Welcome to Auburn University, home of the Tigers! If you’re heading to town to catch a 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: Hugh Freeze
- Stadium: Jordan-Hare Stadium
- 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 accommodations surrounding the Auburn University campus, but as an excellent starting point, these options come highly recommended.
The Collegiate Hotel
205 South Gay Street, Auburn, AL 36830 • (334) 821-2646
The Collegiate Hotel serves as Auburn’s sole historic boutique hotel, and with only 40 rooms, it can book up quickly, so be sure to reserve ahead of time. It also has a rooftop bar where you can sip on a cocktail while soaking in the scenes of life on campus.
The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center
241 South College Street, Auburn, AL 36830 • (800) 228-2876
The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center is centrally located on Auburn’s campus, so expect to see the onsite bar bustling on game day!
The Laurel Hotel & Spa
130 E Thach Ave, Auburn, AL 36830 • (833) 950-1819
Opening on August 29, 2022, The Laurel Hotel & Spa is part of Auburn’s Culinary Science Center and boasts 26 luxurious rooms and suites. This hotel promises to serve both guests and students as part of Auburn’s highly regarded Hospitality Management program. It’s also conveniently located near some of Auburn’s most popular attractions. We’ll be featuring this hotel in depth in the near future, but for now, know that this is the hot new place to stay!
SB Insider Tip: Auburn hotels can book up fast for game weekends. Many find that the hotels in Opelika, just one exit further down the highway, like the La Quinta and the Marriott Resort Hotel and Spa, are good options that can be a bit more affordable and available.
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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.
ACRE
210 East Glenn Avenue, Auburn, AL 36830 • (334) 246-3763
A rotating daily menu that features fresh, locally sourced produce makes ACRE stand out among other local restaurants. Chef David Bancroft was a semi-finalist for Best Chef: South by the James Beard Foundation.
Amsterdam Cafe
410 South Gay Street, Auburn, AL 36830 • (334) 826-8181
Situated within walking distance of the campus, Amsterdam Cafe is inspired by Van Gogh and serves lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch.
Bow and Arrow
1977 E Samford Ave, Auburn, AL 36830 • (334) 246-2546
Also from the team behind Acre, Bow and Arrow takes a delicious twist on a South Texas smokehouse. They don’t take reservations, but the line is worth the wait!
Hamilton’s on Magnolia
174 East Magnolia Avenue, Auburn, AL 36830 • (334) 887-2677
Hamilton’s on Magnolia is located in the heart of historic downtown Auburn. The neighborhood eatery offers everything from appetizers to salads and sandwiches. The best part? Every dish is prepared daily and presented in a unique fashion.
Lucy’s
2300 Moores Mill Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 • (334) 521-0391
One of the most highly rated restaurants in Auburn, Lucy’s is known for their Sunday-only fried chicken and their everyday farm-fresh meals. We highly recommend getting some oysters to start! And, tailgaters, be sure to check out their tailgating packages!
Moe’s Original BBQ
125 East Magnolia Avenue, Auburn, AL 36830 • (334) 821-1430
Hit up Moe’s Original BBQ if you’re craving some Alabama-style barbecue. They cater, too, so consider using them for your next tailgate.
Mrs. Story’s Dairy Bar
1900 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801 • (334) 749-1719
Mrs. Story’s Dairy Bar is frequented by locals and visitors alike for an old-fashioned hotdog and milkshake fix. There’s nothing fancy about it, but it sure is good, and definitely hits the spot after a game.
The Hound
124 Tichenor Avenue, Auburn, AL 36830 • (334) 246-3300
Serving up “bacon and bourbon” in a hunting lodge-style setting, The Hound has become an Auburn staple.
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BARS IN AUBURN
If you’re in the market for a pre- or post-game drink, here are a few hotspots to check out — equally well-suited to celebrating or drowning your sorrows.
17-16
156 East Magnolia Avenue, Auburn, AL 36830 • (334) 826-1211
Named after an Auburn win over Alabama (17 to 16) in 1972, it’s likely you’ll run into another fan or two while stopping at 17-16 for a drink. The local hotspot offers drink specials, pool tables, live music, and a back patio.
Avondale Bar & Tap Room
106 North College Street, Auburn, AL 36830
If craft beer and cocktails are more your speed, consider a trip to Avondale Bar & Tap Room. Be sure to stop in during cocktail hours (Monday through Friday until 8 p.m.) for $3 off spirited glasses, $2 off draught pints, and $1 off fruit of the vine and bottled or capped beer.
Piccolo 241 Jazz & Cocktails
241 South College Street, Auburn, AL 36830 • (334) 844-5140
As Auburn and Opelika’s “only true jazz lounge,” Piccolo 241 offers a one-of-a-kind experience. The premier jazz and cocktail lounge is located in The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center and boasts some of the area’s best wine offerings.
SkyBar Café
136 West Magnolia Avenue, Auburn, AL 36830 • (334) 821-4001
From live music to karaoke and drink specials, you’re sure to have a good time at SkyBar Café. This local hotspot features a dance floor and rooftop patio.
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WHERE TO TAILGATE IN AUBURN
Fans set up tents all around the stadium, and people typically choose to grill out or eat from the food trucks around campus. But if you’re looking for a fancier setup with full-service tents featuring TVs and fans, you can purchase a package through Tailgate Guys, so all you have to do is show up.
SB TIP: Non-reserved tailgating sections go quickly, so get there early on Friday to claim your spot!
War Eagle!
Click HERE for the complete SEC City Guide!
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