There's nothing wrong with the Dixie Chicken, but don't there are lots of other good bars on Northgate (bar and entertainment district just north of campus, walking distance from stadium, tailgating, etc). Dixie Chicken the most famous, but not the best by far. My advice is to walk through it once, maybe grab a beer, but don't make it your only stop.

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Hi All -

First, I apologize if this info is already on the forums somewhere. I thought there would be a topic on this question but I searched and couldn't find it. It's getting late in the afternoon and maybe it's my fault for not being able to find it from being tired of staring at this screen. If there is, a link to that discussion would be appreciated.

Anyway, I'm a Tennessee fan. We're making our first trip to College Station next weekend. I'm old (40s) and we've been going to a Tennessee away game for 20+ years. Kyle Field is the old SEC stadium we've never visited.

I'd like to get a few tips on maximizing our visit. What are some things we should be sure to take in so that we get the full Aggie experience? Places to eat and drink? Things to see?

Thanks very much in advance for your help.

JLB

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What part of Tennessee are you coming from?

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Thanks very much for all the responses. Already making us feel welcome!

To answer this question, flying into CLL from Nashville on Friday afternoon. Staying at the Towne Place Suites on University Drive. We are not planning to rent a car and just Uber everywhere unless that's a stupid idea for some reason. I realize this may present a problem immediately before and after the game but we manage that.

Seriously...someone posted there's no good Mexican food in town? I was counting on some good Mexican, especially compared to what we have here.

Los Abuelos is good and might be within walking distance of your hotel. Don't go to Bryan for Mexican Food it is very authentic and not good.

Here are my favorite taco joints in town:

Jesse's Taqueria(my favorite breakfast tacos): http://www.lovejessestacos.com/our-menu
Mad Taco (I call these "gourmet" tacos; instead of tortillas they have something they call tamale bread--it's amazing): http://www.madtaco.com
Torchy's Tacos (chain that originated in Austin): http://torchystacos.com
Fuego Tortilla Grill (open 24/7): http://www.fuegotortillagrill.com
La Familia Taqueria: (off of Highway 6 and Barron Road exit next to a gas station---great carne guisada, barbacoa and pork steak tacos)

Mexican Food in Texas is argued about just like BBQ in the rest of the South. Though we REALLY argue BBQ here in Texas also.

There is Tex-Mex. And there is authentic. If Mom is at the cash register, Grandma is at the stove, and the daughters and nieces are waiting tables then it is probably Mexican food. Not Tex-Mex. Unfortunately Sq 17 is correct. You would have to travel to Bryan for the real thing.

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7. The dirty sock (after the game)

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RIP

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Thanks very much for all the responses. Already making us feel welcome!

To answer this question, flying into CLL from Nashville on Friday afternoon. Staying at the Towne Place Suites on University Drive. We are not planning to rent a car and just Uber everywhere unless that's a stupid idea for some reason. I realize this may present a problem immediately before and after the game but we manage that.

Seriously...someone posted there's no good Mexican food in town? I was counting on some good Mexican, especially compared to what we have here.

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Lots of good Mexican food options. My favorite is Lupe Tortilla, which is just a mile south of your hotel on Texas Ave.

We do the same thing and have been trying to visit every stadium in the SEC for the past couple of years.

I like to knock out my cliches and I'll add a few things if you have kiddos.

First Night Recommendations:

Get the Dixie Chicken knocked out. Get a pitcher of beer, play some dominoes or pool, check out the rattlesnake then move on (the foods alright if you don't feel like going anywhere).

If you are looking to bar hop I'd stay in this area. Some may say drive here or there, but on your first and maybe only weekend trip I'd stay on Northgate.

The Corner can be a neat place to drink up on the balcony looking over campus. I'd also wear something Tennessee while you are out (our trash talk is pretty mild and you'll probably get a few free drinks from people wanting to know more about Tenn. traditions).

If you get a little tipsy and are hungry, Antonio's Pizza by the Slice is also on Northgate is worth a quick stop.

Northgate is it is right across the street from campus and you can walk to Midnight Yell (it is a decent walk but you also get to see campus).

Check out the Century Tree on your way to yell, get a picture of it with your family (large oak, anyone will point it out to you).

After yell, A&M also has a free ride service that will take you back to your hotel at night on Northgate (will only take it back to where you are sleeping) they wear lime green shirts behind the Dixie Chicken. So if you've had a few you can get a ride home.

Do they have Whataburger in Tennessee?

Day Recommendations:

For breakfast, I personally like Fuego for the breakfast tacos. I, admittedly, don't have many good breakfast recommendations beyond that.

If you've got picky eaters for lunch there is Layne's Chicken Fingers (one of my food groups while I was there). Order extra sauce. It's pretty quick service. Write something funny on your ticket and put it on the wall. Some people may argue that Cane's is better but those people are stupid (plus Lane's is an Aggie thing). You may also like Freebirds (build your own burrito, no diarrhea). Dudley's Draw on Northgate also has good sandwiches. If you are driving and looking for a family sit down Wings 'N More is good and while not necessarily an Aggie thing, it's fairly unique to this part of the world. There are a few of them.

Run by the Bonfire Memorial if you have time. Usually the shuttle buses will arrive within walking distance before the game.

Watch the Corps, the Calvary, and the Fighting Texas Aggie Band March in next to Kyle. Check out the tailgating at Spencer and try to be friendly so you can get free booze and food.

Check out the Memorial Student Center (MSC) (take your hat off inside and don't walk on the grass or you will be shunned).

They will have various things for the kids to do close to the field.

If you have time the Bush Presidential Library is really cool, but could be difficult on a weekend schedule.

If we win, the freshmen corps members tackle the yell leaders and walk them to fish pond and dump them in there, then they do a smaller yell practice for the next week's game. If you aren't on the first deck then don't worry about it, but if you are then follow them there.

Looking back my itinerary looks similar to everyone elses, but I'm too lazy to see if there was something I didn't add or repeated.

Wear comfortable shoes. You'll be walking a lot, but from my experience, it is that way at every college game.


Enjoy!

All strip clubs look like that in the daytime.

Fuego.

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Many have mentioned BBQ but haven't told you where to go. Absolutely go to Fargo's in Bryan.

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Get BBQ at the tailgates. People always cook way too much and want to give it out.
And it's damn good. Look for brisket

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Seriously...someone posted there's no good Mexican food in town? I was counting on some good Mexican, especially compared to what we have here.

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Lots of good Mexican food options. My favorite is Lupe Tortilla, which is just a mile south of your hotel on Texas Ave.

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Despite what people say, Fuego has some awesome tacos.
Also Abuelos is a little more upscale and I've always enjoyed it.

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Seriously...someone posted there's no good Mexican food in town? I was counting on some good Mexican, especially compared to what we have here.

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Lots of good Mexican food options. My favorite is Lupe Tortilla, which is just a mile south of your hotel on Texas Ave.

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Despite what people say, Fuego has some awesome tacos.
Also Abuelos is a little more upscale and I've always enjoyed it.

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Been to Abuelos a few times. The food was fine, but the place was frequently dirty.

IMO Lupes > Abuelos. But I realize it's a matter of personal preference and will vary between people.

Never tried Fuego... will have to next time I'm in the mood for tacos.

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H7. The dirty sock (after the game)

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RIP

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Unkempt bush at the dirty sock...an Aggie tradition like no other.

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Los Abuelos is good and might be within walking distance of your hotel. Don't go to Bryan for Mexican Food it is very authentic and not good.

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Abuelos is over priced and although I have not have the one in College Station in several years, I have never had great Abuelos is food.

As for things to do..

1. Bonfire memorial
2. Bush Library
3. Northgate
4. Midnight Yell (head over to Northgate before and then just follow the crowds)
5. Tailgating. (spence park and wear your colors proudly)

I hope you play Pokemon because we got lots of great pokestops

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Make mid-night yell practice the night before and perhaps Bush Library if you have time and your leanings are in that direction. I'll leave reastaurants, bars, etc. up to the younger crowd.

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Best Advice.

Nope, it's gone for good. They weren't paying their taxes and got shut down.

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Friday Evening - Have pitcher at the Dixie Chicken and take a stab at playing Texas 42 (dominoes) with one of the local tables in the Chicken. Aggies are probably the most welcoming home fan base you will find in America.

Friday at Midnight - Take in Midnight Yell at Kyle Field...Bring thick skin becauase it always starts with some jabs at the opposing team.

Saturday GameDay:
If it's a 6pm start, use the late morning to check out the George Bush Presidential Library and MSC (Memorial Student Center) just across from Kyle Field. Spend late after noon, munching on the best Texas BBQ you can find while socializing with resident Tailgaters. Watch the Fighting Texas Aggie Band march in, and don't pull this bull**** Kaepernick has been pulling. Take off your hat, cover your heart, and pay respect to the military and our GREAT flag.

If kick of is 2:30pm just do a condensed version of above.

all the best. Gig'em

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You sound like a Knox painting looks

Lupe tortila is one of the best Tex mex places in Texas ... its good and close to campus . I say north gate and Dick chicken for drinks... if you want a calmer experience and great food Sunday go to downtown Bryan tx and eat at Maddens... great food... me Gs pizza is legit too. Stop by the maroonmayhem.com tailgate if you want! Say you saw this on texags

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Lupe tortila is one of the best Tex mex places in Texas ... its good and close to campus . I say north gate and Dick chicken for drinks... if you want a calmer experience and great food Sunday go to downtown Bryan tx and eat at Maddens... great food... me Gs pizza is legit too. Stop by the maroonmayhem.com tailgate if you want! Say you saw this on texags

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But where can Tennessee fans get some fresh possum?

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Make mid-night yell practice the night before and perhaps Bush Library if you have time and your leanings are in that direction. I'll leave reastaurants, bars, etc. up to the younger crowd.

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Best Advice.

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You don't have to be conservative to enjoy a presidential library.

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Dick chicken for drinks...

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PTARMIGANS! HOME OF THE FLAMING DR PEPPER!

Lots of great suggestions on what to do and see and from the heart invitations to join us at the various restaurants, clubs, and tailgates.

Take us up on it, and with the exception of the outcome of the game, you'll have a great time. On the other hand, if you're part of that very small percentage that wants to get drunk, start fights, and spend the night in jail, we will be able to accommodate you.

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What do you mean "RIP longhorn tavern" Has it closed?

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it is an HEB now.

https://www.google.com/maps/@30.6901537,-96.3718815,16z/data=!3m1!1e3

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Longhorn is still open, but in a new location. I am not sure exactly where though.

Do not seek the treasure

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PTARMIGANS! HOME OF THE FLAMING DR PEPPER!

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Lol, Many a Thursday warming up at the P-TAR with $.50 wells. Forgot about that place.

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Dick chicken for drinks...

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Is this a South Carolina joke?

Everything within 10 miles of campus will be crowded on game day. Parking is not great, you will have to walk a little bit.

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Lupe tortila is one of the best Tex mex places in Texas ... its good and close to campus . I say north gate and Dick chicken for drinks... if you want a calmer experience and great food Sunday go to downtown Bryan tx and eat at Maddens... great food... me Gs pizza is legit too. Stop by the maroonmayhem.com tailgate if you want! Say you saw this on texags

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But where can Tennessee fans get some fresh possum?

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That's one of the best things about possum. Doesn't have to be fresh. Leftovers are just as good.

Well, it looks like you got some good advice. As others have said it is a wonderful game day atmosphere. We also tailgate in Spence Park as others have suggested and you and your group are welcome to join us. We have 3 generations of Aggies so we are from late teens to olds but always have a great time. We are in the far North East corner of the park near the parking garage. Welcome and have fun.

Posted this on your forum.... Granted, I'm only looking for bars and tailgating when I go on road trips, so if you're into more sight seeing, I'm not your person.

I try to put this together every year for traveling fans, so your trip to College Station is as easy as possible. Here's my take on how to maximize your fun in College Station. Keep in mind, I am in my early 30s, so it skews more towards the Night life and tailgating than the fine dining and sight seeing.

A few notes worth mentioning. Northgate is the Entertainment District in College Station. It's a 4-5 block area with 30-35 bars and a dozen or so restaurants that sits on University Avenue right across from campus. West Campus is where Reed Arena, Olsen Field and the REC Center sit and a large swath of tailgating takes place in this area. This is where 90% of the RVs are parked.

Restaurants in College Station worth visiting:
Republic Steakhouse -- Fantastic selection of bourbon and whiskeys. One of the best steakhouses in SE Texas. You would need to make reservations here.
Cafe Eccell -- Personally, my favorite for the price. It's a nice dinner, but not extravagant in price. They have great handcrafted cocktails and wood fired pizzas.
Napa Flats
Christopher's -- More fine dining.
Torchy's Tacos -- Leave the bar after a big night, find yourself here.
Freebird's -- On Northgate, large burritos
West End Elixir -- On Northgate, new place with unique cocktails and great food.
Koppe Bridge -- Best Burgers in town.

Northgate: Bar District (I'll just go West to East down Northgate)
West End Elixir -- See above
Chimy's -- Deadly Margarita and Tequila selection. Fun porch and always a great place to cap off your night.
Bar 12 -- Rooftop porch, two level bar.
Boulevard 247 -- Dance Club
O'Bannons -- Irish Pub with great beer selection
Paddock Lane -- Same as O'Bannons
Tipsy Turtle -- New Orleans Style Daquiri Bar
The Backyard -- One of my favorites. Chilled liquor on tap and tons of games on the back porch (Beer pong, washers, darts, etc). 2 story
Dry Bean Saloon -- Shot saloon with 200 different shots on the menu
Dixie Chicken -- College Station staple since 1974. I'd have one drink here at least. It will be slammed on Friday nights.
Dudley's -- The Chicken's less country brother since I can remember.
Madhatters -- 80s bar with cheap, STRONG drinks
Basil Whippets -- The "Apothecary Lounge"
Corner Bar -- Another one of my favorites. Three stories, with a large open air rooftop bar overlooking campus
Hookah Lounge -- Hookah bar that serves drinks
Foundation -- Dance Club
Kyoto Sake Bar -- Name explains itsself. All sake all the time.
Gatsbys -- Dance Club
Logie's -- Huge beers with a porch looking at inner Northgate
Rebel Draft House -- Tons of beers and large with a wrap around porch.
Rough Draught -- Top shelf bourbon, whiskey, scotch bar. They flavor balls of ice for their old fashion drinks. It's good.
Cedar Lane -- Try a "wake me up"...
Blackwater Draw -- Local microbrew that serves food.
Hurricane Harry's -- Dance Hall (Country centric)

Tailgating:
You'll get differing opinions on this depending on the age and tastes of the Aggie fan, so I'm going to throw all options out here.

West Campus -- This is where I tailgate and prefer. I'd suggest getting there early, and either dropping your stuff off around Reed Arena (in the grass) or around the parking garage (in the grass) and parking somewhere further out on West Campus in the pay lots. West Campus is a mix of all types, but tends to be the best collection of parties on campus. We tailgate at Reed Arena in the grass looking at the Baseball and Softball field. It is in the grass in front of 100g in the link below. We have a blow up 12th Man guy, so stop by and drink some on us. You can drop your stuff off starting at noon on Friday. The RV lots here are at Reed Arena, Olsen Field, George Bush Library and the Steam Building. [URLT]http://transportmap.tamu.edu/parkingmap/tsmap.htm?map=ft[/URLT]

Spence Park -- This is the park on the East Side of the stadium. You can't park anywhere around here, but you can drop off starting at noon on Friday. It's another good mix of students and alum, but you can't have the big trailers or generators in Spence. You have to power up your tailgate through batteries. Again, a nice place that's fun, just a little more of a hassle to set up up and pick up.

Cain Park -- This is the Reserved tailgating. A little less rowdy and more corporate, but crowded nonetheless.

Pay Lots -- The Pay lots are on the periphery of campus and not nearly as crowded as inner campus tailgating. If you want a quieter area, this is your place, but if your anything like me, you don't come all this way to not mix it up with the locals.


If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Oh and don't take offense to all the people yelling "Beat the hell outta tu" like they've been yelling that their entire life.

They have.

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Visit the Corps of Cadets Center. Some great Aggie history for a first time visitor.

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I second this. Corps of Cadets Center is a great museum located just north of Spence Park and has all sorts of information and displays about A&M traditions, Corps history, the band, Reveille, our participation in past wars, and lots of info about what life is like in the Corps of Cadets. Also has an amazing gun collection with hundreds of vintage firearms on display.




I do think that the Corps of Cadets Center shuts down just prior to March In on game day (probably ~2 hours before kick-off but you might want to confirm), so you won't be able to visit immediately before the game.

Consider taking an uber to the Bonfire Memorial which is on the far northeast side of campus.
From there, you can walk more or less due South and pass through the Corps of Cadets Quad where all of the Corps dorms are based. (They just renovated the outdoor portion and are still trying to finish up some of the dorms).
From the Quad, head towards the stadium and you'll see the Corps of Cadets Center where you can spend an hour or so.
You can then head straight across the next street to Spence Park if you want to check out the tailgaiting, or head just right of the stadium and you can check out the MSC. It has a gift shop, more Aggie history, air conditioning, and plenty of restrooms.

March In is a don't miss. Should happen around an hour and a half prior to kick-off. As others have said, it is probably easier to watch them march to the stadium rather than entering the stadium that early. Good viewing area would be the street between Rudder Tower (right next to MSC) and the parking garage.

One other place to visit that I haven't seen mentioned is the Former Students Center located at the end of Spence Park. A 12 foot Aggie Ring is located outside the building. It might not be so hot by then, but they do have air conditioning and restrooms that are much preferred to the Spence Park port-o-potties. Also, on the second floor, they have the Aggie Ring collection showcasing a ring from every year and a lot of interactive exhibits that allow you to learn about a lot more Aggie traditions. In case you didn't realize, we are REALLY big on traditions and history here!

Keep in mind that A&M is a pretty big campus. Wear comfortable walking shoes, use sunscreen and hats, give yourself plenty of time, drink lots of water.... and don't be afraid to say hi and ask anyone that you see for info, directions, or advice. We'll take care of you.