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One nation. A team. Lots and lots of bars.
Armadillo Den | Photo courtesy Armadillo Den
Armadillo Den | Photo courtesy Armadillo Den
Just recently, the Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced that no spectators would be admitted to the 2020 Summer Olympics (AKA 2021) in Tokyo. While that may be a serious disappointment to the athletes who have worked for such a special moment their entire lives, last year’s emotional roller coaster ride clearly taught us that sacrifice for the good of the group is always the best step. And in this case, it’s actually a cool opportunity for us citizens – considering that no one goes out to see the games in person, standing behind Team USA and shouting our rally as loud as they are is more important than ever Athletes who represent red, white and blue will hear it clearly over the Pacific.
Here are some of the best places in Austin to cheer on Dame Lillard, Megan Rapinoe, Bryson DeChambeau, Simone Biles, Bam Adebayo, Sue Bird, Alex Morgan, and whoever the arty swim team got hold of with a cold hand. And for the fifty Texan Olympians who make our state proud on the world stage, Lone Stars on us when you come back, all of you.
Austin Eastciders Barton Springs | Photo courtesy Austin Eastciders Barton Springs
Zilker
Even if you’ve never been to Austin Eastsider’s Barton Springs, you’ve probably seen the ubiquitous cans of their signature products grace the shelves at HEB, fuel paddle boarders on Lake Austin, or fill the cooler at your last tailgate party. Their actual brick-and-mortar, however, allows you to experience their crunchy, complex, and locally made ciders and seltzer in a quirky atmosphere with plenty of dining options and big screen TVs that will turn Sam Kerr back with delight. You might not be able to take home your own version of Olympic gold, but with the release of their special edition Lemon Ginger Cider this summer, you can at least drink from a gold-colored can – no sportiness required.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.
Gibson Street Bar | Photo courtesy Gibson Street Bar
South Lamar
While individual athletes may have an age-dependent shelf life, there are certain Olympic cornerstones that will endure over the decades. Take the opening ceremony or the Olympic Village and typically bizarre looking mascots. And in ever-changing Austin, the Gibson Street Bar is one of those mainstays, a place that has survived the ups and downs of a booming population while many other institutions in South Austin have unfortunately fallen by the wayside. Given the always happy atmosphere, strong currents, fun themed nights (Wednesdays bingo!), An abundance of TVs and delicious sandwiches from Luke’s Inside Out, we predict the torch of this place will burn for years to come.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.
Shoal Creek Saloon | Photo courtesy Shoal Creek Saloon
North Lamar
Tokyo may be a long way from the Big Easy (6,866 miles to be exact), but you can get the best of both worlds during this year’s Olympics at Shoal Creek Saloon. Every Saints fan already knows that this is the case the Place to catch a game thanks to 31 TVs and some of the best Cajun in town. We’re talking about fried catfish platters with hushpuppies, red beans and coleslaw, garlic prawns, and of course their signature 16-ounce smoked chops, all of which are washed down with one of 60 different beers and hard seltzer in stock. Don’t worry – all you have to do is watch the 400 meter sprint after you’ve swallowed it all and not run.
How to book: Call 512-474-0805 to reserve.
You Austin
South Lamar
Sometimes you want the whole feel (and big screen options) of a good old-fashioned sports bar, but more upscale menu options than the standard fried go-tos. Skip the wet fries and lukewarm mozzarella sticks without missing out on the action of the Summer Olympics at the standout Loro in South Austin. The food here is the product of the Brain Trust between Tyson Cole from Uchi and Aaron Franklin from Franklin Barbecue – and it shows in everything from the smoked beef brisket with chili gastrique and Thai herbs to the insanely delicious candied kettle corn. With televisions both inside the building and on the fabulously decorated terrace, you can watch Katie Ledecky freestyling her way down the alley while swimming in your own sweat of flesh.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.
Black Sheep Lodge | Photo courtesy Black Sheep Lodge
South Lamar
If you’re the type who can’t watch sports without your competitive series making an appearance, head to Black Sheep Lodge, where you can watch the Olympics and challenge your crew to a few rounds of pool, darts, and shuffleboard. Bargame champions may not enjoy the eternal fame of winning a medal for their country, but they can get laurels in the form of one of the room’s famous half-pound burgers and a pint of one of the 26 beers they have on tap, to win. The red, white & blue drink special of the spot with Western Sons Vodka, a cocktail at a bargain price that gets cheaper with every additional gold medal from Team USA, is added to the victory dance.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.
Armadillo Den | Photo courtesy Armadillo Den
The Hollow on Slaughter Creek
When you live as far south as Slaughter Lane, you sometimes feel like the pitifully underfunded Olympic team in an incredibly small country. Just as the media all too often skips redundant underdogs, your friends always ditch your hood when picking a spot for the drink hang up day. But like a drunken Cinderella story, Armadillo Den has emerged as the front runner when it comes to pulling the crowds south every weekend. Not only does it have plenty of space and a TV so you can watch what’s going on, but also a dog park, live music, food trucks, and every bar game under the sun – a winning combination for a good time when we’ve heard one.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.
Haymaker | Photo courtesy Haymaker
Mansion
Like the Michael Phelps of the Austin sports bar scene, Haymaker is infinitely popular, an ever-winning experience, and someone you might want to have a beer with. And at 40 Draft beer, you and Mr. Phelps could most likely get so hummed that you even bring up the time he was caught with a bong. Not to mention, almost every corner of the continuously-filled inside and outside of this bar is covered with TVs, so you won’t miss a moment of the games – even if you flex your own muscles by playing a billiards or corn hole while playing watching. Add in old school home cooking like poutine and croque monsieurs and you have a time worthy of 23 gold medals.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.
Lavaca Street Bar | Courtesy photo of Lavaca Street Bar
Different places
Golf, which debuted as an official Olympic sport in Rio in 2016 and will take second place (get it?) In Tokyo this year, has a lot in common with the many locations of Lavaca Street Bar. For starters, both are perfect for wasting hours chatting with friends about cold ones. And at Lavaca, the matchday buckets – AKA five combinable cans and bottles for the household – paired with a panoramic view of dozens of flat screens make it an ideal place to sit back, relax and discuss with your friends whether or not Tiger Woods will have a side appearance.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.
Rustic draft beer garden
West 6th Street
Rustic Tap is likely to be one of your top game day targets as early as the NFL season. So you’ll feel right at home swapping pigskin for plaid leather at the time of the Olympics. A huge outdoor oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle of West 6th Street. This popular hideaway is all about the sports ball, complete with deluxe versions of the hatchback chairs that take over the DKR Memorial Stadium parking lot every fall. Spread the “hook ’em” love by grabbing one of their Mexican martinis and cheering for UT alumni Alison Gibson, who goes for gold in women scuba diving.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating.
The park on South Lamar
Different places
Every Olympic relay has a seamstress, the person they can rely on to deliver the goods, no matter how quickly these Russians seem to gain an advantage. And as for Austin’s sports bars, The Park does that job every time, goddamn it. With locations to the north at The Domain as well as South Lamar, you and your geographically dispersed crew have options, not to mention a full list of dive favorites like local chicken wings and spinach artichoke dip – a clutch movement after the second pitcher The table. They even have weekend brunch for those who don’t want to miss the early morning tee times (we’re looking at you women’s soccer).
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating, or reserve your closest location.
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Molly Moltzen is a contributor for Thrillist.
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