Posse East
Recommended by Meaghan English, Nicholas Kingman
Tucked between San Jacinto Boulevard and Duval Street in North Campus, Posse East is a popular sports venue with plenty of outside seating to pull up a chair and watch the battle between the Longhorns and Buckeyes. With burgers, tacos, hot dogs and beer pitchers for those over 21, Posse East has been a staple of the burnt orange community since 1971.
Posse East has plenty of street parking available within a five-minute walk. Get there early — indoor seating is limited, and the search for the stacked lawn chairs outside can turn into a fight if you don’t get there soon enough. If you’re able to snag a seat, you’ll be sitting with — and served by — a dedicated community of college football fanatics.
Burgers at Posse East are well worth the average price of $7.50. If hamburger patties aren’t a staple in your diet, there’s even a vegetarian option with a meatless patty and plenty of veggies. A personal favorite is the mini corn dogs — $4 per basket, they’re deep-fried, golden and perfect for a snack while watching Texas take on the defending national champs. The bar also offers several options for domestic or imported beer in addition to a range of house drinks and seltzers.
Dirty Martin’s Place
Recommended by Nicholas Kingman
Better known simply as “Dirty’s” to most UT students, Dirty Martin’s Place has been serving up burgers and tasty cocktails for nearly a century.
The large dining room in the back, with its large picnic tables and TVs, is the most popular spot for patrons to sit. To get the authentic experience, get there early and grab a seat at the bar or one of the four bar tables in the original part of Dirty’s for the full old-school feel of the restaurant.
The large D.H. Special with fires is my go-to; the double patty burger served on Texas toast leaves you feeling satisfied and full. If above 21+, the Kumbak Cherry Limeade, served in a mason jar, is garnished with a cherry and a slice of lime — it is the perfect game day drink to sip on for four quarters.
THE Chili’s on Lamar
Recommended by Alistair Manliguez
Local or not, you’re bound to have heard about the infamous Chili’s on 45th Street and Lamar Boulevard and the running joke that it is one of the best restaurants in the city, although it serves the same menu as other locations across the country.
Still, the menu provides classics that will serve you well — before, during and after the Longhorns take on the Buckeyes.
The Triple Dipper is a go-to for many people as they get to choose three appetizers, from a wide range. Outside of the Triple Dipper, the fajitas also serve as an excellent choice with the option to pick from grilled chicken, shrimp or steak and served with Mexican rice and a variety of sides.
Cain & Abel’s
Recommended by Lauren Hightower
Cain & Abel’s may be known for “Dollar Beers” all day Tuesday, but it is also a classic for UT students on game days. With multiple TVs surrounding the indoor and outdoor areas, it will be nearly impossible to miss all the big plays on the field at Cain & Abel’s.
Located on 24th Street in West Campus, Cain & Abel’s is a quick walk away from most student housing. Because of this, you should also get here early for game days if you want a seat. Indoor seating is extremely limited, and the benches outside fill up quickly.
While there is a wide array of beers on tap, their refreshing array of teas might be the way to beat the heat, while watching this week one showdown between college football powerhouses.
