Things to Do After Work in Abilene, TX
David Waller remembers a time when not much was happening in downtown Abilene, TX, and finding things to do was a challenge.
“Downtown has changed so much since I was a kid,” says Waller, communications director for the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Waller, who grew up in nearby Albany, recalls heading downtown to a cigar shop with his stogie-loving dad as a child, but otherwise, “no one came downtown for anything.”
After stints in Lubbock and Dallas, Waller returned to Abilene, TX, two years ago to find a very different vibe – a lively community with plenty of things to do. Now, college students from the city’s three universities and young professionals enjoy a vibrant downtown with plenty of restaurants, bars and live music.
We spoke with Waller and local Becky Brown about things to do after work that highlight Abilene, TX’s, evolving nightlife. Though you can take part in a lot of these activities any day of the week, here is a complete M-F post-work itinerary.
In This Article
Monday
Monday is no obstacle to entertainment, Waller says. Nab provisions for the week ahead at Lone Star Dry Goods, a retailer selling everything from books and barware to wallets and wearables.
“It’s a store geared toward men,” he says (though with such an eclectic selection of clothing, snacks, outdoor gear, hats and tools, almost anyone will be able to find something useful). “My wife tells me I have to stop going there.”
Just next door is the bright and airy Ice House, a music-centric bar with a tight menu of bar bites like a charcuterie plate or sandwich.
“It’s a really cool hangout place,” Waller says, “and they have live music there constantly.” That includes early-in-the-week shows to start the week off right.
Tuesday
Get the complete dinner-and-a-show experience within a single block by starting the evening at the Beehive Restaurant, which Waller calls one of the best steakhouses in the state. The old-school atmosphere there isn’t window dressing; the spot was founded in 1982 by Iranian immigrant brothers Ali and Nariman Esfandiary and offers classic steakhouse favorites as well as weekend prime rib and monthly rack of lamb specials.
While the dining room decor seems stuck in time, and the menus emulate old-timey saloon fliers, it’s all part of the Beehive’s old-school charm. After a meal, stroll to the city’s historic Paramount Theatre, which was erected in 1930 with Spanish and Moorish architectural details. Nearly a century later, it hosts live music (“It’s the coolest place to see live music,” Waller says), theatrical performances (past productions include Legally Blonde and Newsies), classic, family and sci-fi film series, and the 24fps International Short Film Festival, which is held each fall.
Wednesday
After a day spent hunched over a computer screen, nothing feels quite as good as stretching your muscles, and Abilene, TX, offers plenty of things to do outside. Joggers, walkers and bikers are welcome on the Cedar Creek Waterway, a 1.3-mile paved trail that hugs the east shore of Cedar Creek from South 11th Street north to Stevenson Park. Visitors can expect to see plenty of birds, waterfowl and native plants on the shady trail, plus recently installed picnic tables, shelters and water fountains (for humans and dogs!) make the trek even more enjoyable. Afterward, head west to hit downtown’s Grain Theory Brewery for a flavorful pint of craft beer or hard seltzer. The spot brews everything from crisp pilsner and tart gose to toasty dunkelweizen, and guests can imbibe on the spot’s patio and enjoy a stellar view of downtown Abilene.
“They have some staples that you’d consider traditional brewery food, like pretzel bites and an incredible Brewhouse Burger, but they kick everything up a notch,” says Becky Brown, a local who runs the Instagram page @abileneeats. “There is bacon jam on the burger, and they make Purple Haze Ranch dressing with sumac.”
Thursday
Downtown’s DoubleTree hotel opened its doors in 2023, and the spot is a great contrast to the rest of the historic city center.
“It’s so cool to see such a modern hotel in such an old-timey downtown,” Waller says. Inside the hotel are bar and restaurant Cattlemen’s Exchange, where Waller often visits for a happy-hour drink, and Smokehouse Abilene, which offers fine dining with Lone Star State-sized portions and special events like multicourse beer dinners with local breweries Grain Theory and Primal Brewing Co.
After a modern-day meal, take a stroll back in time with a self-guided walking tour of over 20 of Abilene’s historic buildings, such as the Texas and Pacific Railroad Depot (built in 1910) and the eight-story “high-rise” Mims Building (once called “West Texas’ Finest Store” and built in 1926).
Friday
Abilene, TX, is prepared to help you start your weekend off right, as it offers plenty of things to do. Blow off some steam and relegate all those mindless meetings to the past with a visit to Abilene Axe Co. (which is only open Thursday through Saturday evenings). The spot offers a pool table, darts and a beer garden in addition to 10 axe-throwing targets. It even has Wednesday night league play for those looking to gain a competitive edge in hurling weapons. Afterward, hit up the Mill Wine Bar & Event Center (also open Thursday through Saturday only) for a glass of wine (including vino from Texas’ own Reddy Vineyards in Brownfield), craft brews and cigars. The Mill’s kitchen turns out plenty of dips, flatbreads and other casual bites in a lovely and shady outdoor setting.
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 our economy.
