If you’re coming from out of town, where do you stay?
Austin’s hotel scene has come a long way. Plenty of options with many different experiences. Up for an easy walk to DKR? Hotel Ella is a prime spot. A historic mansion with a pool. Ya might need it. Those September games are steamy. Or, save a few bucks and check into Austin Motel. A historic boutique motel in the heart of SoCo. Take a dip and stroll S. Congress.
Where are you going for your morning coffee?
Can we skip coffee and go straight for a bloody mary? No? Ok, fine. How about Cosmic Coffee. Two locations with great atmosphere, coffee, cocktails, beer, food. And dog friendly. Except when Texas plays any of those dog schools. Looking at you A&M, Georgia, Mississippi State and Tennessee. Kennel up.
What’s for breakfast?
Can we have that bloody mary now? If I’m hungry, I might grab Taco Deli. An Austin institution. The Otto taco is my favorite. Refried beans, avocado, bacon, jack cheese. On flour. You’ll never convince me to go corn tortilla. If you’re looking for a full breakfast menu, try Joann’s on S. Congress. Or 1886 Cafe at the Driskill Hotel. The migas are delicious.
Local destinations and landmarks
You have a little time before you tailgate. Where do you go to spend a little time while you’re in town? Are there any landmarks you want to see for nostalgia’s sake or maybe any shops you want to pop into? Bonus points for any places that are a little off the beaten path — something only locals know about. If you’re visiting Austin for the first time, you gotta hit Austin’s crown jewel. Barton Springs. A natural spring-fed pool that is 68 degrees year ‘round. Hit the diving board. It’s a rite of passage. Kick-off can wait. November game? Skip the pool and visit the LBJ Library and Museum. A step back in time.
Do you have any pregame traditions?
This might be low-hanging fruit but I can’t get my game day started without ESPN’s College Gameday. Need to get a run down of the day’s matchups. And, of course, I need to see who’s picking the Horns.
Tailgating time – where are you picking up your favorite tailgate provisions?
Well, I guess that depends on what kinda provisions. The new Spec’s Liquor on 35th St. is pretty mind-blowing. It’s massive. Beers, spirits, snack foods. Oh, and they have a pretty extensive selection of those tiny little bottles that fit in your pocket. Or, um, your date’s purse.
Where do you tailgate?
Same tailgate I’ve been hitting for 20 years. Run by a posse of friends. Food, drinks, TVs, good people. It’s just on the east side of the stadium. 706 Clyde Littlefield. It’s a secret. Don’t tell anybody. Or if you’re up for a bar atmosphere, Scholz Garten is the Barton Springs of tailgating. Been there forever, will be there forever, hits the spot.
Game time! Where are your seats? What do you wear to show your team love? Do you have any favorite traditions for games?
I don’t have season tickets. Usually just find tix through friends. I do enjoy experiencing Horns games from different sections of the stadium. I’m not very conservative in my attire. Don’t have many collars or button downs in my closet. Give me an Arch Manning jersey tee. Or Earl Campbell. Or Ricky Williams.
What are you doing after the game?
Depends on the outcome. And how many of those little bottles of booze we’ve consumed. Also depends on what time the game is. 11A kickoff? A post game swim sounds good. 2:30P kick? Feed me. 7P kick? Let’s go have a drink at Donn’s Depot. Best dive bar in town. Maybe the world. Yeah, I said it.
What’s your favorite thing about game day in your college town?
Seeing the Horns come out of the tunnel. To AC/DC’s Hell’s Bells. Chills. Horns up!
