Eat Fresh with Lubbock Farm-to-Table Finds

As spring gives way to summer, something in the air makes the thought of eating fresh, seasonally-inspired meals all the more enticing. With the sunshine, warm temperatures and new blooms comes a variety of local produce ready to be harvested. From grass-fed beef to cotton blossom honey and every microgreen in between, Lubbock is home to a community of farmers, ranchers and chefs that value the farm-to-fork movement. 

Next time you’re searching for the freshest bite your fork can find, try one of these local restaurants that curate an unforgettable culinary experience through their farm-to-table approach. 

Claraboya Scratch Kitchen & Bar

Located inside the Doubletree by Hilton, Claraboya Scratch Kitchen & Bar is known for its novel cuisine by Executive Chef Antonio Pina. Serving every type of menu from Sunday brunch to late-night bar cravings, this scratch kitchen highlights local ingredients in each hand-crafted meal. 

During your dining experience, taste fresh ingredients from E3 Farm and All Hale Meats and enjoy local sips from Two Doc’s Brewing Co. and Tierra Plana Roasters. From cocktails to desserts, the team at Claraboya fuses these local treasures together to create a cohesive meal.

Start with a shareable of Duck Tacos, slow braised in ancho stalk and filled with micro cilantro, Oaxaca cheese, avocado crema and chile arbol sandwiched between crispy flour tortillas. Continue your meal with one of the greens like the Chipotle Caesar Salad or a main like the Crab and Grits. Round out your dining experience with the Tres Leche Coconut Cake filled with a berry compote and dusted with powdered sugar.  

The West Table

Lubbock roots through and through, The West Table is one of several restaurants owned and operated by members of the West family. Husband and wife team Cameron and Rachel West pay homage to the history of Lubbock and their family with each addition to the interior. From tables made from salvaged wood of an old cotton gin to a chef’s table dedicated to Cameron’s grandfather, local cartoonist and former mayor Dirk West, the establishment celebrates everything it means to love Lubbock.

This approach carries through to the innovative food and beverage options offered at The West Table. With a passion for bringing New American cuisine with global influences to Lubbock, West sources fresh, seasonal ingredients locally and globally. This farm-to-fork venture puts an emphasis on seasonality, sustainability, and exclusivity, creating a dining experience that is equal parts exotic and familiar. 

While the menu changes daily, the website offers an idea of what to expect during your visit. From appetizers like Crab Hushpuppies and Crispy Goat Cheese Croquettes to mains like the Charbroiled Beef Tenderloin and the Pan-Roasted Chicken, you can’t go wrong with any item on the menu. Make sure to top off your meal with an after-dinner drink and something sweet. Whether the Snickers Whipped Chocolate Mousse, Strawberry Cobbler or Stuffed Sopapilla is speaking to you, dessert is a must. 

The Nicolett

Named after the first hotel in Lubbock, The Nicolett is a West Texas fine dining destination. The 2022 James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef: Texas, Finn Walter has curated a multi-course menu with a focus on High Plains cuisine. 

Throughout his career, Walter has worked in some of the top culinary cities in the U.S. and abroad. The Nicolett sources regional ingredients that are prepared with techniques “that reflect Walter’s experience in Paris, Austin, Napa Valley, and Santa Fe.” 

This upscale take on a farm-to-table course can be enjoyed as an a la carte dinner service Tuesday-Saturday or a Chef’s Tasting Menu Tuesday-Thursday by reservation. If you’re looking for a casual brunch spot, The Nicolett also offers a Sunday morning service. 

Don’t start your meal without the bread service! The fry bread with honey butter is a simple yet indulgent treat that you’ll be dreaming about for months to come. The dinner menu offers starters, grains and mains ranging from Wagyu Flanken Ribs to Acorn Pasta. The dessert menu features local finds of McPherson Cellars Chansa Single Cream Sherry dessert wine and The Champion Blend from Monomyth Coffee. 

Pro Tip: Be sure to try one of the libations or an item from the non-alcoholic cocktail program that’s been featured in Forbes and Food & Wine. 

With many local establishments utilizing in-season ingredients through their farm-to-table approach, there’s always somewhere to eat fresh in Lubbock this summer. 

Dig in and share your favorite farm-to-fork finds using #LiveLoveLubbock.