Exciting New Sports Bar Opening in East Austin
East Austin is gearing up for a fresh addition to its vibrant nightlife as the WTF Sporting Club prepares to open its doors on September 6. Taking over the spacious location at 1501 E. 7th St., previously home to Easy Tiger, this new sporting club promises to blend the traditional sports bar experience with a touch of elegance.
Revival After Closures
Easy Tiger quietly closed its East Austin venue back in April 2024, citing difficulties from weather conditions and rising operational costs. The massive building, which occupies nearly a full city block, has since been under the eye of locals curious about its future. “Built-out restaurant [and] patio coming soon” has been the teaser on the real estate sign outside the empty lot.
The WTF Sporting Club is not just another typical sports bar; it’s the second location from the team behind the successful WTF Icehouse on West Sixth Street. Infusing elements from their icehouse, they are excited about how this new spot will feel, according to co-owner Habib Bakshi, who describes it as “a little more fancy and fun.”
Blending Styles for a Unique Experience
Inside the club, guests can expect the usual sports bar features like big-screen TVs, but with a twist of luxury. The decor will include warm lighting, ornate rugs, and even chandeliers with greenery cascading from the ceiling. The adjoining patio, designed for a bustling crowd, offers a more casual sporting atmosphere, featuring a turf lawn, an entertainment deck, and an outdoor bar.
Despite the differences in atmosphere, Bakshi emphasizes that the overall feeling of the space is intended to be cohesive and inviting. Unlike the previous layout at Easy Tiger that required a long walk between different areas, WTF Sporting Club is designed for a seamless experience.
Culinary Offerings and Entertainment
The food and drink menu looks equally enticing, combining classic sports bar favorites like wings and burgers with unique items such as Bao Bun Flights. Signature cocktails like prickly pear margaritas and espresso martinis are expected to be crowd-pleasers.
In addition to broadcasting major sports events, WTF Sporting Club promises a variety of entertainment options, including live music, DJs, and even arcade games. There are also plans to incorporate recreational sports like volleyball and pickleball into the mix, defining the venue as a multifaceted entertainment hub.
Key Details and Operating Hours
WTF Sporting Club will operate from 4 PM to 2 AM on weekdays and 11 AM to 2 AM on weekends, with a happy hour from 4 to 6 PM on weekdays. The space aims to provide a lively environment, making it the ideal place to catch a game or enjoy a night out with friends.
Food Scene Updates in Austin
As WTF Sporting Club prepares for its grand opening, other notable changes are also happening in the Austin food scene. A new farm-to-table restaurant is starting to make waves, along with the opening of Snarf’s Sandwiches, a new sandwich spot targeting students in the area.
A special pop-up at the Old Coyote Cafe in Cedar Creek promises fresh, organic ingredients straight from its own farm, while Garbo’s continues to tempt locals with their unique Hatch chile lobster roll this season.
Meanwhile, Frankie’s Supper Club and Hooniecakes are also bringing excitement with their revamped dining experiences and unique dessert offerings.
With WTF Sporting Club on the horizon and a range of restaurant openings in the area, East Austin is shaping up to be a lively spot for food and sports enthusiasts alike.
