8 Austin Restaurants for Catering a Tailgate

Leave the deep-frying to the pros

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

View as Map

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

Copy Link

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.

Open in Google Maps

5408 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756

(512) 514-0664

Visit Website

Fried chicken basket from Lucy's Fried Chicken

Hat Creek Burger Co.

Copy Link

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.

Open in Google Maps

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

(512) 732-2025

Visit Website

Burger and fries from Hat Creek Burger Co.

Also featured in:

Where to Eat and Drink in the Domain

The Halal Guys

Copy Link

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

Open in Google Maps

2915 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705

(512) 761-3633

Visit Website

Fresa's Chicken al Carbon

Copy Link

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.

Open in Google Maps

1703 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704

(512) 992-2946

Visit Website

Pluckers

Copy Link

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

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Cane Rosso

Copy Link

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

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Soursop

Copy Link

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.

Open in Google Maps

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

(512) 522-7710

Visit Website

Kreuz Market

Copy Link

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

Visit Website