Local Lubbock Restaurants you will love!
Looking for the best restaurants in Lubbock? You’re in the right place! I’ve compiled an entire list of the best places to eat in Lubbock.
I haven’t always called Lubbock home.. but now that I do I appreciate the variety and uniqueness of places to eat in Lubbock. Restaurants in Lubbock aren’t just limited to the same ol’ same ol’ chains that you can find anywhere.
However… any time somebody says, “What’s for dinner?” or, “Do you have any restaurant recommendations!?” my mind goes blank or I can only think of the same three places.. I’m sure I’m not the only one!
If you know me, then you know I love to support local and small businesses! For that reason, the majority of the restaurants you’ll see below are locally owned and operated, and your taste buds will thank you!
Looking for somewhere a little more upscale? Celebrating Valentine’s Day? Click below for those recommendations:
Already know what you’re craving!? You can quickly navigate to the best restaurants in Lubbock by clicking on a category below!
Disclaimer: Everybody loves different foods and different atmospheres. These are my top local picks that my friends and family eat at again and again!
A Lubbock Local Blog Series post
Lubbock’s Best Italian Restaurants
Orlando’s
Orlando’s is at the top of my list! This has been a family favorite for years. My favorites: Grandma’s Chicken Pizza and the Green Chile Chicken Linguine. They offer dine-in, delivery, take out, and are perfect for catering your gathering!
Local tip: All You Can Eat Spaghetti on Sundays!
Image by Orlando’s Italian
Stella’s
Stella’s is a longtime local favorite! Their scratch made menu items set them apart from the rest and leave you dreaming of returning. Want to know more about Stella’s? Head over to the 15 Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Lubbock to read about their speakeasy!
Image by Stella’s Lubbock
Italian Garden
Downtown and close to Texas Tech’s campus you will find Italian Garden. They are family owned and operated. Their fried ravioli is a must try for an appetizer!
Image by Italian Garden Restaurant
Best Pizza Places in Lubbock
Anybody else always list pizza as their favorite food?! You are in luck then! Lubbock has some of my all time favorite pizza places.
Capital Pizza
Capital Pizza is hands down my favorite pizza place in Lubbock. They have two locations – one located in Tech Terrace and the other location is just south of the Loop. Their crust is doughy and delicious and will leave you wanting just one more slice!
Image by Capital Pizza
One Guy
One Guy from Italy Pizza was my absolute favorite place to grab a slice of pizza when I was in college. Not in the mood for pizza? You can’t go wrong with a calzone! Their fresh ingredients are conveniently offered right across from Texas Tech and on 50th street!
Image by One Guy From Italy
The Best American Food Lubbock Offers
There is no shortage of American food in Lubbock! The best thing about the places in this category is the atmosphere and vibe in each individual restaurant.
Caprock Cafe
Caprock Cafe is a great place to eat, grab a cold drink, and watch a game! Their massive menu offers something for everybody. Make sure you check out their Down n’ Dirty tortellini…the garlic and habanero hot sauce that leaves everybody wanting more!
Image by Caprock Cafe
Spanky’s
If you are new to Lubbock or new to Texas Tech, then this is a must try. Right across from Texas Tech’s campus, Spanky’s famously delicious mozzarella sticks and burgers will have you recommending this place to everybody you meet!
Image by Spanky’s Lubbock
Heff’s
For a more signature burger experience, Heff’s is the place to eat! You can’t beat their sides either – fries, onion rings, tater tots, sweet potato fries, AND twister fries!
Local tip: make sure to ask for the jalapeno cheddar bun!
Image by Heff’s Burgers
Teddy Jack’s
Teddy Jack’s Hub City Grill has a fun atmosphere both inside and on their gorgeous outdoor patio. With a large menu, drink specials, live music on the weekends, and plenty of TV screens, you will always find something to enjoy at Teddy Jack’s!
Image by Teddy Jack’s Hub City Grill
Cook’s Garage
Cook’s Garage provides entertainment for the entire family! Located off of I-27, you dine in a garage around cool cars and vintage signs! If you’re lucky, they may even have live music! Don’t pass up this unique spot!
Image by Cook’s Garage
Back 40 Grill
Back 40 Grill has a menu that will fill you up with tasty food – from the appetizers all the way to dessert. Grab a patty melt, chicken fry topped with jalapeno cream gravy, or indulge in a pizza. The choice is yours!
Image by Back 40 Grill
Blue Sky
Blue Sky has two locations in Lubbock and they are always full of satisfied customers! Their burgers, sandwiches, and chicken fried steak are almost as impressive as their massive menu of sides. I love their friend jalapeno rings! Make sure to top your meal off with a shake or float!
Image by Blue Sky Texas
The Reserve Culinary Tavern
New to Lubbock, The Reserve has something on the menu for everyone! Salad, pizza, street tacos, burgers, fish or chicken… you name it and they’ve got it!
Image by The Reserve Culinary Tavern
Lubbock’s Best BBQ
While in Texas, you have to eat BBQ! Not all BBQ is created equally though. Here are my top Lubbock BBQ picks!
Evie Mae’s
SO GOOD. No really, this BBQ joint has been listed as one of the best 50 BBQ places in Texas! Evie Mae’s will leave your taste buds planning your next trip back to Lubbock! Get there early to avoid any of your favorite menu items selling out. And don’t pass up that dessert case!
Image by Evie Mae’s BBQ
HEB’s True Texas BBQ
I know you’re thinking… a BBQ restaurant in a grocery store!? Actually, yes! With a drive thru too! HEB’s True Texas BBQ has mouthwatering flavors. Don’t skip out on the cornbread.. it comes with a dollop of honey butter!
Image by True Texas BBQ
Bigham’s Smokehouse
Bigham’s Smokehouse boasts three locations in Lubbock! Their real pit BBQ meats are savory, and their cobblers are sweet!
Image by Bigham’s Smokehouse
The Escondido Grill
Although The Escondido Grill landed in the BBQ category, their menu doesn’t stop there!! They have delicious salads, soups, seafood, tacos, and steaks! The scenery is also one of a kind in Lubbock – trees galore!
Local tip: If you’re needing catering for an event, be sure to check them out!
Image by The Escondido Grill
Lubbock’s Best Mexican Food
Now here comes a disclaimer. There are sooo many delicious Mexican food restaurants in Lubbock! These are few of our family and friend’s favorites that hit the spot every time!
Picoso’s
Picoso’s chips and salsa don’t disappoint.. and it seems that every table ends up with somebody ordering the crispy relleno. Picoso’s has tons of seating and also a large room for gatherings. They also have $5 drink specials Monday – Thursday!
Image by Picoso’s Mexican Kitchen
Montelongo’s
After being around for more than 40 years, Montelongo’s is still serving up delicious food. If you’re looking for an authentic plate, you’ve hit the jackpot! You may even get to dine will listening to a Mariachi Band.
Elotés
Technically in Wolfforth, but worth the extra couple of miles! New on the scene is Elotés . It is a locally owned, Christian owned restaurant with roasted corn and gourmet tacos! Give it a try!!
Image by Elotés Restaurant
Chimy’s
Chimy’s is well known for their margaritas, but their menu will leave you coming back for more! Pair your drink of choice with their nachos, tacos, cheese fries or even a burger on a jalapeno bun!
Local tip: Chimy’s is right on Broadway and is 21 and up in the evenings!
Image by Chimys LBK
Albarran’s
Albarran’s is located right off of Milwaukee. The two story restaurant also has a two story patio you can dine on. Their menu is large and has a variety of options, as well as delicious drinks. They often have live music and are ready to serve you will you spend time relaxing.
Image by Albarran’s Mexican Bar & Grill
Josie’s
Josie’s always has a drive thru line a mile long, but their burritos are worth it! A local favorite and a late night burrito stop, you can find Josie’s in four different spots around town.
Local tip: Order the Big Mama Breakfast Burrito!
Lubbock’s Delicious Seafood
Gator’s Bayou
In the mood for a Cajun twist and a cold drink!? Look no further than Gator’s Bayou. Try their Crawfish Etoufee or dive into a Fried Catfish basket. Sit inside or on Gator’s Bayou patio for the perfect place to watch the game!
Image by Gator’s Bayou
The Catch
Newer to Lubbock, The Catch is drawing in the crowds! Dine inside or on their large patio while you enjoy crawfish, gumbo, hushpuppies, a Po’Boy, a cold drink, and just about anything fried!
Image by The Catch
Dirk’s
While Dirk’s has to die for steak fingers and chicken you can’t resist, they also have oysters, gumbo, and Cajun creamed corn which lands them in the Seafood category in my book! You will not be disappointed with anything on their menu!
Image by Dirk’s LBK
Lubbock’s Asian Cuisine
The Fun Noodle Bar
The Fun Noodle Bar is new to Lubbock and everybody is talking about it! While you dine, you can see the noodles being made which makes it a unique dining experience.
Image by Fun Noodle Bar
Hayashi
Hayashi is a Japanese Steakhouse that offers both hibachi and sushi. Their sushi has been my favorite in town since my undergraduate days!! Hayashi Midtown is conveniently located near Texas Tech, and Hayashi is located just south of Loop 289!
Local tip: 2 specialty or signature rolls for $22 on Tuesdays and Thursdays!
Image by Hayashi Japanese Steakhouse
Ramen Shack
The Ramen Shack is exactly what it sounds like. They serve up delicious ramen that you can’t help but slurp up! You won’t leave hungry!!
Image by Ramen Shack
Best Steakhouses in Lubbock
Cagle Steaks
Cagle Steaks and BBQ was the first steakhouse I ate at in Lubbock. As a city girl, driving across a cattle guard and into a pasture to get to the restaurant was pretty cool! Their food is always good and their small town theme makes a great place for gathering large groups or a date night out.
Image by Cagle Steaks
Double Nickel
Double Nickel Steak House is our favorite place to celebrate our anniversary. Its upscale dining experience along with the mouthwatering steak make it the perfect place for special occasions. Looking for more upscale dining experiences? Check out The Perfect Restaurants for Special Occasions in Lubbock, Texas for even more recommendations!
Image by Double Nickel Steak House
Harrigan’s
If you’re looking for a restaurant that wows you from appetizer through dessert – Harrigan’s is it! You can’t pass up their zucchini chips to start. Their steaks are cooked to perfection and dessert leaves you planning the next time you will be back!
Image by Harrigan’s Prime Grill
Local Cafes & Diners
Sometimes you are just in the mood for some homestyle cooking! And it’s even better when you don’t have to make it for yourself! These cafes and diners are tried and true. Locals have been enjoying them for years!
Ninety-Two Bakery & Cafe
New to Lubbock is Ninety-Two Bakery and Cafe. Their sweet cafe is light, bright, and airy! Their coffees can be crafted just to your liking! Their delicioius, light pastries, breakfast, and lunch options make it the perfect place to spend a few hours with friends, working, or diving into a good book.
Image by Ninety-Two Cafe
Cast Iron Grill
Y’all. The ultimate diner stop in Lubbock is Cast Iron Grill! Their large menu and friendly service keep this place busy. Pro tip: See that pie case? Order dessert before you order food. Just trust me.. the pie is something you do NOT want to miss out on!
Image by Cast Iron Grill
George’s Café
George’s Café has both breakfast and lunch/dinner menus at their various locations around town. Their homestyle cooking reminds you of Grandma’s house. Check out their daily specials, too!
Tech Café
Tech Café opens early, stays open late, and has multiple locations in town. Grab a cup of freshly brewed coffee, or order off of the lunch and dinner menu and enjoy dining with Lubbock locals! My husband loves their steak fingers!
Lubbock Breakfast House
Lubbock Breakfast House has been a family favorite since we first dined there in 2012! Their variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options will make it hard to decide what to order! I have a hard time ordering anything other than breakfast, no matter the time of day.
Best Sandwich in Lubbock
Glazed Honey Ham
Glazed Honey Ham Company has the best sandwich I’ve found in Lubbock! Their menu is huge, and you can customize any sandwich to your liking. Made to order and always fresh, this is the perfect sandwich shop to satisfy the entire family!
Image by Glazed Honey Ham Co.
Lubbock’s Breakfast Spots
One of my favorite meals of the day is breakfast. In fact, I love a good breakfast for dinner situation! Here’s a round up of Lubbock’s local breakfast spots that are sure to hit the spot.
Stacked
Stacked is a popular spot on Saturday and Sunday mornings! You really can’t go wrong with anything on their menu. They also have a drive up window where you can pick up your to go order!
Image by StackedLBK
Chicken Run
New to town is Chicken Run! Their trendy menu has everything from sweet to savory. You will want to pick more than one thing to order, guaranteed!!
Image by Chicken Run Cafe
Farmhouse
The Farmhouse Restaurant serves both breakfast and lunch at two locations in Lubbock! Their benedicts and omelets are excellent choices, as well as their croissant French toast or build your own pancakes!
Image by The Farmhouse
Pancake House
In the mood for some home cooking? Stop by the Pancake House for a small town diner feel! If you can snag a table on a Saturday or Sunday morning, you’re in for a treat!
Time to eat!
So many options, I don’t know how you’ll choose just one! I hope you give one a shot and enjoy supporting these local businesses and Lubbock restaurants.
I’d love to hear from you if you try out one of the restaurants I’ve recommended above, or found this post helpful. Leave a comment below to let me know where you ate and what you loved about the place you chose to dine!
If you’re a Lubbock local with a favorite local restaurant I didn’t mention, please feel free to add your suggestions in the comments!
Lubbock Local: a blog series
Looking for more local insight into all things Lubbock!? I’ve got you covered! Check out the posts below for more local favorites.
Emily
