Austin Happy-Hour? Try the Tavern Sports Bar!
Let me start out by getting a few things straight right off; first, not all sports bars are the same. Second, only in Austin will you find a sports bar with a historic past. And third, and most importantly, The Tavern is Air Conditioned. Even says so right on their sign.
Native Austinites like myself have long known the sign of The Tavern, residing in the same spot at the corner of N. Lamar and 12th street as long as any of us can recall. In reality the historic building has been around since 1916 before there was even a road to drive on, and is even rumored to have housed a brothel upstairs.
I had an opportunity to visit the Tavern sports bar for a happy-hour with some fellow moderators of the KLBJ-FM forums, a location chosen for being not too far north nor too south. Parking is located across the street, and affords you a great view of the nifty shops nearby. Next time I'm going to make the rounds and then I'll have some goodies to show off over food and drinks.
Speaking of, their extensive menu is a lot more than I expected from a place touting itself as a sports-bar. Sure, there are indeed more than 50 TV's in the place...yet it still felt comfortable and relaxed enough for conversation and drinks with good friends, and all the food looked, smelled, and tasted delicious.
It's hard to go to a happy-hour for me as I know I'll be indecisive. Fortunately the bartender was very helpful and patient with me. Sure, they're all knowledgeable these days, but when I couldn't decide right away this man didn't roll his eyes or become huffy. He helped me by offering me several alternatives when the best I could come up with was, " I usually drink Rum and Coke," and , "Do you have anything lemony?" He was great, and ultimately I settled on a Citron (Vodka) and Sprite, tasty and just right for me.
Whether you're looking for the latest ESPN game, March Madness, need a happy-hour with the girls or perhaps a really good meal that will give many other restaurants a run for their money, give the Tavern a try. I bet you'll come back again.
More interesting places of all varieties soon.
