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Local Guide to the Best Bars in Abilene, TX

Local Guide to the Best Bars in Abilene, TX

Living in Abilene, Texas, one of the best things about the local culture is the relaxed, party-ready atmosphere. Most of the locals are ready to share a drink after a long day of work or live up the weekend in the best possible way. It's only natural that we have some pretty great bars in every possible corner of the city. Whether you like beer, lager, wine, or cocktails, you're sure to find the perfect place to unwind with good vibes, music, and company.

Looking for the best bars in Abilene, TX? There are more than a few great spots to choose from. Join us on a bar-hop trip across the city, starting at the Mill Creek apartments on the west side of town and moving to the lively downtown hotspots. From wine bars to down-home bars & grills, we'll show you what Abilene has to offer.
 

Taylor County Taphouse

  • Close to home
  • Craft beer, cocktails, and select wine
  • Texas Comfort Fusion menu
  • Warm and inviting vibe with a wrap-around porch
One of the best bars in Abilene is delightfully close to home. Taylor County Taphouse has a great pour, a fantastic selection of domestic and imported beers, and beautiful cocktails to suit any patron's taste. It's also just down the road from Mill Creek Apartments, so you can check it out at any time. The vibe is warm and welcoming, with Abilene's signature Western style. There's a wrap-around porch with benches and bar tables, and the indoor bar is always a lively place to meet your neighbors. The warm and inviting atmosphere creates a comfortable ambiance that everyone can enjoy.
But did we mention the food? The Taylor County Taphouse calls its menu Texas Comfort Food, which represents a fusion of all our favorite recipes from every corner of the world. It's a great place for a giant burger, perfectly grilled steak, and hearty steak fries. You can enjoy fresh oysters and charcuterie boards at the bar or bring your friends and family for an amazing fusion meal with a menu ranging from loaded nachos to spicy tuna.
A can of beer is next to a glass of beer on a wooden table.

Mulligan's Sports Bar, Grill and Golf

  • Golf Bar
  • Private golf course
  • Fried food and burgers

If you're looking for a golf bar, head over to Mulligans. This sports bar and grill is all about golf. They have their own golf course (and volleyball court) and welcome patrons to try the course with buckets of balls, rounds of golf, and monthly memberships. 

They book regular live music acts and a lively environment full of sports and golf fans. The kitchen serves burgers, sandwiches, and pretty much anything fried. No kidding. For starters, there are onion rings and fried mushrooms. There are fried wings, chicken strips, or catfish for entrees, and deep-fried Oreos or funnel cake fries for dessert. If it's fried, you can find it here.

Grain Theory

  • Brewery, coffee bar, and restaurant
  • Three stories with balcony and rooftop lounge

Another downtown location is Grain Theory, a trendy Brewpub near The Grace Museum and Everman Park. Grain Theory is a brewery and taproom serving beer, wine, food, and coffee in a beautiful space that includes a rooftop lounge.  They are passionate about aroma-packed and flavor-driven beer and take pride in their commitment to quality, experimentation, and funky twists on traditional brews.

The bar itself is 5000 square feet of bright and spacious industrial architecture with upper balconies, infinite bar seating, and gorgeous views. Open from 9 to 9, they serve as a local cafe and restaurant in addition to their focus on incredible drinks, and the place is hopping every night until closing.

A bottle of beer is in focus with a blurry city lights background.

The Mill

  • In a cool historic mill
  • Wine bar and restaurant
  • Beautiful outdoor space
  • Theme nights
  • Special event venue

For your ultimate downtown Abilene experience, head to The Mill which is a wine bar and event center. This popular local bar and event center is located in a historic old Mill building (hence the name), which has transformed into a truly incredible venue. The vintage mill towers over the rustic-chic wine bar, which also offers cocktails, craft beer, appetizers, and desserts. "Appetizers" include steak and mac'n'cheese, meaty chicken taco platters, and flatbread pizza. Desserts include slices of cake as big as your head. Perfect for sharing - or not. What we love most about The Mill, however, is the vibe. The inside blends the old mill architecture's natural wood floors and exposed beams with glittering chandeliers for a historic yet glamorous feel, while the outdoors features beautiful wood and wrought iron gazebos, stone fire pits for cool nights, and a handcrafted fountain.

They host special events like weddings and parties for community members who book the upper floors and have public event nights open for reservation tickets.

A pizza with tomatoes and basil is on a table with a glass of wine and sunglasses.

Chelsea's Burgers N' Brew

  • Texas fusion restaurant
  • Beer and cocktails
  • Dinner hotspot

Chelsea's is a burger place that serves beer, and it's one of the best-rated bars in Abilene. This is probably because the menu is stupendous. Serving the classic blend of American and Tex-Mex that Central Texas is so well-known for, you will find a huge menu in which burgers are only the beginning. Appetizers range from potato skins to ultimate nachos. Entrees include burritos and quesadillas right next to wings and brisket sandwiches. You can get your fries with bacon jack or carne asada. And that's just the way we like it.

At the bar (or at your table), you can order draft or bottled beer, specialty cocktails, and a whole slew of fun alcohol-free mocktails. And don't forget your giant slice of chocolate cake or donut holes for dessert.

The vibe indoors is chill and modern, with a light, spacious dining room design, and sleek black tables and chairs. There are televisions with sports games in every direction, but they don't take over the space. Sit at the bar or snag a table with your group and settle in for a big Texas-style meal.

 

Live By Your Favorite Spots in Abilene, TX

Whether you're looking for a chill place for after-work drinks or a lively bar to kick up your heels on the weekends, Abilene has it all. Start your journey at Mill Creek Apartments in Abilene, just a few blocks from Taylor County Taphouse. Contact us to ask about availability or get more cool local advice on the best bars in Abilene and more.