Where are you watching the game this season?
By Courtney Bell; Bar 96 photo by Found Media Group
They say baseball is America’s sport, but football gives that title a run for its money. Austin is full of live-music venues and bars with free-flowing Lone Star, but the capital city of Texas has its fair share of top-notch sports bars. How do you pick that special place to watch the big game every weekend? There are a few major categories a bar that claims to be of the sports variety should fulfill: 1.) There should be plenty of televisions, with all of the games. 2.) There should be good beer specials. Since you’ll be spending a few hours there, you don’t want to break the bank. 3.) Lastly, atmosphere and food have to be pleasant and tasty.
This saloon and billiards bar has been a South Austin treasure for 30 years. With 22 high definition TVs, two gigantic projection TVs and the NFL Sunday Ticket, there’s room for every fan to have a watch party at The Warehouse. In between games, there are plenty of games to play, from pool to darts, shuffleboard and foosball. Every Sunday, house-made food is served up for a nominal fee. It’s like watching the game in your own living room and grilling out in your own backyard with favorites like nachos, tacos and jalapeño sausages. Don’t forget to try the special avocado salsa. Head in for Monday Night Football and grab a shot of call whiskey and a domestic pint for $5 from 9 to 11 p.m. 509 E. Ben White Blvd.
This Rainey Street favorite watched over by the Frost Bank Tower has rolled out a brand-new cocktail list, including a hot drink addition for the colder months. Gin and tonic muddled with fresh blackberries and mint leaves, grapefruit shandy made with local favorites Deep Eddy Ruby Red and 512 Wit, and an herb whiskey sour with green chartreuse are just some of the cocktails sure to spice up your Sunday game day. When making your Super Bowl plans, don’t forget to consider the chilly evening and warm up with Bar 96’s new mulled wine, toddy or Ruskie, made with Stoli Vanilla and hot cocoa. Wednesdays promise a fun night of bag toss tournament, and seven days a week, you can find Bomb Tacos in the back, cooking up tasty treats. After the game, this bar promises the best proximity to Austin nightlight you can find. 96 Rainey St.
The upscale atmosphere of Cover 3 doesn’t emit feelings of your average sports bar, but with televisions everywhere, even in the men’s bathrooms, you won’t miss a minute of the big game here. The Chop House Burger was named Best Burger by Texas Monthly, with the addition of cheese and bacon. The menu spins seafood with a delicious Tex-Mex flair. Football Sundays boasts a Bloody Mary bar with a variety of mixes, spices and vegetables. Cover 3 has a rocking happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, and 4 p.m. to close, Monday and Tuesday with $1 off glasses of wine and draft beers, $2 off cocktails and $3 off appetizers. Cover 3’s stylish atmosphere and better-than-bar fare menu makes this an appealing place to watch the game in North Austin. 2700 W. Anderson Lane
With televisions on virtually every square inch of this bar, including the men’s and women’s bathrooms, there is no way to miss a play. Their recently updated menu mixes Southern-inspired fare like garlic cheese grits and chicken-fried New York strip with Tex-Mex classics such as tender carnitdas tacos. Happy hour will put a smile on your face, with $4 and $5 appetizers and $2.50 wells and domestic bottle beers. Football Sunday promises a day of food and fun with a special brunch menu, mimosa carafes and beer bucket specials. With three Austin locations, Third Base has all their bases covered for game day. 9600 S. I-35, building B, suite 500, South Park Meadows; 3107 S. I-35, suite 310, Round Rock; 1717 W. Sixth St., building 2, suite 210 R.
The owners of Nutty Brown bring you big taste and a big burger challenge at Big Daddy’s. While you’re watching your favorite college team compete in their bowl game this season, sign up to pack away a 3-pound Texas beef patty, your choice of cheese, specialty baked roll and a pound of onion rings or fries in 33 minutes. While your team scores touchdowns and you pack away pounds of delicious food, enjoy frozen alcoholic drinks and grown-up milkshakes. Big Daddy’s boasts some awesome football specials Saturday and Sunday from open until close, from their 55 cent wings, $2 Coors Light pints and $2.25 wells. Their burger menu is as vast as the NFL itself, with toppings ranging from mac and cheese to wasabi mayo and Bloody Mary ketchup. 9070 Research Blvd., suite 101
