8 Austin Restaurants for Catering a Tailgate

Leave the deep-frying to the pros

by Erin Russell Sep 29, 2017, 2:00pm CDT

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Lucy’s fried chicken

| Shayda T./Yelp

by Erin Russell Sep 29, 2017, 2:00pm CDT

It may be tradition to tailgate with food, but sometimes the actual cooking should be left to the pros. These Austin restaurants can take care of logistics so tailgaiters can devote more of their energy on cheering for the teams, like, say, the Texas Longhorns.

Wings are a classic accompaniment to football, and ordering from Plucker’s means access to the restaurant’s full variety of sauces. Soursop makes spicy sambal wings, with a variety of other unique dishes to choose from to complete the menu. Cane Rosso’s tailgating specials also features wings, along with portable pizza rolls and popcorn-fried cheese.

Of course, chicken is not the end-all be-all of tailgating. Kreuz Market has a barbecue tailgate special that weighs in at over 12 pounds, and Hat Creek Burger Co. can deliver juicy burgers.

At the University of Texas, The Tailgate Guys rent spots on the LBJ Lawn with the option to add catering from Hoover’s, Pok-e-Jo’s, Tacodeli, and Chick-fil-a. Independent tailgating parties have many more options.

For more tailgate-worthy food, scope out Austin’s best chicken wings, fried chicken, whole chickens, barbecue, and takeout. Otherwise, check out the city’s best sports bars.

Everything below is listed in an unranked order. If there are any tailgating places missing from the list, let Eater know on the tipline or within the comments.

Lucy's Fried Chicken

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Fried chicken is hard to turn down for any occasion, and tailgates are no exception. Lucy’s can create a custom menu, including sides and pies.

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5408 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756

(512) 514-0664

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Fried chicken basket from Lucy's Fried Chicken

Hat Creek Burger Co.

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Though burgers are standard tailgate fare, sometimes it’s best left to the experts. Hat Creek Burger Co. will deliver trays of burgers, chicken nuggets, salad, and breakfast.

4407 Bee Cave Rd #212, West Lake Hills, TX 78746

(512) 732-2025

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Burger and fries from Hat Creek Burger Co.

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The Halal Guys

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Gyro meat and white sauce are prime ingredients for a party. The Halal Guys catering allows for guests to customize meals.

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2915 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705

(512) 761-3633

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Fresa's Chicken al Carbon

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DIY tacos or eat rotisserie-style with Fresa’s famous chicken, fresh tortillas, rice, beans, and a side of choice. Fresa’s can deliver margarita kits too.

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1703 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704

(512) 992-2946

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Pluckers

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Go the classic tailgate route with wings and choice of sauces. Plucker’s offers other options like chicken sandwiches or Buffalo bites as well, and meal orders include a side and brownies.

3909 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

(512) 443-9464

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Cane Rosso

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The Neapolitan-style pizzeria just rolled out options for tailgating, including pizza rolls, corn, wings, popcorn-fried cheese, and meatballs.

4715 S Lamar Blvd #103, Sunset Valley, TX 78745

(512) 904-0534

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Soursop

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For more adventurous tailgating palates, look into catering from Asian-inspired Soursop. Shrimp chips and queso, sambal wings, and other creative options still fit with game-day flavors.

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440 E SAINT ELMO RD STE G2, Austin, TX 78745

(512) 522-7710

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Kreuz Market

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Though a bit out of town, this famed barbecue restaurant is fully equipped to provide for a crowd. The Texas Tailgate BBQ special feeds 25 to 30 people, and includes brisket, prime rib, spare ribs, and sausage.

619 N Colorado St, Lockhart, TX 78644

(512) 398-2361

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