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Let me start off by saying that not all of these posts will be about beer. I just wanted to give everyone from out of town enough time to properly plan their pilgrimage to the Promised Land (ALLITERATION BONUS #1).
As most of you know, Lubbock has several great places to enjoy a coldbeer. If it's ice cold schooners or a killer draft selection, you're covered here in Raiderland.
Here are some of my favorite places to enjoy a pint (or several) as I continue to drown my sorrows after San Antonio's gut wrenching Game 6 in the Finals...
With almost 20 beers on tap, including the likes of Dale's Pale Ale and New Belgium's Ranger IPA, you'll be able to find something you like. It's set up like an Irish-style pub on the inside, and it has a great patio that faces the east (no sun in the evenings!).
Cricket's (2412 Broadway St)
I doubt I have to sell you on Cricket's, but I will anyway. How does 70-plus beers on tap sound? And it's especially great in the summer/winter when Tech is on break. No offense, Tech students! It's just much less crowded, and I'm becoming an old man quicker than I had anticipated.
Lone Star Oyster Bar (34 Flint Ave, 5701 Slide Rd, 609 18th St, 10007 Slide Rd)
The schooners are so cold that you end up with ice crystals in your glass. I have no problems with this. Not a huge selection on tap, but I'm not complaining. Also, check out their newest location south of 98th on Slide at the old 101 Bar building. They have an enclosed patio area and a boot scootin' dancehall next door (Bourbon Cowboy).
Cap Rock Cafe (5217 82nd St, 3405 34th St)
Much like the Obar, you've got your ice cold schooners here. Cap Rock does have a few more options on tap, though. They usually carry something different for a limited time ranging from Lone Star Bock to the latest Sam Adams Seasonal. (For the record, Cap Rock might be on every list I make. It's just that good.)
I try to leave off chains when I'm talking up Lubbock, but this one is hard to avoid if you're a fan of beer. There is always some sort of drink special and they will mix about anything you want with a Guiness.
B.J.'s Brewhouse (4805 South Loop 289)
Another chain, but definitely worth a mention. The Lubbock B.J.’s does not have a brewery in-house, but that doesn’t seem to affect the quality of their beer. Piranha Pale Ale (my favorite, so far), Jeremiah Red, and Tatonka Stout are just some of their original beers on tap. They also have several other selections.
The Crafthouse Gastropub (3131 34th St)
The owners of the Home Cafe decided to close, remodel, and open a new restaurant in the same location. The Crafthouse is their creation, and it is very unique. The menu changes quite often, and so does their heavenly draft selection. They have over 15 beers on tap at the Crafthouse, and have several Texas beers in the mix. It tends to get pretty busy on the weekends, but it is definitely worth the visit.
Triple J's (1807 Buddy Holly Ave)
I mentioned this one in my last post, but you can't talk coldbeer without Triple J's. It seems like there is live music almost every time I'm there. Belly up at the bar and buy your bud a locally brewed beer (ALLITERATION BONUS #2).
What say you, VTMers?