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Uptown Sports Club

Reimagined by barbecue legend Aaron Franklin, this historic 1949 East Austin neighborhood spot blends classic New Orleans charm with Texas soul, serving up fresh oysters, po'boys, and cocktails in a beautifully restored vintage space.

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Uptown Sports Club
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What is the history behind Uptown Sports Club?

Uptown Sports Club originally opened in 1949 as a neighborhood spot on the Eastside for locals to drink, bet, watch games, and gather. It has since been thoughtfully reimagined for modern East Austin by Aaron Franklin and a group of friends, maintaining its original building and soul.

What kind of food and drinks are served here?

The menu features New Orleans essentials, including a raw bar with fresh oysters, gumbo, and po'boys stuffed with ingredients like fried green tomatoes or Gulf shrimp. You can also get a hot roast beef sandwich smothered in Franklin Barbecue brisket debris gravy, classic cocktails, boozy milkshakes, and a Bloody Mary topped with a wedge salad.

What are the hours of operation?

The venue is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Friday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays.

Does Uptown Sports Club offer happy hour or brunch?

Yes, happy hour is held Tuesday through Friday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Established in 1949, Uptown Sports Club began its life as a beloved neighborhood spot on Austin's Eastside. For decades, it served as a local hub where residents gathered to drink, bet, watch the game, and hold court. While the neighborhood has evolved, the venue has found a vibrant second life, thoughtfully reimagined for the East Austin of today while preserving its original building, neighborhood location, and soul. This revival was spearheaded by Aaron Franklin—the owner of the Austin institution Franklin Barbecue—and a group of friends united by their deep love for the city. Housed in a historic building on East 6th Street, the space pays homage to its roots while introducing a fresh coat of paint. Inside, the design evokes a classic New Orleans venue, complete with intricate mosaic tile floors, lazy ceiling fans, vintage lighting, and a beautiful marble wraparound bar manned by bartenders wearing bow ties. The menu brings the flavors of New Orleans straight to East Austin. Diners can enjoy essential Southern classics, including a raw bar stocked with fresh oysters, rich gumbo, and hearty po'boys stuffed with ingredients ranging from fried green tomatoes to Gulf shrimp. A particular highlight is the hot roast beef sandwich, which comes smothered in brisket debris gravy sourced directly from Franklin Barbecue. To complement the food, the bar serves classic cocktails, standard beer, and wine, alongside some playful wild cards like boozy milkshakes and a unique Bloody Mary topped with an entire wedge salad. The spot also hosts a popular weekend brunch, making it a versatile destination for day or night.

Visitor tips

  • Stop by between Tuesday and Friday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM to catch their Happy Hour.
  • Visit on Saturday or Sunday between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM to enjoy their weekend brunch menu.
  • Keep in mind that the venue is closed on Mondays, but open late until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Nearby context

Located at 1200 East Sixth Street, Uptown Sports Club sits in the heart of East Austin's bustling culinary and nightlife scene. This vibrant corridor is known for its diverse dining options, where historic landmarks stand alongside popular local food spots. After grabbing a drink or a po'boy at Uptown, you can easily explore nearby culinary favorites on the Eastside, such as Sonora Hot Dog and La Tunita 512, making this stretch of East 6th Street an ideal destination for a neighborhood food crawl.

Sources

Evidence and links