There’s nothing quite like football season in Texas. Yes, there’s the excitement of Friday Night Lights and Saturday Morning Showdowns, but we want to talk about the tradition that every fan loves: the tailgate.

At Goodstock by Nolan Ryan, we’re no strangers to rolling the grill off the truck and firing up some patties for our friends or starting that smoker the night before and having an amazing brisket ready for kickoff, but sometimes you don’t want to worry about cooking for everyone.

Lucky for you, we’ve got a rundown of go-to spots in each big football city. From Longhorns and Aggies to Horned Frogs, Cougars, and Mustangs, check out the list below and you might just become the next tailgate hero.

Austin

  • SLAB BBQ– If you’re going to a Longhorns game in Austin, check out SLAB BBQ. After getting their start as a food truck near the UT campus, the guys at SLAB now specialize in catering with tailgate-friendly BBQ sandwiches that will take you straight to Flavortown. Get your catering orders in ahead for pickup or delivery or sit down for full-service while you watch the game.
  • Lambert’s– Right in the heart of bustling 2nd Street, Lamberts brings slow smoked BBQ, modern Texas cooking, and fun laid back atmosphere together in a way that is uniquely Austin. They provide elevated BBQ catering and dine-in services, and you might even run into one of their owners at one of the many legendary UT tailgates!

College Station

  • 1775 Texas Pit BBQ– A place that’s as committed to making a great tailgate as they are a perfect brisket is 1775 Texas Pit BBQ. Outside of their dedication to their craft (and an Aggie-themed setup) this Texas Monthly recommended joint will even deliver your meat, sides, drinks, plates, and silverware right to you in the parking lot!
  • Southside Market & Barbeque– If you’re making your way into town for a game at Kyle Field, a must-stop for lunch is Southside Market & Barbeque in Elgin. Led by proud Aggie alum Bryan Bracewell, this Texas barbeque institution offers plates, sandwiches, and even a chopped brisket baked potato worthy of any tailgate big or small. And if you live near any of their locations, they’ll drop your order off for you just in time for the game.

Dallas

  • Slow Bone– It doesn’t matter if you’ve got the early game or you’re under the lights—if you’re in Dallas and looking for the best brisket, Slow Bone’s got you covered. Order-ahead brisket tacos make showing up early even easier, and smoked brisket plates or sandwiches will make for a classic, memorable tailgate.
  • Chop House Burger– If you’ve got burgers on the brain, add Chop House to your list of caterers. With a variety of delicious Angus burgers, and the option of a burger bar or individual lunch boxes, there’s something for everyone at your tailgate.

Fort Worth

  • Tommy’s Hamburger Grill & Patio– What better way to tailgate Horned Frog games than with award-winning burgers from a TCU alum? Tommy’s Hamburger Grill & Patio is less than 2 miles away from campus and has a great setup if you’re looking to watch the game indoors instead. Kelly, Tommy’s owner, has been tailgating for 25 years, so you might just learn a thing or two!
  • Patriotic Pig– Getting their start as a catering business in 2016, the Patriotic Pig knows how to set up the perfect tailgate. Their classic “BBQ Buffet” packages make sure that everyone at your party leaves full and happy. And, now that football is back, make sure you order their Football Party Pack – you’ll find some Goodstock Prime Brisket in there that will keep people coming back for more!

Houston

  • Dozier’s Barbeque– Houston staple Dozier’s has been cooking up award-winning BBQ since 1957, so they’ve seen a thing or two when it comes to prepping a tailgate. But, if you’re looking to catch the game inside, we’d suggest their Saturday special, the Grilled Cheese & Brisket Sandwich.
  • McKenzie’s Barbeque & Burgers– In the Houston area for nearly 30 years, McKenzie’s offers a variety of BBQ and burger options perfect for watching the game with family and friends. Not only can you order brisket platters to your heart’s content—they’ll drop the order off right to your door! And if your game is on before lunch, head to their Conroe location for some Goodstock Brisket Tacos.