Stopped by on a Saturday (6/21) around 1:30pm, waited 10 minutes without seeing a waiter, tried to order at the bar, where the bartender informed me I had a server, but that the server was "busy". I told the bartender I was just going to go to Shoal Creek Saloon down the street, and he was like, "See ya!". haha. They just don't care. The dudes that wait on tables (they're mostly dudes) are horrible. Some restaurant owners blame lack of good employees on the Austin economy, but why are the gals who wait on the tables at Shoal Creek Saloon (yes, they're almost all gals) so awesome? Better pay, benefits? I dunno, but the Tavern is a consistently frustrating experience... read more

The Tavern is a sports bar in Austin, TX that is home to Kansas City Chiefs, Texans, Arsenal, and Barcelona games. They offer plenty of TVs to watch the games and plenty of seating. It is two stories and has a patio outside with tables, TVs, and heaters too. I ordered the Mahomes fries and the tavern white wings. The Mahomes fries were great topped with bbq brisket and jalapeños. The Tavern white wings were boneless chicken wings wrapped in bacon and jalapeños in buffalo sauce, you get 8 of them. I felt the wings were a little to saucy but they were different and haven't had boneless wings like this before. The service was great there were always three plus people at the bar to take your drink or food orders. I would definitely recommend it for a place to go to watch a game or grab a drink. read more

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This is such a cool spot! The food was delicious--even the chicken fried steak, which I usually don't like, was fantastic. The staff was friendly and attentive, especially the new guy who mentioned he started just a couple of weeks ago. The creepy little girl in the mirror added a unique and fun touch. I'd definitely come back! read more

We came in because the kitchen was open a bit later than some of the other spots we found. The upstairs was a little busy with groups, but after sitting at a table for a few mins, we were eventually able to grab a spot at the bar. There were 1-2 bartenders for the evening and they did the greatest job managing the busy bar. The red-headed guy bartender made me the most delicious drink with a pretty flower in it! It was pink and sweet and so tasty! We also shared the hugest mozzarella sticks I've ever seen and they were DELICIOUS!! We also also got the potato skins (which are literally two giant twice-baked potatoes) and th pretzels with queso! read more

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My partner and I only came here for the *food* only. The food was good for "bar food". There seemed to be no order in the restaurant. The upstairs was closed and no waiters/waitresses? You have to place your food at the bar area and the woman seemed to be having a bad day. The customer service needs work. -Visiting guest from California read more

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Top notch service at the bar friendly staff and great food, good ppl. Drinks were good and tasty.

Bartenders were ass holes when I asked them to play the A&M game even though LSU was on approximately 2,738 TVs and the only LSU fan was my best friend who was standing next to me. Do better, be nicer :) read more

Nathan and Jenny are amazing. Come here to see them, you will not be disappointed! Ambiance is great and so are the drinks :)

Cheddar Blanket burger FOR-EV-RRRRR! I absolutely cannot handle how much cheese comes on this burger sometimes but if it means losing the (hamburger) buns then so be it! I need it to get in my belly as fast as possible!!!!! Been coming to The Tavern since I was a student at UT in 2001. This place is THE BEST PLACE to come watch futbol (soccer) games, UT games, NBA games, and all other games under the earth's sun. There is plenty of room for you and your friends and family to watch the games, eat, and drink here. One of the best places to be an avid sports goer as the service, food, and overall ambience is super welcoming. Recently I brought my family in from San Antonio to try some tasty burgers and have a couple of pints during a Sunday afternoon. It was super tame downstairs but I saw dozens of people head upstairs for game watching. My family really loved all the options on the menu and first thing out of their mouth was "It is super laid back here" and they enjoyed it. Everywhere else we went we drove right past people standing outside waiting to get seated even after brunch hours! Parking is located across the street and isn't too bad during lunch times. If there is a serious or big game going on you might have some trouble finding a good spot but there are nearby garages around the corner and/or paid parking. Love the new clear dividers between booths and seating now as it made me feel really comfortable now that masks are not mandatory. read more

Due to its age, this place always piqued my curiosity. On one hand it looks like an Austin institution, but on the flip side I never heard much talk about it. I was over on this side of town thrift shopping, then decided to blow my careful thrift shopping budget by overpaying for yet another dinner out. I was expecting an older bar to have an older clientele, but it was surprisingly full of college kids. I guess we are closer to UT than I remembered. I ordered the Loaded Potato Skins. Potato Skins? More like a whole twice-baked potato! It was huge and yummy and pretty much worth it! read more

The Tavern - Loaded Potato Skins - Sports Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

From what I'm told, The Tavern is one of the first restaurants in Austin to get air conditioning. That history fact alone should make you want to check it out. I showed up on a Saturday evening to catch a big soccer game and could barely find a spot at the bar to grab a beer and some food. The bartender was awesome and fun to talk to. The food was good and the beers were all local. I went with the longhorn Philly with tots as my side. The sandwich was filling and the tots were great. I will define they be back read more

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Super cute. Suuuuper clean bathrooms for a tavern too. They have great food and service. read more

Came here for an Arsenal game. It's an Arsenal + University of Texas bar in addition to a Kansas City Chiefs spot. Went on Sunday morning and we had to put food and drink orders at the bar, but everything came out at a reasonable time. The fish and chips were good and well battered. Overall, it's a great place to watch a game. There are TVs everywhere and a decent amount of seating. read more

I used to go often because of a few good bartenders but lately the service there has sadly declined. Good sweet potato fries though!

Service was awesome! Bartenders were very attentive. Definitely would recommend this place. Great time and great food. Awesome atmosphere! read more

The Tavern - Downstairs Bar - Sports Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

I can't really be objective reviewing this place, so for old times' sake I give it 5. Locals probably don't even notice this place as there are so many other bars in hip locales and this location is just on the way somewhere else now. But at one time, long before it became just another sports bar, the place was busy with University people every night, just there to complain about the world over a couple of pitchers of beer. I sat at the bar and got into a conversation right away with a couple who, as it turned out, had relocated here from LA about 18 months ago. So how's it going for you here, I asked. Turned out, not so well. The guy's business has failed to gain a foothold and they think the street traffic here is almost as bad as what they had known on the LA freeways. All the draft beer is local, but there was some decent attempt at a pilsner. The counter had lots of names and initials carved in and to preserve these a layer of polyester resin or maybe urethane had been applied. I didn't eat, but other reviews say the food is a high point so ok. For my sense of things, there are too many tv screens, each with some different sports event. And I'm disappointed but not surprised that this landmark, or at least a reasonable facsimile of same, seems not to have much future. Too many newcomer techie parvenus to care about a bar where a large glass of good draft beer is (only) $4. Where I come from now that's a half price sale. I said goodbye to these two former, and likely future, Californians and left $10 on the bar to cover the next couple of drinks they would have. Hell, it's so cheap in Texas it doesn't cost much for you to pass for a generous guy here. Adios, Tavern. read more

Great environment and staff. Came here years ago during the last World Cup and it was so busy, was glad to be here today. The screens are great, the food is awesome. I wished I could put this place in my pocket and bring it closer to home. read more

The Tavern - The Tavern Trio and Alstadt Kolsch - Sports Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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It is a very good restaurant. I like it because it is away from the hustle and bustle of 6th street. I went there in the evening and did not realize that they only had bar service. They waited on us, anyway. I shared some mozzarella sticks with my friend. Very good is what I will say about them. The burger was wonderful and it was so big but delicious. My goal was to be a little healthy so I got a salad. The burger portion was so big that I had to bring my salad home as leftovers. I just wish they had Moscato or zinfandel as a sweet wine. read more

My beer was almost half head while my friends was normal service wasn't good either and the guy was rude read more

The Tavern - Two draft Guinness - Sports Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Best bar in Austin hands down. Food, drinks, amazing service, and best ambiance watch games or just shoot the ish with friends.

So we have ordered from here a few times now. The Tex Mex burger is amazing! The tater tots are great! Really don't like the fish and chips. The tavern burger is good but the Tex max burger is better. The chicken wings are just okay. We got the Buffalo and the Thai chai. The macaroni and cheese does not need to add chicken because the chicken is pretty dry and overwhelms the dish. The pretzels are only okay. The potato is great. The fried mozzarella is really good. read more

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Consider this review a breakup letter, a Dear John, if you will... I've put up and ignored many of The Taverns disappointing quirks over the years but it doesn't change, it has regressed, actually. Suffice to say, it's not me, it's you, Tavern. I started frequenting The Tavern sometime in late 1999 or mid 2000. I loved their club sandwich. In fact, in the 20+ years I've eaten there, I almost exclusively ordered the club or a burger and always got the white wings. They were different and addictive. One thing to consider, back in those days (early 2000's) we weren't the foodie town we are now. Anyway, even then we had a love/hate relationship. You see, they were notorious for bad service. It wasn't uncommon to wait 30 min before your server showed up to the table. But even with bad service, incorrect order, etc, you forgave it because the burgers were OG good, the club (even though they eventually discontinued it) was a staple and those wings, man, those wings. We understood though. We were in the service industry during many of those years, from 99-2010, so we knew that staff during the slow times wouldn't always be the best they'd have to offer. Trust me, if you know you know... Fast forward to 2022. The servers, on a Saturday, were what you'd expect, solid, attentive and on their game. But the food lacked flavor and worse, it was cold and soggy. Sadly, that was the last straw. I say this with a heavy heart because I hate to see beloved local icons like Hill's, El Gallo, Katz's and Shady Grove close or Torchy's, Rudy's and Easy Tiger got corporate because we really lose more and more our town's soul when that happens. You know I love you Tavern but you need to step up the game (for real this time) or risk being remembered only through t-shirts at the airport's Austin City Limits store... read more

Pretzles we're over cooked and hard to chew. Wings had so little sauce you could barely taste it. Burger was a little dry(asked for medium well- came out well done). Sweet potato fries were good- they had a cinnamon seasoning on them. Chili cheese dog was really tasty! The dog itself was fabulous and juicy, and the chili had a nice little spice to it. Tater tots were nice and crispy and salted well. Don't come if you don't want to listen to men yelling about sports. read more

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The food was great. The burgers were juicy, the turkey was moist, and the brisket was tasty. The service was great as well. Our glasses stay filled with our beverage of choice. We enjoyed the ambiance as well. It was a lively atmosphere as folks were enjoying the end of the work week. There was plenty of room as well. The establishment has an intriguing story as well. We will be back. read more

We went here during our lunch break today, and the food was great. I have never been here before today. I really enjoyed the atmosphere as well. I had the barbecue sandwich and fries, but everyone else's food looked great as well. I will be back! read more

The Tavern - Brisket Sandwich and French fries - Sports Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Food was great! I got the bacon, egg, and cheese with fries. Drinks were great! (You can always tell by the color of the mimosa.... if it's really juicey EW if it's light orange then PERF). Atmosphere was fun!! And our server was AMAZING!!! Haley (sp?) was incredible. She had the entire first floor on her own and I never felt like we had to wait for her or ask for anything twice. She was sweet & friendly & knew her stuff. We will be back strictly cuz of her!! read more

Great neighborhood bar with friendly staff. We had drinks and apps and enjoyed our experience! Highly recommend the trio dip and we heard their Mahomes fries are great. read more

Really has a Tavern feel. The wait staff was very accommodating and quick to serve. The food was yummy. Their bread was very soft and had a great flavor. with TVs all around, it was easy to watch the beginning of the World Series, but cozy enough to enjoy a small party. read more

I have to say this was a pass for me. It gets good ratings as a sports bar, and there were lots of tvs. But the bar in uncomfortable, the space is drafty and cold, and the food is frankly bad american. The chicken sandwich recommended by the barkeep as her "second favorite" was pretty good fried chicken, ruined by drenching in Frank's hot sauce and raw onions. The dill pickle was, well....not. the tater tots were just as advertised tho, and saved me from starving. Drinks overpriced for the light pour. read more

CHIEFS BAR/NOT A FOOTBALL BAR!!! If you're looking for a place to watch a few football games, this is not the place to go. FOR YEARS, The Tavern was the go to spot for my football group. They've had a change in ownership and it doesn't seem a positive. They have PLENTY of TVs, but as the manager told us, "It's first come, first serve." When I pointed out ALL of the TVs were on the same thing, the manager responded, "You'll live." Lavaca Street Bar is now our go to bar for football and I HIGHLY recommend it! read more

The Tavern - All TVs on Richard Simmons! - Sports Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

Iconic for a GOOD reason. This place has been there forever because this restaurant is the GO TO place for watching sports and has been for decades. Great food and appetizers for just about anyone. Go and get some burnt orange all over you. read more

The Tavern - Iceberg Wedge - Sports Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

I have only been to the tavern 2 times and me and my grandma and grandpa go to find the best burger in Austin TX.and so far we have gone to 109 places and the tavern is the best so come on over and eat the best hamburger you have ever had in your life!sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo goooooooood!!! -Caleb age 8 read more

The Tavern is amazing go it Kansas City Chiefs fans! They do an amazing job of taking care of 300-400 Chiefs fans every gamE even though the fans have the staff grossly out numbered. The food aNd service is great and they really make us feel like home! Go Chiefs! If you do come for a Chiefs game make sure to arrive an hour early for a regular season game, 2 hours before a playoff game and 5? Hours before the Super Bowl! They truly roll out the red carpet for us along with a custom Kansas City Chiefs food and drink menu on game day! Thanks for all you do for us Chiefs fans! Go Chiefs! read more

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This place has been serving the city for decades, and I find myself in every once in a while to watch a ballgame or two. NFL Sundays are really busy, so plan accordingly if you want to come then. It's more or less a KC Chiefs bar, but everyone is welcome. I prefer the upstairs part of the bar, but there's a huge downstairs and even some outside seating available. The drink selection is alright, but I wish there were more draft beers for patrons. I do like the Zilker Parks and Recreation whenever I come in because it has that crisp taste of a good Pilsner. I even found it at Spec's after I tried it here. I also like the Electric Jellyfish IPA, which has a high alcohol content and it is a good drink if you want a little more "party" taste. I just wish they had more good beer on tap... oh well. The food here is alright. I had some fried pickles the first time I came in, which weren't the best but good for a snack. They also have pizza, which I never had but may go for it next time. I never really have food when I come here, but maybe I should indulge in some dinner in the future. I love coming here to watch ballgames and just to hang out in general. Trivia on Wednesdays from 7-9 if you ever want to bring some friends to play, I love it! read more

"I used to rave about this place. The new ownership has cleaned it up and improved the atmosphere. But got'damn the portion sizes have become inconsistent, they're understaffed, and can't find their head from their assholes on a Sunday game day anymore. " - my previous review from a year ago. I whole heartily deleted it due to a few sprints of good service. This week, we showed up to watch NFL with sound as advertised. They're also a soccer bar and the match ran well into NFL kickoff. We requested a few TVs to have the nfl games and were told by the manager "You'll live" when he couldn't change more than three channels. Promised to comp a round but didn't. Once again, can't find their heads from their ass holes on a Sunday game day. read more

The Tavern - Sports Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

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You're never far from 12th and Lamar. So you might as well drop into to this long standing Austin classic. Looking to watch sports? Good because they have about a million TV screens. You can literally get a great view from every seat or place to stand. Good beer selection and good bar food. Big burgers and sandwiches so come hungry. Lots of great finger food to share. Long lines upstairs? Try the bar downstairs. Be prepared to wait a bit for food if your there for a big game as everybody shows up at once and orders at the same time. They manage the chaos well. Parking across the street. Don't park in any of the lots adjacent during the day. They are only available after 5. read more

Lauren has been the best bartender in the universe for most of the past decade. I followed her from One-2-One and now she gets to sell food!! If you you want service with a little hustle, Lauren is your girl. PS: she isn't lying when she said try the onion rings. Good on you Tavern... read more

Our experience started off super well and slowly went downhill. This is a chiefs backer bar so if you are a fan it's a great vibe to watch the game and they have the sound on. The bartender let us order the sampler app as they have a limited menu on Sunday for the games! Got some beer and then right before the half we ordered burgers and they didn't come out at all. We reminded our bartender and she said the kitchen lost the ticket, she then went missing and someone tried to give us a burger we didn't order almost 40 minutes later. The kitchen closes at 10 and we still didn't have our food so we asked for our check and left because we were starving after waiting almost a hour and 20 mins for our burger. read more

The Tavern - Sports Bars Near Me - Austin, Texas

The Tavern (est. 1916) is quaint, comfortable, charming and is all Austin. We have visited several times and experienced wonderful food, and quick professional, and friendly service. And for those that can get stressed, The Tavern has its own parking lot across the street, for an Austin establishment, is golden. It is a sports bar with plentiful televisions with a menu that features, pubgrub, burgers, comfort food, and .... a plentiful beer selection. Don't forget the margaritas. The prices are extremely reasonable which coupled with great food renders great value. I suggest the CFS, or cheeseburger, or brat, well, you get my drift. And great french fries. I never thought I would say this about any restaurant, the vegetables are delicious. read more

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This place was a welcome surprise. We were looking to watch the Rangers play while visiting Austin. The service was great!! They put the game on right in front of us. The food was way better than anticipated. I had bangers and mashed. The white wings were amazing (spicy ghost pepper). Cool vibe. The bartender (Nathan) was awesome. We sang and had drinks. Fun time all around. read more