Best Drinks in Gilmer, TX
Gilmer knows how to pour a drink. Whether you're after a cold beer after a day at Barnwell Mountain, a margarita with your fajitas, or a glass of Texas wine on a weekend afternoon, the options here go beyond what you'd expect from a town this size.
Quick Comparison
| Spot | Must-Try Drink | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Range Bar & Grill | Craft cocktails, beer, whiskey | Sports bar, live music, axe throwing | Night out, groups, entertainment |
| Davidson's Bar & Grill | Margaritas, cold beer | Outdoor seating, live music | Casual drinks, patio weather |
| La Finca | Margaritas, Mexican beer | Tex-Mex restaurant, full bar | Dinner + drinks combo |
| Los Pinos Winery | Texas wine tastings | Vineyard, scenic | Weekend afternoon, date |
| Rowdy Creek Ranch Winery | Wine, vineyard views | Rustic, relaxed | Day trip, wine lovers |
Open Range Bar & Grill
Must-try: Full bar selection, whiskey, beer Phone: (903) 680-0539 Website: openrangebarandgrill.com
Open Range is Gilmer's premier spot for a night out with drinks. The full bar has something for everyone—craft cocktails, domestic and imported beer, and a solid whiskey selection. Add live music, karaoke on Wednesdays and Fridays, pool tables, and axe throwing lanes, and you've got the most entertaining bar in Upshur County.
The atmosphere is energetic without being overwhelming. It's family-owned, the staff is friendly, and the crowd is a mix of locals and visitors.
Insider tip: Check their event calendar before you go. Live music nights draw a crowd, and you'll want to arrive early for a good table near the stage.
Davidson's Bar & Grill
Must-try: Margaritas, cold beer, mixed drinks Phone: (903) 680-8901 Website: davidsonsrestaurant.com
Davidson's offers a nice selection of bar drinks in a relaxed setting. The outdoor and balcony seating is the real draw—on a nice evening, there's no better place in Gilmer for a margarita and a burger. They also host live music, so you can catch a local band while you sip.
Insider tip: The balcony is first-come, first-served. Get there by 6:00 PM on weekends if you want outdoor seating.
La Finca Mexican Food Restaurant
Must-try: Margaritas, Mexican beer Phone: (903) 843-5355
La Finca is one of the few Mexican restaurants in Gilmer with a full bar. Their margaritas are strong and generously poured, and the Mexican beer selection covers the standards (Corona, Modelo, Dos Equis). It's the best place in town for a "dinner and drinks" combo without driving to Longview.
Insider tip: Sunday afternoons are peak time. The bar stays busy, but the margaritas are worth the wait.
Los Pinos Winery
Must-try: Texas wine tastings
Located just outside Gilmer, Los Pinos is a working vineyard and winery that offers tastings in a scenic setting. The wines are made from Texas grapes, and the tasting room is a relaxing way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Insider tip: Call ahead for tasting availability. Hours vary by season, and private events sometimes take over the tasting room.
Rowdy Creek Ranch Winery
Must-try: Wine, vineyard views
Rowdy Creek Ranch is another nearby winery worth the short drive. The setting is rustic and relaxed, with views of the vineyard and East Texas pine forests. It's less polished than some Texas Hill Country wineries, but that's part of the charm.
Insider tip: Pack a picnic. The grounds are perfect for spreading a blanket and making an afternoon of it.
Gilmer Brewing Company [Closed]
Gilmer's own brewery closed in July 2022, much to the dismay of its many local fans. If it reopens elsewhere, we'll update this guide. For now, Open Range and Davidson's are your best beer options in town.
Drinks by the Numbers
| Item | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Domestic beer | $4–6 |
| Craft beer | $6–8 |
| Margarita | $7–10 |
| Wine (glass) | $7–12 |
| Wine tasting | $15–25 |
| Cocktail | $8–12 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where's the best bar in Gilmer? Open Range Bar & Grill. Full bar, live music, axe throwing, and the best atmosphere in town.
Can I get a cocktail in Gilmer? Open Range and Davidson's both serve mixed drinks. Open Range has the better selection.
Are there any wineries near Gilmer? Los Pinos Winery and Rowdy Creek Ranch Winery are both within a short drive. Both offer tastings and scenic grounds.
Where can I watch live music with a drink? Open Range and Davidson's both host live music. Open Range has the more consistent schedule.
Is there a brewery in Gilmer? Gilmer Brewing Company closed in 2022. No operational brewery exists in town currently.
Last updated: July 2026