The Plains Brew Co - Lubbock, Texas

Nick Gerlich

I’ve been to far more than 500 craft breweries in the US, from top to bottom and coast to coast. But I have never been to one that make the claim that The plains Brew Co of Lubbock Texas can make: They’re only open one day a week. If you can’t make it on Friday from 3-11pm, you’re just out of luck.

Which would be to your distinct disadvantage, especially if you love good beer. No. Make that great beer. The digs may be simple and easy to miss if you’re not relying on navigational guidance. Once you park your vehicle, you kind of have to sniff your way over to the old house that now serves as the tap room (it’s behind the big metal barn).

But once you’re in, it just feels like home. In fact, when I visited this last Friday 30th August ’24, there was only the older gentleman owner/brewer behind the bar, and four men seated on the other side of it. I slipped into an opening between a couple, and almost felt like I had been here a dozen times and knew everyone.

I started with a pint of the Pale Ale (4.8% ABV; 35 IBU), a delightfully approachable froth that could serve as anyone’s gateway to hoppier brews. It went down easy, so I stepped up a bit next tie and went for a pint of the Hazy Spa (6.2% ABV; 63 IBU). Once again, an ale well done, and demonstrating his versatility vis-a-vis the others on tap, including an amber, a lager, a wheat, and a cherry stout.

Oh, and the oddly-named Rurn’t, which is kind of an unintentional sour (5% ABV; 17 IBU). If you’re not from around these parts, that translates to “Ruined,” and is what happens when the Amber Ale is left out in the heat a little too long. Turns out it’s actually sippable.

The owner also served each of a sampler cup of his seasonal Marzen, which debuts in a couple of weeks. I will this right here unabashedly: This was the best fest bier I have ever had. I could drink several p[ints of this, and it will likely result in my making a 100-minute trip back to Lubbock just for that.

This may very well be Lubbock’s best kept secret, although by the time I left, there were about 15 folks in the building. I guess it’s a case of IYKYK. And now you do too. But you have to wait until Friday.

kenny neudorf

Super cool backyard brewery. The building is an old house that's been completely repurposed into a bar. It has nice patio seating. The craft beers were all good. They also sell their beers in six pack cans. Definitely going again.

Robert Cosgrove

Great beer and casual atmosphere. Highly recommend stopping by when visiting Lubbock! Great local brewery.

Samantha Montaño

We loved this hidden gem Northwest of the Lubbock city limits. Mickey and Debbie were gracious host to our private event! Prices were reasonable and we loved the cherry stout!
Wonderful ambiance and even better company!

Max Upp

Rock on this was great. Micky is a great guy and this was a blast. Everybody in lubbock needs to come out and try his amber. A bit off the beaten path but he's featured in many places in lubbock and looking to be featured in more. He is in fact in the red steel building but just give him a call and try it out!!

Jonathan E

Cool spot, good beer, friendly guy behind the bar. Said they had the best IPA in Lubbock. So far I agree.
Beef jerky they sell behind the counter is very good.

Janie Crawford

Great beer, delicious food truck and a relaxing, welcoming atmosphere; the Vienna was my favorite and my husband loved the amber! Debbie and Mickey are awesome hosts. Plains brewery is truly a diamond in the rough! Thank you for hosting our event, The 1975 Lobo Tailgate! ❤️❤️❤️

Jonathan Johann

This is by far one of the best kept secrets in Lubbock. Its a bit further out, but so worth the drive! The beer is always cold and delicious, and the atmosphere exudes southern charm everywhere you look! Definitely a place to see with some of the best brews around ✨?