Auburn, AL: Where to Eat, Sleep & Tailgate
Planning a trip to Auburn for an Auburn University football game? We've got your game weekend covered with tips on where to stay, eat, drink, and tailgate! Image: Facebook / Auburn University
Welcome to Auburn University, home of the Tigers! If you’re heading to town to catch an Auburn football game, here’s what you need to know about where to stay, eat, drink, and tailgate. First, a few key facts:
- SEC Team: Auburn University Tigers
- Coach: Alex Golesh
- Stadium: Jordan-Hare Stadium
- 2026 Schedule: auburntigers.com
- Fun Fact: Auburn is one of the SEC’s 10 founding members still in the conference.
WHERE TO STAY IN AUBURN
There are plenty of lovely stays near the Auburn University campus, but these highly recommended options are a great place to start.
The Collegiate Hotel
205 S Gay St, Auburn, AL 36830 • (334) 821-2646
The Collegiate Hotel is downtown Auburn’s only independent boutique hotel, with 40 beautifully designed rooms steps from campus. The property also has two bars, including the city’s original rooftop bar, where craft cocktails come with panoramic views of Samford Hall. Booking ahead, especially on game weekends, is a smart move.
Graduate by Hilton Auburn, AL
202 W Magnolia Ave, Auburn, Alabama, 36830 • (334) 752-4100
Just half a mile from Jordan-Hare Stadium, Graduate by Hilton Auburn pairs playful, Auburn-inspired interiors with a location steps from campus. Guests can grab coffee at Bo Jackson’s Beans or head upstairs to the reimagined War Eagle Supper Club for dinner, drinks, weekend brunch, and campus views from the rooftop.
The Hotel at Auburn University
241 S College St, Auburn, AL 36830 • (800) 228-2876
Located centrally on campus, The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center is a AAA Four-Diamond stay in the heart of the action. Guests can dine at Ariccia Cucina Italiana or grab a game-day drink at Piccolo 241, the hotel’s lively jazz lounge.
The Laurel Hotel & Spa
130 E Thach Ave, Auburn, AL 36830 • (833) 950-1819
Set within Auburn’s Culinary Science Center, The Laurel Hotel & Spa is Alabama’s first AAA Five Diamond hotel, with 26 luxurious rooms and suites. Guests can enjoy a full-service spa, rooftop infinity pool and cabanas, cocktails and tapas at Walt’s on the Roof, and easy access to campus just across from Samford Hall.
SB Tip: Auburn hotels can book up quickly on game weekends, so nearby Opelika — just one exit down the highway — is worth considering. Options like La Quinta Inn and the Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National may have more availability and, in some cases, better rates.
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WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN AUBURN
If you’re looking for a bite to eat ahead of the game, or perhaps items to pick up for your tailgate, here are some of your best bets located near campus.
1856
205 S College St, Auburn, AL 36830 • (334) 249-4275
Located inside Auburn’s Culinary Science Center, 1856 Culinary Residence is an upscale teaching restaurant where hospitality students work alongside Chef in Residence Joël Antunes on seasonal, farm-to-table menus. In 2025, it became Auburn’s first MICHELIN Guide-recommended restaurant — and the first teaching restaurant in the U.S. to earn the distinction.
ACRE
210 E Glenn Ave, Auburn, AL 36830 • (334) 246-3763
ACRE serves seasonal Southern fare sourced from its on-site gardens and orchards, local farms, and regional producers. Its kitchen is led by Chef David Bancroft, a five-time James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: South.
Amsterdam Cafe
410 S Gay St, Auburn, AL 36830 • (334) 826-8181
An Auburn favorite since 1991, Amsterdam Cafe serves lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch from its original South Gay Street location, with additional fast-casual outposts in North Auburn and Moores Mill. Its longtime local following makes it an easy pick for a meal near campus.
Botanic
1702 Frederick Rd, Opelika, AL 36801 • (334) 748-9082
Set amid lush gardens in nearby Opelika, Botanic gives a farm-to-table take on Southern dining, with locally sourced ingredients at The Grille, casual lunch at The Garden, and coffee, pastries, and grab-and-go fare at The Market.
Breve Lounge
154 N College St, Auburn, AL 36830 • (334) 728-7783
Breve blends the atmosphere of a night out with the comfort of a café, serving coffee, desserts, and creative mocktails downtown. Open late on Fridays and Saturdays, it’s an easy alcohol-free stop for a sweet treat or post-game nightcap.
Bow & Arrow
1977 E Samford Ave, Auburn, AL 36830 • (334) 246-2546
From the team behind ACRE, Bow & Arrow blends Alabama barbecue with South Texas smokehouse flavors, from slow-smoked meats to tacos and enchiladas. It doesn’t take reservations, but online ordering and a to-go window make things easier on busy gameday weekends.
Hamilton’s on Magnolia
174 E Magnolia Ave, Auburn, AL 36830 • (334) 887-2677
Just one block from Toomer’s Corner, Hamilton’s on Magnolia is a perennial downtown favorite serving contemporary American fare in a casual setting, with patio dining, weekly live music, and rotating drink and dinner specials.
Lucy’s
2300 Moores Mill Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 • (334) 521-0391
Lucy’s is a modern American eatery known for locally sourced dishes, shareable plates, oysters, and creative cocktails. Serving weekend brunch and dinner nightly, it’s an Auburn favorite for everything from a casual bite to a celebratory meal.
Moe’s Original BBQ
125 E Magnolia Ave, Auburn, AL 36830 • (334) 821-1430
Head to Moe’s Original BBQ if you’re craving authentic Alabama-style barbecue and Southern sides. They also cater — perfect for your next tailgate!
Mrs. Story’s Dairy Bar
1900 Pepperell Pkwy, Opelika, AL 36801 • (334) 749-1719
An Auburn-Opelika tradition since 1952, Mrs. Story’s Dairy Bar is an old-school walk-up beloved for its homemade chili dogs, soft-serve, and milkshakes. It’s simple, nostalgic, and especially satisfying after a long game day.
Olivine
146 N Gay St, Auburn, AL 36830 • (334) 539-9200
Perched above downtown at AC Hotel Auburn, Olivine serves wood-fired Italian fare inspired by Campania, blending Neapolitan traditions with Alabama ingredients. The rooftop setting, weekend brunch, and late-night bar make it an especially stylish stop for game weekend.
Piedmont on Piedmont
1007 Ave B, Opelika, AL 36801 • (334) 610-1477
Located in nearby downtown Opelika, Piedmont on Piedmont pairs handmade pasta and Piemonte-inspired Italian fare with thoughtfully selected wines and handcrafted cocktails in a cozy, intimate setting.
The Depot
124 Mitcham Ave, Auburn, AL 36830 • (334) 521-5177
Set in Auburn’s historic former train depot, The Depot is a Gulf Coast-inspired brasserie serving fresh seafood with Southern and global influences. Pair your meal with a craft cocktail, local beer, or a selection from its award-winning wine list.
The Hound
124 Tichenor Ave, Auburn, AL 36830 • (334) 246-3300
The Hound serves inventive, approachable American fare alongside an extensive bourbon and craft beer selection. Its rustic, hunting lodge-inspired setting makes it a favorite for brunch, dinner, and game-day gatherings.
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BARS IN AUBURN
If you’re in the market for a pre- or post-game drink, these hotspots are equally suited to celebrating a win or drowning your sorrows.
17-16
156 E Magnolia Ave, Auburn, AL 36830 • (334) 826-1211
Named for Auburn’s legendary 17–16 win over Alabama in 1972, 17-16 is an enduring local bar with drink specials, pool tables, live music, and a back patio — plus plenty of fellow fans on game weekends.
Auburn Plaza Bar & Lounge
1800 Opelika Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 • (334) 521-0074
From the team behind Waverly Local, Auburn Plaza Bar & Lounge offers a laid-back spot for cocktails, casual bites, and live music in Midtown Auburn. Its outdoor patio and family-friendly atmosphere make it an easy stop before or after game-day festivities.
Avondale Bar & Tap Room
106 N College St, Auburn, AL 36830
Tucked above downtown Auburn, The Avondale Bar & Tap Room offers a more polished take on the college-town watering hole, with craft cocktails, draft beer, and a cozy, speakeasy-inspired atmosphere. It’s a laid-back spot to settle in before or after the game.
Bunkers
250 W Glenn Ave, Auburn, AL 36830 • 334-752-7005
Located downtown, Bunkers is a lively sports bar and social club with 25 screens, three full bars, a scratch kitchen, live music, and six golf mini suites with simulators for working on your swing between rounds. Stop by on game day to catch the action with a drink in hand.
John Emerald Distilling Company
706 N Railroad Ave, Opelika, AL 36801 • (334) 294-6505
Opelika’s John Emerald Distilling Company is a family-owned craft distillery producing small-batch whiskey, gin, rum, and vodka. Stop by the tasting room for a cocktail or book a distillery tour with guided tastings.
Piccolo 241 Jazz & Cocktails
241 S College St, Auburn, AL 36830 • (334) 844-5140
As Auburn and Opelika’s “only true jazz lounge,” Piccolo 241 is located inside The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center and is an intimate spot for live music, cocktails, and an impressive wine selection.
Santé
113 S 9th St, Opelika, AL 36801 • (334) 744-6622
Santé is a stylish wine bar and retail shop in historic downtown Opelika offering sommelier-curated wines by the glass and bottle, plus craft cocktails, beer, and small plates. Wine lovers can also check the calendar for ticketed tastings and other special events.
Session Cocktails
157 E Magnolia Ave, Auburn, AL 36830 • (334) 707-2939
In the heart of downtown Auburn, the chic Session Cocktails serves modern classics and creative cocktails made with premium spirits and house-made syrups. Stop by for happy hour or weekly trivia and bingo.
SkyBar Café
136 W Magnolia Ave, Auburn, AL 36830 • (334) 821-4001
An Auburn nightlife staple, SkyBar Café is a high-energy, multi-level bar known for live music, drinks, and plenty of indoor and outdoor space. Just off Toomer’s Corner, it’s an especially lively stop on game weekends.
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WHERE TO TAILGATE IN AUBURN
Auburn tailgating kicks off at 4 p.m. on Fridays before home games, with popular spots spanning campus, the Hayfield Lot, and premium hospitality areas. Larger tents may require permits, so it’s worth reviewing campus guidelines before setting up.
For a more hands-off game day, REVELxp offers reserved, full-service tailgating with tents, tables, chairs, catering coordination, parking, and even ticket packages — all just a short walk from the stadium.
War Eagle!
Click HERE for the complete SEC City Guide!
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