For us transplants, it can be tough to watch our favorite sports teams around here. With all these hipsters running around, it’s tough to find a good sports bar in general. Never mind finding one that favors your out-of-town teams.
Take it from a guy who had to watch the Bruins lose game six of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs with 20 Blackhawks fans. Brutal. I know, I know. I don’t have too much to complain about as a Boston sports fan, but you know what I mean (sorry not sorry).
Bottom line, it sucks being the away team all the time. For that reason, I’ve put together a list of bars dedicated to out-of-town sports teams. The list is mostly geared towards football, but a lot of these bars support all teams from the respective city. Keep in mind that I tend to talk a lot of smack because I can, so try not to take it too personally. I encourage you to send it right back in the comments below.
Boston: B.D. Riley’s
Patriots Nation representing at B.D. Riley’s
Of course, I’m putting Boston first. B.D. Riley’s is pretty much THE official Boston bar in Austin. Every time I go in there, I feel like I’m back at The Bell in Hand. This is the closest you’re going to get to an Irish pub downtown, and it has everything you need to cheer on the Pats: Guiness, greasy pub food, large TVs and Sam Adams for when the Guiness is gone.
And because every Pats fan is also a Notre Dame fan, Boston transplants are welcome here on Saturdays, as well.
204 E. 6th St. – Website – Local Fan Club
Philadelphia: Mister Tramps
Mister Tramps: “Austin’s Eagles’ Nest” (Credit: Austin Eagles’ Nest Fan Club)
Dubbed “Austin’s Eagles’ Nest” by the local Philly fan club, Mister Tramps offers plenty of TVs, a small, yet quality, menu and an impressive beer selection. It’s located a bit north, but it’s well worth the trip if you want to watch Sam Bradford fall apart like a Philly cheesesteak.
8565 Research Blvd. – Website – Local Fan Club
Baltimore: The Tavern
Just like Baltimore’s sports teams, The Tavern is full of rich history. You should probably get the wings, but keep an eye out for their burger special on Sundays after 5 p.m. Flacco’s my fantasy quarterback, so I’m not going to talk too much smack here (that missed Cundiff field goal, though).
922 W. 12th Street – Website
Denver: The Local Pub & Patio
It’s easy to get comfortable when you’re undefeated! (Credit: Denver Broncos Fans)
When you can’t cheer on the Broncos at Mile High Stadium, which takes on a whole new meaning these days, The Local Pub & Patio is your next best option. The local Broncos fan club is probably the most organized group in town, and they are certainly well represented every Sunday at The Local.
Enjoy generous beer specials, including $4 local draft beers on the weekends, while watching Peyton dominate the competition…until the playoffs, of course.
2610 Guadalupe Street – Website – Local Fan Club
Chicago: The Thirsty Nickel
THE bar for Chicago fans
I actually like the Cubs and have visited The Thirsty Nickel often for games. With multiple rooms and plenty of open space, you’ll feel comfortable despite the large volume of Chicago fans that devotedly frequent the area. Since the Blackhawks are really your only dog in the fight, I’d recommend coming here for hockey above any other sport.
325 E. 6th Street – Local Fan Club
Oakland: Big Daddy’s Burgers and Bar
While the Raiders fan club tends to change meet-up locations every week, Big Daddy’s is the “official” home for Silver & Black watch parties. As the venue name suggests, you’ll want to try one of their signature burgers. They are all unique…just like you, Raider Nation!
9070 Research Blvd. – Website – Local Fan Club
Green Bay: Black Sheep Lodge
Black Sheep Lodge, a great bar even if you’re not a Packers fan
Black Sheep Lodge isn’t the only Packers bar in Austin (Billy’s on Burnet, Shooters, Star Bar), but it most consistently draws a sea of green and gold. With 26 beers on tap, 125 additional bottled beers and generous Sunday specials, there’s plenty here to have you Lambeau Leaping into bed by 4 p.m.
2108 S. Lamar Blvd. – Website – Local Fan Club
Minnesota: The Warehouse Saloon & Billiards
In the zone at The Warehouse (Credit: Minnesota Vikings – Austin, Texas Fan Club)
When you don’t feel like crashing the Green Bay party at Black Sheep, you can Viking it up at The Warehouse Saloon & Billiards. With pool tables, a large covered deck area and nightly drink specials, this is an enjoyable venue even when the Vikings aren’t doing so hot. So. Much. Purple.
509 E. Ben White Blvd. – Website – Local Fan Club
Detroit: Haymaker
Detroit Lions fans at Haymaker (Credit: Lions Fans in ATX)
I saved the best for last. Ha! Just kidding. But seriously, while Haymaker is best known for sandwiches and craft beer, it’s also home to a dedicated group of Lions fans. Hey, it’s not your year. That’s okay. All the more reason to enjoy the sandwiches and beer!
2310 Manor Road – Website – Local Fan Club
I know I left a few sports towns off the list (looking right at you, New York. Figure it out.). But I hope this helps some of you who are looking for a home away from home to watch your favorite teams.
If you know of any other good spots, or are from a town that’s not mentioned here, let me know where you go to watch your teams in a comment below! And if your team happens to be playing the Pats this year, I’m sorry.
@andychuckchase wants to know:
Time to let your true colors show–where do you go to watch your favorite sports team?
Pat’s fans are more likely to be Boston College fans…https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_War_%28Boston_College_vs._Notre_Dame%29
Anybody have a recommendation for UGA or Falcons games?
Pick a new team.
I’m from New Jersey and love hockey…and the Backspin is a great spot for watching sports. Very accommodating, great food, awesome selection of beer and reasonable prices.
For New Orleans Saints games, I go to Pluckers. But does anyone know of another bar where they play the Saints?
Shoal Creek Saloon is the spot for the Saints.
Yes, Shoal Creek Saloon, but I’ve seen there is a meetup group that goes to Pluckers out at Lakeline. Might be better if you’re north. We’ve gotten so old and lazy we never go. If the game’s not on we just listen to WWL online 😀
Seahawks fans have a home at The Common Interest. http://www.meetup.com/Austin-Texas-Seattle-Seahawk-Fans
What about steelers? Hubby is from pa.
@rochellebubenikkinter:disqus, check out Bikini’s. More info here: http://austinot.wpengine.com/best-places-to-watch-football-in-austin
As the New Englander and Pats fan behind the Austin Meets Boston gathering at B. D. Riley’s Irish Pub and Restaurant, I’m honored to see our pub lead the list. But I’ll also note that our food is anything but greasy pub grub–it’s award winning, has nabbed the Austin Chronicle “Best Irish Food For People Just Back From Dublin” honor and has also earned us a spot on the Top 10 Irish Pubs in America for Food since 2007.