Traveling to Austin - The official thread

I live in Austin and have been looking forward to this game all year. The time is here for people to start finalizing their plans and I've seen a lot of threads (including some by me) popping up asking about different things like where to tailgate, party, eat, etc. I figured I'd compile as much of that information as possible and keep it all in one place. Let's get started and Geaux Tigers!

Where to watch the game if you don't have tickets:

Chicken is hosting a TigerDroppings Meet and Greet at the Shiner's Saloon (at 5th and Congress) at Saturday at 1pm. The Shiner Saloon will be playing the 2007 and 2003 BCS National Championships on Friday night LINK

Walkons is hosting a tailgate party at Stubbs sponsored by LSU Alumni Association, Tiger Athletic Foundation, LSU Foundation, Visit Baton Rouge. Additional Sponsors include Fred's in Tigerland and Pearl Events Austin. LINK

Shoal Creek Saloon is the "official" LSU bar in Austin and will be hosting a party with the game on every TV and sound on LINK

LSU Alumni Association is throwing a party at the Rustic Tap (presale passes are SOLD OUT) LINK

Lavaca Street Bar is downtown and is a home for all SEC fan bases. Solid choice, it’s indoors.

If you hear of any more, let me know and I'll add them.

Tailgating:

Here's a map of gameday and tailgating areas for this year. The red area is the "no assembly required" premium tailgating area by Tailgate guys where they essentially set it up for you. Rich folk and corporate types will have big setups there for LSU.

The scattered purple areas will be standard parking lot tailgating for those who have the corresponding parking passes.

Yellow areas are first come first serve tailgating areas, mostly grassy field areas. There should also be plenty of setups along and south of MLK Blvd (which is 19th street btw).

Directly west and North of the stadium is Bevo Blvd, which has food trucks, vendors, big screens, etc. The Texas team and band will march through there (from north to south) 2 hours before kickoff. Pretty cool but becomes a major clusterfrick 30-45 minutes before kickoff. It's extended this year around the north end of the stadium to reach the Longhorn City Limits music stage. The band Midland will be playing before the game



To set up your tailgate, focus on east of Interstate 35 and south of campus. I think it would be easier (no pass, no permit) to focus east, around the cemetery near the baseball field (Disch-Falk).

Ground zero for "the action" would be around Scholz Garten.

Food:

I'm going to try to focus mostly on Downtown/Campus area as that's where most people are staying.

The Big 3 for BBQ are Franklin, La BBQ, and Terry Black's. None of them are downtown, but if you have a car they will be easy to get to. The lines are LONG so I'm going to try and offer alternate suggestions since this will be a busier than usual weekend in Austin.

Your best option if you aren't going to leave downtown is Cooper's
LINK

Micklethwait Craft Meats is right down the street from Franklin and is a very solid spot without the wait
LINK

Fareground is the new breed of high-end food court popping up in cities around the country. They have some sneaky good choices here, I personally recommend TLV
LINK

Moonshine Grill is a fantastic southern comfort food spot right off 6th street
LINK

Fixe Southern House is a similar style (more upscale though) and the chef is from Louisiana
LINK

Veracruz All Natural has the best breakfast tacos I've ever had (get the migas!)
LINK

Torchy's and Taco Deli are local chains that are both good and offer breakfast and lunch tacos. If you go to Torchy's, get the queso. Trust me.

Texas Chili Parlor and Hut's Hamburgers are old school dives.

Olamiaie is a nice spot for a fancier dinner
LINK

Holy Roller is a killer brunch spot
LINK

Easy Tiger is probably my favorite spot. It's a great bakery and beer garden that also has fantastic sausages and a full bar
LINK

Breweries added to a post on page 2
Parking Options added to page 5
Friday Night Parties added on page 4

Night Life:

The two main areas to party in Austin are going to be Rainey Street and 6th. 6th street west of I-35 is known as "dirty 6th" and is essentially the poor man's bourbon street. If you are college-age this area will be particularly appealing, although I'm sure Tiger fans of all ages will be partying after the win.

UPDATE from Uncle Stu:

quote:

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6th from I35 to Congress - absolutely Dirty 6. And you can toss in any bar from 7th down to 4th. Thats definitely a mixmash of college kids and tourists and a " poor man's bourbon street" However, if you are over 30 and this is your first time visiting Austin: 6th Street from Congress to Lamar is defined as West 6th, and a slightly bit more older crowd. Still 6th, but a less "dirty" 6th. Yes, there are a couple bars on dirty 6 that are actually OK and there are a few bars on W 6th that belong in the gutter. The OP is painting with somewhat of a broad brush... -Dirty 6 -West 6th -Warehouse Dist (4th St from Congress to Lavaca) -Rainey All within easy walking distance of DKR, all have a bit of a different vibe.

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East of I-35, 6th street is also full of bars. This is a more hipster crowd and where the locals will probably be. If you are familiar with Radio Bar in Baton Rouge, it's places like that.

Rainey Street is a historic district with old bungalows being turned into modern bars. It's about 3 or 4 blocks of bars and upscale restaurants. I would definitely recommend eating at Via 313 LINK in the back of Craft Pride
or Bangers for sausage and beer LINK.

I also recommend Half Step for cocktails and Lustre Pearl. Unbarleviable is a good spot for the younger crowd looking to party.

Downtown is full of bars too. If you just walk around, you'll see plenty. Find one that looks appealing and go check it out.

Any questions you guys have or info you want me to add, throw it my way and I'll be happy to help!