The weekly Chronicle feature “Second Helpings” offers readers the opportunity to sample tasty, bite-sized restaurant listings compiled from new and previous reviews, guides, and poll results. This week’s entries were compiled by Chronicle Cuisines writer MM Pack. When you need quick, reliable information about Austin eateries, check here
The Tavern
922 W. 12th, 474-7496
Mon-Fri, 11am-2am; Sat-Sun, 8am-2am
I can’t think of many places where you can walk into an alpine-style chalet, watch golf, drag racing, baseball, and boxing simultaneously, knock back a few beers, and eat Wednesday night church-supper food in the company of politicians and sorority girls. As well as an extensive menu of burgers, sandwiches, salads, and bar snacks, the Tavern offers a hearty selection of entrées and sides that would make the church ladies proud, from meat loaf to broccoli-and-rice casserole to King Ranch chicken. Breakfast is available on weekends.
Dart Bowl Cafe
5700 Grover, 459-4181
Mon-Sat, 8am-10pm; Sun, 8am-9am
Bowling-alley food tends to favor the quick and the fried, but the Dart Bowl Cafe doesn’t stop there. Hidden behind the bar, the tiny kitchen serves up inexpensive and substantial home cooking. Up to seven entrées are available, including veal cutlets and grilled ham steak, with three choices of sides and fabulous housemade yeast rolls. A real winner is the cheese enchilada plate, swimming in chili and dressed with fresh onions and jalapeños. Check out the bowling memorabilia and beer stein collection in the glass cases by the front door.
Mike’s Pub
108 E. Seventh near Brazos, 479-6424
Mon-Fri,11am-6pm
As downtown Austin becomes increasingly slick and upscale, Mike’s makes for a refreshing change-not; it’s a dark, smoky beer joint with bar food, just as it’s been for the past 30 years. Just a block away from the newly dolled-up Driskill, take the stucco stairs up to this second-floor hideaway and have a no-frills hamburger or hot dog, Frito pie, or fries while indulging in your film-noir fantasies. Daily lunch specials are available, and the grill stays open till 3pm.
Scholz Garten
1607 San Jacinto, 474-1958
Mon-Thu, 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-12pm
To say Scholtz Garten is an Austin institution is something of an understatement. Opened in 1866, it’s the oldest continually operating tavern in the state. As for food, Scholz’s has traditional Texas culture covered — a little barbecue, a little home cooking, a little Mexican. For air-conditioned comfort, have a brew and a bite at the venerable cherrywood bar. For cool-breeze ambience, take your pleasure under the equally venerable oaks and elms outside.
Posse East
2900 Duval, 477-2111
Mon-Fri, 7:30am-2am; Sat, 8:30am-2am; Sun, noon-2am
The Posse East hasn’t changed a whit since I used to seek my housemates there after a grueling day of grad school, and that was, uh, some time ago. Practically in the shadow of Memorial Stadium, the Posse still serves up pitchers and pints from a choice of 21 draft beers and provides a selection of hearty pub-grub accompaniment. Take your pick from hot and cold sandwiches, tacos and Mexican plates, and chili and cheese fries. Breakfast tacos are available before 11am, and the kitchen stays open til 11 every night. If sports-surround isn’t your style, sit outside at the picnic tables and watch the traffic go by.
This article appears in July 7 • 2000.