Bryan, TX: Where to Eat, Sleep, and Tailgate
Heading to Bryan-College Station for a Texas A&M football game? We've got your weekend handled with tips on where to stay, eat, drink, and tailgate! Image: Texas A&M Athletics
Welcome to Bryan, the home of the Texas A&M Aggies! If you are planning a weekend trip to these sister cities to catch a Texas A&M game, hereβs what you need to know about where to stay, eat, drink, and tailgate. First, a few key facts:
- SEC Team: Texas A&M Aggies
- Coach: Mike Elko
- Stadium: Kyle Field
- 2026 Schedule: 12thman.com
- Fun fact: Since 1894, Texas A&M has employed 27 head coaches
WHERE TO STAY
Bryan offers plenty of accommodation options, each uniquely appointed and conveniently located near all the Aggie action.
The Stella Hotel
4100 Lake Atlas Dr., Bryan, TX 77807 β’ (979) 421-4000
Located on Bryanβs Lake Walk, The Stella Hotel is a modern and luxurious option within Marriottβs Autograph Collection. The amenity-rich rooms and suites have balconies and soaking tubs, a gym and outdoor pool, and four onsite restaurants for fueling up before heading four miles to the football game at Kyle Field.
Fun fact: The Stella was the first independent full-service hotel in Bryan and was recently voted one of the top three hotels in Texas.
The LaSalle Hotel
120 S. Main St., Bryan, TX 77803 β’ (979) 822-2000
The historic LaSalle Hotel, constructed in 1866, has stood the test of time as a cherished testament to Bryanβs spirit. Now, the hotel is part of the Marriott Tribute Portfolio. Relax in one of the newly renovated guest rooms or luxury suites with artful touches of vintage design and downtown views. Dine and unwind on-site at Station 36 restaurant or the Boiler Room speakeasy.
Milton Parker Estate Bed & Breakfast
200 S. Congress, Bryan, TX 77803 β’ (979) 779-7171
Built in 1885 by Milton Parker and his wife, Molly, this historic mansion has stood just a few blocks from Downtown Bryan through much of the communityβs storied past. Today, the Milton Parker Estate Bed & Breakfast is a beautifully restored example of Victorian architecture in Texas.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
Simply put, Bryan is a foodie city. You wonβt have to wander far or look hard for memorable cuisine, whether dining in or picking up items for your tailgate. Think Texas barbecue, international fare, and all-American menus with Tex-Mex flair. Leave the corporate chain eateries behind and bring your appetite for authentic experiences!
The Proudest Monkey
108 S. Main St., Bryan, TX 77803 β’ (979) 361-4777
For late-night burgers and over-the-top tacos, head to The Proudest Monkey, which stays open until midnight. Each booth has its own TV, so you can tune in and cheer on all your favorite teams.
Elia CafΓ© Tapas Bar
202 South Bryan Avenue, Bryan, TX 77803 β’ (979) 485-5595
Located downtown, Elia is a charming Spanish eatery featuring impressive Spanish dishes in an elegant historic building. With authentic entrΓ©es, including paella, empanadas, and scrumptious tapas to share with the table, itβs great for celebrating a game win or a special occasion.
Chicken Oil Company
3600 South College Ave., Bryan, TX 77801 β’ (979) 846-3306
The Dixie Chickenβs sister restaurant, Chicken Oil Co., is a community favorite with a patio and spacious inside seating area. This Aggieland staple has been around since 1977, serving up burgers, salads, chicken-fried steaks, and their famous Tijuana fries.
C&J Barbecue
2112 W. Briargate Rd., Bryan, TX 77803 β’ (979) 822-6033
You are in the right place at C&J Barbecue, where more than 2,200 pounds of barbecue are smoked between its three locations in Bryan. Order the Aggie Special with a half-pound of brisket, a quarter-pound of sausage, a block of cheese, an onion, a pickle spear, and bread!
Polite Coffee Roasters
800 S. Bryan Ave., Bryan, TX 77803 β’ (979) 775-8375
Jump-start your morning at Polite Coffee Roasters in the beautiful and historic Kyle House downtown. Known as a βBryan Legend,β this go-to also offers pastries and fresh-baked kolaches.
Taqueria Poblana
3200 Boonville Rd., Bryan, TX 77802 β’ (979) 321-8344
Another Bryan Legend, Taqueria Poblana, is famous for its tacos al pastor cooked the traditional way and sliced fresh off the trompo. Chile relleno, pollo guisado, and mole are other specialties on offer. Taqueria Poblana is just one of dozens of Mexican restaurants on the Bryan Taco Trail, a free digital passport that lets you earn points and win prizes!
The Remnant of Nawlins
1416 Groesbeck St., Bryan, TX 77803 β’ (979) 218-3362
After a long night of celebrating, The Remnant of Nawlins is just the ticket for comforting Cajun cuisine and a homey vibe. Roll up your sleeves for steaming bowls of gumbo, dirty rice, shrimp boils, poβ boys, and cold beer.
Messina Hof Winery and Vintage House Restaurant
4545 Old Reliance Road, Bryan, TX 77808 β’Β (979) 778-9463
Messina Hof has pioneered the growth of the Texas wine industry since 1977. If youβre looking to get off the beaten path, consider fine dining at the Vintage House Restaurant, charming overnight stays at The Villa Bed & Breakfast on the property, and grape-to-glass vineyard tours.
LOCAL BARS
If youβre thirsty for a pre- or post-game drink, here are a few popular game day spots to check out β equally well-suited to celebrating or drowning your sorrows.
Hush & Whisper Distillery Co.
219 N. Main St., Bryan, TX 77803 β’ (979) 393-9300
Looking for a more elevated bar experience? Head downtown to Hush & Whisper and enjoy a specialty cocktail. Housed in the historic Varisco building, anticipate an extraordinary space with soaring industrial ceilings, a swanky bar, and Murano chandeliers dangling over tasting tables.
Carneyβs Pub & Grill
3410 South College Ave., Bryan, TX 77801 β’ (979) 823-1294
Carneyβs Pub & Grill serves up craft beers, cocktails, tacos, burgers, and more! It boasts more than 50 beers on tap and has the largest outdoor TV screen in Bryan, Texas. Thereβs plenty of room to sit on the patio, along with pool tables inside and an outdoor area for the kids to play. Bonus? Itβs also part of the Bryan Taco Trail.
Murphyβs Law Pub
107 N. Main St., Bryan, TX 77803 β’ (979) 775-4014
This authentic Irish pub is a short stroll from where the free game day shuttle drops off in Historic Downtown. At Murphyβs Law, youβll experience a chill vibe with board games, movie nights, live music, occasional comedy nights, and Guinness!
GAME DAY TIPS
Downtown Bryan Gameday Shuttle
200 E. 27th St., Bryan, TX 77803
Aggie fans can take the free Downtown Bryan Gameday Shuttle to Kyle Field stadium on the Texas A&M University Campus in College Station. On event days, the shuttle runs from the Roy Kelly Parking Garage in Downtown Bryan to the Memorial Student Center (MSC), just a short walk from Kyle Field. The shuttle buses run on a continuous loop three hours pre-game, throughout the game, and one hour post-game to and from the Roy Kelly Parking Garage.
Gameday on Main
Downtown, Bryan, TX.
Football season means one thing in Downtown Bryan: game day, all day! Head to Gameday on Main and catch the college football at The Palace theater, all day long every Saturday. On home game weekends Downtown Bryan is the best spot for your whole game day, before kickoff and long after an Aggie win, with top-rated bars and restaurants all within walking distance. Convenient parking and the free Gameday Shuttle make it easy to enjoy gameday without the hassle.
WHERE TO TAILGATE
- Reed Arena (west of the stadium)
- Simpson Drill Field (north of the stadium)
- Aggie Park (east of the stadium)
Gig βem!
ClickΒ HEREΒ for the complete SEC City Guide!
**********
This article contains hotel affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links.
Robin Barr Sussman
Native Houstonian Robin Barr Sussman is a veteran culinary, wine and travel writer who studied at The Culinary Institute of America, Greystone, Calif. Before her writing career, as a chef for California wineries, her specialty was food and wine pairing. When she's not checking out the lastest restaurant openings in Texas, she's scouring a farmers market or planting herbs in her garden.