Downtown Eats

Written By McKenna Dowdle

April 09, 2021

Calling all foodies! Lubbock’s downtown culinary scene is diverse, delectable and evergrowing. With a community filled to the rim with beer lovers, brunch goers and fine dining enthusiasts, downtown delivers. From trendy coffee shops, West Texas breakfast hotspots, eclectic eateries and food trucks, to the perfect high-end options for date night, there is something to satisfy all pallets. Take a look at our complete list below and make your weekend reservation today!

The Lobby by Sugar Browns Coffee Co.
A Lubbock staple, Sugar Browns Coffee Co. has made its mark on the hearts of all coffee drinkers in the LBK with the recent expansion into the McDougal building located on Broadway. Guests can experience the hustle and bustle of downtown’s business district while grabbing a cup to go, enjoying the sunrise over Broadway or working remotely in the seating area. No visit is complete without a kolache to pair with your favorite brew!

Cast Iron Grill
The Cast Iron Grill perfectly emulates the wild West Texas charm and charisma. For those looking to order a classic cowboy breakfast, look no further than this diner. As you walk in, take in the boots hanging from the ceiling, and peer into the pie display. At Cast Iron Grill, pie for breakfast isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. 

Jimenez Bakery and Restaurant
When you walk into Jimenez, right away, the smells set the scene. If you’re looking for tastes from even farther south, Jimenez Bakery and Restaurant has you covered with authentic, breakfast burritos and all your favorite Mexican pastries.

Flippers Tavern
We said hot dogs. Flippers Tavern said hot dogs, but make it gourmet. Located downtown, experience Lubbock’s only pinball bar specializing in artisan hot dogs and bratwursts that include toppings like ghost pepper cheese, fried eggs and avocados. For the truly adventurous at heart, we challenge you to try the ghost pepper mac-n-cheese, if you dare! With an extensive drink menu, enjoy a Lubbock Chilton, the Flippers way, on their dog-friendly patio.

Dirk’s
From one local legend to the next, Chef Cameron West, grandson of Dirk West, the artist who brought us the beloved Raider Red, is featured at Lubbock’s newest fried chicken eatery, Dirk’s. Located downtown, this family-owned restaurant displays the work of Dirk West on the walls. From comics and portraits to perfectly breaded chicken and well-prepared oysters, the multi-generational talent comes to life inside this fried chicken restaurant. 

Giorgio’s Pizza
From New York-style pizza (the best type) to loaded salads, sandwiches and calzones, Giorgio’s Pizza boasts a menu worthy of the hype. They say everything is bigger in Texas and that rings true at this downtown must-try with the “Texas size pizza,” the largest pizza in Lubbock, which measures 28 inches! Giorgio’s uses a brick oven to bake each pie and calzone, after making all of the dough fresh from scratch every day. 

Food trucks at Two Docs Brewing Co.
Lubbock is no stranger to the food truck scene. In fact, we would go so far as to say we are leading the way out here in West Texas. As the “Hub City”, it’s only fitting that the 806 highlights the best plates to come out of a truck window this side of I-35. From traditional Thai dishes to ramen, BBQ and everything in between, we recommend enjoying each meal on the Two Docs Brewing Co. patio. With a pint of Lubbock Light in one hand and a fork full of brisket in the other, is there any better way to spend a warm spring night than at the brewery?

The Brewery LBK
Speaking of brews, The Brewery LBK, located in the historic Pioneer Building, features a delicious brunch menu each Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. From sweet cinnamon roll French toast to the spicy Chilaquiles, each item pairs flawlessly with the beer menu. We recommend trying the Doc Chilton, a light-bodied ale paying homage to Lubbock’s famous cocktail, the Chilton. 

Triple J Chophouse and Brew Co.
Delicious food and an in-house brewing company make this restaurant a staple in Lubbock. Offering an authentic steakhouse atmosphere and live music at night, Triple J is a great place to go with friends or a date night out. Start your meal off with the Choppy Bob Nachos and a house-brewed beer – our favorite is the Raider Red – and enjoy the Ancho Grilled Filet Mignon for your entrée. Cap your meal off with the Praline Bread Pudding for dessert.

Claraboya Scratch Kitchen and Bar at the DoubleTree by Hilton
Chef Antonio Pena is a Lubbock legend with a tasty talent. The Claraboya Scratch Kitchen and Bar menu has been completely curated by the man himself, making it hard to pick just one dish! A few must-try options include the Shrimp Bisque Poutine and Brisket Street Tacos. We recommend you pair any menu item with a cocktail from the bar. This is the ideal location for a downtown happy hour!

Midnight Shift Restaurant and Bar at Cotton Court Hotel
The Midnight Shift is the perfect downtown destination with its Texas-American inspired cuisine paired perfectly with the rustic backyard atmosphere that opens into the Cotton Court Hotel courtyard where local artists are featured on stage every weekend, giving guests a front-row look into the “Hub City” culture. While here, ask for a seat outside to enjoy the warm air and courtyard festivities! However, the Midnight Shift doesn’t take reservations, so make sure to arrive early in the evening to ensure a table at this happening spot. 

Italian Garden
A Lubbock must-try, the Italian Garden is a local favorite with its selection of authentic Italian dishes including the Chicken Alla Casa, lobster ravioli and chicken parmigiana. Trust us when we say to order with the pink sauce. This famous topping will leave you wanting more. This spot is also BYOB so bring along your favorite bottle of local wine to enjoy with dinner.

Rave on at The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences
Serving upscale American cuisine, The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences have partnered with United Family Food & Beverage to create delectable dishes utilizing local ingredients for both lunch and dinner. Whether you prefer a light salad or a hearty steak, the options are as vast as they are delicious. Make your reservation today to experience dinner and a show at this world-class theater. 

La Diosa Cellars
La Diosa Cellars is unlike any other place in the “Hub City”. Inspired by the owner’s heritage and travels, this restaurant and wine bistro offers an atmosphere of aesthetics perfect for date night, wine night with the girls, or to bring your friends from out of town. Featuring an array of tapas and a vast selection of wine, each dish and bottle of wine are thoughtfully picked to create a rich marriage from the end of your fork to the bottom of your glass. 

The West Table
With a rotating menu consisting of the highest-quality local and global in-season ingredients, The West Table introduces a plethora of international flavors in a familiar way. From the flavorful oysters on a half shell to a delectable selection from the Atlantic, the daily flown-in seafood brings fresh, oceanside dining to Lubbock. Located in the heart of downtown, this upscale dining experience is one you won’t want to miss.

The Nicolett
A newcomer to the Lubbock food scene, Chef Finn Walter is no stranger to high-end eateries and local cuisine. His culinary resume includes time in the kitchen in Santa Fe, Austin and Napa Valley. His take on High Plains cuisine utilizes locally driven ingredients with his own twist. Call to reserve your table in the greenhouse tonight! 

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