XL Food & Drink

Opal Divine's Penn Field

South Congress escape will make you forget a long, hot day

As the orange glow of sunset spread across the western horizon, it was almost easy to forget that it had been a blistering day in Austin.

Amber Novak
FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN

(enlarge photo)

Chow down on bar fare, such as the bratwurst sandwich with a Live Oak Oaktoberfest.

Amber Novak
FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN

(enlarge photo)

Fish and chips, with a Guinness stout.

Amber Novak
FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN

(enlarge photo)

Misters keep patrons cool.

Opal Divine's Penn Field

• 3601 S. Congress Ave.
• 707-0237
• Rating: Forks up
• Price: Cheap

Running virtually constantly, misters cooled the huge wooden deck where customers lounged over drinks and food. Music overpowered the sound of traffic, which churned away on South Congress Avenue just yards below the pub's high perch.

The surroundings were cool, pleasant and relaxing — good reasons for the large group of motorcycle enthusiasts to choose Opal Divine's Penn Field for a dinner gathering. (Three dozen beers on tap might not have hurt, either.)

The food would have been enough.

Although the blackened chicken ($9.45) with a side of macaroni and cheese was an acceptable entree, it would not bring me back. The other items (what might be termed "bar food"), however, have put Opal's on my list of reliable South Austin spots.

The bratwurst sandwich ($5.75) featured a locally made, flavorful German-style sausage and sauerkraut on a soft hoagie roll with spicy mustard.

The cheesesteak tacos ($6.95) put the Philly favorite of thin grilled steak, cheese, onions and mushrooms in flour tortillas with salsa, pico de gallo and sour cream on the side.

The fish and chips ($7.75) brought a basket of hand-battered white fillets and peppered fries that were golden, crisp and nongreasy — perfect to enjoy with a pint.

Finally, the double divine brownie ($5.25) paired vanilla ice cream over and between two giant homemade brownies garnished with drizzles of caramel sauce.

Ice cream aside — I'm not sure it's the best accompaniment for stout — Opal Divine's can make the heat melt away with its tasty food.