Our Monday Night at SoS (another review by an out-of-towner)…read more
Following our indulgence at Friday's (see previous review), we headed to Shiner on Sixth for some delicious refreshments, originating from just about half a mile up the road. The bartender was dealing with some business so we took a look around and racked the table (75¢ a game if you can believe it). While we waited we also started talking with some locals. They were all very friendly and let us know the bartender would be back real soon. I'm an outgoing guy, so I took the opportunity to ask a ton of questions. Shiner is such an interesting place - like what I think Austin was in the actual heyday of the 60s and 70s. Genuinely weird, but in a good way, not the disingenuously exclusive conformity that parades as bizarre, and is so prevalent these days. Wandering around Shiner is surreal. It's like being in a living, breathing work of art. Some might think that, in a small Texas town like Shiner, artistry wouldn't be so prevalent. These people have never been to the hill country towns of Texas. The locals we spoke to were proud to hear our appraisals and praise.
After some chitchat, the bartender arrived. We asked the bartender, Stacy, if we could bring in our gizzards from Friday's - which she readily allowed. Since there were so many gizzards provided in the order, I was able to offer some to everyone. Those that accepted did so gratefully, and immediately identified them as being from Fridays because they were of such high quality (check out my Friday's review for more info).
Back to SoS:
The two pool tables were very smooth with good felt. One was already open so my wife and I hit that one. We were able to easily converse together with the music being audible, but not overwhelmingly so. Speaking of music, I never heard it stop. The house sticks, of which there were many and varying in weight, were moderate - used but still playable and rolled pretty evenly on the table. Next time we might bring our McDermotts. I've definitely seen worse sticks. These were of a little less quality than you'd find at a dedicated pool hall.
The beverages were delectable, with a good selection of local varieties and some more typical brands if you're wanting something more familiar. On the Monday night we were there, pours were $3.50. A helluva deal, if you ask me. I recommend a local pour because, as the adjusted saying goes: When in Shiner, do as the (Shiners? Shinerinians? Shinerites?) do.
I'm gonna call em Shiners. So do as the Shiners do.
On the topic of locals, Shiners were wildly accepting and even grateful for our presence. A few stand out points: The cultural representation was diverse. I like to believe it's because this place is such a great place to be. Everyone received us well and accepted us to their pool tables as we wandered back and forth. This place was so welcoming that we felt no such apprehension. Everyone more than ready to cheer us on when we did well and rub us when we placed a poor shot. Nobody was overly loud or raucous. Sure, conversations were lively but not overtly so. Some folks were a bit more reserved, but not unfriendly.
The atmosphere:
I'll let the pictures (mostly) speak for themselves. I like to take PoV pictures to give an idea of what a patron can expect to experience. These are mixed with some shots of some of the eye-pleasingly unique stuff you'll come across if you visit. I'm a guy, so there's no shots of the ladies' room. However, when I asked my wife if their restrooms were clean, she responded "Very." One sign in particular cracked me up. Someone used a bit of graffito to draw in a face mask, but (I believe) intentionally drew them wearing it wrong. Hilarious bit of easy social commentary! Another bit that struck me as amusing was a scratched up comedic sign about those having "short bats" standing closer. Did the vandal use their short bat to scratch it up? ;P
There's an enclosed double decker porch outside, ensconced in tavern-type artistry. Be warned: there is some loud game people play out there, akin to cornhole, but with large flat washers. You can't hear it inside, but you can't miss it outside.
The Upshot:
If you're in the mood for some nighttime beverages (adult or otherwise) this is likely your best bet in Shiner. Evidently there's a more club type spot, but it's only open a three nights a week (as of March 2024). All that said, if you're the discerning snooty type that doesn't like dive bars then you probably won't be happy here. If you're into kitschy, country, hippy, friendly places with good prices, you'll fit right in.
Pro tip:
Bring some chicken gizzards and a jovial attitude. You'll be welcomed with open arms.
