A Culinary Hidden Gem Awaits in Lubbock, Texas

Lubbock is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for food lovers. From award-winning Texas BBQ and tacos to James Beard finalists serving up fine dining, this West Texas city is brimming with flavor at every turn.

With Chef Finn’s take on High Plains cuisine, Chef Jon’s rendition of French classics and Kim McPherson’s expertise in Texas wine, in Lubbock, there’s world-class cuisine at your fingertips.

En Chez Sami, Chef Jon Walter brings world-class French cuisine to Lubbock with a unique twist, blending High Plains flavors. A 2023 James Beard Award Best Chef: Texas Semifinalist, Chef Walter honed his craft as a private chef across Europe before returning home to fulfill his dream of opening a French restaurant. The menu features classic dishes like escargot in garlic butter, Short Rib Bourguignon, and Marget Canard duck breast, all elevated with Chef Walter’s personal flair. With new items nightly and a focus on refined, exquisite flavors, Chez Sami offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience in Lubbock.

la nicolett, a 2022 James Beard Award Semifinalist for Best Chef: Texas, is Lubbock’s premier fine dining destination. Curated by Chef Finn Walter, the menu celebrates High Plains cuisine with influences from Walter’s extensive experience in culinary cities like Paris, Austin, Napa Valley, and Santa Fe. The farm-to-table dishes highlight regional ingredients, offering everything from Wagyu Flanken Ribs to Acorn Pasta, paired with local finds like McPherson Cellars Chansa Single Cream Sherry dessert wine. Whether enjoying the a la carte dinner service or the Chef’s Tasting Menu, don’t miss the fry bread with honey butter and a signature libation from their Forbes-featured non-alcoholic cocktail program.

For over 40 years, Kim McPherson has been a pioneer in Texas winemaking, earning more than 600 awards in state, national, and international competitions. At his urban winery in Lubbock’s Depot Entertainment District, McPherson has beautifully restored the historic Coca-Cola bottling plant, offering guests a world-class tasting room, outdoor courtyard, and event space. A James Beard Award double semifinalist, McPherson continues to mentor and inspire generations of Texas winemakers, cementing his legacy as a standard-bearer for Texas wine.

It’s so worth traveling for that people line up daily at 11 a.m. to make sure they get a taste before it sells out. Ranked No. 8 on Texas Monthly’s list of Top 50 BBQ Joints in Texas, Barbacoa de Evie Mae has earned a spot on every BBQ lover’s must-visit list. Known for its melt-in-your-mouth brisket, green chili sausage, and homemade sides, this family-run spot started as a food truck in New Mexico and has since become a Lubbock staple. Everything on the menu is gluten-free, including the delicious assortment of desserts. A regular at Texas Monthly’s BBQ Picnic, Evie Mae’s is a prime example of why Lubbock is a destination for BBQ enthusiasts. Pro tip: grab a free beer while you wait in line and prepare for an unforgettable meal.

Jiménez y Friends Barbecue y Taqueria blends family tradition with unexpected culinary brilliance. The warm, welcoming space feels like home, with deep family roots evident in every dish. Known for its standout tacos, the spot made headlines when José R. Ralat, Texas Monthly’s taco editor, named it among the state’s top 50 tacos. (P.S. If you stop by for the tacos, the Three Amigos Plate is a must-try, featuring carne guisada, pork chile colorado, and picadillo with potatoes).

After Michael Flores joined his family’s successful taqueria and bakery, he brought his BBQ expertise. Texas Monthly’s BBQ editor first tried Jiménez y Friends’ smoked barbacoa taco and sausage with smoked Oaxaca cheese at the 2023 Texas Monthly BBQ Fest, where the restaurant was part of the taco trail. Now, with a full BBQ menu every weekend, it’s no surprise this dive continues making headlines.