Football season is upon us again as teams of all levels start their seasons in Central Texas and beyond. To make it easier for downtown Austinites to navigate the football-loving lifestyle, local establishments across the city offer a variety of ways to enjoy the games with an Austin twist. From bars with big screen TVs to entire tailgating extravaganzas, here are a few ways to celebrate the return of football in style:
Whistler’s, a new East 6th St. bar that’s gathering growing acclaim for its craft cocktails and distinctly Austin atmosphere, hosted an NFL opening night party on Thursday, September 4th. Whistler’s recently installed two big screen televisions, for this event and future football watching opportunities. And for the kickoff game, attendees enjoyed specialty themed cocktails (a brandy Old Fashioned for Packers supporters and a Washington Apple punch for Seahawks fans) plus themed menu items and a complimentary layout of Wisconsin cheeses and smoked Pacific Northwest salmon.
For Longhorns fans, Hotel Ella has taken tailgating to a whole new level. Forget dragging a cooler around out in the heat; instead enjoy their complimentary buffet spread, cocktails, beer and wine, and a shuttle to and from the stadium in addition to live pre-game and game broadcast. Hotel Ella is hosting this tailgate event for five of the first six UT home games, with the next one on September 6th starting three hours before kickoff.
For a regular place to watch the games every weekend within walking distance of The Austonian luxury condominiums, Trifecta on 3rd is a great option. As a small place, it keeps its locals-only vibe, but still has a plethora of TVs for watching games. They’re known for their vast bourbon and martini selection as well as gourmet pizza.
For residents of The Austonian, the building itself offers many opportunities for enjoying football season. The 10th floor Lonestar Bar is the perfect place for an intimate watch party, with comfortable lounge chairs, a bar, TVs and a billiard table to pass the time during halftime. Adjacent to the Lonestar Bar is the 10th floor Lawn, an outdoor oasis high above the hustle of downtown Austin where residents can enjoy the fall weather, luxury cabanas and outdoor kitchens that are perfect for grilling and football food.
Photos courtesy Hotel Ella
