Austin Sports Club is bringing a more polished version of game-day dining to downtown Austin when it opens September 10. Austin has never had trouble finding a place to watch a game. Finding one where you can order caviar, a Snake River Farms ribeye and a properly made cocktail while doing it is another story.
Austin Sports Club will open Thursday, September 10, at 205 East 3rd Street, bringing a considerably more polished take on the traditional sports bar to downtown Austin.
The new concept comes from Austin-based Lobos Hospitality, the group behind Powder Room, Toasty Badger, Manny’s and Studio Lobos, working in partnership with Boardroom Hospitality, led by NBA star Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman, along with Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia.
Rather than another wall-to-wall-TV sports hangout, Austin Sports Club takes its cues from the American athletic clubs of the 1960s and ’70s. The 4,700-square-foot interior and 500-square-foot patio were designed by PETERMAX Co., with vintage locker-room details, trophy cases and materials intended to feel collected over decades instead of installed last month.
That throwback aesthetic gets paired with a menu that is much more dinner club than basket of wings.
The menu includes creative dishes like Snake River Farms Ribeye, Grilled Branzino, Chilled Lobster Rolls and Cacio e Pepe Arancini. There is still plenty of game-day indulgence, just dressed up a little: Caviar and Tater Tots, Lollipop Wings and Bread and Bone Marrow Butter all make appearances.
The cocktail menu stays on theme without taking itself too seriously. Drinks carry names including Wimbledon ’75, The Dagger and The Hat Trick, backed by wine, craft beer and a selection of rare spirits.
Weekend brunch will lean into football season with dishes such as Stuffed French Toast and Steak & Eggs, plus the Bloody Hail Mary made with bacon-washed vodka, house Bloody Mary mix and lemon.
Durant’s involvement gives the project plenty of star power, but the more interesting proposition is what Austin Sports Club could add to a downtown dining scene already packed with restaurants, cocktail bars and nightlife. The goal appears to be occupying the territory between all three: somewhere you can settle in for dinner, watch Texas on Saturday afternoon or turn a playoff game into an actual night out.
For Austin sports fans accustomed to choosing between a serious restaurant and a serious place to watch the game, that combination might be the real draw.
Opening Details
Austin Sports Club opens Thursday, September 10 at 205 East 3rd Street, Austin, TX 78701.
Hours are Monday through Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m.; Friday from 5 to 11 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday dinner from 4 to 11 p.m.; and Sunday dinner from 4 to 10 p.m.
Reservations will be available through Austin Sports Club online and through Google. Premium game-day seating can also be reserved with a food and beverage minimum.