At Banger’s, bigger is better. That translates to one of the largest patios in Austin, mimosas served by the liter, and a tap wall with over 200 beers on draft. It all seems excessive, until you show up on a Saturday afternoon and realize that they’re using every bit of that space, while pouring enough beers to fill a small swimming pool. This is Bachelor Party Central, but unlike a lot of spots that serve primarily as a venue for rowdy parties, the food is actually good here, and it’s difficult to leave without having a great time. 

The menu is made up mostly of classic German drinking food—like bratwurst, potato salad, and giant pretzels—but there are also plenty of things like poutine, boudin balls, and fried pickle spears (with house-made pickles) that are easy to share and pair equally-well with an ice cold stein. And if you want your sausage with an adventurous twist, they have almost a dozen varieties, made with everything from duck and fig, to brown sugar, chicken, and apple. There’s even a “woofwurst” you can order for your dog  after they’re done playing with the other pups in the large, fenced-in dog park. 

Show up on the weekends, and you’ll unlock their brunch menu that also adds in things like whole smoked hogs and the infamous “manmosa”—a full bottle of champagne with a splash of orange juice, all served in a glass for one. And all of this is set to the soundtrack of a live brass band, glasses clinking, and a loud “prost” in unison. Banger’s is one of the most fun spots in Austin to come with a big group and sit on a patio—bachelor party, or otherwise—and it’ll likely be one of the best times you’ll have on Rainey Street. 

photo credit: David Douglass