Abilene After Dark

Abilene After Dark

What's a better way to unwind than a pint of cold beer and some live music? The South of Downtown Abilene is the new burgeoning spot for breweries and bars. Craft beer lovers prepare to get spoiled by the endless beer options the SoDA district has to offer!

Pictured Above: The variety of beers on tap at the Taylor County Taphouse

Pappy Slokum Brewery

Pappy Slokum Brewery was one of the first craft breweries in Abilene. Since it started, it has crafted 50 award-winning beers and won 5 Brewmaster of the year titles. The playfully named Stripper Dust, a vanilla porter, is a fan favorite and a Best Little Brewfest winner. For people who like spicy, fruity ale, then Douchebag Jimmy might be your thing. If you're not sure what to get, then Local Yella, a cream ale, is a safe bet.

Location: 409 S Treadaway Blvd
Hours: Only opens Saturdays from 11 am - 7 pm

Pappy Slokum Brewery

Sockdolager Brewing Co.

It is no doubt that Pappy Slokum Brewery helped to spark the craft beer industry in Abilene. In March 2017, Sockdolager Brewing Co. opened with the support and encouragement from Pappy. These days, can you find Sockdolager's tap beer in local Abilene restaurants like Fat Boss’ Pub, The Mill and Vagabond Pizza. It's Five & Dime general ale is crisp and refreshing – an ideal choice for craft beer newbies. If you're a stout person, Bea-3 is malt-driven, silky and roasted with notes of chocolate and coffee. For beer enthusiasts, enjoy a Sockdolager's beer flight on its uniquely handcrafted mesquite lumber vertical flight rack. The thoughtful design is so that it's easy to carry and you don't spill your beer! While you're there, enjoy a treat from their onsite sandwich shop, Cibus (chee-bus)!

Tips: Watch Sockdolager's Facebook page to see what's on the menu each week. Apart from live music, Sockdolager organizes activities like Yoga, axe throwing and trivia night. Be sure to follow Visit Abilene Facebook page for events happening around town.
Location: 833 S. 1st Street
Hours: Wednesday from 5 pm - 9 pm, Friday from 5 pm - 10 pm, and Saturday from 11 am - 11 pm.

Sockdolager's vertical flight rack is handcrafted using mesquite lumber. The flagship flight includes 4 classic beer styles.

The Mill Winery

In addition to the thriving craft beer scene in Abilene, there is a wide assortment of taverns in town. The Mill Winery is one of Abilenians’ favorite spots offering great wines, a rotating selection of craft beer, and unique food from its Mill Feed Truck. Come on Thursday night for its Steak Night and live music or bring your cowboy boots on their Two-Step night to dance. If you can't make up your mind if you want desserts or wine, order the sangria! It’s said to be the best sangria ever!

Location: 239 Locust St
Hours: Wednesday 5 pm - 10 pm, Thursday 5 pm - 11 pm, Friday 5 pm - 12 am, Saturday 2 pm - 12 am

Enjoy a glass of sangria at this rustic-chic wine bar. The Mill also offers craft beer, starters & desserts.
Handcrafted specialty cocktails from The Green Room (Photo credit: The Green Room)

Amendment 21

See the old Nichols Battery Company building brought back to life at Amendment 21, a premier whiskey bar on 382 Chestnut St. Amendment 21 is one of the many shops around town that embraces the historic architecture and incorporate it into their building. In addition to the unique building, find a wide selection of tap beer and whiskey. It also offers its very own tap beer, the 21st Amendment Hell or High Watermelon and the 21st Amendment Blood Orange IPA.

Location: 382 Chestnut St.
Hours: Wednesday and Thursday from 4 pm - 11 pm, Friday and Saturday from 3 pm - 1 am

Tap Beer Gem

Taylor County Taphouse

Beer aficionados will want to seek out this drinking gem: the Taylor County Taphouse, which offers one of the largest varieties of tap beer in town – from locally brewed beers to international favors – you name it, they got it! Craft beers paired with Texas comfort food is the ultimate ambrosia.

Location: 73980 Catclaw Dr
Hours: Monday to Thursday from 3 pm - 10 pm, Friday & Saturday from 11 am -11 PM, Sunday from 10 am - 10 pm

Taylor County Taphouse offers a wide selection of tap beer.


Cypress Street Station

Start your a pub crawl evening on the "Storybook Way" at the Cypress Street Station, a historic landmark restaurant. Snag draft beers at $3 and bottle beers at $2 during happy hour Monday to Friday from 2 to 6 pm. Accompany it with a Texas Cheese Board or spoil yourself with a 12oz New York Strip.

Location: 158 Cypress Street
Hours: Monday to Saturday from 11 am - 9 pm

Your first pub crawl stop on the "Storybook Way" is the Cypress Street Station.

Tip: The Center for Contemporary Art hosts ArtWalk every second Thursday of the month along the Storybook Way. You can find a variety of artists, craftsmen, street vendors, and live music. The National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature and The Grace Museum will be open late and they usually have some crafts workshops during the ArtWalk. Don't forget to stop by for some Arts-and-Craft!

Musician Taylor Ochs performing during ArtWalk

KAO Lounge

KAO Lounge on Oak St. in the SoDA District and is not to be missed. This Instagram-worthy bar offers a variety of craft cocktails in a cozy and hip atmosphere! This place is popular – expect it to be crowded!

Location: 137B Oak St.
Hours: Tuesday to Thursday from 5 pm - 12 am, Friday and Saturday from 5 pm - 1 am, Sunday 11 am - 5 pm

Add KAO Lounge to your Abilene must-try list!

Fat Boss Pub

Fat Boss Pub is not far away on Pine Street. You can get a drink from $2-5 during its 7 pm "Close Happy Hour Specials" from Tuesday to Sunday. Feeling hungry? The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, and tacos among other options.

Location: 216 Pine St.
Hours: Monday to Thursday 11 am - 12 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am - 2 am

The Hallows

Lastly, make a pit stop at The Hallows, which is a few doors away from Fat Boss Pub, for an artisan cocktail or an ice-cold beer. This place is a cafe in the day, but at night, it rolls out its dance-floor and DJ to transform into a cocktail bar. The Hallows features music from a variety of genres – from EDM to acoustic to live band. They even have open mic night every Sunday.

Location: 258 Pine St.
Hours: Sunday to Thursday 9 am - 12 am, Friday and Saturday 9 am - 7 pm. Craft beer and cocktails bar opens from noon to 12 am

Coffee bar + cocktails + live music = The Hallows. Photo by Ky Kasselman

Grain Theory Brewing Co.

A new hot spot Grain Theory Brewing Co. occupies the second floor of the Motis Building with a taproom, walk-up food counter service, coffee bar, and an outdoor deck.

Grain Theory is among shopping in the Motis Building in downtown Abilene.

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