Since 1866, when councilman August Scholz first opened his tavern near the state capitol, every Texas governor has visited it at least once (and many quite a few more times). It’s changed with the times, catering as much to students at nearby UT as to politicos. The extensive menu now combines vegan burgers, queso fries, and chicken-fried steak with such German standards as jagerschnitzel, bratwurst, and sauerkraut. It’s packed during Longhorn football games or when any special university event happens; otherwise, it’s a quiet spot to down a cold one and drink in some Austin history.