Progressive Dinner Date Night

Written By Jillian Guinn

June 21, 2022

This weekend, get creative with date night! No matter your culinary preference, Lubbock has countless restaurants that are sure to satisfy your palate. In fact, why choose just one? Make your night out on the town a progressive dinner and check a few of the boxes off on your must-try list in the 806! 

We have curated a few lists of perfect pairings to help inspire your date night itinerary. Can’t find a baby-sitter? No problem! There is even a kid-friendly option to make it a fun outing for the whole family. 

Downtown Lubbock

Drinks & Appetizers

The Nicolett

Drinks + Charcuterie Board

The Nicolett is a fine-dining destination with a focus on Texas High Plains cuisine. No need for a reservation, enjoy drinks and a charcuterie board on the patio, brought to you by Chef Finn Walter. Walter’s experience in Paris, Austin, Napa Valley and Santa Fe shines through in every dish, as he showcases ingredients that are natural to the region. 

Main Course

The West Table Kitchen & Bar

Pan Seared Ribeye

The West Table presents an evolving, seasonal menu with distinguished craft cocktails and countless gluten-free options that meld electric New American cuisine with global accents. Try the Pear Collins cocktail and the pan seared ribeye – they will not disappoint! 

Mexican/Spanish Inspired Cuisine

Drinks & Appetizers

La Diosa

Sylvana’s Queso 

Order a glass of wine and Sylvana’s queso and immerse yourself in the flavors while enjoying the eclectic music. With baked cheeses, artichoke hearts, sweet onion jalapenos, pico de gallo and house-baked tortilla chips, the owner’s Spanish heart shines through to ensure you get the best experience. 

Main Course

Picosos

Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

Picosos was built “from the ground up” by its owners and local natives Heather and Jeremy. This Mexican kitchen prides itself on flavor and the people around them. Order the sour cream chicken enchiladas and enjoy the hospitality of another hometown restaurant. 

Dessert

Mi Linda Michoacana

Mangoneada-Especial or a Paleta 

Mi Linda Michoacana is a hand made ice cream shop located just off of 34th Street. Order a Mangoneda-Especial or a Paleta for a sweet treat to end your night.

Italian Inspired Cuisine

Drinks & Appetizers

Orlando’s Italian Restaurant  

Fried Beef Ravioli
Since 1965, Orlando’s Italian Restaurant has been a staple in the 806, earning it the title of Lubbock’s oldest full-service restaurant. With innovative Tex-Italian family recipes, the menu includes a variety of dishes. Order the fried beef ravioli and a drink from the bar to see why this is a local favorite. 

Main Course

Italian Garden 

Chicken Milanese 

Italian Garden is a family owned and operated restaurant. Order the chicken milanese and experience how the flavors of  chicken, bacon, spinach and creamy alfredo come together in a mouthwatering concoction. 

Dessert

One Guy From Italy

Tiramisu Cake

Serving the Lubbock community for over 40 years, One Guy From Italy is the perfect place to end your night. Order the classic tiramisu cake and experience the flavors of an authentic Italian dessert. 

Asian Inspired Cuisine

Drinks & Appetizers

Fun Noodle Bar

Egg Roll

Start your day at Fun Noodle Bar with a basket of dumplings and a drink. This Asian restaurant prides itself in making every noodle, dumpling and steamed dish from scratch with high-quality ingredients. 

Main Course

Pho District 1 

Com Chien Dac Biet

Pho District 1 is a Vietnamese restaurant located off of Quaker Avenue and 19th Street. Order the Com Chien Dac Biet, a plate of fried rice, pork, chicken and shrimp. This combination is sure to satisfy by giving you the opportunity to try out three different proteins! 

Dessert

West Straws

Boba Tea 

West Straws is an authentic boba tea shop that brews the tea fresh every four hours. The new owners are working hard to keep the values and practices of the previous Vietnamese owners alive. Order one of the many flavors of boba tea and immerse yourself in the culture. 

Kid-Friendly

Appetizers

Spanky’s

Cheese Sticks 

Spanky’s is a classic burger and fried foods joint that’s served Lubbock since 1982. Infamous among college students and Tech fans alike, we would be remiss to not recommend ordering the fried cheese with ranch and a drink! While indulging, ask for a Spanky’s coloring sheet. After finishing eating, ask a staff member for a tack to hang your kid’s art on the wall. Not only will your kiddos get to leave their mark on Spanky’s, but they can take a piece of it with them with their Spanky’s souvenir cup. 

Main Course

Dirk’s Chicken

Fried Chicken Strips

To keep the fried fare going, Dirk’s Chicken, located downtown and recently opened by the esteemed chef Cameron West, serves Lubbock with the best fried chicken; all the while showcasing the comical work of the late Dirk West. Dirk spent years creating cartoons for the Lubbock-Avalanche Journal and created several Big 12 Conference team mascots, including Texas Tech’s Raider Red. This iconic diner is the perfect setting for a family meal as your children will love looking at the cartoon-framed walls. 

Dessert

Bahama Buck’s

Sno Cone

This Lubbock-made Sno is the perfect treat to end your day. Bahama Buck’s Shaved Ice has over 100 original gourmet flavors that are sure to put a smile on your face. Go through the drive-thru or go into the store and enjoy the many board games they have available to play while enjoying a cup of snow. Beware of brain freezes! 

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