A to Z: 26 Dishes to Taste in Lubbock

A shareable dip to drool over, this schmear is topped with mozzarella and served with a toasted baguette. If its appearance isn’t enough to convince you to try it, I don’t know what is. Easily the cheesiest, most well-rounded appetizer of the list, it’s perfect for sharing. Pro Tip: Order an extra piece of bread.

This nationally-acclaimed barbecue joint serves up a one-of-a-kind smash burger. Freshly ground brisket is shaped into patties, smoked on the pit and finished on the griddle where cheese is melted over the top. Only available on Tuesdays, be sure to beat the lunch crowd and hop in line before opening at 11 a.m. 

Served as either a half or whole order, these nachos are a mound of wonton chips topped with smoked and chopped brisket, tomatoes, black olives, jalapenos and a double cheese topping of mozzarella and queso. 

Get ready to try New York style cuisine with a twist. The nod to Texas Tech is a chopped BBQ pizza topped with gouda and an avocado creme drizzle. If you go in the evening, be sure to visit the speakeasy at the back of the restaurant, Manhattan 9.

A slow food Bistro, try out La Sirena’s empanadas stuffed to the brim with quail, green chile, manchego and golden raisins and served with a cilantro cashew crema as a dipping sauce. The food is just as inviting as the restaurant’s upscale, quaint atmosphere. 

A tasty twist on a classic only offered on the lunch menu is a melted goat cheese, smoked gouda and shaved parmesan grilled cheese topped with a fig jalapeño bacon jam and arugula. Served with your choice of fries or chips.

Baked until brown and deep fried right before serving are de-seeded, savory jalapenos stuffed with the signature green chili chicken enchilada mixture wrapped with a large piece of bacon.

Marinated in a housemade sauce, the grilled boneless chicken is served on a bed of fried rice. The tropical flavors make this dish a crowd favorite and a unique find tucked away on Indiana Ave.

With your choice of ice cream, fountain topping, nuts, whipped cream and cherry, this ice cream sundae transports you back to the ‘50s in this retro-themed diner.

This West African one-pot rice dish is gluten free and simmered in a tomato-based sauce. Try it as a side dish or as a part of the Taste of Africa with grilled chicken or beef.

When you hear KFC, you might be thinking of Kentucky. But we’re here to change your mind. The Korean Fried Chicken (KFC) is fried and tossed in gochujang honey sauce. Served on a bed of jasmine rice with your choice of one of Dirk’s signature sides, we highly recommend pairing the KFC with fried okra.

A high-end experience for your tastebuds, lobster is mixed into Cavatappi pasta, melted smoked gouda and topped with toasted breadcrumbs. Enjoy a glass of wine with your meal as the mac pairs well with the Somm Selection’s 2019 Henri Boillot Bourgogne Blanc.

Savage Tavern is a late night bar experience with some of the biggest cheese sticks in the South Plains. The freshly battered and fried pepper-jack cheese sticks are served with sides of marinara and ranch.

One of the best bites at this trendy bar and grill is the signature burger. Topped with an A1 bacon jam, caramelized onions and melted American cheese on a toasted brioche bun, the burger is a perfected staple

A gluten-free pancake with freshly ground, rolled oats topped with strawberries, blueberries and powdered sugar. This locally owned favorite provides a cozy experience for all patrons.

With a focus on authenticity, this homemade Pad Thai is a local favorite served with chicken or beef and as little or as much spice as your tastebuds desire.

An array of quesadillas from cheese to green chile pork to steak fajita are available at this Broadway St. bar. These pair well with a house watermelon chilton or margarita.

Baked brie topped with preserved jalapeno jelly and toasted almonds, served with crostinis. This dish is one of several Spanish-style tapas perfect for a group dining experience.

While The West Table is known for its globally-inspired starters and mains, the ever-evolving dessert menu deserves some love. Sopapillas served on a bed of whipped cream, covered with cinnamon, sugar and drizzles of chocolate and caramel

This pie isn’t a traditional one you’ll find just anywhere. This is a homemade, chilled pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream, pecans and a caramel drizzle. Drop in for a slice or grab one to go for a fall gathering. 

This late-night bite hosts a wide variety of unique gourmet hot dogs. The top-sellers are the “Philthy” Wizard, Flipper’s Style and Captain America. 

If the bring your own wine experience hasn’t already convinced you to dine at Italian Gardens, maybe the Vodka Penne will. It’s hearty, cheesy and everything you’d want in a pasta dish.

This sushi roll is known around Lubbock as the West Texas Roll because of its Western flavor. It’s complete with fresh avocado, jalapeño, cream cheese and fried shrimp tempura topped with crab and spicy mayonnaise. 

A food tour isn’t complete without a classic pizza. Whether you prefer a traditional pie or something unique, one of these Lubbock pizzerias has just the thing for you. 

Yellowfin Tuna made your way – crusted, grilled or blackened. It’s served with your choice of a lemon wedge or a signature reserve sauce and two sides.

Start your meal off right with these thinly sliced rounds of zucchini battered and fried. They’re light, crispy and definitely dunkable in Harrigan’s house ranch dressing.