Robbins Nest

Having grown up in and around the area, the Robbins Nest has been a Lubbock fixture for as long as I can remember. With the addition of the freeway and the changing of businesses over the years, the corner of 34th and Slide and an area a half mile any direction for that matter, is completely unrecognizable from anything I can remember. The Robbins Nest being the only exception as it looks as though for it, that time has stood still. I always thought of it as a curious place with no windows and never actually heard or knew of anyone going there.

As I walked in it took a moment for my eyes to adjust to the darkness and hazy layer of cigarette smoke that filled the air. Being my first time, there was a moment of awkwardness as I stood there trying to get the lay of the land while the music halted, the lights came on and the regulars all stopped mid conversation.  Apparently everyone was looking at me, curious to see which one of them I was there to serve papers on. Once everyone realized I was just an outsider who had stumbled in for a beer, the music came back on, the lights went back to dim on and everyone resumed their conversations and games of pool. Things didn't get awkward again until I opted for the small beer instead of the large. I'm not sure what size the small beer here is, but it's not the usual pint glass I'm accustomed to seeing when ordering a small. I felt slightly emasculated as I held a mug, reminiscent of the one I used to drink milk out of as a small child, while standing between two cowboys that looked like they were part oak tree. Thank goodness I didn't order a Blue Moon with a piece of fruit on the side it. If you're a guy my advice is make sure you go with the large beer here.

The rest of my experience here was great. The bartender/waitresses we're very friendly, attentive and good with conversation. For a low key experience away from all of the trendy options, this is a good place to hangout for a drink, game of pool or random discussion with one of the regulars at the bar. The remainder of the evening went smooth up until the point I tried to leave and had to go back inside in an attempt to find the owner of the Harley that had my Nissan Leaf (rental) blocked in. The Harley owner's response was that he thought it was one of those amusement rides that you put a quarter in and let your kids ride.

I found this spot in yelp. It is a great little locals bar that is a bit (make that alot) smokey with a number of pool tables. If this is your flavor then this is a great spot. I like it!

It's hard to give a star rating to the Robbins Nest because I think the number of stars depends on what you are looking for. It's basically a local dive bar. You won't run into the Tech crowd here. They have giant beers for $6 and every week there is a new "drink of the week." I think I had the Washington Apple. There are dart boards, pool tables, a lamp shaped like a cowboy hat, and oddly enough, office chairs around some of the tables. It's dark and smokey inside.

My friends and I go when we want a change of pace and we definitely aren't their typical customer base.