Eight Dining Destinations on the Lubbock Food Trail

At 373 miles northwest of Austin, Lubbock is a good stopping point on the long drive to the ski slopes of New Mexico and Colorado. Still very much a college town, the Hub City of the High Plains is maturing as a culinary destination. I only had a few days to tour the dining rooms of the city on the plains, and here are some of my favorite finds.

Breakfast or lunch at the Cast Iron Grill can start or finish with a slice of homemade strawberry-banana pie. (Photo by Gerald E. McLeod)

Cast Iron Grill

Originally a truck stop, the building was once home to the famous Stubb’s Barbecue. Since 2013, the Grill has served up a great American breakfast of eggs, hash browns, and ham. The chicken-fried steak and green chile stew are favorites, and save room for the homemade pie. Or better still, just have the signature strawberry-banana pie for breakfast. With 24-hour notice you can take a whole pie with you. Find it across the street from the Buddy Holly Center.
620 19th St.
806/771-7690
www.castirongrilllubbock.com
open Mon.-Sat. for breakfast & lunch 7am-2pm
$

The smoked meats at Evie Mae’s Barbecue are some of the best in the state, and they come with a slight New Mexican accent (green chiles instead of jalapeños). (Photo by Gerald E. McLeod)

Evie Mae’s Pit Barbecue

A perennial favorite on Texas Monthly’s list of top barbecue joints since it open as a food trailer in 2015, this place is easily one of the best joints in the state. The proof is in the banana pudding, sweet pork ribs, and tender brisket. It’s no brag if it’s a fact. In the tiny town of Wolfforth, Evie Mae’s is only minutes southwest of downtown Lubbock. Everything is gluten free, but you’d never know it without asking. Be sure to grab some extra smoked meats or a whole pie for the road. “Sell out” usually happens by 3pm.
217 US-62
806/782-2281
www.eviemaesbbq.com
Tue.-Sun., 11am-sell out, BYOB
$$

The Fresh American

Deep on the booming south side of Lubbock, this fairly new restaurant is easy to get to either from 130th Street or Indiana Avenue. They have three menus depending upon the time of day, each covering a variety of foods to entice any palate. The Blackened Scottish Salmon was cooked to perfection and the American Burger is huge. The bar makes a mean Doc Chilton Cocktail, Lubbock’s signature refreshing drink made with vodka, club soda, and lemon juice.
3715 114th St.
806/438-1322
www.thefreshamerican.com
closed Mon.
$$$

Take a European culinary vacation while you’re in Lubbock with La Diosa Cellar’s Mediterranean menu. (Photo by Gerald E. McLeod)

La Diosa Cellars

For more than 20 years this has been the most exotic place in Lubbock to take a date. Offering Spanish and Mediterranean tapas, the spacious dining room is like a visit to the continent. Owned by Sylvia McPherson, wife of the proprietor of McPherson Cellars Winery across the street, the restaurant makes its own Sangria wine, which is worth a try.
901 17th St.
806/744-3600
www.ladiosacellars.com
closed Sun. and Mon.
$$

The Midnight Shift

In the Cotton Court Hotel, this is casual dining at its finest. Chef Kate Diehl offers a unique flavor twist to American classics like burgers, steaks, and pizza. The restaurant is right off the hotel’s spacious courtyard for a relaxed and intercontinental ambience.
1610 Broadway St.
806/758-5800
www.midnightshiftrestaurant.com
open daily for breakfast, lunch, & dinner; hours vary
$$$

Monomyth Coffee

A hip coffee shop popular with students. About halfway between downtown and the Texas Tech campus this is a great place to start your morning with a caffeinated jolt. The fresh pastries are from a local bakery, but the avocado toast and tacos are house-made.
2024 Broadway
806/368-8183
monomythcoffee.com
open daily
$

Neighborhood F&B

On the south side, this restaurant has a diverse West Texas menu with an international accent from outstanding meat loaf to delicious lamb barbacoa tacos. The open dining room with a small outdoor patio has a neighborhood vibe with a side serving of sports bar. The biggest downside is that the room can reach earsplitting decibel levels during peak times.
9806 Quaker Ave.
806/553-9500
closed Mon.
$$

The seasonal menu at the Nicolett puts a creative twist on the local ingredients. (Photo by Gerald E. McLeod)

The Nicolett

This small restaurant on the edge of downtown is proof that Lubbock has graduated to supporting high-end culinary experiences. Chef Finn Walter, a 2022 James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef: Texas, brings a rotating menu of fabulous and creative West Texas inspired dishes to the table.
511 Broadway St.
806/993-0144
www.nicolettrestaurant.com
Tue.-Sat, 5pm-close
$$$$