s throw from campus.
Fonda San Miguel
2330 W N Loop Blvd, Austin, TX 78756 • (512) 459-4121
You have to get Tex-Mex while in Austin, and Fonda San Miguel is one of the classic spots. It offers authentic decor and flavors and has been open in Austin for nearly 50 years.
Nixta Taqueria
2512 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702
If it’s a gorgeous day, make your way to East Austin and grab a table outside at Nixta Taqueria, where you’ll find some of the most delicious traditional tacos in the city.
Salty Sow
1917 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722 • (512) 391-2337
Enjoy an authentic Austin experience at the Salty Sow, which serves Texas-style comfort food. From smoked pork carnitas to crispy chicken thighs, this is the stop you want to make for a sit-down dinner and post-game comfort.
Sour Duck Market
1814 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78702 • (512) 394-5776
All of the restaurants within the Sour Duck Market family are hits, including Odd Duck and Barley Swine, but Sour Duck Market is an excellent spot for pre- or post-game meals, offering creative takes on hearty dishes.
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BARS IN AUSTIN
Austin’s bar scene is hopping. Whether celebrating a win or mourning a loss, there are plenty of spots to grab libations.
Cain and Abel’s
907 W 24th St, Austin, TX 78705 • (512) 476-3201
Cain and Abel’s is one of the closest bars to the University of Texas campus, so it’s an obvious choice for pre- or post-game celebrations. With lots of outdoor seating, it’s precisely where you want to be on a gorgeous autumn day.
Crown & Anchor Pub
2911 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78705 • (512) 322-9168
Open 365 days a year, Crown & Anchor Pub is an establishment in the Longhorn community. You’ll find great drink specials and an even better dive bar vibe.
Upstairs at Caroline’s
109 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78701 • (512) 982-6766
For a more eclectic atmosphere, head to Upstairs at Caroline’s. This funky rooftop bar has games, margaritas, and a party atmosphere ideal for keeping the gameday energy going.
Scholz Garten
1607 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701 • (512) 474-1958
You’ll find a tailgate scene at Scholz Garten on game days. This German beer garden serves beer, brats, and everything you need to get ready to cheer on the Longhorns.
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WHERE TO TAILGATE IN AUSTIN
The best spot to tailgate in Austin for a UT game is to join the crowds at Bevo Boulevard. This street party sets up right outside the stadium, and the festivities kick off three-and-a-half hours before game time. You’ll catch the Texas Longhorn Band and even appearances by the team.
Hook ’em horns!
Click HERE for the complete SEC City Guide!
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