Lubbock’s Top 10 Vegetarian Must-Tries

Written By Guest Blogger

May 24, 2021

By: Madison Regis White

My name is Madi (@madiwhite), I live in Lubbock, Texas, and I have a vegetarian diet. I chose to go meatless for many reasons! First, it has helped me live a healthier lifestyle, eat cleaner and I have learned to get super creative with my meals. Second, I have realized that tweaking my diet is the least I can do to be more environmentally conscious. Reducing your meat consumption has a larger impact than you think! 

Living in West Texas, it’s common to see meals centered around meat. As we all know, Texas runs the show when it comes to BBQ, street tacos, steaks, chicken-fried-chicken, chicken-fried-steak, chicken…everything – the list goes on. But, I promise there are some great vegetarian options here in the “Hub City”! Below are my top 10 go-to spots for meatless meals.

J&B Coffee 
This is one of my favorite quick lunch spots! I go for the J&B Veggie, which is a delicious sandwich made up of fresh avocado, red onion, sprouts, olives, bell pepper, lettuce, tomato and cheese. It comes on wheat bread and is served with a side of chips. Be sure to check out their delicious seasonal drinks, my personal favorite is the Lavender Cold Brew Latte with Almond Milk. 

Hawaii Poke
Hawaii Poke is Lubbock’s first Poke restaurant! This spot is fairly new, and every time I have come the food has been so fresh and tasty. I like to build my own bowl here. First you choose a base, my favorite is their signature “Hawaii Poke Rice” which is coconut & green tea infused jasmine rice. DELISH. Next, you choose your mix-in. I add in seaweed, cucumber and onion. I skip the “protein” step and move onto the toppings. I add organic tofu, edamame, sesame seeds and mango. The list could go on. They offer many sauces to top your bowl off. I am a big fan of the Wasabi Aioli or Spicy Mayo! There are so many options to choose from here, you can’t go wrong! 

La Diosa  
La Diosa is a Lubbock gem and it never fails to offer savory, unique vegetarian options. I like to start with a Mediterannean Ensalada and the Rebecca (baked french brie, red jalapeno pepper preserves, toasted slivered almonds, crostini). By the way, La Diosa has a full “Tapas de Vegetarianas” section on the menu – we love that! For my entree, I typically order the Fresca Pizza (dried mangos, plums, apricots, herbed cream cheese tapenade, red onion, crushed walnuts, red pepper flakes), but I like to mix my order up from time to time. I always make sure to enjoy delicious local wine and a slice of homemade coconut cake.

The Crafthouse Gastropub 
The Crafthouse Gastropub always comes through with vegetarian options! As a pickle lover, I start my meal with a “Pickle Jar” (house pickled seasoned vegetables) and an order of the Crispy Fried Broccoli. I swear, when veggies are made the right way, they are impossible not to love (also, you can’t forget to order a side of ranch). For my meal, I love the Spinach & Arugula Salad, it is so flavorful while being great for your body. While there, grab a craft beer! They have an extensive list to choose from. If you aren’t sure what you’d like, their bartenders are very knowledgeable. For dessert, their Banoffee Pudding is a Lubbock favorite.

Thai Kitchen 
This spot has been a go-to of mine for a few years now. Thai Kitchen is a quaint little spot in Downtown Lubbock. Their food is super flavorful and filling. For an appetizer, they offer fresh spring rolls with dipping sauce or fried tofu. For my entree, I like to switch my order up. I love the Pad Thai with tofu & veggies, or their Green & Red Curry. Their dishes have just the right amount of spice, and they can add more if you are up for it. 

iLovePho 
This is a spot where I am loyal to my order! I start off with the Fried Tofu Spring Rolls and peanut sauce. For the main dish, I always order the (P13) Veggie Broth with Tofu. It never disappoints! For dessert, I typically order the Thai Tea boba. The service here is speedy and the staff is so friendly. 

Manara Café 
Manara Cafe is THE spot for authentic Lebanese & Mediterranean food. Try their Falafel (Fried ground chickpea wrapped in pita bread with tomato, lettuce, pickles and tahini sauce) or the Veggie Platter- a little bit of everything (hummus, baba ganoush, falafel)! Don’t forget the baklava for dessert. This restaurant is a local favorite and it offers so many tasty vegetarian options. 

Keva Juice 
Keva Juice is a great spot for vegetarians looking for a quick smoothie. They also offer vegan options. The “Green Smoothies” are packed with veggies, fresh fruits and almond milk. My personal favorite is the Holy Kale. If you’re looking for something sweeter, the Liquid Olympian (orange juice, honey, banana, strawberries, peaches) will give you an energy boost for sure! If you are into fresh squeezed juices, Keva offers carrot juice, beet juice and is famous for their wheatgrass shot!

Market Street 
Market Street has the best salad bar in town! This is another great option for a quick bite. There are tons of choices, I like to load my salad up with spinach, edamame, seeds, fresh veggies, vinaigrette and more. Sometimes I will get soup on the side! 

Velvet Taco 
A brand new Lubbock hotspot, Velvet Taco features a vegetarian taco section on the menu, and trust me when I say each option rocks! I love the #6 Falafel (tahini crema, arugula, tomato, pickled fresnos, avocado, pickled red onion, pea tendrils, lettuce wrap). Substitute a flour tortilla instead of the lettuce wrap if you’re feelin it. I also get the #4 Nashville Hot Tofu (crispy tofu, napa slaw, ranch crema, house brined pickles, flour tortilla), it has a little bit of spice to it but is balanced with the crema and pickles! Wash down with a Topo Chico Lime or a cold margarita. 

Hiyashi Midtown 
Hiyashi Midtown is conveniently located on 19th street, near Texas Tech University. For something fresh to start, i recommend ordering the edamame. Then, go for the avocado roll or cucumber roll. For something crunchy and savory, order the tempura vegetable. It’s lightly battered, deep fried and served with tempura sauce. This is my go-to spot for a Chilton as well! 

Share your favorite vegetarian options with us using #LiveLoveLubbock! 

MORE STORIES

View the blog

follow us
on Social!

#LIVELOVELUBBOCK

en_US