The Thirsty Tourist’s Guide to Breweries, Wineries, and Bars in Amarillo, TX
Broken Spoke Lounge
The sports bars in Amarillo are some of the best in the region, and of the many options, Broken Spoke Lounge might just be the best. It’s one of the most highly-rated dives in town and has been a local favorite for over 30 years. Cheap beer, wall-to-wall neon signs, and live music— this place is classic in the best way. The dance floor is active on most nights of the week and there’s a steady stream of drink specials to keep the party going.
Being located on the world-famous Route 66, there are high chances that you’ll make friends with bikers and travelers from all across the country. It’s a taste of true American culture, and you won’t be disappointed.
Be prepared: the bar allows guests to smoke cigarettes inside, so if you’re sensitive to smoke, then there might be a better option for you. Something to be aware of!
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The Drunken Oyster
After founding multiple restaurants, Chef Rory Schepisi decided to bring Cajun cuisine to the Texas panhandle with The Drunken Oyster.
The menu is stacked: Po’boys, Crawfish Étouffée, the famous Cajun Boil, and, of course, some of the freshest oysters in the state.
You might think to yourself, “This sounds great, but what does this have to do with booze?” Everything. The Drunken Oyster boasts one of the most impressive bars in town with over 300 varieties of liquor and Amarillo’s very first absinthe bar where you can have the full drip experience.
If you’re looking for something trendy, then The Drunken Oyster is a must.
Bar Z Winery
As you can imagine there aren’t many wineries in Amarillo, TX. That said, Texas is one of America’s most active wine regions. The state’s vineyards are clustered further south, but winemaker Monty Dixon had the vision to bring vino to Amarillo by starting his very own winery.
The best part about Bar Z is that they only use Texas grown grapes, which makes these wines Lone Star to the bone. Visitors consistently rave about the bold reds but don’t sleep on their Pinot Grigio, Riesling, and “Howling Cow” Sweet White.
Of course, the views aren’t too bad either. You’ll be able to slow sip while looking out over the edge of the stunning Palo Duro Canyon State Park, the second-largest canyon in the US. Make sure to buy a bottle so you can enjoy Bar Z wines at home back at Country Club Villas.
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Although Honey Buzz refers to itself as a “winery,” it’s best to call it a “meadery.” Why? This charming outfit just south of town produces some of the best craft mead in the Texas panhandle.
For those who may not know, mead is humanity’s oldest alcoholic beverage and is made with three simple ingredients: fermented honey, water, and yeast.
Honey Buzz uses honey that was harvested by bees who live and work right there on the property, which means this mead is as local as it gets.
Owners George & Paige Nester became passionate about beekeeping in 2011. One year after producing a hefty yield of honey, they decided to ferment the surplus and try their hand at this ancient alcoholic beverage.
Fans of Honey Buzz love their award-winning “Queen’s Revenge Mead.” There are also more adventurous items on the menu, including Mead Slushies and Mead Mimosas. Do yourself a favor and nominate a designated driver because the mead-inspired menu will be sure to leave you buzzing.
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The Big Texan – An Amarillo Essential
There’s one surprise addition to the Thirsty Tourist’s Guide to Amarillo… a steakhouse. This isn’t any old steakhouse though, this is The Big Texan, a world-famous saloon-style honky-tonk that will stimulate your eyes, ears, nose, and tastebuds.
We admit it’s Amarillo’s premier tourist trap, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that The Big Texan really does serve up big fun! They are most well-known for their “72oz. steak-eating challenge”— a contest that has participants attempt to eat an entire 72oz. steak in under an hour. Crazy, right? Over 90,000 people have tried, and only a small percentage have succeeded.
The Big Texan made our list though, because they house one of Amarillo’s most exciting and lively bar settings. Although they’re primarily known as a steakhouse, they have an impressive menu of cocktails, and because they create their own craft beers, The Big Texas is also one of the most popular breweries in Amarillo, TX.
You’re guaranteed to have a good time at The Big Texan.
The Metropolitan
And last, but definitely not least— The Metropolitan.
If you’re feeling bad & bougie, then this downtown steak and seafood restaurant is guaranteed to hit the spot. The menu has all the traditional steakhouse items (Beef Tartare, Caesar Salad, and juicy cuts), as well as exotic dishes like Crab Elote and Chilean Seabass.
However, this is a guide for thirsty tourists and locals, so let’s get back to the drinks. The Metropolitan has one of Amarillo’s most impressive cocktail menus, along with an extensive list of whiskey and other liquors. Of course, this is to say nothing about the alluring decor. The vibe at the Metropolitan bar is on-point and will make you want to go round for round. Trust us and experience The Metropolitan for yourself.
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Lone Star Living in Amarillo, TX
This curated list of breweries, wineries, and bars in Amarillo will give you a wide range of options when you’re feeling thirsty! Be sure to give us a visit at The Country Club Villas on the west side of town. We have everything you need and more for the perfect residential experience: extensive floor plans, a sweeping pool & sundeck area, and community grills to whip up your favorite Texas BBQ.
You can make an appointment online or come by during office hours.
We’d be happy to provide you with more suggestions for your upcoming adventures. One thing’s for sure, no one living in or visiting Amarillo should ever stay thirsty for too long!