For some, the tailgate party before the game is as important as what happens on the football field – if not more so. Ole Miss comes to town on Saturday, bringing along its tradition of The Grove, a legendary tailgating spot where the spreads have been known to involve fine china, crystal and linens.
You don’t have to get quite that posh to impress your guests, even if you don't want to cook, thanks to Austin shops and restaurants that offer tasty takeout and delivery options. Who knows? You might score more points than the team.
TTThanks to Austin shops and restaurants that offer tasty takeout and delivery options, your posh tailgate party might score more points than the team.
Antonelli’s Cheese offers prepared meat-and-cheese platters for up to 24 guests, starting at a very reasonable $50, and can create a custom tray if you have something special in mind. You can also rent a fully outfitted picnic basket for two loaded with cheese, charcuterie, bread, wine and all of the necessary dishes and serving accessories for $74.99. If you don’t want to return the basket, you can substitute a reusable cooler bag for $5.99.
Fresa’s juicy chicken al carbon meals are an excellent takeout option anytime and are perfect for game day; they include a whole chicken, beans, rice and condiments for four and cost $28. You can even pick up a margarita or michelada kit for $9 – just add alcohol, and you're ready to cheer. For a larger crowd, call ahead to place your order or take advantage of their catering and delivery services. They’ll even pull the chicken off the bone if you’d prefer your guests not have to get their fingers messy.
If barbecue is more your speed, but you don’t want to stand over a hot smoker all day, La Barbecue comes to the rescue. In addition to selling by the pound, they also offer vacuum-sealed, fully cooked brisket and ribs and a full catering option. Call in your order ahead of time, and you won’t have to wait in line to enjoy their moist, smoky brisket.
Crispy fried chicken is another great tailgate option, and Lucy’s Fried Chicken, now with locations on Burnet and just off South Congress, is happy to wrap up their dinners complete with Southern sides: smoked potato salad, black eyed peas and collard greens. There’s no extra charge if you pick it up; add a $55 delivery fee to have them bring it to you. If you really want to show off, you can arrange for onsite oyster catering, featuring their wood-fire grilled oysters.
Craving tacos instead? Mellizoz Tacos offers drop-off, mobile-truck and full-service catering. With a variety of meat and vegetarian options and an outstanding salsa, Mellizoz is sure to please any Mexican food fan. The drop-off taco bar starts at $10 per guest and includes two tacos per person, with chips and salsa and all the fixings. If you want them to bring the truck to the party, prices start at $13 per guest and allow for the tacos to be made to order as well as offering appetizers, desserts and nonalcoholic drinks. And, of course, with full service, they not only set up and serve, they clean up when the party’s over, too.
Antonelli's Cheese Shop offers prepared meat-and-cheese platters for up to 24 guests.
Get Lit is Kitty Cohen's Hanukkah-themed bar, open December 3 through January 2. Photo from Kitty Cohen's Instagram page
Guests can reserve a private igloo including a vinyl player at The Otis Hotel's Otopia Rooftop. Photo from WinterSol Eventbrite page
At Lala's Little Nugget, it's Christmas year-round. Photo from lalasaustintexas.com