Find the drink specials. Find the cheapest beer and you're pretty much guaranteed to happen upon the college crowd. In case you're unsure where to find these you can check out www.austin.citysearch.com for what they call their "definitive guide to off-campus curriculum" for a complete list of Austin's great college bars.A couple of places offer popular drink specials. Trudy's Texas Star Restaurant and Bar found on West 30th Street offers an all day happy hour on Mondays. Cain and Abel's, a college crowd fave on Rio Grande Street, sells domestic beer for a buck on Tuesdays. For a complete list of drink specials and upcoming events at Cain and Abels log onto www.cainandabels.com.
Take a peek at the menu. Some of the best food around can be found cheap at Austin's college bars. Cheap food will always draw the college crowd. Cheap food that is also great tasting will bring them back for more. The Texas Showdown Saloon on Guadalupe Street doesn't list an item on their menu for more than $5 and serves up a great quarter-pound burger with fries and a pickle for just $2.50. Take a peek inside the Texas Showdown Saloon at www.showdownaustin.com. Cain and Abel's has a large variety that includes everything from breakfast burritos to roast beef.
Ambiance is key. If you have any preference at all then you'll be happy to know that Austin's college bars offer unlimited choices in style and size. The Library Austin, located on 6th Street is a spacious, two level establishment that is a long time favorite among students and alumni alike. You can see what's inside this Longhorn favorite at www.librarybars.com. If you prefer to be outdoors then the Crown and Anchor Pub on San Jacinto, looks like a dry-docked boathouse and has fabulous outdoor seating. The Texas Showdown Saloon also boasts a beer garden that is open come rain or shine.
