Lubbock Cheese Stick Round Up

by: Maggi Gallaspy, Camille Hughes

It’s what Lubbock foodies are raving about… golden brown and fried to perfection, this starter turned fan-favorite dish has grown to become a sit-down staple on the South Plains. If you are on the hunt for the perfect bar food, late-night snack, or appetizer, look no further. After visiting five Lubbock dives and indulging in this greasy goodness, we found the baskets of cheese sticks that will keep you going back for more. If you’re not too busy begging for an extra bowl of the warm, dunk-worthy marinara sauce that’s served on the side, keep reading to find out where to go for the best cheese stick in the 806!

Our first stop was this Texas-favorite chain. Home to some of the best burgers, jalapeno rings, and hand-dipped milkshakes in Lubbock is Blue Sky Texas. Head over to one of two Lubbock locations to try their unique twist on this fast-food phenom. The savory fried pepper jack cheese is coated in a peppery batter and served with ranch dressing. You can’t go wrong with a basket the whole table will enjoy!

For 25 years, Caprock Cafe has been celebrating everything it means to be a Lubbock Texan. From live music to the coldest beer in West Texas, this restaurant knows how to please a crowd. We stopped by to try their traditional mozzarella sticks and couldn’t stop dunking them into the homemade spicy ranch. Make sure to order an extra side of this heavenly dip with your basket!

Spanky’s has long been a pre and post-game favorite for the college crowd, serving cold beer, old-style burgers and chicken sandwiches. Ask Lubbock locals where to go for the perfect cheese stick and most will probably direct you to Spanky’s. Their iconic mozzarella sticks are savory, thick, and oh-so-cheesy. Don’t believe me? Check out that cheese pull! When deciding which sauce to pair with your basket of cheese sticks, you can’t go wrong with the house ranch or marinara.

Next up on the list is this American diner that opened its doors in 1991. Straight out of the frier, Jumbo Joe’s irresistible appetizer was a close second favorite. Known for its burgers, this establishment is serving hot and fresh cheese sticks coated in a light batter that make its mozzarella core the star of the show. For $6.59, you can have a whole basket to yourself. After one bite, you’ll be convinced. These cheese sticks are so good you won’t be able to stop! 

Last, but certainly not least, located on University Ave. across from Texas Tech University, Savage Tavern is known for its lively atmosphere, live music, and daily food specials, but you can find the real party stopper under the lunch and dinner menu. At Savage Tavern, their take on cheese sticks is nothing short of mouth-watering. They’re serving up two massive pepper jack cheese sticks, freshly battered and fried to reveal a light and crispy crust. These melt-in-your-mouth cheese sticks pair perfectly with the warm, house-made marinara sauce. Though each restaurant has its own take on this American classic, Savage Tavern takes the cake for the best all-around cheese stick. 

Find your foodie-favorite cheese stick and share it with us using #LiveLoveLubbock.