Haymaker

The Vibe

Haymaker sits on Manor Road in East Austin and has built itself into the undisputed center of the city's soccer bar scene. Voted Best Sports Bar by Austin Chronicle readers in both 2023 and 2024, it serves as the unofficial headquarters for the Austin chapter of the American Outlaws and the home base for Chelsea and Manchester City supporters. The space is deceptively large -- an indoor-outdoor layout with garage-door openings that blur the line between inside and outside, giving the whole place an open, energetic feel even when it is packed to capacity.

The Setup

Ample TVs cover every wall and sightline, and the sound system is dedicated to the main match. Haymaker opens early on weekends -- 6:30 AM on Saturdays and 7:30 AM on Sundays -- for Premier League kickoffs, which is a commitment that separates it from bars that merely tolerate morning soccer. The dog-friendly patio extends the viewing area significantly, and there is plenty of both indoor and outdoor seating.

Match Day Experience

USMNT matches are the main event, with the American Outlaws chapter filling the bar with red, white, and blue and bringing organized chants that echo off the walls. Chelsea and Manchester City supporters hold regular watch parties, and Aston Villa and Everton groups have also made Haymaker their Austin home. For World Cup and major tournament matches, the bar fills early and stays packed -- getting a table for a USA game requires arriving well before kickoff. The communal energy is the real draw: strangers become friends over shared goals.

Food and Drink

The beer list is massive -- over 40 taps plus an extensive can selection. The food menu leans hearty: burgers, open-faced sandwiches, wings, and one of the few places in Austin serving poutine, which has become a match-day staple. Prices are fair for East Austin, and the kitchen keeps up even when the bar is slammed during big matches.

Who Goes There

American Outlaws members, Premier League supporter groups, Austin FC fans, families with kids and dogs on weekend mornings, and East Austin locals who appreciate a bar that takes soccer seriously without pretension. The crowd skews young and diverse, reflecting the Manor Road neighborhood's character. Many regulars also frequent Haymaker's sister bar, Black Sheep Lodge, in South Austin.

Insider Tips

For USA matches, arrive 45 minutes to an hour early. The patio is dog-friendly but fills fast on nice mornings. Try the poutine -- it pairs perfectly with an early match and a cold draft. If Haymaker is too packed, Black Sheep Lodge in Zilker shows the same matches with a similarly committed crowd. Street parking on Manor Road is limited; the side streets east of the bar are your best bet.