I graduated from Odessa Permian HS in 1993, but really haven't been back since the mid-90s. I'm going to be there next week for work...what should I do? Any good new restaurants? I might even venture over to Midland for an evening.

Thanks!

Uh, Get out of town as fast as you can?????

I accomplished that in 1993. However, nothing is permanent.

The most fun thing to do in Odessa is buy Humpit some beer.

What kind of stuff are you looking for? Music, sports, bars, a certain type of food, women, etc?

Hey 97. I graduated from Permian in '91. Don't get a chance to make it back too often, but when I do, I usually just get my folks to baby sit and take my wife to the movies. Ha. Depending on what's playing and what you like to do, you can always go catch a play at the Globe.

There's a drive-in movie theater in Midland.

They got a Hooters a little while back, it was a big deal.

I'm primarily interested in where to eat. I might go see a movie or two. I probably won't be up for any real "culture" though I might swing by my old church as well as Permian HS and see if anyone that I recognize is still around.

When I return and take the family, we'll be up for a little more entertainment wise, though most of it will be for the wife and kids during the day.

These are either places I go or have heard good things about.

Best movie theater seating arrangements - the last time I went - was the Century theater.
Its behind the Odessa Home Depot.

For Movies with the kids the Big Sky Drive-in is something you can't just do anywhere. (Midland)

Best Mexican food - you probably already have one picked out since you lived here before (I like Dos Compadres) I say our worst Mexican food is better than some places best, and you
have a lot to choose from out here.

Best Chinese Food - Kuo's in Midland, Red Sun Buffet in Odessa (lots to choose from)

Best Steaks - Wall Street Grill in Midland from what I hear

Best BBQ - I like KD's BBQ in south Midland near I-20

Best Southern Food - Southern Velles gets good reviews in South Midland Also

Best Fish place is probably Clearsprings Cafe but that is a chain out of central Texas. Near new Midland Footbal Stadium and Midland Sams's Club.

Best Italian is probably the Garlic Press though I have never been there.

Honestly:
Just drive around and see how much has changed if it has truly been about 10 years since you have been here.
I have been here for the last 15 and it has been a remarkable change.

Have any other questions just drop them here?
When are you gonna be here? (Ok, I see next week)

[This message has been edited by LoudestWHOOP! (edited 4/9/2008 5:17p).]

Best Italian in Venezia's. Good atmosphere as well.

better learn to speak spanish

Wall street is a great rest but their steaks are just OK. Not any real good chop houses in town. Garlic press has a pretty good steak.

Jock -

First of all, for things to do in the evenings you actually have serveral good options.

A personal favorite of mine is Mahogany Lounge on the first floor of the Hilton Midland and Towers. They have live music most nights (singer/songwriter type stuff) in a nice relaxing environment. Big leather couches, etc. Havest Cafe will also occasionally have music and has a nice chill environment.

Zucchi's Bar is a pretty decent place to hang out, as is Marie's Drive In. The Ranch in Midland can be a great place, especially if you like country.

A newer place in Midland is Cabana Sports Bar, which is down on Industrial. The Field Office is a few doors down, and is a complete hole in the wall, but has nice people there. You might also like the Hog Pit out on 80.

However, none of those places are the greatest for meeting people. As much as I hate to say it, Grahams, Hooters, Woofers & Tweeters, and Buffalo would be a little more crowded with people.

Come to think of it, Oasis, 10, or The Bar in Midland might also be good options with a little bigger crowd.

There's a show next Wednesday at Dos Amigos, a bunch of rock bands I have never heard of, but it might be worth checking out.

The Wild West Comedy Club has been a blast every time I have been out there. I think they have 80s night on Wednesdays and stand-up acts on Friday and Saturday.

T.J. Rabbit's has a jam session on Tuesday Nights, but I've never been to check that out yet.

The Roughnecks (indoor football) will probably have a game if you will be in town through the weekend.

The movie theater on Preston Smith behind Home Depot is your best bet - the one in the mall has uncomfortable seats IMO.

The Rockhounds (baseball) season starts tonight so you might be able to catch a game.

You might also check the schedules for Odessa and Midland College athletic events.

Alice in Wonderland is at MCT, Aladdin's at the Playhouse, and 12th Night is at the Globe, but you probably aren't too interested in seeing those plays.

That's the best I can think of right now, but let me know if you want more info or are interested in some other type of entertainment.

Now for food - I've tried all these places (except where noted) and would recommend them for one reason or another. Some are more formal, some are very casual, it just depends on what you are looking for.

Oriental:
Kuo's, King & I, Thai Spice, Chinese Kitchen

Steaks:
Garlic Press, Wall Street, The Market, Sid & Sam's (budget choice)

Burgers:
White House, BJ's, Vidal's, Permian Basin Hamburger Co., Vette's

Pizza:
Jersey Girl, Dino's, Double Dave's

Italian:
Zucchi's, Venezia, Mi Piaci, Luigi's

Sandwiches:
Murray's, The Sandwichery, Susie's

Southern:
Southern Velle, Arthur Ray's

BBQ:
Brooks, Jack Jordan's, Johnny's,

European:
Yana's

Mexican:
La Bodega, Mamacitas, Gerardos, Delicia's, Ajuua's, Garibaldy's, Twister Tacos, Jalisco's, Tequila Tony's, La Margarita, El Banquete, Fabela's, etc., etc., etc.

Seafood:
Good luck! Shrimp Boat, although I've never tried that one.(Wall Street, Cattle Baron, Harrigan's, and others will have some selections)

The Forest still open?

Last I heard they all shut down.

cancun grill downtown midland is the best real mexican in town. Not tex-mex

All of 'em?

Dang.

Check that, my sources tell me they may have reopened one.

**** that. leave

You could always sit and watch the sun set:

http://texags.com/main/forum.reply.asp?topic_id=1121819&forum_id=40

Ahhh The Forest.... memories....

If your going back to OD, youve gotta stop by the southside and cruise down Clemens ona Sunday night.

I graduated from Permian in 93, and from A&M in 97. Never thought I would come back, but we have been back for a year and a half now. Who are you?

Last time I was in Odessa, I was amused by a club I saw. It was clearly a Hispanic bar. On the side was written "Latinas, Musica, Sombreros"

That's what I look for in a bar!

Women, Music and Hats!