Three Days of Barbecue, Swimming Holes, and Football for a UT Longhorns Game Weekend

As cities go, Austin is a bit of a chameleon. In certain lights, it’s a tech town with a rapidly-expanding skyline and a steady supply of buzzy new bar and restaurant openings. In others, it’s a natural playground with lush parks, hike and bike trails, and plenty of swimming holes. From one neighborhood to the next, it’s a bachelorette capital, a barbecue-lovers paradise, and a creative enclave. You’ll find historic music venues, hole-in-the-wall dives, and a wealth of innovative ies whose inspirations span the globe, from Japanese-Mexican ramen to an Egyptian take on Texas barbecue, or Central American cuisine with a Louisiana Creole kick.

Austin’s ever-evolving identity is part of its charm, but no matter how many changes the city weathers, one thing remains true: At its heart, this is still a college town. And come September, the city bleeds burnt orange. So if you’re planning a trip to Darrell K Royal (DKR) Stadium, visiting a matriculated Longhorn, or coming back to town as an alum, here’s how to make the most of a game day weekend in Austin.

Where to stay: Austin has more than enough to offer in the way of standard hotel chains, but where the city really shines is its assortment of boutique accommodations. So if you’re looking to maximize on personality while you’re here, opt for a stay at Hotel Saint Cecilia, a renovated Victorian retreat tucked just a block off of South Congress; Hotel Ella, a Greek revival mansion located within walking distance of UT’s campus; or Carpenter Hotel, an eye-catching Brutalist-inspired structure in Austin’s Zilker neighborhood.

Getting around: Unfortunately for Austinites and visitors alike, it’ll be a few years before the city debuts its light rail system. So, as is the case for most of Texas, you will need a car to get around. On high-traffic days (like when the Longhorns are playing), it might be best to opt for a ride-hailing service to avoid parking headaches. Or, if you’re centrally located, CapMetro’s 801 and 803 rapid bus routes run conveniently along South Congress and South Lamar, through downtown, and up to UT’s campus. Find your route here, and tap to pay when you hop on!

Dress code: The standard dress code in Austin is no dress code. The city is famously casual, and It’s rare to find a place that won’t welcome you in wearing cowboy boots and jeans. There are really only two things to remember: Dress for the weather – Austin stays pretty hot, even through early October. And if you’re here during college football season, wear burnt orange (never maroon!)

8 a.m. Coffee and kolaches: Start your trip with the tried-and-true Texas breakfast combo of coffee and kolaches at the Carpenter Coffee Bar, where you’ll find a bright, quiet space to sip on drip coffee, specialty lattes, and iced teas, plus an assortment of seasonal pastries, bagels, and breakfast tacos. Grab a drip coffee, or, if you’re looking for a little bit of a Texas twist, opt for the Texas Sun: a cold brew sweetened with honey and orange zest. If you’re in for a slower morning, enjoy your drink out on the covered patio, or take a seat over at the hotel’s stylish midcentury lounge, where you can also take advantage of the in-house vinyl collection and turntable.

10 a.m. Hit the springs: Once you’re feeling energized, head down the street from the Carpenter, where you’ll find two of Austin’s most beloved outdoor institutions: Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool. Odds are, if you’re visiting at the start of football season, it’s still hot enough to enjoy a refreshing dip in Barton’s crisp, clear 68-degree waters. Pack a towel, sunscreen, and a swimsuit, and choose your own adventure from there: Read a book beneath the shade of a pecan or live oak tree, sunbathe on the grass, swim laps over in the deep end, or show off your form on the diving board. (A perfect dive or a well-executed backflip is often rewarded with claps from the crowd.) Tickets range from $4-$9 for non-residents and can be purchased ahead of time on the ATXswims app, or in-person at the kiosks located at the entrances to the pool.

12 p.m. A frozen pick me up: Once you’re done soaking up the sun, pop over to Sandy’s Hamburgers on Barton Springs Road. The iconic burger stand has been up and running since 1946, and while they’re light on frills, they deliver on flavor. If you’re looking for something quick to eat before resting up for a minute back at your hotel, grab a cheeseburger, fries, and a milkshake (their butterscotch malt hits all the right notes), or a dipped cone.

Or, if you’re not quite ready to call it quits yet, drive over to Loro on South Lamar, where you can enjoy a Mango Spritzy Rice slush or a Frozen Spicy Watermelon margarita on their spacious patio. The Asian smokehouse is the brainchild of James Beard Award-winning chefs Tyson Cole and Aaron Franklin, who have packed the menu with tons of smoked meats, and mouthwatering seasonal flavor combinations. Don’t worry about getting plate envy, Loro’s menu is perfect for sharing. Try the crispy chicken karaage, oak grilled edamame, smoked shishito queso, and, of course, their Loro Cheeseburger topped with red onion-brisket jam, Muenster cheese, and yuzu Thousand Island sauce.

3 p.m. SoCo shopping: Austin’s premier shopping destination, South Congress Avenue, is one of the most walkable parts of the city, brimming with bars, shops, restaurants, and historic music venues like the Continental Club. Start at the Austin Motel, where you can snap a pic under the famous sign. Then, if you’re in the market for a new (or your first) pair of cowboy boots, keep heading south, where you’ll have your pick between Tecovas, a high-quality, fashionable option that won’t necessarily break the bank; Lucchese, the Cadillac of cowboy boots and definitely more of an investment; or Allens, a boot emporium full of every style under the sun, plus the benefit of their helpful experts to point you in the right direction. Right across from Allens, you’ll see the SoCo Makers Market. Wander through this outdoor marketplace of handmade accessories and vintage clothing while enjoying fresh squeezed lemonade, ice pops, and other tasty treats from local vendors. End your jaunt with a visit to Paper Work, the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs, from screen-printed posters to clothing, jewelry, and knickknacks primarily sourced from independent Texas-based artists.

6 p.m. Home Slice and hi-fi vinyl: While you’re out on South Congress, grab a NY-style slice at Home Slice. In addition to their standard toppings — cheese, pepperoni, margherita, and vegan — their special slices change daily. From there, cap off your time on SoCo with a visit to Hotel Magdalena’s Equipment Room. It’s best to make a reservation in advance, but once you’ve passed through the stained-glass entrance and the dimly-lit hall, you’ll find yourself in an audiophile’s paradise. Drawing inspiration from Japanese listening bars, Equipment Room’s retro-eclectic decor, acoustic treating, and mood lighting envelop you in a sensory experience. The expertly-crafted cocktail menu features classic drinks, or A-Sides, as well as B-Sides that might push you out of your comfort zone, like the Queen of the Rodeo (limon mezcal, tequila, spirits, avocado and nopales syrup, grapefruit, and lime). These pair nicely with elevated bar snacks like blistered shishito peppers, carnitas wontons, or mochi churros. Take in the flavors while Equipment Room’s “guest selectors” curate a live soundtrack for the evening.

8 p.m. Get to steppin’: If your feet aren’t tired yet and you’re looking for an opportunity to show off your new cowboy boots, pop down to Broken Spoke on South Lamar, a honky-tonk haven of neon lights, pool tables, and country music. Over the last 60years, Broken Spoke has welcomed the likes of Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, the Dixie Chicks, and George Strait to its stage. And don’t worry, if you’re new to boot scootin’, you can sign up for lessons (they fill up fast) from 8-9 p.m. with Terri White, who will run you through the basics of the traditional two-step, the Western Swing, and the Cotton-Eyed Joe line dance.

Day 2: Game Day on Campus

9 a.m. A morning brew: You’ll need your energy today, so grab a coffee at Terrible Love in Hyde Park. Founder Brian Knowles has built up a loyal following since he first started operating the business out of a spruced up horse trailer in 2021. Order the signature Trrbl Latte. Don’t judge the drink by its name: This banana, chocolate whip, and Nilla Wafer concoction is perfectly balanced rather than overpoweringly sweet. Terrible Love also stocks fresh pastries from Texas French Bread, one of Austin’s most beloved bakeries.

10 a.m. An educational detour: Get an early start on game day (and better parking close to campus) by spending the morning touring some of the eight museums and galleries on campus. The Blanton Museum of Art is a must-see, for the building itself, an aesthetic delight, and its permanent collection of than 22,000 pieces including Ancient Greek vases, Renaissance and Baroque paintings, as well as an extensive array of modern U.S. and Latin American art. Outside, you’ll find immersive works such as Ellsworth Kelly’s chapel-like 2,715-square-foot “Austin” building. More of a history buff? Walk over to one of the most underrated museums in the city, the Harry Ransom Center. This research library holds millions of rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and works of art, from the Gutenberg Bible to paintings by Frida Kahlo, and archives from artists like Jack Kerouac, Robert DeNiro, Albert Einstein, and Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

1 p.m. A quick bite: For lunch, start with chips and queso at Salsa Limón on Guadalupe. There are plenty of ways to mix and match at this family-owned taqueria, but it’s hard to resist their Capitánes, which feature fillings like adobo-rubbed pork pastor, bold chorizo, or steak asada folded in crispy melted cheese on a fresh flour tortilla. Wash it down with an agua fresca, then head across the street to Antone’s Record Shop, which stocks the standard commercial releases along with an impressive collection of used, local, and blues records.

4 p.m. Game time: There’s an infinite number of ways to pre-game before kickoff, so here’s where you’ll face your biggest choice of the weekend. If you want to stay on campus, go straight to Bevo Boulevard. Since 2018, this block party has become the new epicenter of UT tailgating, turning the streets surrounding DKR into a carnival of food, drinks, games, and the Longhorn City Limits concert series on LBJ Lawn. It’s completely free to attend, and it’s where you can join the fans in welcoming Bevo, the Longhorn band, and the team during the official Bevo Parade on San Jacinto Blvd. You’ll also find a rotating lineup of food trucks; previous years featured Tiff’s Treats, Garbo’s Lobster, and Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs, a State Fair of Texas classic.

If you’re looking for the traditional game day experience but don’t have tickets, the next best option is Scholz, a storied beer garden (technically the oldest in America) that’s been serving ice cold pints, oversized Bavarian pretzels, and bratwurst since 1866. It’s where generations of UT alums go to watch the game, and short of being in the stands at DKR, the atmosphere here is truly unbeatable. There’s also Victory Lap, a newer West Campus haunt where the crowd skews a little younger, and the main attractions are the massive screen on the outdoor patio and the frozen cocktails.

7 p.m. A taste of the coast: If you happen to be in town for an early game and find yourself looking for dinner options, go a few blocks east of campus to Este. Chef Fermin Nunez’s fresh, coastal cuisine is the perfect antidote to an afternoon of corn dogs, pretzels, and beer. Make reservations ahead and sit on the outdoor patio, where you can enjoy the delightfully messy Camarones “El Ricas” (grilled, shell-on shrimp coated in lime and chile costeño garlic butter), and the airy, crispy masa-battered swordfish tacos.

8 a.m. It’s all about the masa: Tucked into a nondescript alleyway in East Austin’s Holly neighborhood, Mercado Sin Nombre is deceptively simple. At first blush, the pared-down café — designated a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide — offers straightforward menu items like espresso, cortados, pancakes, biscuits, and honey buns. The magic lies in the masa. Mercado Sin Nombre excels at simple staples like a bean and cheese or chile colorado burrito. Creative twists on familiar masa-based offerings include an atole cortado, a blue masa Twinkie with chocolate ganache, and a masa biscuit filled with blackberry chile negro jam and espresso butter.

9 a.m. Stroll down 11th Street: After breakfast, head to this charming string of vintage shops. At Charm School Vintage, everything is organized by color, with clothes that range from the Victorian era to the 1970s. At Pecos Jane, a fashion-lover’s paradise, you can find everything from a Ralph Lauren concho belt to an authentic 1980’s Willie Nelson tour tee. Vintage Bookstore and Wine Bar, a cozy independent, serves wines by the glass from several Hill Country wineries, plus beer, coffee, tea, grazing boards, and pastries.

12 p.m. A light lunch: All of that shopping may have worked up an appetite, but today’s main attraction is dinner (more on that in a minute), so pace yourself accordingly. With that in mind, you can choose between two of Austin’s best taco spots, both shouted out in the Michelin Guide. On Cesar Chavez Street, Discada’s Northern Mexican-style tacos may be snack-sized, but they’re overflowing with flavor. There’s only one taco on the menu (which you can order in quantities of 3, 5, and 8), and it’s a perfect mix of beef, pork, and vegetables, capped off with a tangy chopped pineapple slaw. Over at Cuantos Tacos, it’s Mexico City-style tacos, also snack-sized, with tons of filling options. Choose from an assortment of tender meats and grilled vegetables, from barbacoa and confit brisket to a combo of chorizo and champiñones (grilled mushrooms).

Afterward, stop at Comadre Panaderia to stock up on sweet snacks. Owner Mariela Camacho draws on her Mexican-American culinary heritage at her colorful bakery, serving up fluffy, buttery conchas, empanadas, and rich confections like the taco de piña (a masa-infused puff pastry with poached pineapple), a pistachio pound cake with a tangy passionfruit glaze, and a sweet corn sheet cake topped with prickly pear buttercream.

5 p.m. ‘Cue time: No trip to Austin would be complete without barbecue, and Micklethwait Craft Meats is one of the best spots in town. Pitmaster Tom Micklethwait isn’t out to reinvent the wheel. Here he’s honing the classics: mouthwatering brisket, decadent ribs, Tex-Czech sausage, and a host of sides, from green chile cheese grits to bright lemon-poppy slaw and creamy mac and cheese. There’s plenty of space inside and out on the patio to sit back and enjoy, and while some items sell out throughout the day, it’s hard to go wrong with whatever’s on the menu.

7 p.m. Get on the water: Austin is home to the world’s largest urban bat colony, and people travel from all across the globe to see 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats take to the sky each night from July through September/October. You can line up alongside the Congress Avenue Bridge to get a glimpse of them, but the best way to take in the spectacle and bid farewell to the city is to hop on a sunset cruise. Snag a ticket with Capital Cruises for an hour-long guided tour of the city. (Departure times vary according to the sunset, so double-check before you go.) You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks aboard, so you can enjoy your treats from Comadre as you take in the sights.