The Best Restaurants in Lubbock TX

When you are a travel writer and your niche is communities living in the shadows of others, you get excited to visit a community you know little about. In this case, the invitation was extended to visit Lubbock, Texas.

Lubbock, Texas, is 350 miles NW of Dallas. Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport serves it, so it is easy to get to from anywhere.

Even though the countryside is flat, it is at 3500 ft, which makes for an ideal climate for particular grapes. Lubbock is located on the 290 Wine Trail, with 60 wineries scattered stops in the High Plains.

Come with me while I explore some of the best restaurants in Lubbock TX!

The 7 Must-Try Restaurants in Lubbock TX

LA DIOSA CELLARS

901 17^TH Street, Lubbock, Texas // 806-744-3600

When a restaurant advertises itself with the slogan “International Inspired and Locally Renowned,” your curiosity grows. La Diosa Cellars is located in the Depot Entertainment District. It is easy to find in downtown Lubbock.

The warm mood lighting and the Spanish-like décor helped you feel like you were in Spain. La Diosa means “Goddess.” Throughout the space, portraits of famous women like Frida Kahlo grace the individual rooms that allow for groups of all sizes.

No visit here is complete without trying their famous meatballs from the family’s secret recipe. Order a bottle of their brand sangria, and you will already feel like you have the perfect meal.

Still hungry? You can order a variety of tapas: a fan favorite, Alfredo Jose—New Zealand Lamb Pop served with Moroccan carrot sauce. Olga Pilar petite crab cases with lemon, citrus sauce, and arugula will leave you wanting more. No wonder it’s one of the best restaurants in Lubbock TX.

Vegetarians are not forgotten. A favorite Roberto is the royal white beans, garlic, fresh herbs, arugula, red onions, and olive oil served with a crostini.

MONOMYTH COFFEE

2024 Broadway, Lubbock, Texas // (806)368-8183

Located in a former residence, Monomyth Coffee décor invites you to come and stay a while. Lounges are scattered throughout the space.

If you want to stretch out your papers for a business meeting, there are a few tables.

With a slogan: “Create an experience that welcomes people well and leaves them encouraged,” the Jackson Brothers have created a unique space and a gathering place for locals.

Fresh pastries entice you to get one with your brewed coffee, espresso, or hot chocolate. I can attest that their quiche is fluffy and tasty. If you have never had Italian soda, you might want to try it here.

NEIGHBORHOOD F+B

9806 Quaker Avenue, Lubbock, Texas // 806-553-9500

The Neighborhood R & B is located in the country, and a spacious parking lot indicates that this relatively new restaurant has already become popular. Its open concept makes it easy to spot your friends or colleagues you are meeting there. It’s one of the cooler restaurants in Lubbock TX.

The décor is softened with plants throughout the space. You will want to go around and look at the portraits of famous past TV shows and musicians. For example, the Golden Girls Portrait looms large by the restrooms.

I had the Cuban sandwich with mojo braised pork, ham, and Swiss cheese. I love pickles and wasn’t disappointed with them, nor were I disappointed with the crispy, hand-cut French fries.

The cuisine is American, and a fan favorite is Little Timmy’s deep-fried lasagna. It is made with their house sausage, pizza sauce, whipped ricotta, mozzarella cheese, garlic, and Italian seasonings.

WEST TABLE

1204 Broadway Avenue, Suite 103, Lubbock, Texas 79401 // 806-993-9378

Located in the historic Pioneer Building, West Table is in the heart of downtown Lubbock. It is an open space with tables that hold 8 to 10 people, made from reclaimed wood from an old cotton gin. It’s definitely one of the most interesting restaurants in Lubbock TX.

As a supporter of the arts, local artists adorn the walls with art. At just the right level, local musicians play while you dine.

The cuisine is American with global touches using local produce. Thus, the menu changes with the seasons. However, some constants are the Crab Hushpuppies, which are hard not to fill up on before your entrée arrives.

My entrée of duck with baby bok choy hinted at the Orient in its flavorful but not overpowering sauce. The portions are plentiful, so you are fortunate if you can take some home and have it for your lunch the next day.

CAST IRON GRILL

620 19^TH Street, Lubbock, Texas 79401 // 806-771-7690

Watching families stream into this restaurant, I felt like I had found one of the local places. Thus, I presume it would be great. However, I wasn’t ready for one thing—they encouraged pie for breakfast.

This restaurant’s history starts with the owner’s pies. She enjoyed making them. She gave some away, and soon, people wanted to purchase them.

Her pies’ growth meant she needed a place to make and sell them. Thus, Cast Iron Grill restaurant was born, one of the best restaurants in Lubbock TX.

An aficionado of coconut cream pie, I gravitated to it and was far from being disappointed. It was fluffy, and a coconut favorite permeated every bite.

Okay, I confess, I also had a short stack of buttermilk pancakes with a side of sausage—a lovely treat.

EVIE MAE’S

217 US-62, Wolfforth, Texas 79382 // 806-782-2282

With its origins starting in a food truck, Evie Mae’s often has long lines waiting for their Texas pit barbecue. The open space western décor has long picnic tables throughout the entire space.

Now, smoking 700 pounds of meat, one has many choices when you stop here for a meal. I was fortunate to have the chance to try a variety of different meats. Oh my, it’s impossible to say which was my favorite.

Not only is the barbecue terrific, but this restaurant is also known for its gluten-free sides and desserts.

For example, regular cornbread and jalapeno cornbread were gluten-free, but one would have difficulty distinguishing them from classic cornbread. A great find amongst the restaurants in Lubbock TX.

THE NICOLETT

511 Broadway Street, Lubbock, Texas // 806-993-0144

The Nicolett is a new fine-dining restaurant in downtown Lubbock. The space is both elegant and comfortable. Fortunately, our hosts had reserved the former greenhouse.

This elegant setting, with the sun’s rays shining through the glass panes and highlighting the vines growing up the walls, proved a stunning way to share a special dinner with new colleagues.

Chef Fin Walter, named 2022 James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef in Texas, prepared an outstanding meal using High Plains ingredients.

Dinner began with their famous Fried Bread, slathered with their honey butter. Try to eat just one. I bet you can’t.

I talked with colleagues, and we decided to have the four of us share the Rib Eye for Two. Midland Meat Company premier ribeye accompanied by duck fat-confit, mushrooms, red wine shallot, whole roasted garlic, and horseradish.

Not only was the serving large enough for four, but there were also some to take home for the fortunate locals.

If you want to experience Texas, this is one of the best restaurants in Lubbock TX to do that. You can drink great wine, taste a variety of food, listen to music, and involve yourself in the thriving arts community.

Foodies Also Ask: Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Lubbock’s food scene unique?

Lubbock’s culinary scene stands out with its mix of traditional Texan and Tex-Mex dishes, enhanced by fresh, local ingredients.

The city also boasts a thriving farm-to-table movement and notable wine production, adding a unique regional flavor to its dining options.

What are some must-try local dishes in Lubbock?

Visitors should not miss the West Texas-style barbecue, particularly the slow-cooked brisket and ribs, and the chili relleno burrito, a creative blend of Mexican and Texan flavors. For dessert, local pecan pie is a top choice.

Are there any notable food festivals in Lubbock?

The Lubbock Uncorked Wine Festival and the Lubbock BBQ Fest are major food events. The former celebrates regional wines and local cuisine, while the latter is a haven for barbecue enthusiasts, showcasing the best of West Texas barbecue.

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