Reviewed by: Sharron Swain
Your guide to the perfect tailgate in Auburn—food, drinks + where to watch the game
This weekend kicks off football season in Auburn and you know what that means… tailgate season. From the food for your tailgate spread to game day cocktails and the best spots to catch the game, here is your ultimate guide to the perfect tailgate on the Plains.
6 of our favorite tailgate eats
1. Bow and Arrow
Bow and Arrow is always one of my go-to restaurants in Auburn. The Lonestar Platter is the perfect choice for game day—half a pound all meats, a large size of all sides, white bread, flour tortillas, Memaw’s éclair and banana pudding.
- Location: 1977 E Samford Ave, Auburn, AL 36830
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11AM–9PM | Sunday 10AM–2PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
2. Jim ‘N Nicks
Jim ‘N Nicks has all the items for a classic tailgate. You can’t go wrong with anything on their menu, but we recommend the chicken tenders and cheese biscuits.
- Location: 1920 S College St, Auburn, AL 36832
- Hours: Daily 11AM–8:30PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
3. Birdie’s Cup and Saucer
Birdie’s has anything you could want for your party—from heat & serve casseroles to sides and salads. The ham and pimento cheese sliders are always a crowd pleaser.
- Location: 555 Opelika Rd #4, Auburn, AL 36830
- Hours: Monday-Thursday 10AM–6PM | Friday 10AM–5:30PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
4. Chappy’s Deli
Chappy’s is an iconic Auburn spot. You’ll have the most popular tailgate in town with their sandwich platters.
- Location: 754 E Glenn Ave, Auburn, AL 36832
- Hours: Monday-Friday 6AM–8PM | Saturday 6AM–4PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
5. Full Moon BBQ
Throw the ultimate tailgate this year with Full Moon. They have a delicious Alabama White BBQ sauce, in addition to all the classic BBQ sides. We’re talking mac and cheese, slaw, potato salad and more.
- Location: 2494 Enterprise Dr, Opelika, AL 36801
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:30AM–9:30PM | Sunday 11AM–8:30PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
6. Cakeitecture Bakery
Who could resist cookies as cute as these? Good news—Cakeitecture will have their new truck outside of Jordan Hare at every home game this season, so you can have these yummy cookies at your tailgate every week.
- Location: 124 S 8th St, Opelika, AL 36801
- Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10AM–5PM | Saturday 10AM–3PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
Auburn themed drinks to celebrate
What better way to kick off the football season than an Auburn themed cocktail? We’ve rounded up five of the best in town:
- Toomertini at The Collegiate: honeysuckle vodka, fresh lemon juice, Washington Riesling and a blue and orange sugar rim
- Weagle Water at Niffers: Captain Morgan, Malibu, blue curaçao, pineapple and club soda
- Eagle’s Nest at Live Oaks: Honeysuckle and mango vodkas, fresh lime and cranberry
- Aubie Palmer at Acre: sweet tea, Elderflower tonic, lemon juice and honey
- Plainsman Punch at Hamilton’s: Captain Morgan, Bacardi Superior, Malibu Rum, pineapple juice, and grenadine
Where to watch the game
For those who would rather sit down at a restaurant or bar to watch the game, here are a few of our favorite places to do just that:
How will you be celebrating Auburn’s first game day? Tag @thebamabuzz and let us know!