The Cover 2 Austin Menu: A Deep Dive Into The Legendary Sports Bar’s Legacy And Where To Find Its Best Dishes Today
For dedicated Austin foodies and sports enthusiasts, the news is bittersweet: The iconic Cover 2 Austin location, a beloved fixture on Research Boulevard for over a decade, has officially closed its doors as of mid-2024. While the physical location is gone, the culinary legacy of the Cover 2 menu—known for its elevated sports bar fare and scratch-kitchen philosophy—lives on. This article serves as a tribute to the legendary dishes that defined the Cover 2 experience and, more importantly, a guide to where you can still savor the spirit of that menu today at its sister restaurants, Cover 3.
As of December 22, 2025, the most critical update for anyone searching for the "Cover 2 Austin menu" is the permanent closure of the North Austin establishment. However, the good news is that the core menu philosophy—combining a high-energy sports atmosphere with genuinely great food—is fully intact at the remaining Cover 3 locations in Austin (Anderson Lane) and Round Rock.
The Legacy of the Cover 2 Menu: Scratch Kitchen Favorites
Cover 2 was always more than just a place to watch the game; it was a destination for "better-than-average" sports bar food. The menu was built on the foundation of a scratch kitchen, ensuring that even classic pub staples were executed with a high level of quality and fresh ingredients. This commitment to elevated dining is what set the Cover 2 brand apart from typical sports bars in the Austin area.
The Essential Shareables and Appetizers
The Cover 2 menu excelled in its "Shareables" section, which was perfect for groups gathering to watch a game. These appetizers were designed to be satisfying, flavorful, and easy to pass around. Many of these items remain staples at Cover 3, preserving the original culinary vision.
- The Giant Pretzel: A colossal, soft pretzel served with house-made queso and mustard was a fan-favorite. This appetizer encapsulated the elevated pub food concept.
- Mongolian Pork Lettuce Wraps: A lighter, Asian-inspired option featuring savory pork and crisp lettuce cups, showcasing the menu's diverse range.
- Greek Island Calamari: Lightly fried calamari, a sophisticated starter that proved the kitchen was capable of more than just wings and burgers.
- Chipotle Ranch Fried Pickles: A Southern-fried classic with a spicy, smoky twist from the chipotle ranch dipping sauce.
Signature Salads and Entrees
Beyond the appetizers, the Cover 2 menu was famous for its hearty salads and well-executed main courses. These dishes demonstrated a commitment to full-service dining, not just quick bites. The inclusion of fresh, high-quality ingredients was a hallmark of the brand.
- The Allandale Salad: Known for being a customer favorite, this salad, often featuring a mix of greens, protein, and a unique dressing, is a perfect example of their focus on fresh, substantial options.
- Iceberg Wedge: A classic, simple salad elevated with heirloom tomatoes and quality bleu cheese dressing.
- The Beef Tenderloin Sliders: Often described as "French Dip Style" with onion jus and a creamy horseradish, these were a luxurious take on a simple slider, proving the kitchen's steakhouse-level capabilities.
- Karbach Crawford Bock Brined Wings: A testament to their scratch kitchen, these wings were brined for 24 hours in local Karbach beer, resulting in an incredibly tender and flavorful wing.
The Cover 2 Closure: The End of an Era
The closure of the Research Boulevard location was a significant event for the North Austin dining scene. After 13 years of operation, the establishment officially shut down, with reports citing a combination of factors, including a failed investment and general slow declines in business, particularly in late-night sales. The closure underscores the challenging environment for independent restaurants, even those with a strong local following and a quality product.
For regulars, the loss was palpable. Cover 2 was more than a restaurant; it was a community hub, a reliable spot for game days, and a consistent source of quality food. The vibrant atmosphere and attentive staff were frequently praised by patrons.
It is important to note that the closure was specific to the Cover 2 location. The sister concepts, operating under the name Cover 3, remain open and continue to serve the same high-quality, scratch-kitchen fare.
Where to Find the Spirit of the Cover 2 Menu Today: Cover 3
For those craving the dishes and atmosphere that Cover 2 was known for, the solution lies in visiting the thriving Cover 3 locations. The Cover 3 menu shares the same DNA as the former Cover 2, featuring many of the same signature dishes and the commitment to a "scratch kitchen" philosophy.
The Cover 3 Culinary Experience: A Continuation of Quality
The Cover 3 locations—specifically the ones on Anderson Lane in Austin and in Round Rock—offer a slightly more upscale yet equally comfortable environment. The menu is expansive, covering everything from brunch favorites to sophisticated dinner entrees, all while maintaining the sports bar element.
When you visit Cover 3, look for these menu categories to recapture the Cover 2 experience:
- Shareables: This section is where you will find the classic appetizers like the Giant Pretzel and Greek Island Calamari.
- Soups & Salads: The famous Allandale Salad and Iceberg Wedge are mainstays, perfect for a lighter yet satisfying meal. Other popular choices include the Chicken Chop Salad.
- Chef’s Plates: This is where the kitchen shines, offering elevated entrees such as the Gorgonzola butter-topped steak or the Chicken Fried Steak with green chile gravy, showing the depth of their culinary expertise.
- Brunch: While Cover 2 was known for its brunch, Cover 3 continues the tradition with favorites like Eggs Tournedos and a robust Bloody Mary bar.
The continuity in the menu ensures that patrons of the former Cover 2 can still enjoy the quality of the food they remember. The Cover 3 brand has successfully maintained the standard of excellence that made its predecessor a local legend.
Topical Authority: The Austin Sports Bar Scene and Elevated Dining
The story of Cover 2 and its transition to Cover 3 reflects a broader trend in the Austin dining scene: the demand for elevated, quality food in casual settings. Austin sports bars are no longer just serving frozen wings and microwaved nachos; they are expected to deliver a genuine culinary experience. The Cover 2/Cover 3 brand was a pioneer in this movement, proving that high-quality, scratch-made food could coexist with a vibrant sports-watching atmosphere.
The success of the remaining Cover 3 locations demonstrates that the market for this type of establishment is strong. They cater to a sophisticated clientele that values both the game and the meal equally. Whether you are looking for a satisfying Beef Tenderloin Slider or a perfectly executed Iceberg Wedge, the menu at Cover 3 carries the torch for what Cover 2 started: a commitment to great food, great service, and a great place to watch the game.
If you were a fan of the Cover 2 Austin menu, your next stop should be the Anderson Lane or Round Rock Cover 3 to experience the same culinary excellence in a welcoming environment. The legacy of those legendary dishes is alive and well.
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