Coffee or Beer? Sip Your Way Through Abilene, TX’s, Brew Scene
While the city is growing, it’s kept its small-town charm. Establishments, like coffee shops and breweries, in Abilene, TX, are welcoming hangout spots where folks can grab a coffee or beer, chat with friends and neighbors, and simply relax. Whether you are visiting, new to the city or simply looking to change up your routine, here is a look at the brew scene in Abilene, TX.
Where to Go for Coffee in Abilene, TX
Many of the city’s coffee shops are located downtown, making it easy for locals and visitors to pop in for their morning fuel. Plus, the owners are often present to answer questions and engage with customers.
“It’s really neat to walk to so many places from my office,” Christopher Herrington, a young professional, says of the coffee shops and cafes in downtown Abilene, TX.
Monks Coffee Shop is a weekly stop for Herrington and his coworkers. It’s one of their favorite places to meet for high-powered meetings, networking and, of course, coffee. Enjoy a drip coffee, cold brew or specialty latte inside or outside.
Majestic Coffee is another favorite, and it has an historic past. Its building previously housed a bank, theater, confectionary and more. Majestic often hosts open-mic nights for musicians, and it serves a variety of hot and iced coffee and tea beverages.
Front Porch Coffee + Bakery has a relaxing western vibe that people love. Here, you’ll find everything from coffees, teas and lemonades to a BLT, honey almond toast, sandwiches and salad. And Herrington says you can’t leave without one of its cinnamon rolls.
Housed in the historic Windsor Hotel, Sway Cafe and Wine Bar offers a wide range of food and drinks. Make sure to stop in for a quick lunch in its cozy dining room.
Herrington calls the Chestnut Bistro a hidden gem. Located in the Enterprise Building, it’s only open on weekdays for breakfast and lunch. Its enormous cinnamon buns, which are sold on Tuesday and Friday mornings, sell out fast, so get one while you can.
Outside of downtown, the back patio at Summer Moon Coffee is a popular morning spot for college students. The establishment is known for oak-roasted coffee and lattes made with its signature sweet cream “moon milk.” The scenic view and walking trail behind the building are bonuses. Plus, Mezamiz Coffee House in Abilene, TX, is the perfect spot to enjoy coffee and breakfast or wine, beer and a treat on the back deck and savor the view.
For those on the go, Abilene, TX, is also home to several drive-thru coffee shops. Ounce Coffee Co., Statesman Coffee Co. and Mad Coffee & More offer convenient caffeine fixes for early morning commuters.
Where to Go for Beer in Abilene, TX
When the workday ends, the breweries, bars and taphouses in Abilene, TX, offer the perfect spot to nurse a beer and unwind. Each one has its own personality, but they all share the same welcoming, laid-back vibe.
“These places are community hubs,” says young professional Alex Swize. “There are always so many friendly faces. I always see someone I know.”
Many spots are dog- and kid-friendly, serving the city’s growing population of young professionals and families.
A popular brewery in Abilene, TX, Grain Theory is known for more than its beer. Its menu also features wine, cider, seltzer and mead and a full range of mouthwatering sandwiches, snacks and entrees. Swize recommends enjoying a Perfect Baseball West Coast IPA or Desert Cruiser Mexican Lager on the balcony overlooking downtown. And don’t miss the block parties during the summer.
Taylor County Taphouse is another favorite spot for beer in Abilene, TX, for Swize and her friends. They love the West Texas-style charcuterie board and “out of this world” beer cheese soup. Taylor County Taphouse boasts a rotating tap of unique brews, like a tangy yogurt ale and various IPAs.
The Big Country Beer Garden in Abilene, TX, is a new addition to the South of Downtown Abilene District, offering a relaxed, renovated space with plenty of outdoor seating. It’s walkable to other entertainment spots, making it a great starting point for a night out. Its rotating beer selection and popular boudin balls make it a standout.
The Ice House at Lone Star Dry Goods, a men’s store, offers a full-service bar and restaurant. Known for its wings, burgers (especially the jalapeño popper burger) and variety of Shiner beers, it also serves up signature cocktails and seasonal frozen drinks.
Primal Brewing Co. is a father-daughter-run brewery in a casual, creative, well-loved space. With frequent beer rotations, this Abilene, TX, brewery serves up favorites like the Primal Stout and Vanilla Porter.
At Mulligans Sports Bar Grill and Golf, Swize recommends the hand-breaded steak fingers paired with cold classics like Michelob Ultra. It’s a family-friendly spot with a nine-hole golf course and driving range. Plus, it serves a crowd-favorite jalapeño popper burger.
Doc’s Bar & Grill may look like a barn from the outside, but inside, it’s a lively hangout. Known for its incredible pizza, classic beer lineup and live music, this beloved joint in Abilene, TX, is a go-to spot for families, thanks to its kid-friendly play area and welcoming vibe.
With such a wide selection of local spots available, you are sure to get your brew fix in Abilene, TX, no matter if you’re looking for an a.m. coffee or a p.m. beer.
This article was sponsored by the Abilene Regional Growth Alliance, a division of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce. The Abilene Chamber is a nonpartisan and nonsectarian organization that advocates for pro-business policies that create jobs and grow the economy.