When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
Lavaca Street Bar - South Lamar
Why Lavaca Street Bar - South Lamar is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Lavaca Street Bar - South Lamar is a vibrant and welcoming sports bar located at 3121 South Lamar Blvd in the heart of Austin, TX. Renowned for its lively atmosphere, this bar is an ideal destination for friends looking to catch a game or enjoy a night out together. The venue boasts 23 televisions broadcasting all your favorite NFL, NCAA, MLB, NBA, and NHL games, ensuring sports enthusiasts never miss a moment. The bar features one of the most extensive selections of beer with 24 revolving tap handles, offering something for every taste. The food is catered by Thunder Chief, known for Southern-fried favorites that perfectly complement the drink menu. Its spacious seating and relaxed vibe make it a perfect gathering place for groups, whether for lunch or late-night drinks. Open daily with hours designed to suit both early and late visitors, Lavaca Street Bar provides a lively yet comfortable environment that encourages socializing and fun.
Here's what people think of Lavaca Street Bar - South Lamar
As of recent, Lavaca Street Bar - South Lamar holds a 4.3-star rating based on 386 reviews.
Reviews for Lavaca Street Bar - South Lamar reflect a strong appreciation for its sports-centric environment and quality offerings. Visitors frequently highlight the friendly and efficient staff, the lively atmosphere filled with numerous large screens for watching sports, and the impressive selection of craft beers and affordable happy hour specials. Positive feedback often mentions the great food, especially the blackened chicken tacos, wings, and sweet potato fries, which are noted to be both delicious and generously portioned. Patrons appreciate the bar's relaxed and fun vibe, making it a go-to spot for casual lunches and social evenings alike. On the other hand, negative reviews are relatively scarce but sometimes mention that seating can be limited during peak hours, which may affect comfort. Some guests have noted the 21+ age policy restricts the space for younger groups. In summary, the reviews reinforce Lavaca Street Bar - South Lamar as a dependable and enjoyable sports bar with friendly service, excellent food and drinks, and an inviting atmosphere that keeps customers coming back.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Whitney labrecque
Love this place! All the bartenders are super friendly, the food at thunderchief is delicious and there’s plenty of seating (indoor and outdoor). It’s very pet friendly, always have great beers on tap and a rotating frozen margarita flavor.
Sharon Owens
Hard to find parking, good draft selection, grilled cheese with patty was better than expected. Tall Patio chairs are not good, rickety wood, hard on butt and not very conducive for good watching sports outside in comfort. But adequate somewhat. No outside service except delivery of food. You have to go to bar to order a drink.
larissa sandoval
The pork belly nuggets were delicious—such a great appetizer! Unfortunately, the bartender was extremely rude and condescending. If we hadn’t been meeting up with a group, we likely would have left because of the poor service. On the plus side, you can order food through a QR code at the table, so you don’t have to interact with staff unless you’re ordering drinks.
Jude Swansiger
Stopped in for a bite and couple of drinks. Food was good for a bar, and prices seemed normal. Husband got a gin & tonic with Hendrick's. Wasn't feeling like anything too heavy so I asked for a seltzer selection. Ended up with a Sun Cruiser tea instead without asking the price. When the bill came, I saw a canned drink that can be purchased $18 for 8 ($2.25ea) from a liquor store cost me $13. I decided I would never return. For comparison the Hendrick's & tonic was $10. I'm okay with a markup but a 500% markup is just obscene.
Nicole Flowers
Great staff, great cocktails, so many TVs you won't miss any of your sports and the patio is dog friendly 💕🙌🏽 plus they serve Austin Daily Press Righteous Tortas and tacos that pairs perfectly with an ice cold adult beverage 🥂🍻🍾🍹🍸 Cheers friends!
Sharon Owens
Hard to find parking, good draft selection, grilled cheese with patty was better than expected. Tall Patio chairs are not good, rickety wood, hard on butt and not very conducive for good watching sports outside in comfort. But adequate somewhat. No outside service except delivery of food. You have to go to bar to order a drink.
larissa sandoval
The pork belly nuggets were delicious—such a great appetizer! Unfortunately, the bartender was extremely rude and condescending. If we hadn’t been meeting up with a group, we likely would have left because of the poor service. On the plus side, you can order food through a QR code at the table, so you don’t have to interact with staff unless you’re ordering drinks.
Jude Swansiger
Stopped in for a bite and couple of drinks. Food was good for a bar, and prices seemed normal. Husband got a gin & tonic with Hendrick's. Wasn't feeling like anything too heavy so I asked for a seltzer selection. Ended up with a Sun Cruiser tea instead without asking the price. When the bill came, I saw a canned drink that can be purchased $18 for 8 ($2.25ea) from a liquor store cost me $13. I decided I would never return. For comparison the Hendrick's & tonic was $10. I'm okay with a markup but a 500% markup is just obscene.
Whitney labrecque
Love this place! All the bartenders are super friendly, the food at thunderchief is delicious and there’s plenty of seating (indoor and outdoor). It’s very pet friendly, always have great beers on tap and a rotating frozen margarita flavor.
Nicole Flowers
Great staff, great cocktails, so many TVs you won't miss any of your sports and the patio is dog friendly 💕🙌🏽 plus they serve Austin Daily Press Righteous Tortas and tacos that pairs perfectly with an ice cold adult beverage 🥂🍻🍾🍹🍸 Cheers friends!
How to reach Lavaca Street Bar - South Lamar
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Why Lavaca Street Bar - South Lamar may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Lavaca Street Bar - South Lamar with your friends?
Gathering friends for a night out at Lavaca Street Bar - South Lamar guarantees a vibrant and memorable experience. This local favorite boasts a strong 4.3-star rating from nearly 400 reviews, reflecting its popularity and consistent quality. The atmosphere is quintessentially Austin—laid-back but lively, appealing to groups looking for a place to relax, celebrate, or catch up. Lavaca Street Bar offers a spacious indoor area filled with numerous TVs, making it an ideal spot for sports enthusiasts wanting to watch games together. Its large patio overlooking bustling South Lamar adds a refreshing outdoor option to enjoy the vibrant neighborhood vibe. The bar’s knowledgeable and friendly staff ensure fast and attentive service, adding to the ease and comfort of socializing with friends. Whether you prefer to cheer on your favorite team, savor expertly crafted drinks, or indulge in fresh seafood specialties, Lavaca Street Bar provides an inviting hub where every gathering feels relaxed yet energetic. This balance of great food, drinks, ambiance, and service makes it a top choice for hosting meetups with friends or family.
What kinds of activities can you do at Lavaca Street Bar - South Lamar?
Lavaca Street Bar caters to a variety of group interests and activities, particularly those centered around socializing and entertainment. Watching live sports is a major draw; the bar is equipped with 23 televisions featuring a comprehensive lineup of NFL, NCAA, MLB, NBA, and NHL games. This makes it perfect for sports fans to rally together, enjoy the game atmosphere, and cheer alongside fellow supporters. Beyond sports watching, Lavaca Street Bar’s large, well-lit patio is ideal for casual conversations, relaxed outdoor dining, or people-watching along South Lamar Boulevard’s lively street scene. Groups can also engage in tasting the bar’s impressive drink selection, including 24 revolving tap handles that showcase a variety of local craft beers and seasonal brews. Happy hours, with specials like $2 tall boys and $3 domestic bottles, encourage leisurely sampling and social drinking without breaking the bank. The bar’s fresh seafood menu—with highlights such as oysters, shrimp po’ boys, and fish tacos—is another enjoyable activity itself, turning meals into shared culinary experiences. Overall, the venue blends active sporting entertainment with relaxed dining and drinking, making it a versatile space for varied group dynamics.
Why is Lavaca Street Bar perfect for a group meetup?
Several factors make Lavaca Street Bar an excellent choice for hosting group meetups. First, its spacious layout can comfortably accommodate large parties inside and outside on the patio. This flexibility allows groups to spread out or stay tight-knit depending on their preference and size. Second, the friendly, knowledgeable staff enhance the group experience by providing prompt service, remembering regular customers’ preferences, and recommending drinks or dishes tailored to your group’s tastes. Third, the bar’s emphasis on fresh, high-quality food—matching the same seafood suppliers as upscale Austin restaurants—means groups can confidently share plates without compromising flavor or freshness. Additionally, the venue’s dog-friendly policy adds a welcoming dimension for those who want to bring their pets along, reducing planning hassles for pet owners. From an entertainment perspective, the sheer number of TVs and game variety guarantees that sports fans of all stripes are covered, making group game-day celebrations hassle-free and exhilarating. Finally, the location in South Lamar, one of Austin’s most vibrant neighborhoods, makes it an accessible and attractive destination to meet up before or after exploring the area, rounding out a perfect group outing spot.
How does Lavaca Street Bar’s food and drink selection enhance your group experience?
Food and drink are central to any successful meetup, and Lavaca Street Bar excels in this area. The bar presents an appetizing menu focused on fresh seafood and classic bar fare, combining quality with approachability. Customers frequently praise items like shrimp po’ boys, fish tacos—considered some of the best in Austin—and expertly prepared oysters. The seafood is sourced from the same suppliers as premium local eateries, ensuring freshness that elevates casual bar food. This attention to quality makes sharing plates among friends both delightful and satisfying. The drink menu further complements the culinary offerings, featuring a rotating selection of 24 beers on tap—including local craft brews to suit all palates—plus well-curated cocktails and affordable happy hour specials. These drink deals, such as $2 tall boys and $3 domestic bottles, foster a welcoming and budget-friendly environment for groups looking to enjoy several rounds without overspending. Whether your group prefers savoring flavorful seafood bites, indulging in juicy wagyu burgers, or sampling creative cocktails and beers, Lavaca Street Bar’s selection amplifies the overall experience by catering to diverse tastes and enhancing social interaction over food and drinks.
What makes the ambiance at Lavaca Street Bar unique for meetups?
The ambiance at Lavaca Street Bar is a dynamic mix of casual comfort and spirited energy, ideal for hosting gatherings with friends or family. The large indoor seating area features an industrial yet cozy design that feels at once modern and welcoming. Multiple TVs create a lively backdrop for sports fans without overwhelming conversation, striking a balance that suits various group sizes and moods. The recently added patio is a standout feature, providing an open-air space with views of the bustling South Lamar street life. This outdoor seating is perfect for those who enjoy Austin’s pleasant weather and like to combine people-watching with their social time. The neighborhood location imbues the bar with a friendly local feel, attracting a diverse crowd from nearby residents to visiting sports fans, which adds to its inclusive environment. Additionally, the staff’s warmth and attentiveness contribute to a welcoming vibe that encourages repeat visits and relaxed long conversations. Together, these elements create an inviting atmosphere where groups can feel at home, enjoy good company, and make long-lasting memories.
How accessible and convenient is Lavaca Street Bar for group gatherings?
Lavaca Street Bar boasts a convenient location on South Lamar Boulevard, nestled in one of Austin’s most active and accessible neighborhoods. This makes it easy for groups coming from different parts of the city to meet up without hassle. The area is rich with other entertainment, dining, and parking options, allowing groups to extend their outing before or after their visit to the bar. Public transport and ride-sharing services frequently serve the area, simplifying the logistics for groups who prefer not to drive. The bar’s operating hours—from afternoon through late into the night—offer flexibility in planning gatherings, whether for an early happy hour or a late-night celebration. The spacious interior and new patio accommodate various group sizes comfortably, ensuring privacy or openness as fits your event. Being dog-friendly further increases convenience for pet-owning groups looking to include all members. Overall, Lavaca Street Bar’s location, accessibility, and accommodating hours significantly ease planning group meetups, making it a practical and appealing choice for diverse social occasions.