Where To Stay, Eat & Experience in Lubbock, TX
Lubbock is nicknamed “The Hub City”. It’s located in the northwestern part of the state of Texas. This region is historically known as Llano Estacado. It’s the area of the state that produces most of the Texas wines and is the 11th most populous city in Texas. Lubbock is also the largest cotton-growing region in the world. It has also been recognized by CNNmoney.com as the 12th-best city to start a small business. This is probably one of the reasons why so many entrepreneurs and businesses are making Lubbock, TX their home. Which has been aiding in the efforts to revitalize the downtown.
Lubbock is growing and constantly evolving. As the city continues to thrive its energy has attracted entertainers, creators, and business owners from all over. The expansion in Lubbock has been HUGE with the number of new restaurants, wineries, hotels, and its art scene. This makes it a city with a lot to offer when it comes to what to see, do and eat but it’s also a city that is big on keeping true to its western roots.
Where To Stay
When I traveled to Lubbock, I stayed at the Cotton Court Hotel. It’s a new boutique hotel that opened in late September 2020. The hotel is located in the heart of downtown Lubbock and has 165 rooms. When I walked into the lobby, I knew right away this was going to be a fun unique place to stay. It oozed modern mixed with urban retro-cool vibes.
As I was checking in, I made a mention to the staff about the guitars hanging on the wall. They told me that guests are welcome to check out the guitars at the front desk at any time. They also made me aware of bikes guests could check out as well. An easy and fun way to ride around town. I love when hotels think of details like that to make your stay extra special. I also learned, one night, that they don’t have any ice machines around the property. If you need ice, you can call the front desk and they bring some directly to your room. I’m a sucker for a bit of old southern hospitality and that little touch is just the sort of thing I look for when I stay somewhere.
The first floor of the hotel is mostly designated for guests with pets. The floors above have a wide patio that overlooks the massive courtyard and heated hotel pool. The rooms are also all so spacious.
Where To Eat
Midnight Shift: is a full-service restaurant located on the Cotton Court Hotel property. It’s right next door to the hotel lobby and across from the hotel pool. Their food is locally sourced and is a fusion of Texas-American. Their cocktails are delicious and perfect to sip on while listening to the live music they have every weekend. Room service is also available for all guests at the hotel. Menus can be previewed HERE.
Evie Mae’s: Texas Monthly named this restaurant as one of the Top 50 Barbecue Joints in Texas and since then they have been growing, expanding, and have a cult following. Everything is made in-house and they smoke their meats to barbecue perfection using wood. Be sure to save room for desserts too! Their new location has indoor and outdoor seating. If you are a bbq lover and visiting Lubbock, this needs to be on your list of stops. Check out their menu HERE.
The Nicolett: Is named after the first hotel in the area. This fine-dining restaurant may be new to the Lubbock food scene but Chef Finn Walter is no newbie to the restaurant industry. He’s bringing and sharing his vast experiences and techniques from Paris, Austin, Napa Valley, and Sante Fe to West Texas. Reservations are not required but are preferred. If you want to make your dining experience extra special, reserve the outdoor garden house. It’s so dreamy and super romantic. Menu info HERE. Restaurant reservation info HERE.
Dirk’s: Cameron West’s vision for this restaurant was to bring a modern play to old school diners that were super popular back in the day. But he wanted to put a bit of a healthy spin on it by using local meats and ingredients. He also wanted to have gluten-free options available. Dirk’s is known for having the best-fried chicken in the area. You can also find chicken-fried steak, fried chicken, shrimp and grits, rotisserie chicken here as well. All their sides are made from scratch. The menu can be previewed HERE.
La Diosa Cellars: This hidden gem opened in Jan. 2004. When I walked in I was blown away at its eclectic design and furnishings. I felt the menu matched the entire vibe of the restaurant. My group ordered a bunch of different tapas that we all shared and ordered pitchers of sangria. They do offer a Jazz brunch every first Sunday of the month | 11 am-2 pm | Brunch reservations required. Preview menu HERE. Reservations HERE.
Mononmyth: If you are looking for a coffee shop that’s bright with a ton of natural light and feel-good vibes stop here for a cup of java. They also sell their own beans if you want to take some home with you. The owner wanted a place that people can come together and feel good when they walked through the doors. Preview the menu HERE.
Rave On: This is an upscale yet casual restaurant located in the Buddy Holly Performing arts center. Taking rustic flavors and giving it a modern American twist. Open for lunch and dinner. Try their custom cocktails, beer, and wine selection. Lunch menu HERE. The dinner menu can be viewed HERE. Make a reservation HERE.
Stella’s: Has moved into a bigger location and still serving up delicious Italian food to fill your belly. With their New York roots and beginnings, they have given Lubbock a great spot to pick up deli meats, take-out, along with family packs and brunch. Menu HERE. Deli Menu HERE.
Tova Coffeehouse: If you like coffee and giving back, this coffee shop may be the place for you. The coffee shop helps give back to local Lubbock non-profit organizations that help the community. So every single item that is bought at this coffee shop proceeds of that sale goes back to helping a local organization. Preview menu HERE.
Tasting Rooms To Try In Lubbock
Burklee Hill Bistro & Tasting Room Is located in the historic Kress building downtown. The bistro and tasting room has had major renovations for its new fresh look. The menu was specifically crafted to go well with wine pairings and they also have live music. If you plan on coming on the weekend for dinner, reservations are recommended. Click HERE to set up a reservation.
Mcpherson Cellars: The Mcpherson family has been in the wine industry for over 40 years. They are always being recognized for their innovative award-winning wines. Highly recommend stopping by and checking out their tasting room and you can take home some of their delicious wines back home with you too.
Llano Estacado: This winery has been on the map since 1976. They have won many international and domestic awards and their property is beautiful. Many weddings and events are held here throughout the year. If you want more info on their tastings and tours click HERE.
English Newsom Cellars: This property is so pretty. I can see why people get married here. Being a small family-owned winery they pride themselves in making sure their employees are treated like family and their vision to help Texas wines get the attention they deserve. With a diligent focus on paying close attention from the start (at the vine), to production and once the bottle gets to a table. More info on their tastings.
Brewery LBK: If you are not much into wines and beer is more up your alley, this brewpub is a must-visit. Located in the historic pioneer building in the heart of downtown Lubbock. This brewpub was named Best Brewpub by USA TODAY and the perfect place to grab a beer. Try their unemployed astronaut beer and let me know what you think.
Things To Experience In Lubbock
Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences Built in January 2021, this state-of-the-art building is amazing. It was designed by internationally renowned Diamond Schmitt Architects. There was a great deal of thought and attention put into this world-class venue’s design. The vision was to bring the arts to Lubbock on a larger scale with two theaters, a bistro, and a ballet theater.
For the upcoming event info click HERE
Buddy Holly Center: Buddy Holly was from Lubbock, TX and this historical site is dedicated to him and preserving his influence in the music industry. It is a great place to learn more about Buddy and also see some of the things he once owned. For more info click HERE.
National Ranching Heritage Center: This 19-acre historical park and museum was a favorite of mine on this trip. This center’s purpose is to preserve the history of ranching and also help bring awareness to current issues that present-day ranchers may have. It was so fun to walk the mile and a half paved walkway to see firsthand the evolution of historic structures from the late 1700s through the mid-1900s. “All the structures but one were relocated, restored, and furnished for period correctness”. Bring a hat or umbrella to shade you from the sun. Also a bottle of water. The center is FREE but donations are encouraged.
Texas Tech Public Art Collection: Are you into art and looking for a way to experience that outside of a museum? This Texas Tech Public Art collection is a great way to view larger-than-life pieces of art while walking through the beautiful campus of Texas Tech. This is a self-guided tour and you can find the art map HERE. If you plan on doing this be sure to also wear a hat or bring an umbrella if it’s sunny out and pack water as well.
If you need more info about Lubbock or need help planning your trip, you can also reach out to the wonderful staff at Visit Lubbock.
If you are looking for more Texas travel ideas check out this post about Fredericksburg, TX.
