5 Local Spots Red Raiders Love to Visit

By: Aubrie Harris

Whether you’re an alumni coming back to Raiderland, an out-of-towner stopping in for a visit, or hoping to catch a game over the weekend, there’s something to do for every visitor. A wide variety of delicious food, tasty drinks and fun activities to try are located all across the Hub City. Here’s a list of a few local places that Red Raiders say are a must-try:

Right across from Jones AT&T Stadium is Spanky’s, one of the first stops of many Red Raiders coming through Lubbock. The red booths and wooden walls create a colorfully rustic atmosphere that is an inviting space for all ages. We recommend trying any of the burgers with an order of their famous fried cheese. This fried fare will keep you coming back for more!

A Red Raider rite of passage is a stop at Chimy’s. This college favorite is a perfect spot to sit out on the patio and enjoy good company with a custom margarita or a Lubbock Chilton in your hand. The music and all around fun vibes create a great environment to unwind after a long day. You can’t go wrong in getting an order of chips and salsa or a plate of drool-worthy cheese fries either.

If you’re in need of more red and black before game day, we suggest heading to The Matador. They have a wide variety of game day gear and other memorabilia to offer. Whether you’re looking for a t-shirt or a clear bag to bring into the stadium, there’s something for everyone at The Matador. It’s located across the street from the Texas Tech campus entrance on the corner of Broadway for your convenience and is close enough that you could walk out of the store and into the stadium if you wanted!

Lubbock is known for its live music scene and hosts numerous up-and-coming artists as well as established musicians. Blue Light Live! is an iconic, vibrant venue that Josh Abott and Flatland Cavalry have called home. There’s almost always a guarantee that there will be live music being performed, especially during the weekend. Be sure to get there early to buy your ticket at the door and try their drink specials. You can find a full list of their upcoming shows and artists on their website!

In the market for some good-natured competitive fun? Time to start working on your aim so you can impress your friends, family and coworkers at Grab Axxes. This is a great place to celebrate a birthday, host a bachelor or bachelorette party or spend some time with friends on a Friday night. 

Here are a few more local places that are definitely worth the trip: Two Docs Brewing Co., Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre, the Science Spectrum, Cactus Theatre and Dirk’s.

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