Austin Foodie Bits Special Edition: BCS Championship Fun

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Well fellow Longhorn fans, here we are again – an underdog in a National Championship game playing a Heisman Trophy winner who we all think stole the award from our QB. Ring a bell? Where were you last time we were in this spot? I was at home completely unable to sit still and many times almost unable to watch. Ah, the joys of being a football fan.

I have come to the conclusion that it’s much easier to manage through the big game in the company of others who are just as invested in the outcome. It’s like group therapy but for sports fans. So, if you’re looking for a support group for this Thursday’s game, there is no shortage of them about town. I’ve listed all that I could find here — in alphabetical order just to be fair. While there are a fair number listed here (no pun intended), it’s in no way an exhaustive list, just all that I could dig up. If you have a favorite haunt, give them a call to see if they have any game-related specials. If you know or learn of others please mention them in the comments or e-mail me at natanya {@} io {dot} com so I can update the post.

• Alamo Draft House South Lamar, Village, Ritz, Lake Creek, – watch the game on a movie screen with food and drinks that come to you. Best of all, it’s free! All you have to do to reserve your spot is to purchase a $5 food and beverage voucher to use during the game, and I’m pretty sure you’ll spend way more than $5 on game night. Seats to these venues will probably go quickly, so you may want to make your reservations quickly.
• Annie’s Café and Bar – Start the celebration on Tuesday with Longhorn sugar cookies and cupcakes. On game day they will have $3 draft beer and $3 well drinks all night long. The menu will feature tailgate food including chili dogs, burgers, pizza, and cheese fries.
• The Carillon – In addition to Chef Josh Watkins’ amazing food, they will have $4 Orange Margaritas, $3 domestic draft beer, and $5 house red and white wine by the glass.
• Cover 3 – If you’re looking for a more refined sports bar experience closer to North Austin, this is the place. I’m a big fan of their food. Happy hour is from 4-7pm, so get there early to get a good seat and these deals: $3 off appetizers, $2 off cocktails, $1 off draft beer and wine by the glass.
• ESPN Austin’s Official Watch Party – Doc’s Backyard in Sunset Valley is hosting the local ESPN affiliate’s party. While I had a hard time finding details, I’m sure there will be food and drink specials. Give ’em a call if you want more details: 892-5200
• El Chile Café y Cantina Far West – Enjoy the game on the plasma TV in the bar. ½ price margaritas and ½ price appetizers before the game from 5-7pm.
• Jack Allen’s Kitchen – One of Austin’s newest venues is hosting a giant tailgating party – come rain or shine. They will be roasting a whole pig and serving up drink and food specials on their patio. Happy hour from 3pm – close. For those of you further South and West, this might be just the right location.
• Lambert’s Downtown BBQ – The entire upstairs will be given over to game watching and they will offer happy hour all night long and discount wings as well. Mmmm..wild boar and Longhorn football, a match made in heaven.
• Max’s Wine Dive – This hot downtown spot will feature happy hour all day and free “Max’s Famous Fried Chicken Wings” during the game. Free fried chicken wings? Yes please!
• Pasadena Comes to Austin – Jointly hosted by the Austin chapter of the Texas Exes and the Austin Crimson Tide Club, this event will bring fans from both sides together at the Dell Diamond Intel Stadium Club. There will be 15 flat screen televisions and a all-American buffet with hamburgers, hot dogs, hot wings, chips and cookies included in the $20 ticket price. A cash bar will also be available. I hear tickets to this are going quickly, so purchase soon if you’re interested.
• Santa Rita Tex Mex (both locations) – Have some Tex-Mex and cheer on the ‘Horns. They will offer an all-night happy hour from 3pm – close that features ½ price appetizers (except for shrimp), $3.95 frozen and rocks margaritas, $2 well drinks, and a complementary wings and queso bar during the game.
• Scholz Garden – Every part of Scholz’s not insignificant space will be open for a cover-free watch party. Enjoy BBQ, burgers, and other fantastic food while you soak in the atmosphere of a quintessential Longhorn location.
• Uchi – One of Austin’s premier restaurants is getting in on the BCS fun with all night specials that include $7 Uchiviche (an Uchi signature dish), $8 Shag Roll, $12 Kona Kanpachi, and $10 Walu Walu. They will also be taking extra reservations on Thursday, so if this is your choice for game watching, you’ll want to reserve sooner rather than later.

What are your plans for the big game? Are you going out or watching with friends or both? Enquiring minds want to know.

Hook ‘Em!!