Posse East....Austin Texas

[scrumptiouschef]

I can't help but notice how packed out Posse East's patios consistently are.It's an ancient looking tavern/roadhouse on the corner of San Jacinto and Duval.What's the star of the show there?

[Mike C. Miller]

Between 1981 and 1984, I darkened the door of the Posse East every Friday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. At that time, the star of the show was cold beer and it's proximity to the Law School, from whence I, and my assembled drinking companions haled. The food, when we occasionally tried it, was adequate, but nothing more.

Although I have not returned since, I suspect that it's relative strengths and weaknesses haven't changed much in the past 22 years. But lest you think that I'm damning with fain praise, there is nothing wrong with cold beer, a decent location, with tables outside, and passable grub.

[scrumptiouschef]

With 35 years at the same location I expected a stronger response from the Posse acolytes.Fearing not,I ventured in a couple days ago.The bartender was on his A game.Chatty and knowledgeable about the two dozen or so taps behind him he steered me to a very delicious local brew and began walking me through the menu.The Tex/Mex-y CHILE CON QUESO was stellar.Thin and piquant it set the stage for a very nice hang on the sun dappled patio.The Sheriff sandwich was plump and fragrant,reminiscent of a Schlotzky but better.Blind Willie Johnson was playing when I walked in.RL Burnside and John Lee Hooker followed,thankfully the multitude of tv's were mute.Prices were almost absurdly cheap and the joint slowly packed out with students and professorial types augmented by the occasional scenester.Now I know why the place packs out daily.I'll be going back and soon.

[shan]

The Posse is popular because its one of the few restaurants on that side of campus close to engineering where you can pick up a sandwich off campus.

[ftf]

Sherriff Sandwich. Kind of like a Scholtzkeys' original, but better. Icy cold beer, too.