My How Austin Sports Bars Have Changed

A few years ago it would have been a cold day in hell before I could have dragged by wife to a local sports bar to eat, much less to eat and watch a game. But times and sports bars have changed. Have they ever. Two in particular that she enjoys (me included) are the Draft Pick in Riverside and Upper Decks on Barton Springs across from Aussie’s. We recently watched Games 5 and 6 of the Dallas-Miami series at both restaurants respectively and the food was quite good. The viewing wasn’t bad either!

We tried the Wings at the Draft Pick which are done in a dry rub and are flat-out terrific. Likewise for the sautéed Tilapia with Spinach. Yum. Now when in hell would you have ever seen sautéed tilapia on a sports bar menu five years ago? The Upper Decks’ menu is no less interesting. They have terrific PEI Mussels that come with crispy fries and a great Crabcake Sandwich, not to mention some killer fish dishes.

And let’s not forget to mention the place that started the Austin trend: Cover 3 on Anderson Lane. The owners are guys from Z-Tejas. Enough said.

So the days of Hot Dogs, Burgers, and Popcorn as the exclusive fare at sports bars appears to have come to an end. I don’t know about you but I’m buzzed.