Top 5 Must-Try Queso Dips in the 806

By: Camille Hughes

If there is one food item that Lubbock does best, it’s queso. It serves as a delectable appetizer or a tasty dip and pairs best with a pint of local craft beer or the “Hub City” created cocktail, the Chilton. If you have been on the hunt for the best queso in town, look no further! I took the Lubbock queso tour searching for the top dips in the 806 and narrowed it down to five must-tries below.

Mama Rita’s
Serving Lubbock since 1989, Mama Rita’s is a Lubbock favorite with a traditional Tex-Mex menu, casual environment, and affordable prices. The atmosphere is an easy going, garage-type feel that offers a casual vibe. The queso was a blanco queso that is more addictive with every smooth and creamy bite. The consistency is exactly what a queso connoisseur, like myself, looks for and it has an excellent flavor. I would highly recommend giving Mama Rita’s a chance. 

Picoso’s
Picoso’s hatch green chili queso is also a blanco queso with a Picoso’s twist that features hatch green chili flavors, creating the perfect mix between spicy and creamy. I recommend pairing their chips and queso with their honey clover mule. If you are looking for a post-modern industrial aesthetic feel, Picoso’s is your place. This spot is a great option for a family dinner or weekend date night. 

Chimy’s 
If you’ve spent any time in Lubbock, you know Chimy’s is famous for its Chiltons and the queso. This college student hot-spot serves up a classic queso packed with a great Tex-Mex flavor. The Chimychangas are served with a generous amount of the queso on top, making each bite more mouthwatering than the last. While there, enjoy the warm weather on the patio with a margarita in hand! 

Caprock Cafe
Caprock Cafe’s West Texas-inspired restaurant is the place to be on game days, date night, or grabbing drinks and good eats with family and friends. Take caution with each chip dip as the queso is spicy! It’s also delicious and good on everything, including burgers. We highly recommend ordering the queso burger! You just might never look at a burger the same again.

Abuleo’s
Abuelo’s has another classic queso that grabs my attention with its sweet flavor. It’s less spicy than Tex-Mex and offers more of a creamy flavor and consistency. This queso will make you want more with every bite. Abuelo’s is a more intimate style of restaurant that is perfect for all occasions. 

Share your favorite “Hub City” dips and cocktail pairings with us using #LiveLoveLubbock!