Let's try this again; Midland, TX

Last time I popped in here from my normal area, I was very pleasantly surprised by how wonderful the SW BAs were that responded to me. I'm hoping for a little more "southern cooking" in terms of the responses to this thread.

Lest you think I didn't do my homework, I did my research. For at least part of my question. It seems poor Midland still is a vast wasteland and I shouldn't bother to worry about trying to find craft beer there. And the only place I may realistically think about hitting is The Cellar in Odessa. So, I'm aware of my time in "town".

My question is this: I'll probably only have 1 day to travel out of the Permian Basin area. I'll get on the road early if need be, but what is the best "bang for my buck" leave early in the morning, back by 8pm road trip to pick up some good Texas (or other nearby states) beers? Even better... a brewery (breweries?) in said nearby town that I would enjoy. Also, I've read about theaters (a theater) in TX that shows movies AND serves beer. Any near here? That one, I may be able to drag family to. I'd like to bring back some good beer to Ohio, though I've never flown with beer and I'm not sure I want to start trying right now, either. Depending on what I find, though, that could change.

In advance, thanks for your help. Last time, the trip never came to fruition, but this time, hopefully, I'll be able to use your sage advice.

(Also, I'm sure there's not really anywhere to "meet up" for a beer, let alone bottle share, but if I did decide to fly with beer, I might bring some good Ohio brews to share. More on that as the trip actually moves from hope to reality.)

 

Thanks for the reply, fellow late night dweller.

I saw that review on the places page for Midland, but with only 1 review and no one mentioning it, besides it "being" in Midland, I didn't give it much thought. But looking at that, not only are they able to satisfy my Bud-drinking brother, but there is plenty of stuff that will be new to me. I think I might be able to spend just about every day there. THANKS!

That said, on the one day I DO have to drive, I look forward to being able to go elsewhere/out of the Basin. Looking forward to more replies on that part. (Between MBG and The Cellar, I should be good for whatever time I am able to have a few beers while I'm in town.)

 

I will definitely report back after my visit.

Grub Burger sounds like somewhere I need to hit up, even if I don't find it beer-worthy as I love me a good burger. Thanks for all the recommendations donspublic! I may end up having a much busier trip than I planned.

 

Thank you aschwab and mattisloco for the responses. I will definitely look in to both options. Much appreciated!

 

Thanks for all the advice, including the non-quoted portions.

I'm familiar with HEB as I've been down to see my brother many times, just not too recently. That's awesome to hear that there are growler fill locations in town. Will give me more opportunity to try to expand my brother's horizons if it's not just out for lunch and dinner.

Honestly, that trip to Big Bend doesn't sound bad. As much as I'm looking for beer, that area is so beautiful, any beer would just be icing on the cake after getting to walk around that environment. I really like the idea, and maybe everyone would want to go to there, although I imagine they either have or don't want to if they haven't already. But, it certainly has a high priority on the to-do list. Thanks for the idea!

 

^That's cool! I haven't been to San Angelo in 16 years, so it'd be kind of cool to go back. Not sure that'll take precedence over Big Bend, but on a subsequent visit, it could be good. (Or if I look at Big Bend stuff and decide it'd be better to go in the summer, San Angelo sounds like a viable alternative. Thanks!)

 

Dallas was actually the first thought. I also remember trying it, in the same time frame, back when I was visiting in San Angelo. Ended up pussing out in Abilene because it was too hot/I left too late in the day. But, if things go as planned, I might end up taking a return trip next summer. And I'd love to hit the Dallas scene, SA for the River Walk, if nothing else, and definitely Austin, though I don't know how feasible it is, at least for 1 trip. And I know it's not necessarily a drive thing (8+ hours), but there's a little town in AZ I need to hit some time too.

 

So, as my trip nears, I've been doing more investigating. There are many places I could get to by the time they open, spend an hour, maybe two, and then have to drive back. (Dallas/FW, SA, El Paso, Las Cruces (NM).) But, as I'd rather spend more time looking/drinking beer, I'm thinking my 2 best choices for "exploration day" are either Abilene or San Angelo/Eola.

Anyone have any experience/opinions on one over the other? Or something in that same 2-3 hour range that may be a better choice?

I understand Alpine is a choice, but Big Bend Brewing doesn't open until 4pm and I'd have to head back not long after that. I only really see that Saddle Club as another option in town. I could stop at Celebration Liquor, but unless that's the best bottle shop I'll visit, I'm still not sure I can spend the entire day there before Big Bend opens. That said, I'll defer to experts if they think this option is the best.

(Not that it matters, but as it stands now, I think I may very slightly be leaning towards Abilene, but I'm sure I could be easily swayed.)

 

Well, Abilene just took a hit. The, I guess, "big" brewer in town is only open Saturday. Friday will be the only day I have to explore. Another place listed on the "places" page is permanently closed. Yet another on that list just closed at the end of October. There are still places, but with one less brewery and two closed beer joints, the allure of going for the "short drive" has lost a lot of lustre.

I also thought about crossing the border just to have a beer in another country, but my brother says don't be stupid, just go to Canada when I can, that's it's too dangerous. I don't follow much about it. Is it "that" bad? I know it won't be a craft wonderland, especially since I wouldn't do much more than cross the border and have a beer, but it's just an idea. (And is El Paso the closest place to cross the border? If I'm driving that far, I'd just drive to Fort Worth. Not too much longer. But it just doesn't leave me much exploring time.

I was thinking Alpine, but both places I'd want to go don't open until 4PM. I'm sorry, I'm just not used to that. I figured, like most non-breakfast-serving restaurants, they'd open around 11AM, especially being holiday season/people off. (Maybe I'll message them and see if there's any changes that would be made.) But, TBH, it pretty much looks like, I'm either sitting around waiting or driving to get somewhere and only getting an hour, two at the most, to hit spots (and there are more to choose from, so I'd have to hope I picked well).

I'm getting rapidly discouraged.