Round Rock Sports Center – Bar Crawl
Over the years, Round Rock, Texas, has grown rapidly as a technology hotspot. With the growth of the city came the building of the Round Rock Sports Center. This fairly new sports complex has done its fair share in bringing in even more visitors.
Round Rock is extremely close to Austin. In fact, visitors can reach Austin within a half hour drive. However, don’t be so quick to leave Round Rock! Everything’s bigger in Texas, including nightlife, and Round Rock holds true to that. A short drive from the Round Rock Sports Center brings you into the heart of the city, a lively area packed with eateries and bars. So after a day at the sports complex, let loose at some local bars on this Round Rock bar crawl.
All the bars are within walking distance of one another, so it is recommended to use a rideshare to begin and end your night out.
Finley’s Round Rock
Start your night off at Finley’s Round Rock. This establishment is about an eight-minute drive from the Round Rock Sports Center. When Ryan Sabrsula opened Finley’s, the vision was to have a place that acted as a casual hangout where patrons could enjoy drinks and house-made, locally sourced meals.
With that being said, we recommend having dinner here before officially getting the bar crawl going. The menu has plenty of options, from a build-your-own-burger section to sandwiches and entrees. Entrees include two shrimp dishes, two chicken dishes, steak, and mac and cheese. If you’re there with friends or family, you can also order some shareables. Two popular options are the Margherita flatbread and the Sack of Balls, which are deep-fried balls of herbed risotto and pimento cheese paired with a marinara dipping sauce.
Now for drinks! Head on out to the beer garden and enjoy a draft beer or hard cider. If beer isn’t your thing, there’s a list of signature cocktails to choose from. Try the Finley’s Sour, which is made with maple syrup and cherry liqueur. There during the summer? Go with the Coconut Dark and Stormy. They’ve got you covered for autumn too with the Pumpkin Spice Daisy.
The Long Branch Saloon
When you finish up your dinner and drinks at Finley’s Round Rock, take a five-minute walk down the street to The Long Branch Saloon. This is still under three miles from the Round Rock Sports Center.
When you head in, you can immediately tell this bar is inspired by the Old West. This is definitely a place to go if you love to listen to music and dance. There is typically a DJ inside playing the latest hits. Outside, you can sit at the patio and listen to live music. The Long Branch Saloon has daily happy hour specials that typically run till 8 p.m., so you can get great deals on domestic bottles, well drinks, and select cocktails.
Coco’s Lounge
Coco’s Lounge is a two-minute walk from the previous bar, and it is under three miles from the Round Rock Sports Center. This bar is on the smaller side, but don’t let that discourage you. The atmosphere is welcoming, the drinks are cheap, and the music is pumping. What’s not to love?
This bar is a mix of country and Tejano. Tejano is a term used to describe a person of Mexican American descent. It also refers to a music style that combines folk and pop music, typically with Spanish lyrics. You might also hear it referred to as Tex-Mex music. Guests are generally up and dancing as they enjoy their beers and cocktails. If you love music and dancing, Coco’s Lounge and The Long Branch Saloon might just be your favorite stop of the night!
The Rock Sports Bar and Grill
Right around the corner from Coco’s Lounge is your next stop, The Rock Sports Bar and Grill. This bar is very different from the previous two. Don’t expect music and people dancing there. Instead, you’ll see the walls lined with flat screens all showing a sporting event of some sort with most patrons turned towards them.
Beers include a few drafts and domestics like Bud Light and Blue Texas Hefe. Additionally, imports of bottled beer are also available. There are a few shot and cocktail options as well. If you’ve worked up an appetite, this is a great place to grab a bite to eat. You can find typical bar fares, such as burgers, wings, nachos, and fried chicken.
The Brass Tap
Just steps away from The Rock Sports Bar is The Brass Tap, which is a craft beer bar. Upon entering, you will feel welcome in this laid-back yet upscale bar atmosphere. If you feel the need to end the night early, you’re a nine-minute drive from the Round Rock Sports Center.
The Brass Tap boasts an impressive 60 beers on tap and over 300 craft beers from around the world. You will absolutely find a drink that satisfies your palate. While you drink, you can stay inside and watch a game on television or sit outside on the patio. If you decide to hang out on the patio, you can enjoy one of their cigars with your brew.
La Esquina Catina
Your final stop of the night is La Esquina Catina, which is a few feet from The Brass Tap. At La Esquina Catina, you’ll end your night the right way with cheap drinks and good company.
Like Coco’s Lounge, you will find Tejano music playing here, so get ready to dance. Whether it’s a DJ or a live band playing, it is going to be a great time. If there isn’t live music, it could be karaoke night happening. Since it’s your last bar of the night, you’ve built up enough liquid courage to get on that stage and sing away. When you get tired from dancing or singing, cool off on the patio.
After finishing up at La Esquina Catina, your bar crawl is complete. You’ve been to some fun local bars in downtown Round Rock and finished on a high note at La Esquina Cantina. Now it’s time to grab a ride back to your hotel.