Another NFL season is underway, making our Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays a whole lot more entertaining. With so many transplants from all over the country, from students to tech workers, along with the fact that Austin doesn’t have its own pro football team, a lot of teams across the AFC and NFC are represented by fans in the ATX.
While there are lots of options listed in this guide, there is one that stands above all the rest. When in doubt, we suggest spending your football day at Rusty Cannon Pub. This south Austin gem has plenty of TV’s showing all the games, very reasonable beer and liquor prices, and their selection of bar food is impossible to beat south of the river. They also sponsored this here list because they are just that committed to the local football scene, so if you find this info helpful then you can thank them even if you’re going to watch a game somewhere else.
Where To Watch Football In Austin
Brought to you by…
Sometimes, however, you really need the sound on and the camaraderie of similar fanatics of your team. If that’s the kind of viewing experience you’re looking for, here’s where you should be watching. Also, we’ve included an index below so you can jump to the division you prefer.
AFC East | AFC West | AFC North | AFC South | NFC East | NFC West | NFC North | NFC South
AFC East
Miami Dolphins fans can get their phins up at Fado where Sunday games can find them sipping on $5 Irish Coffees (and $5 mimosas and bloody marys). If the game isn’t keeping fans awake, those stiff coffees sure will!
In a recent post in their Meetup group, the GangGreens let fans know that “Mean Eyed Cat, the best bar in Austin has offered to become a permanent Jets bar for all games!” New York Jets fans will certainly enjoy the ambiance of this Johnny Cash-themed bar, along with the Stubb’s BBQ served inside.
The Austin Buffalo Bills Backers have been watching games downstairs at West 6th’s Rattle Inn for a while, to the point that the bar offers up $2 Labatt Blues for fans.
Austin meets Boston at B.D. Riley’s, which makes it the natural spot for New England Patriots fans to cheer on the current champions. There they keep things cool with $4 20 ounce pints of Samuel Adams Boston Lager, Harpoon IPA, Smithwicks Irish Red Ale, Shiner Bock, and Miller Lite during games, regardless of the day.
Pats fans will also find community (and likely plenty of Falcons jokes) at The Ranch and Spinners, perfect for north fans looking for a family friendly spot.
AFC West
Denver Broncos watchers will feel right at home at The Local Pub & Patio on Guadalupe — the owner of the bar is also a diehard Broncos fan and a member of this Meetup group who gathers there. You can also find the Broncoholics on Facebook. $3 Bloody Marys before 2 p.m. help those Sundays get started right.
Those Broncos fans united in orange will also find a family friendly location to watch games at Spinners in North Austin.
Members of the Raider Nation in the ATX can find games on the screens at Roscoe’s Bar in Central Austin with the Foam Finger Watch Parties. They’ll have $2 Bloody Marys, $3 domestic drafts and well cocktails, and $1 mimosas, plus fans can order Freedman’s BBQ from the bar.
North Austin Oakland Raiders fans can also join the Silver & Black of Central Texas official fanclub at Big Daddy’s Burger Bar.
Kansas City Chiefs fans can mingle with other arrowheads at Craftsman on Cesar Chavez. Those up north can also join others from this Meetup group at 3rd Base in Round Rock.
After shuffling around to different bars for the past few years, San Diego Chargers fans in Austin have now found a new home at the high end sports bar in the Warehouse District, Base Camp Austin. With two different viewing rooms for groups, this is a great place for them to gather.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens fans can find their flock at the Raven’s Nest 512 at The Tavern — you know, that place on South Lamar with air conditioning?
The Pittsburgh Steelers Fan Club of Austin meets at The Local Post Pub on Burnet Rd— not to be confused with The Local Pub & Patio — those Broncos fans may throw some looks your way when you walk in with your Steelers jersey. According to organizer Jackie Huba, the Pittsburgh Steelers Fan Club of Austin hosts anywhere from 100-200 fans per game, and they’ve been doing so for 10 years now.
There’s also a group of Steelers fans that watches games at Shiner’s Saloon downtown, if you’re looking for a little more elbow room.
Looks like Austin may be coming up short with Cincinatti Bengals fans this year, as we couldn’t find their spot. But keep an eye on this page, just in case.
Upstairs at The Rattle Inn becomes kid and dog friendly for the Texas Capital Area Brown Backers when they gather to watch their games at this (new to them) venue. In addition to nice views of downtown Austin, fans can also enjoy $15 domestic buckets.
AFC South
While the Jacksonville Jaguars don’t seem to have a full on presence in Austin, we hear that their games are “tolerated” at Mean Eyed Cat, so it might be worth giving the place a shot, especially if you get there early and get them to change a TV for your group.
The Indianapolis Colts fans of Austin will be getting cozy at Trifecta on Third. With more than 100 bourbon varieties to choose from, raved about pizzas, and six HDTVs, this high end sports bar will certainly make for some comfy watch parties.
Houston Texans fans may not be able to drive south for every game, but they’ll certainly have plenty of company as they watch the broadcasts at Maggie Mae’s with the Austin Texans Fan Group. Day drinking is made easier by the bar’s Suck it Up Sunday specials that include $2 mimosas and bellinis and $10 domestic beer buckets.
Fuddrucker’s also has the official hamburger of the Texans, so you can bet the games will be on plenty of screens at the Slaughter location, giving fans a great family-friendly option. Waterloo Ice House on Burnet and Doc’s Motorworks on 38th also hosts the Texans. The other always-great alternative for Texans fans is Rusty Cannon Pub, which always has the Texans game on and some of the best bar food of any tavern on this list. If you’re a Texans fan, it’s hard to go wrong with any of these choices.
Mister Tramps is home to the Tennessee Titans and its Volunteer State fans, offering a variety of craft, domestic, and import beers and some pretty great onion rings. Fans can also squeeze together into MiniBar to catch Titans games.
NFC East
Most bars in Austin that aren’t already designated for another team are Cowboys bars — this is Texas, after all. But specific bars to find some Cowboy love include Mister Tramps, Pluckers, Dogwood, Doc’s on 38th St, and Green Light Social. Of course, if you’re hungry you’re probably better off going to Rusty Cannon Pub and biting down on some of their amazing bar food, which is seriously some of the best in town.
The Austin Washington Redskins Meetup Group has been cheering for their team at Black Sheep Lodge (mmmmm, cheese curdssss) on South Lamar, and will continue to do so this season. In addition, they’re attempting to get another group together to watch at McArthur’s in Lakeway so that North Austin fans have additional options. Doc’s Motorworks on 38th is no longer “technically” a Redskins bar, but they still support the fans.
The Austin Eagles Nest, a friendly place for Philadelphia Eagles fans, can be found at Mister Tramps (hey, it’s a popular place) as they watch in one of three giant viewing rooms.
New York Giants fans can enjoy some signature frozen pitchers like the Texas Rita and Deep Eddy Tea with all of the new friends they’ll make at Tap 24 near campus. $4 Bloody Marys and $2 mimosas are also great options.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals fans will need to head north to The Tavern in Round Rock to enjoy the game with other birds of a feather.
You’ll find the official Seattle Seahawks Booster Club at Common Interest Karaoke Bar in North Austin. There they have an amazing staff and an entire wall of the venue dedicated to the Seahawks and their fans. North Austin fans can also check out the newest watch location at Fire and Ice Pizza Bar and enjoy one of their insanely concocted pies during a game.
Also, if you’ve ever walked around West 6th St during football season, there’s no way that you’ve missed that Little Woodrow’s downtown is a tried and true Seahawks bar.
The San Francisco 49ers can join the Niner Nation at Parlor & Yard as they settle into their new watch digs. There they can enjoy some fancy cocktails and a great food menu from Hot Mess ATX.
No luck finding a watch group for Los Angeles Rams fans though. Sorry, y’all!
NFC North
The Minnesota Vikings – Austin, Texas Fanclub meets up at Warehouse Billiard Bar in south Austin. For those Sunday games fans can save some cash by ordering their $2 sangrias and mimosas and $3 bloody marys. Hang out after the game to enjoy their extensive array of bar games, pool tables, shuffleboard, and more. Northern Vikings fans can try out the newer location of Third Base Northwest.
Detroit Lions fans will be roaring along with the Michigan crowds at Haymaker via this Meetup group. They’ll also be enjoying $2 off pitchers of beer, $2 mimosas, and $3 bloody marys and red sangria on Sundays. Those Lions also be taking pride in their new watch location at Roscoe’s near campus.
Star Bar on West 6th is home to the Green Bay Packers, it’s also home of the Hail Mary, one of the most insane bloody marys you’ve ever seen, complete with slider, fried pickle, and a whole lot more. Not into picking your food out of your beverage? You can also find Tumble 22 Hot Chicken is a food truck off of the patio.
But apparently the Packers are nearly as popular as the Cowboys in the ATX, as their fans also gather at at least four other bars. LT Corner Pub in Lakeway shows all games, but they’re definitely Packers fans over there — hell, their website is yellow and green! Shooters on 620 is an officials Packers Fan Cave with happy hour beer prices all night. Round Rock Tavern cheers on the cheese at their location. Finally, Billy’s on Burnet is also a great spot for Pack fans.
Chicago Bears fans can come in from the cold to watch their game and enjoy some of the weirdest, most wonderful pizza on the planet (we’re talking Peeps on a pie, here) at Fire and Ice Pizza. Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden provides a central ATX location, especially great when the weather is nice. Also, Pluckers in round Rock is also a great spot for Bears fans to cuddle up in front of a TV with a plate full of wings. The owner of Rusty Cannon Pub is also a Bears guy, so head over there for some amazing food and good conversation.
NFC South
Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden on 6th Street is now home to the Carolina Panthers watch parties. That means there’s plenty of room for fans to run around doing Cam’s Superman gestures after a few too many beers.
No luck for Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans in the ATX.
Atlanta Falcons fans can find fellow Dirty Birds (oops, is my love for the Saints showing?) at their new meetup space at Craftsman.
Fans of the almighty Who Dat chant know they can find New Orleans Saints games served up with ice cold Abita beer and amazing cajun food at Shoal Creek Saloon and St. Roch’s. North Austin fans can also cheer for the black and gold at Pluckers Lakeline with this Meetup group.
It makes sense that we have so many Saints fans in Austin, since New Orleans is so close and we have so many post-Katrina settlers in Austin. It also helps that Drew Brees is from Westlake!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BY6y83wAlzK/?taken-at=206164
Featured photo by Keith Allison via Wikipedia, Creative Commons licensed.
