Telling someone that you attend school in Lubbock, Texas often poses the famous question, “What on EARTH is there to do out there in the middle of nowhere?”

Sure, we may not attend school just miles from the state capitol, and no, there’s not a beach, or even a pond nearby, but living in Lubbock does have its perks. These perks come in the form of carbohydrates and shameful overdose of calories, thanks to a handful of some locally owned restaurants unique to the Hub City. A wise woman once said, “The way to my heart is through my stomach”, and she could not have been more right.

Caprock Café

“The specialty of the house is their hamburgers, although these are not your run of the mill fast-food burgers. Each burger is one half pound of 100% beef, carefully grilled and seasoned, served on a buttered sesame seed bun with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and pickles on the side. Caprock Cafe hamburgers are served with a choice of fries, beans, or tortilla chips.”

Crowd favorite: HICKORY BURGER – served with BBQ sauce, pickles and onions

5217 82nd St.

Lubbock, TX

(806) 771-2233

3405 34th St.

Lubbock, TX

(806) 784-0300

Gardski’s Loft

“Gardski's Restaurant, the oldest restaurant structure in Lubbock was built in the 1920s by the Humphries family. Damaged by a tornado in 1970, the building was remodeled by designer Charles Daboub, who also designed the Hard Rock Café and Planet Hollywood. On Gardski's grand opening night, a Dallas group chartered a Southwest Airlines jet and flew over one hundred patrons from the Metroplex to attend the event. Also voted Lubbock’s authentic dining experience since 1976.”

Crowd favorite: FRIED CHEESE – hand-breaded mozzarella served with marinara sauce and ranch dressing

2009 Broadway St.

Lubbock, TX

(806) 744-2391

Orlando’s

“Orlando’s has been serving Lubbock our Family Recipes since 1965, earning us the title of Lubbock’s oldest full-service restaurant.  Come see why generation after generation enjoys Orlando’s Italian Food! Pizza, Pasta, Salads, Sandwiches, Desserts—Only at Orlando’s! Voted: Best Italian Restaurant in Lubbock!”

Crowd favorite: MAFIA QUESO – spicy cheese dip loaded with beef, green chilies and alfredo sauce served with tortilla chips and garlic bread

6951 Indiana Ave.

Lubbock, TX

(806) 797-8646

2402 Avenue Q

Lubbock, TX

(806) 747-5998

The Arrogant Texan

“We serve good ole' Texas BBQ on one side and Amy's Ice Cream, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and vintage candy on the other! If you think there's any way you're not leaving happy, you're sadly mistaken.”

Crowd favorite: SAUSAGE SANDWICH – with ten-gallon pineapple BBQ sauce

1113 University Ave.

Lubbock, TX

(806) 771-9362

The Choc’Late Mousse Pie Bar

“This isn't your grandmother's slice of pie. You have 7 choices of crust, almost 30 pie fillings, and 6 different ways to put them together to suit your preference. Want to sit around and study or talk with friends? Sit on our couches and make yourself comfortable as you sip on our Swedish imported coffee. The Choc'late Mousse is like no place you've seen before. Come and enjoy an experience that is fun for all 5 senses, not just your taste buds.”

Crowd favorite: SNICKERDOODLE – with graham cracker crust

4210 82nd St.

Lubbock, TX

(806) 780-6147

Stella’s Restaurant and Deli

“We have something for everyone from our fresh made pizza to fresh fish and outstanding steaks. If you are looking for a quick lunch in a New York Minute or a romantic dinner, Stella's is a great choice. I invite you to come in to Stella's for great food, great service and an authentic New York Italian experience right here in Lubbock.”

Crowd favorite: PENNE PASTA WITH SPICY SAUSAGE SAUCE – Italian sausage, pancetta, red peppers and spicy marinara topped with fresh mozzarella

4646 50th St.

Lubbock, TX

(806) 785-9299

Double Nickel Steak House

“Year after year, Double Nickel Steak House is voted one of the Top Ten Best Steak Houses in Texas!”

Crowd favorite: STUFFED CHICKEN MEDALLIONS – stuffed with blue cheese, spinach, bacon and mushrooms, lightly breaded and baked

5405 Slide Rd.

Lubbock, TX

(806) 792-0055

The Funky Door Wine and Bistro

“Lubbock's newest fine dining and fondue restaurant and wine bar serving some of the most unique varieties of wines and the most eclectic pairings of food in the Texas panhandle.”

Crowd favorite: FIESTA FONDUE – blend of pepper jack cheese, Pacifico and tequila

6015 82nd St. #2

Lubbock, TX

(806) 687-0505

Thai Pepper

“Five stars for service and food… yum!”

Crowd favorite: PAD THAI – pan fried thin rice noodles with egg, chicken, shrimp, bean sprout, cabbage and ground peanuts

3702 20th St. #A

Lubbock, TX

(806) 795-7444

Café J

“Born of a collaboration between Bacchus and Kokopelli, Café J has long maintained a singular place in West Texas cuisine and the arts. Blending French techniques with Southwestern influences, an extensive wine selection, and original paintings, haute cuisine meets impeccable hospitality and service. For the absolute finest handcrafted offerings, Café J is unrivaled. Savor the unexpected, experience the romance.”

Crowd favorite: CHILE RUBBED QUAIL – grits stuffed poblano pepper, broccolini, smoked chipotle butter

2605 19th St.

Lubbock, TX

(806) 743-5400

Lubbock Breakfast House

“Our doors are open for any meal, any time. Texas Tech students, visitors, and Lubbock residents are all welcome to select from our satiating sweets or savories. We offer delicious food and superior customer service. Visit us to see why there is so much hype!”

Crowd favorite: STRAWBERRY BELGIAN WAFFLE – golden brown waffle topped with sliced sweetened strawberries

7006 University Ave.

Lubbock, TX

(806) 687-8912