Taste of the Game: Ole Miss vs. Texas A&M in College Station

Commentary by HottyToddy.com contributor Lee Ann Herring Olvedo
I can’t believe we are ready back again for another week of football. I’m sure we are all still coming down from the high of last weekend’s Magnolia Miracle to say the least.
Well, it’s back on the road to see if the Rebels can keep the streak alive as they return to my home state of Texas to take on those good ole Texas A&M Aggies. If you have ever been to Bryan-College Station, you know that the aesthetics are real and intimidating at Kyle Field. However, in true Texas spirit, you will always find great music, food and brews that you’ll love.
Note to self — Rebel fans heading down to College Station: It’s a little different kind of party than we are used to, but don’t judge a book by its cover —  you’ll have a grand ole time.
The best places down there to enjoy a good taste before or after the game are the bar/restaurants combos. You will catch most of the game-day action down in the Northgate district on Saturday. Rebels, you will kind of feel like you might be in Starkville, and I apologize in advance for that, but it definitely is a much better atmosphere than STATE — especially with Texans around instead of cowbells!
Without hesitation I had to go with the Dixie Chicken or “The Chicken” as the locals like to call it. It’s a staple for Texas A&M and serves nothing fancy along with great Texas hospitality. This is just a good old-fashioned watering hole that apparently claims it serves the most beer per square foot than any bar in the U.S. What’s not to like about that Rebel Nation?

Like I said, there is nothing fancy about this place but it is a guaranteed good time. So what you’ll find is fair-priced bar food and brews wall-to-wall. Make sure to try out the patty melt with the Tijuana fries and a pitcher of Shinerbock to wash it down while you sit on the back porch and enjoy some local lore from the alum. Be on the lookout — you might run into a few former presidents or hear the musical stylings of Robert Earl Keen or Lyle Lovett on the porch singing a tune to their alma mater.
Well Rebels, time to load up the Tahoe and head Southbound. See Y’all down at The Chicken. By the way, try not to get to close to the live rattlesnake at the Chicken. Hotty Toddy Y’all.
Lee Ann Herring-Olvedo is a HottyToddy.com contributor, veteran SEC sports journalist and Brown University graduate. She loves good cigars, good games and a smooth glass of bourbon — not necessarily in that order.