Thinking about moving to Austin? You’re not the only one! Austin is one of America’s fastest-growing metro areas, with companies like Oracle and Tesla rushing to build headquarters in the city, joining Dell and Apple as major employers for millennial and Gen Z young professionals.
Austin has always been known for being quirky, fun, and artsy, and that hasn’t changed. There’s something to do every night in Austin if you’re up for it. And that includes watching sports. Whether you’re a fan of Texas teams or looking to find somewhere to watch football from your home state, or even soccer or hockey, you’ll find a sports bar in Austin that fits the bill.
Here are five of the best sports bars in Austin.
Related: Delis in Austin with the Best Sandwiches
Top 5 Austin Sports Bars
Lavaca Street Bar
Address: 405 Lavaca St, Austin, TX 78701
Neighborhood: Downtown
Lavaca Street Bar is part of a small, Austin-based chain. As you’d imagine, the 405 Lavaca spot is the original. One of the best sports bars in Austin, Lavaca’s massive patio allows for plenty of TVs, so whatever game you’re looking for will probably be on.
Inside, the bar is decorated with classic dark wood and displays craft beer on tap, while the patio remains open, airy, and perfect for a group hang to watch a game. For sustenance, Lavaca Street offers a full menu of pub classics, including burgers, wings, and loaded fries.
What to Try:
This original Lavaca location is known for its turf n surf po’ boy, but the loaded tots are pretty great too.
Star Bar
Address: 600 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Neighborhood: Downtown
Star Bar is popular with everyone from the business crowd to UT students, probably because of its central location. The excellent pizza from the onsite pizza truck doesn’t hurt either. The bar plays NFL and NHL games, so whichever sport you prefer, you’re in luck.
The Bloody Mary served at Star Bar is off the wall – essentially loaded with a charcuterie board. Why not tackle one while watching some NFL-style tackling on Star Bar’s flat-screen TVs?
What to Try:
Since there’s a rotating tap menu at Star Bar, it’s best to ask whoever is behind the bar what’s good at the moment. Tell them what you like, taste a couple options, and you might find a new favorite beer. Pair that with a slice from VIA 313, relax, and watch the game.
B.D. Riley’s Irish Pub
Address: 1905 Aldrich St #130, Austin, TX 78723
Neighborhood: Mueller
Looking for sports bars in Austin, TX where you can watch games from further afield? B.D. Riley’s might be the answer. It’s a classic Irish-style pub complete with those kitschy old Guinness posters and fiddle music in the evenings. Located in the heart of Mueller, the pub is laid-back, but very popular. So, arrive in plenty of time if you want to find a seat for a Cowboys, Patriots, or Notre Dame game.
Soccer games aren’t quite as popular here – you won’t end up squinting at the TVs from the patio if soccer’s your favorite sport – but the crowds are definitely getting bigger every season. The pub serves both Irish and American-style food, including fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and burgers and wings.
What to Try:
It’s an Irish pub! You’re getting a Guinness.
Bender Bar and Grill
Address: 321 W Ben White Blvd # 300, Austin, TX 78704
Neighborhood: West Congress
It’s the ultimate cheap and quirky Austin dive bar, but Bender Bar and Grill also shows pretty much all big sports games on their seven TVs. And, when there’s no game, they air classic movies. Bender Bar might just be the best sports bar in Austin that isn’t just a sports bar. They also provide a pool table, arcade games, and an old-school jukebox.
So, whether you’re football obsessed or accompanying a sports fan, it’s hard not to have a good time at Bender Bar. Is part of that the bargain basement prices? Maybe. Hit up happy hour from 3-7 every weekday night if you really want to save your pennies.
What to Try:
Bender Bar is that rare and beautiful thing: a dirt-cheap dive with really good food. The Mean Green dog is great, as are the burgers, and there are even a decent number of veggie options.
Shoal Creek Saloon
Address: 909 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
Neighborhood: Clarksville
Looking for a bite of the bayou in Austin? Shoal Creek Saloon has you covered with their “Catfish & Color TV.” It’s also the Austin home for Louisiana sports, so if you want to catch the Saints, the Pelicans, or LSU’s Tigers, get yourself to Shoal Creek on game day. Of course, the Houston Astros aren’t left out of the equation. All Astros games play on those color TVs too.
The bar offers an excellent happy hour five days a week, including $1 oysters and $4 vodkas – potentially a dangerous combo, but definitely a great deal. On top of that, the beer list is extensive, and the food menu includes Louisiana classics as well as Texas favorites.
What to Try:
That depends – are you feeling Texas or Louisiana? It’s always a toss-up between a crawfish boil and smoked pork chops.
To supplement your sports bar habit, perhaps some fancy margaritas will quench your thirst. And for those after bar cravings? Food trucks, of course!
Live Near the Best Sports Bars in Austin
Have these Austin sports bars convinced you it’s the city for you? Perfect! Moving will be a breeze. Well, it will be if you work with AptAmigo. We can help you choose the perfect Austin neighborhood, and narrow down apartments until you find the one. Get in touch today to start the search for your perfect Austin home, all free of charge.
