How to Enjoy 48 Hours on the Lubbock Chilton Trail

Lubbock is the birthplace of the Chilton, a bubbly, vodka and lemon-based cocktail known for its refreshing qualities. Lucky for us, a variety of restaurants and bars in the Hub City make a great stop for craft cocktail enthusiasts and offer both classic and curated twists on the Chilton.

If you have 48 hours to enjoy a stay in the 806, here’s how you can spend it exploring the best attractions and Chiltons Lubbock has to offer.

Before you start planning your trip, sign up to get your free Lubbock Chilton Trail pass to see all the participating restaurants & bars, collect points and win prizes.

Now that you’re ready to hit the trail, let’s decide where your first stop should be. Home to several stops on the Chilton Trail, Downtown Lubbock is a hub for long-time favorites and up-and-coming businesses. With a diverse culture, epic eats and thriving arts scene, plan to spend a day here. During your time between stops on the trail, experience world-class art exhibits at LHUCA, enjoy a meal at Burklee Hill Vineyards and catch a show at the historic Cactus Theater.

During the afternoon, stop by two of Lubbock’s best patios. Chimy’s may be known for its Tex-Mex and margaritas, but the real showstopper on this Broadway St stop is the Watermelon Chilton. Made with Western Son Watermelon Vodka, this not-too-sweet, salted-rim pink drink is a crowd-pleaser.

If your trip happens to land on the first Friday of the month, be sure to plan your trip to Two Doc’s Brewing Co. during Lubbock’s First Friday Art Trail, an inclusive experience that offers guests the opportunity to browse galleries, talk with local artists, shop creations, listen to live music and enjoy the Lubbock food truck scene. Two Doc’s Brewing Co. is located in the Cultural Arts District and its patio is often home to live music, trivia and magnetic energy. Show your server the discount on your pass and receive 50% off a pint of the brewpub’s Chilton Gose, a crisp lemony representation of the local favorite cocktail.

While downtown, make plans for an evening under the Pioneer Pocket Hotel where two of Lubbock’s favorite restaurants and bars reside. Start at The Brewery LBK, one of Lubbock’s newest brewpubs, for a classic Chilton that has visitors and locals raving. Across the lobby sits The West Table Kitchen & Bar where owner and renowned chef Cameron West curates seasonal, internationally-inspired menus that pair perfectly with the craft cocktail offerings. Make a trip to the bar to meet Cousin, one of Lubbock’s most beloved bartenders. His Ruby Chilton continues to grow in popularity and includes a mix of Deep Eddy Ruby Red Grapefruit vodka, lemon and club soda for a citrus overload. Enjoy an exclusive discount at both locations when you join the trail!

Book your accommodations in Downtown Lubbock to get the full West Texas experience. Even better, you’ll be able to grab a poolside nightcap at The Midnight Shift Restaurant and Bar inside the Cotton Court Hotel before enjoying your first night in this Cotton Gin-inspired boutique getaway.

On day 2, start with brunch at The Funky Door. Known for its eclectic decor and extensive wine menu, this Southwest Lubbock gem offers two amazing Chilton variations- The Chilton Royale and The Blueberry Chilton. Brunch is better on the patio listening to the restaurant’s jazz trio, sipping Chilton’s and delighting in fondue served with house-made croutons, shareables and specialties.

Next, head to the Depot District for a stop at the Buddy Holly Center, a permanent exhibit dedicated to the life and music of rock’n’roll legend, Buddy Holly. Museum-goers get the opportunity to see Buddy’s iconic glasses found at the site of the plane crash.

Pinkerton’s Distillery is next. On Saturdays from 1 – 4 p.m., learn about the liquor that makes the Chilton what it is. Producing Texas-made spirits since 2015, take a tour of this facility. Home to Lubbock’s premium rum and vodka offerings and known for its iconic Burn Vodka, a blend of fresh peppers, stop by and try a Chilton straight from the distillery.

With nightlife like no other, an evening in the Depot District is something every Hub City visitor needs to experience. With diverse entertainment options that are expanding rapidly, choose between several bars and music venues to spend your evening, or, even better, find a way to visit them all!

Shotgun Sue’s Saloon opened in 2023 and is an Old West-inspired bar. From the decor to the refined cocktail menu, everything about this spot on the Chilton Trail offers a unique vibe all the way down to the Chilton itself. The owner and bartender recently added the Scusi to the menu which features the addition of Limoncello.

Bodine’s, an upscale cocktail parlor that opened in 2022 is moody in the best way. Its dark interior, dreamy light display and live music offerings make it a must-stop for a relaxed night with friends.

End the night with a concert at The Blue Light Live. Home to classic Chiltons, the best of West Texas country music and a wide open space ready for dancing or catching up at a bartop table, check the upcoming lineup on their website to see who’s performing when you’re in town.

There are endless Hub City hotspots to grab a Chilton and get a taste of Lubbock’s West Texas hospitality, but if you only have 48 hours, this is the best way to spend it on the Lubbock Chilton Trail!

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