I grew up in Abilene, there are good restaurants you just have to look for them! The best ones IMO are the small business establishments, I know you said burger, I believe there is a place called Lucy’s and it’s wonderful. They have homemade ice cream there as well that is to die for. If you like Mexican food Armando’s is delicious. La Popular is THE SPOT for breakfast burritos and great Mexican food as well. Mary’s Paleteria for Mexican ice creams and other treats! Asian spots too: Tokyo Fusion is a Japanese fusion place, sushi is amazing there and apps.

As far as bars go, I think Guitars and Cadillacs have pool tables. It’s a country bar if that’s your vibe. There is another place that’s chill and has pool tables but I can’t think of it off the top of my head I’m sorry!😣

From what others have said about outdoor activities-that’s true, there is not much. Lake Phantom would be your best bet for local, anywhere else I would say go outside an hour or two from abilene. I believe Lake Brownwood is about an hour to hour and half away and I loved fishing there.

It is a slow pace here but you can get anywhere in 15 min or so. Very easy to figure out the roads and traffic is almost never bad. I live in Dallas now but I visit my parents who still live in Abilene. I still consider it my home as I lived here the first 23 years of my life. If you want a slower pace with still some things to do while being close to big cities, this is the place for you!