College football season is around the corner, and with it, the beloved tradition of gathering at sports bars to cheer for your hometown or alma mater. And Austinites will have a new spot to add to the roster when Victory Lap, an elevated sports bar, opens on September 2 — right on time for the University of Texas Longhorns' opening game.
Victory Lap will be located near UT Austin’s West Campus, offering a sophisticated indoor and outdoor space with a vintage bar theme featuring colors and memorabilia from Austin’s home college team. Patrons will be able to drink, dine in, and play from tailgate until late night. The bar’s nostalgic decor highlights the rich history of the University of Texas athletic departments and aims to bring together both alumni and current students.
“We want to provide Austinites with a great experience for every stage of their life, whether they are a college student or a fan of any age,” said operating partner Anthony Gonzalez in a release. “Victory Lap will be the destination for hometown or visiting Longhorn and sports fans to celebrate their team in an elevated environment.”
This is the latest venture by NoCo Hospitality, the group responsible for some very posh Austin haunts: Higher Ground, Superstition, and Estelle's. But the group also has some sports bar experience in the form of Skinny's Off Track Bar, a cool, retro space that is a lot less flashy than its sibling bars, yet still very stylish.
Victory Lap bears a much closer resemblance to Skinny's, with similar earthy tones, leathers, and wood paneling. The most obvious difference at Victory Lap — and the boldest design choice — is a swath of photos and newspaper cuttings used all over as wallpaper.
For even more tailgate fun, the Austin-based media company, When Where What will be hosting its Longhorn tailgate events at Victory Lap prior to every UT home game with DJs, lawn games, and plenty of photo ops. The bar will also feature TVs and large screens for an optimal viewing experience during the games plus spacious outdoor and indoor seating that was transformed from a parking lot to a turf field. Misters and fans will help guests remain comfortable during heated game plays and high temperatures.
The beverage menu showcases 8 draft beers, plus rotating bottle beers and signature cocktails. During happy hour (Monday through Friday from 4-7 pm and Saturday through Sunday from 11 am to 2 pm) patrons can expect $2 off drafts, $1 cans and bottles, and $5 cocktails.
Later in the fall, Victory Lap will add staple bar-food options such as burgers, wings, and hotdogs to its menu, plus a weekly "3 Peat" special for a beer, a shot, and a snack.
Victory Lap will be located at 504 West 24th Street with operating hours from 11 am to 1 am Sunday through Wednesday, and 11 am to 2 am Thursday through Saturday. The bar will open early as needed on game days, with times announced on social media. For more information visit victorylapbar.com.
Photo by Richard Casteel
Victory Lap aims to serve a sporty crowd, while maintaining an elevated and stylish ambiance.
