Map your Texas football weekend: Breakfast tacos, Bevo Blvd and every stop in between

Check in, explore the Forty Acres, then make dinner a Texas food experience.

• 1UT Tower and the South MallAfternoon

  Head to the University of Texas campus, affectionately known as the Forty Acres. Start around the iconic UT Tower and stroll along the South Mall, where you’ll get a feel for the university’s history, architecture and burnt-orange pride.

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• 2Blanton Museum of ArtIf you have time

  Be sure to check admission, exhibits and hours before visiting.

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• Or
  3Bullock Texas State History MuseumIf you have time

  An excellent introduction to the state’s outsized history and identity. Check admission, exhibits and hours before visiting.

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• 4Franklin BarbecueDaytime barbecue, check hours

  If barbecue is high on your list, this is one of Austin’s signature destinations for smoked brisket. Check its hours and preorder options: it operates as a daytime barbecue stop rather than a late-night dinner spot.

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• 5Matt’s El RanchoSit-down dinner for a big group

  A longtime Austin Tex-Mex institution. Order queso for the table, then explore the enchiladas, fajitas and margaritas.

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• Want to stay closer to campus?
  6TacodeliCasual tacos

  Grab tacos here, or find a casual restaurant around West Campus. Tacodeli has several Austin locations; this pin marks the one on Congress Avenue downtown.

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• 7East Sixth Street and Red RiverKeep the evening going

  Austin’s East Sixth Street and Red River districts offer bars and live music for those ready to keep the evening going.

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Start with breakfast tacos: in Austin, they’re practically a food group. Then Saturday is all about football.

• 1Joe’s Bakery & Coffee ShopBreakfast tacos

  A local favorite associated with Austin’s breakfast-taco culture. Look for classic combinations such as egg, potato, cheese, chorizo or migas, and don’t skip the salsa.

  Breakfast taco cheat sheet

  Classic fillings: egg, potato, cheese, chorizo or migas. Pictured: the Don Juan at Juan in a Million, packed with eggs, potatoes, bacon and cheese. Whatever you order, don’t skip the salsa.

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• Or
  2Veracruz All NaturalBreakfast tacos

  Another name associated with Austin’s breakfast-taco culture. It has several locations; this pin marks the one on East Cesar Chavez Street.

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• 3Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike TrailStretch your legs

  Take a morning walk along the trail around Lady Bird Lake.

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• 4Pregame on campusAfternoon

  Texas game day extends well beyond the stadium gates. Give yourself several hours before kickoff to explore the five signature pregame destinations. The Game day tab maps them all.

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• 5East Sixth StreetAfter the game

  Give the crowd time to thin before ordering a rideshare or heading to your car. East Sixth Street offers bars, restaurants and live music.

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• Or
  6Rainey StreetAfter the game

  Another popular nightlife district. Just remember, a game with over 100,000 fans can make transportation and restaurant waits considerably slower than usual.

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The university’s five signature pregame destinations surround the stadium. Explore them rather than trying to do everything at once. Opening times and programming vary by game, so check the official Texas Longhorns football website before you go.

• Bevo BlvdSan Jacinto Blvd, west of the stadium

  A central gathering spot for fan activities, where San Jacinto Boulevard becomes a pregame street party.

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• The Bevo Parade and team entranceMake time for both

  Bevo, the university’s famous Texas Longhorn steer mascot, is one of the defining symbols of the program. Both the Bevo Parade and the team’s arrival happen along Bevo Blvd.

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• Longhorn City LimitsLive music

  The place to look for live music, on the LBJ Lawn at the stadium’s northeast corner.

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• Smokey’s MidwayNorth end of the stadium

  Carnival-style games and fan activities along DeLoss Dodds Way, connecting Bevo Blvd and Longhorn City Limits.

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• Hook ’Em HangoutWinship Circle

  Food and drinks outside the stadium’s northwest corner.

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• Big Bertha’s BazaarMoody Center plaza

  A game-day marketplace for Texas gear on the plaza at Moody Center.

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• Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial StadiumKickoff

  Wear burnt orange if you have it, learn the Hook ’em Horns hand sign and get ready to join in. The atmosphere is a mix of school pride, big-game pageantry and generations of Longhorns traditions.

  Know the traditions

  • Bevo. The Longhorns’ live longhorn steer mascot is one of the most recognizable in college football, and his appearance is a major part of the game-day experience.
  • Hook ’em Horns. Raise your index and pinky fingers, tuck the middle two fingers beneath your thumb, and you’ve got the iconic Texas hand sign. You’ll see it everywhere.
  • “Texas Fight.” Learn the fight song so you can join in when the band and crowd get going.
  • “The Eyes of Texas.” The school song and a longstanding part of the football experience.
  • Smokey the Cannon. It adds a literal bang to game day, firing during designated moments.
  • The Longhorn Band. An essential part of the atmosphere, from pregame performances to music in the stands.
  • Big Bertha. The university’s bass drum is another distinctive symbol of Longhorn pride.
  • Burnt orange. Wear it if you can. The sea of burnt orange is part of what makes a game here so memorable.

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Driving is rarely the easiest option for a first-time visitor: parking is limited, game-day restrictions affect surrounding streets and lots, and traffic can be heavy. If you stay downtown or near campus, walking may be your best option.

• Walk from downtownAbout 30 minutes on foot1.5 mi

  The route shown starts at Congress Avenue and Sixth Street. Allow extra time for crowds and pedestrian restrictions.

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• Walk from West CampusAbout 20 minutes on foot0.9 mi

  If you’re staying on or near campus, walking is often the simplest choice. The route shown starts at Guadalupe and 24th streets.

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• RideshareUse the designated drop-off

  Use the designated game-day drop-off and pickup arrangements published by Texas Athletics, and allow extra time to walk to your gate. Expect congestion and possible surge pricing after the game.

• Driving and parkingBuy a pass in advance

  Public game-day parking is available in designated lots and garages for a fee, but availability and access vary. Buy a parking pass in advance when possible and follow the official game-day parking map.

• Campus parkingEmpty doesn’t mean available

  Do not assume a campus lot is available simply because it is empty. Game-day restrictions and towing rules are enforced.

• CapMetro bus and railCheck game-day schedules

  Austin’s bus and rail options may also help, depending on where you’re staying. Check CapMetro services and schedules for your game time, and don’t assume every route runs on its normal weekend schedule.

• TicketsStart with Texas Athletics

  Start with the official Texas Athletics website for tickets and game information. If a game is sold out, compare reputable resale marketplaces and check the final price, fees and transfer arrangements before purchasing. Rivalry games, ranked matchups and other high-demand weekends can be expensive, so book early when possible.

• At the gateClear bags and cashless concessions

  Texas uses a clear-bag policy at football games. Approved options include:

  • A clear plastic bag no larger than 12″ × 6″ × 12″
  • A one-gallon clear resealable plastic storage bag
  • A small clutch, purse or wallet no larger than 4.5″ × 6.5″

  Concessions are cashless, so bring a payment card or mobile wallet. One sealed soft-plastic water bottle of up to one liter is permitted. Outside food and drinks, coolers and umbrellas are restricted. Confirm the latest rules in the official football fan guide before every game.

• AccessibilityParking, shuttles and seating

  Texas Athletics publishes accessibility information, including accessible parking, shuttle arrangements and stadium entry guidance. Arrange accessible seating through the official ticketing process, and check the current parking and shuttle maps before game day.

Start with a relaxed brunch or one last round of breakfast tacos, then explore the rest of Austin. Choose a few highlights and enjoy them rather than racing between attractions.

• Terry Black’s BarbecueDidn’t get your barbecue fix Friday?

  Brisket, ribs and classic sides.

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• Texas Music MuseumFor music fans

  Visit the museum, or look for a live-music venue with a Sunday show.

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• Texas State CapitolFor history buffs

  Tour the Capitol and explore the surrounding grounds.

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• Lady Bird LakeFor outdoor lovers

  Walk or cycle around the lake.

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• Or
  Zilker Metropolitan ParkFor outdoor lovers

  More room to spend a Sunday outdoors.

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• South Congress AvenueFor shoppers

  Known for independent shops, cafés, murals and souvenirs.

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• Blanton Museum of ArtFor museum lovers

  If you didn’t make it on Friday.

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• Or
  Bullock Texas State History MuseumFor museum lovers

  The state’s outsized history and identity, a short walk from the Blanton.

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• A quintessential Austin experienceFood trucks, markets and live music

  Find a food truck, browse a local market if one is running, or catch a final set of live music before heading home.

You could easily spend the entire weekend eating your way through barbecue joints, taco counters and Tex-Mex restaurants. Popular barbecue spots can have long lines, so don’t leave restaurant plans until the last minute.

• More local favorites

  For more choices, browse Visit Austin’s official food and drink guide, and explore the city’s food trucks, which make it easy for groups to sample different cuisines.

• Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-QueDowntown barbecue

  A convenient downtown option for a meat-focused Texas barbecue meal. The counter-service setup works well for a casual lunch or dinner while exploring Congress Avenue.

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• La BarbecueEast Austin barbecue

  A popular spot for brisket, house-made sausage and classic smoked-meat sides, and a casual way to sample another of Austin’s renowned barbecue joints.

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• Juan in a MillionTex-Mex breakfast tacos

  Known for hearty Tex-Mex breakfast tacos, classic Mexican comfort food and the famous Don Juan breakfast taco, packed with eggs, potatoes, bacon and cheese.

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• Loro Asian Smokehouse & BarBarbecue meets Southeast Asia

  Combines Texas barbecue with Southeast Asian flavors in a relaxed, group-friendly setting, making it a great choice when everyone’s craving something different.

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• SuerteModern Mexican

  Modern Mexican cuisine featuring house-made masa, creative tacos and seasonal ingredients. A lively option for a memorable dinner before exploring East Sixth Street.

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• Acre 41Celebratory dinner near campus

  Located at The Otis Hotel near the university, this upscale American restaurant serves steakhouse favorites and elevated American classics in a stylish setting.

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• From the itinerary

  The spots already on the weekend plan.

• Franklin BarbecueFriday

  Smoked brisket at one of Austin’s signature destinations. Check hours and preorder options.

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• Matt’s El RanchoFriday

  Queso for the table, then enchiladas, fajitas and margaritas.

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• TacodeliFriday

  Casual tacos from a chain with several Austin locations.

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• Joe’s Bakery & Coffee ShopSaturday

  Breakfast tacos with Austin roots.

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• Veracruz All NaturalSaturday

  Another breakfast-taco favorite.

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• Terry Black’s BarbecueSunday

  Brisket, ribs and classic sides.

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The best neighborhood depends on whether you want to roll out of bed and walk to the stadium, explore Austin’s nightlife or spend the weekend sightseeing.

• Neighborhoods
• West Campus and the University DistrictFor the full college football experience

  You’ll be near campus, student-oriented restaurants and the stadium. Expect heavy foot traffic and potentially noisy weekends.

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• Downtown AustinFor first-time visitors

  Restaurants, bars, hotels and sightseeing in one place. You can explore downtown on foot and walk toward campus, although the distance depends on your hotel.

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• East AustinFor food and nightlife

  A wide range of restaurants, cocktail bars, food trucks and live-music venues. You’ll need to plan your transportation to the stadium.

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• South Congress and South AustinFor a more leisurely weekend

  Independent shops, cafés, restaurants and easy access to attractions such as Zilker Park, although getting to the stadium may require a rideshare or bus.

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• North AustinNorth of this map

  Worth considering for travelers prioritizing larger hotels, suburban convenience or a quieter base. Allow extra time to get to campus on game day.

• Hotels

  Home-game weekends can push up room rates and reduce availability, especially for rivalry games and major matchups. Compare cancellation policies, parking charges and the walking distance to campus before booking.

• AT&T Hotel and Conference CenterThe practical choice for campus access

  Located on campus, it’s convenient for those who want to be close to university activities.

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• The Otis Hotel AustinBoutique and music-inspired

  A boutique-style option near campus with a music-inspired identity, and a good fit for visitors who want a hotel with a distinct Austin personality.

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• Hilton Garden Inn Austin University Capitol DistrictBetween campus and downtown

  A central option for visitors who want access to the university and downtown, with restaurants and sightseeing nearby.

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• Vacation rentals
• Renting for a groupWest Campus, central or East Austin

  A house rental or multi-bedroom apartment can make it easier to gather before the game, share meals and split costs. Read the listing carefully for parking, occupancy limits, noise rules and cancellation terms, and confirm the rental is legally offered. Don’t assume a property advertised as close to campus has enough parking for everyone, and agree on a transportation plan before arriving.