The LSU Alumni Association wants our LSU Tiger Nation family to make the most of their time in Austin! We have prepared a list of our top recommendations.
Raise your hand if you're counting down the seconds until LSU Football returns. We know we are! Here at the LSU Alumni Association it is one of our favorite times of the year. With the help of our Texas Tigers, we are excited to share all of the details on the best places to head to in Austin for LSU vs. Texas weekend September 5-8. From food to nightlife and family time to game day - there are plenty of options to enjoy before it's time to scream GEAUX TIGERS in Texas Memorial Stadium! We hope you soak up every moment of your time in Texas. Here geauxs...
Food
Austin is a city KNOWN for it's wide range of incredible food, and we are here for all of it. Austin has some of the best barbecue in the country and that is just a fact. Our top picks have to be Stubb's and Black's BBQ. Stubb's is more than just great barbecue, as they also offer live music and a great family friendly atmosphere. Be sure to check out Stubb's on game day for our LSU Tiger Nation Tailgate. Black's BBQ, pictured below, has been in the Black family for three generations (that's over 87 years!!) and has plenty of awards to hold their own. They've been ranked among the 50 best BBQ Joints in the world by Texas Monthly, and in the intensely competitive market of Austin BBQ, that is no simple feat. Their original location is in Lockhart, but they are also open in Austin just two miles away from the University of Texas.
Outside of barbecue, Austin also offers some of the best Mexican food known to man. Our personal favorite is Pelon's, pictured above on right, located in Downtown Austin and is famous for their homemade signature margaritas and authentic Mexican food. The food is prepared fresh each and every day, and uses bold flavors to compliment their extensive cocktail offerings. With both outdoor and indoor seating, there is something for everyone at Pelóns!
For a little sweet treat, we recommend making a stop at Tiff's Treats. They have everything from cookies and brownies to ice cream sandwiches. Our insider tip: Call about 30 minutes ahead to place your order so your cookies will come out of the oven warm and fresh. Sign us up!
Family FRIENDLY
Did you know that Austin is a super family friendly city? If you're thinking about making LSU vs. Texas weekend a family affair rest assured you'll have plenty of great options to choose from in Austin! Consider taking the family to visit the LBJ Presidential Library which is located right next to Texas Memorial Stadium, and currently has a once in a lifetime exhibit on display!This year marks the 60th anniversary of Motown Records, which led to the development of one of the most historically significant musical genres in America - Motown Sound. The exhibit Motown: The Sound of Young America is curated by the GRAMMY Museum®, and is the first major museum exhibition to embrace all facets —music, culture, and politics—of the 1960s biggest sounds in soul. Take the family to explore the evolution of the label, view personal artifacts from some of its biggest artists, and do your take on some of Motown's biggest hits!
Another great option about 20 minutes outside of downtown Austin is Main Event Entertainment. They have everything from bowling and laser tag to glow in the dark mini golf and rock climbing, so there is truly something for the whole family to enjoy.
More than likely you've scrolled through your Instagram feed and seen a photo or two of friends in front of the iconic "I love you so much" mural in Austin. Do you know the backstory? This lovely saying can be found on the side of Jo's Coffee on the popular South Congress Avenue (SOCO). The sign was born after a love spat between the couple who own the popular coffee shop, prompting its creation as a peace offering. Couples, families, and friends have visited ever since taking a visual snapshot to affirm their love for one another. It's a great family cultural photo opp!
Looking for more family fun? Walking Tours of Austin is owned and operated by historian, actor and storyteller, Jim Miles. They have morning, daytime, and even GHOST tours available and they've received rave reviews! The tours actually start at the Jo's Coffee Downtown location. photo credit @thebritanyjay
Entertainment/nightlife
One thing you can guarantee about LSU fans is that we know how to have a good time! Austin nightlife is ready to give us just that, with the large number of bars in the popular Sixth Street area of Downtown Austin. One of our top picks is Speakeasy, which has become one of Downtown Austin's signature places to sit back, relax and listen to live music with friends. No matter the day of the week, Speakeasy has live music every night starting at 9:30 pm as well as vintage bowling, classic cocktails, and a rooftop terrace. On Friday 9/6 they will have the Austin Party Band kicking off the main stage at 9:45 pm and a DJ on the terrace at 10 pm. Fun fact: they are also registered as part of the Haunted Austin Tour.
Our other favorite, Rustic Tap Beer Garden, has tons of great music and events planned for the weekend we are SO ready to enjoy. For those arriving early, they will have live music on Thursday night starting at 5 pm, with Austin's own "The Peterson Brothers". On Friday, they are hosting a special {pre} Louisiana Saturday Night in Austin party with our absolute favorite local band Parish County Line! The night will start off with Texas K.G.B. at 6 pm, and Parish County Line will take the stage at 10 pm. They will also have buckets of beer and delicious food specials running. I think you know one of the stops on our list.
Another local Baton Rouge favorite we are always happy to enjoy, is Tin Roof Brewing Co! They have joined forces with the Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co. to create an exclusive rivalry edition beer. The name is still a secret for now, but they are hosting a release party on Friday, September 6th at ABGB in Austin, and we are THERE! They will have food, beer, as well as music by Crescent Soul Revue. Check out more event details HERE.
Our last nightlife recommendation is a really special one. Galactic will be playing a show at ACL Live on Friday night! If you're not familiar, Galactic is a funk and jazz jam band from New Orleans. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the show starts at 8 pm. Enjoy a little taste of Louisiana sound in the heart of Downtown Austin! Check out more event details.
Game day
The BIG DAY has arrived! We have tons of great things planned for our LSU fans to enjoy before and during game time. Our featured event is a Tiger Nation Tailgateat Stubb's, presented by Walk-On's. This all day event will be free and open to the public with food, drinks, and EVEN MORE music from Parish County Line. Doors open at 11:00 AM and band starts at 1:30 PM with the event running until kick off. Live band not your thing? Pelon's is directly across the street and will have a DJ spinning all day. Don't have game tickets? No problem. A watch party will start at kick off at both locations.
There are a few other great watch party locations in Austin for us true LSU fans. Rustic Tap has numerous HD TVs and a projector that will all be playing the only game that matters that day. They are offering pre-sale all access tickets for Friday and Saturday so get yours now to secure your spot! We also recommend Shoal Creek Saloon, with over 30 TVs and authentic Louisiana cuisine. They are offering reserved seating so you can pay in advance and make sure you have a seat for the game.
Now you should be all set for the big weekend! With plenty of food, drinks and fun, #LSUTigerNation is ready to take on the city of Austin. Let the official countdown begin!