“Muscats Restaurant, Vines Resort”byCatherine Lingis licensed underCC BY 2.0
The Vine
2623 34th St
(806) 744-3663
Yelp: 4 stars, 33 reviews
The Vine prides itself on innovative cuisine, and with a chef specializing in Southwestern, Mediterranean, and Oriental cuisines in a French restaurant, how could it be anything else? Such a diverse menu could easily spell disaster, but The Vine delivers tenfold. From the Weiner Schnitzel to the Asian whitefish with rice, every dish is something special and full of flavor you won’t find anywhere else. Brunch is extra fun at The Vine—don’t miss out on the top-notch Bloody Mary bar where you can pick a variety of toppings and additions, like a Slim Jim to stir your tomato-licious drink.
Crafthouse Gastropub
3131 34th St
(806) 687-1466
Yelp: 4 stars, 33 reviews
The Crafthouse offers high-end, high-quality food in a hip and modern atmosphere without an ounce of pretentiousness. Grass-fed beef and vegetarian options are available for those who actually pay extra-close attention to their diets. Come for brunch and hang onto those taste buds after biting into their piping hot, homemade doughnuts. Mmmmm. And come back again for dinner and a three-onion sausage dog or fried chicken and roasted brussel sprouts. Whatever your choice, your dishes will always be made from scratch with the freshest, local ingredients. That’s really all you need, right? OK, maybe another doughnut.
“Wine”byUncalno Teknois licensed underCC BY 2.0
Manna Bread & Wine
2610 Salem Ave
(806) 791-5600
Yelp: 4 stars, 59 reviews
Tucked away inside Cactus Alley, Manna Bread and Wine is a hidden gem in Lubbock that embraces its Texan roots by serving the traditional in some new ways. Yes, Manna’s has bread. Obviously. But they also have a seriously impressive collection of the aged prime beef, elk, lamb and Cooper River salmon. Or if you’re more of a “less is more” person, the tapas include mouthwatering crab, avocado and mango nachos and perfect pork skewers. And now that they’ve expanded to include Milo’s Fine Wine and Whiskey Bar, you’ll have serious trouble deciding between the dozens of options. Before you leave, make sure to try a bite (or ten) of the coconut cake.
West Crust
6012 82nd St
(806) 771-9378
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 49 reviews
If you’re looking for a Lubbock slice that’s both delicious and socially conscious, look no further than West Crust Pizza. Their Hill County pizza topped with turkey bacon, feta and mozzarella was recently voted the best pizza in all of Texas. (And considering how big Texas is, that’s a pretty remarkable pizza.) With their handmade dough brick-baked to a perfect crisp and their slow-cooked chipotle sauce, West Crust is making waves across the pizza industry by using the freshest local ingredients and having a compassionate mission beyond the standard.
Rain Uptown Ristorante
5217 98th St
(806) 798-5900
Yelp: 4 stars, 33 reviews
From the moment you make your reservation until the moment you pay your bill, Rain Uptown is an unmatched upscale experience in Lubbock. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and will help you to pick the absolute perfect Italian dish for what you’re feeling. You can’t find escargot many places in Lubbock, but Rain offers that and more. The lobster ravioli is a must try and will probably become your regular order—because yes, you will be going back!
Hayashi
4220 82nd St
(806) 792-6868
Yelp: 4 stars, 29 reviews
When you’re in the mood for sushi, nothing will satisfy that craving short of a good roll. That’s where Hayashi’s comes in. This Japanese haven has all the standard sushi and sashimi choices, but be sure to check out the special roll menu, with gems like the Ninja Roll and Dragon and Special Dragon Roll. And if a full meal is what you’re craving Hayashi’s also offers awesome bento boxes, a hibachi grill, and a menu full of domestic and imported beers and wines.
La Diosa Cellars
901 17th St
(806) 744-360
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 51 reviews
The food and drink at La Diosa Cellars are just as much of a work of art as the paintings on the wall. Order a classic gazpacho with a side of deliciously aged cheese and the gravlax. Share a perfectly mixed pitcher of sangria with friends as you and sit and catch up on your week in the luxuriously plush chairs. The soft music and warm lighting only add to the ambiance and bring a little sophistication and warmth from Spain to the people of Lubbock, Texas.
Sri Maharaja Fine Indian Cuisine
5130 80th St
(806) 687-9500
Yelp: 4 stars, 26 reviews
You don’t have too many Indian restaurants from which to choose in Lubbock, but that won’t matter because Maharaja’s is the only one you’ll ever need. You can take out, but you’ll want to dine in here because the atmosphere is just as good as their cuisine. The menu specializes in northern (sweeter) and southern (hotter) regional dishes, providing something for all palettes. Start traditional with the best Naan in the city, then go all out with the exotically marinated Tandoori Chicken, and finish off with the Gulaab Jammon for a well-rounded and satisfying Indian meal.
Orlando’s Italian Restaurant
6951 Indiana Ave
(806) 797-8646
Yelp: 4 stars, 33 reviews
Finding a restaurant that can make traditional Italian just like your grandmother used to make is hard work. (If you’re lucky enough to have an Italian grandmother, that is.) But your journey ends at Orlando’s. Whether you stay super safe with the sun-dried tomato penne pasta, or decide to mix it up with the fried beef ravioli dipped in the mafia queso, you’ll forget that you’re in Texas, not Italy.
Tom & Bingo’s Hickory Pit BBQ
3006 34th St
(806) 799-1514
Yelp: 4 stars, 35 reviews
There’s always room for barbecue in Texas, but Tom & Bingo’s will fill you right up. With the best chopped beef barbecue sandwiches for miles and lots of other deliciously smoky menu options to choose from, this top-notch barbecue joint is a favorite stop for locals and beyond. Make sure to get here early for lunch because once the meat they’ve smoked for the day is out, they close up shop. And it’s so good, it usually goes fast. Tom & Bingo’s also just released their own line of their beloved barbecue sauce, sold at the shop and in markets throughout Lubbock. Although no matter how much you use you probably won’t make it as good as the original.
Lisa West’s Double Nickel Steakhouse
5405 Slide Rd
(806) 792-0055
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 35 reviews
Ribeyes, filets, au poivre, medallions, kabobs: Steak knows no limits at the Double Nickel. Cooked perfectly to your color of choice every time, the Double Nickel is fine dining, but thanks to being a steakhouse in laid back nature of Lubbock jeans and sneakers are commonplace. The peppercorn sauce adds just the perfect bite to your well-crafted steak and the sides like homemade chips and creamed corn are the perfect accents. Instead of a wine, opt for the martinis, which are faultless.
Bangkok Thai Restaurant
4624 34th St
(806) 791-7787
Yelp: 4 stars, 33 reviews
If it’s your first time at Bangkok’s, you have to order the Pad Thai. With just the right balance of sweet and sour, its rich flavor, and perfectly textured noodles makes it one of the best Pad Thai dishes you’ll find anywhere, not just in Lubbock. On your subsequent visits, try the Pad See Eew or the fish cakes with cucumber salad. Although you’ll probably end up getting the Pad Thai again too. This family owned establishment is dive-y yet clean, friendly and inexpensive with portions that are almost always bigger than you can eat.
Abuelo’s Taqueria
4410 19th Street, Ste 120
(806) 368-7833
Yelp: 4 stars, 8 reviews
As soon as you walk into Abuelo’s, don’t waste any time. Immediately order the Bangkok Shrimp Wrap with firecracker shrimp with spicy peanut sauce and find out what you’ve been missing out on all this time. Pretty much anything you order with the firecracker shrimp will be special, but there’s not really a bad taco choice to be made here. Once you try Abuelo’s you’ll never spend Taco Tuesday anywhere else.
Christakis Burgers
1111 34th St
(806) 744-6833
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 8 reviews
Running eleven years strong, Christakis has the best burger in town, hands down. It’s a small burger joint, so you won’t exactly be bringing a first date here, but when you’re in the mood for a burger, accept no substitutes. Christakis proudly boasts that you can feed a family of four here for under $25 and they’re right. You can pick up this flavorful green chili burger and fries to dine in or to go for under $6 without sacrificing any flavor, making Christakis the Lubbock answer to tasteless fast food.
The Cakery
6301 82nd St
(806) 783-9091
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 5 reviews
Sometimes you just need a damn cupcake. Lucky for you The Cakery makes about the prettiest cupcakes you’ve ever seen, along with just about anything else your sweet tooth craves—they actually say that “if you can dream it, we can make it!” And they’ll never let you get bored either, since they make new flavors every day. Go classic with cinnamon rolls and red velvet cupcakes or try the macaroons for a little taste of France.
