Life in Lubbock
As you roll into our dusty little town on Highway 84, you may think to yourself, where the hell am I? And to that I say - I know right? But as bleak as Lubbock may look from the outside, it actually has more to offer than you'd think.
I've only been here for three years, but I like to think of myself as a local. So, guess what? You're going to get a (semi) local girl's guide to the Hub City. Excited yet?
First off, we'll address your quintessential thirst for something to get the buzz going.
Bars & Drinks
Chimy's
This is the best spot to go if you're looking for a bunch of drunk people, strong margaritas and the cheese fries you thought you could only find in your dreams. It's a 21+ bar on Broadway, right across from Tech's campus. Chimy's is probably the number one spot in town for Tech students with a line that is typically wrapped around the building, but everyone says it's well worth the wait. Also, Everclear margaritas. Need i say more?
Cricket's Drafthouse & Grill
Across the street on Broadway, you can head to Crickets for live music and pool. The atmosphere is great and if you head out during the day, they're food is actually to die for.
Local Bar & Grill
TEXAS TEA. Be careful they are lethal. Cricket's neighbor, a bit smaller, but still a good time nonetheless.
Ruby Tequila's
Happy hour from 4 - 7 p.m. Occasional Kliff Kingsbury sightings. There's a patio outside that's nice to sit out on and it's conveniently located across the street from Jones AT&T Stadium. Not the biggest fan of their food, but cheap drinks are worth it.
Lonestar Oyster Bar
Okay, this is a gem in Lubbock, I don't care what anyone says. Driving down 34th Street you'll be shaking your head and thinking I'm crazy for saying it, but trust me, it's a good spot. They have food, beer and live music at night. It's very low key and kind of a dive bar, but it is FUN. Take a good group of friends here for a few drinks and you'll see the charm I'm talking about.
Mesquite's
This is another one that you'll see from the outside and question me about. This place is honestly a bit of a shit-show, but the atmosphere is fun every time. Power hour provides $1 drinks to the penniless college students and the football team basically lives here.
Now that you're drunk, we'll address the food situation.
Food
If you're looking for steaks, check out:
Need a good breakfast/brunch spot? Check out:
The Crafhouse Gastropub Picantes
Other good spots in town:
Shopping
Okay, we're no Dallas or Houston. The shopping situation isn't prime, but it's workable. South Plains Mall carries our necessary department stores like Dillard's and Macy's. It has a Barnes and Noble store and even a Party City. There's a couple of recognizable shops inside, but there's a lot of, what I consider, random stores.
Dillard's is honestly the only place worth going at the mall in my opinion, but you do you kid.
There's a ton of boutiques in Lubbock, my favorite being Chrome. Chrome is full of beautiful clothing, jewelry, shoes, accessories and home decor that you really can't afford, but really wish you could. Every once in a while I'll find a cheaper piece and pounce, but it's so fun to stroll through the fabulousness that is the store.
Again, there's some places to go, but please don't come to Lubbock to shop. Save that for the city, folks.
Wineries
Back to alcohol!
Lubbock has multiple wineries that offer wine tours and tastings. This is a great way to spend a sunny Saturday here. Check out:
The First Friday Art Trail
This is an evening tour of Lubbock's art scene. It's free and definitely a fun activity to check out if you're here on the first Friday night of the month. To learn more about it, you can check out http://ffat.org!
Alamo Drafthouse
Alamo is the best movie theatre in town. It doesn't always have every title, but it makes up for it with drinks and food served to you while watching the movie. They also offer sing-alongs, quote-alongs and theme night when they have special titles showing. They're notorious for throwback movies and it's always cool to see your favorite movie in a theatre experience with food and a cold beer.
Joyland Amusement Park
So, it looks a bit like a nightmare, but it's usually a pretty popular place to go. I'm not one for small carnival-type parks, personally. However, Joyland is an irresistible environment. Fried food and rides ... what more could you ask for?
Mackenzie Park
This a good place to bring your dog, have a picnic or to hammock. Lubbock isn't abundant with trees so Mackenzie Park is the perfect place to hang up your Eno and chill.
Concerts
Charley B's, United Supermarkets Arena, Lonestar Park, the Blue Light Live, etc. There's plenty of venues in town to cater to your live music needs. Check out the venue websites to see what shows are coming up!
Texas Tech
Of course, the best for last. If you've never seen the campus, it's really something. After your campus tour, head to a sporting event on campus and check out the Red Raider athletes (they're pretty good). There's also shows at the Maegan Theatre on campus put on by our theatre students.
I've only been here for three years, but I like to think of myself as a local. So, guess what? You're going to get a (semi) local girl's guide to the Hub City. Excited yet?
First off, we'll address your quintessential thirst for something to get the buzz going.
Bars & Drinks
Chimy's
This is the best spot to go if you're looking for a bunch of drunk people, strong margaritas and the cheese fries you thought you could only find in your dreams. It's a 21+ bar on Broadway, right across from Tech's campus. Chimy's is probably the number one spot in town for Tech students with a line that is typically wrapped around the building, but everyone says it's well worth the wait. Also, Everclear margaritas. Need i say more?
Cricket's Drafthouse & Grill
Across the street on Broadway, you can head to Crickets for live music and pool. The atmosphere is great and if you head out during the day, they're food is actually to die for.
Local Bar & Grill
TEXAS TEA. Be careful they are lethal. Cricket's neighbor, a bit smaller, but still a good time nonetheless.
Ruby Tequila's
Happy hour from 4 - 7 p.m. Occasional Kliff Kingsbury sightings. There's a patio outside that's nice to sit out on and it's conveniently located across the street from Jones AT&T Stadium. Not the biggest fan of their food, but cheap drinks are worth it.
Lonestar Oyster Bar
Okay, this is a gem in Lubbock, I don't care what anyone says. Driving down 34th Street you'll be shaking your head and thinking I'm crazy for saying it, but trust me, it's a good spot. They have food, beer and live music at night. It's very low key and kind of a dive bar, but it is FUN. Take a good group of friends here for a few drinks and you'll see the charm I'm talking about.
Mesquite's
This is another one that you'll see from the outside and question me about. This place is honestly a bit of a shit-show, but the atmosphere is fun every time. Power hour provides $1 drinks to the penniless college students and the football team basically lives here.
Now that you're drunk, we'll address the food situation.
Food
If you're looking for steaks, check out:
Need a good breakfast/brunch spot? Check out:
The Crafhouse Gastropub Picantes
Other good spots in town:
Caprock Café Orlando's The Funky Door Rudy's BBQ Hayashi
Pei Wei One Guys Pizza Twisted Root Burger Co. West Crust Pizza
Spanky's Blue Sky Texas Italian Garden Chuy's Thai Pepper Freshii
Pei Wei One Guys Pizza Twisted Root Burger Co. West Crust Pizza
Spanky's Blue Sky Texas Italian Garden Chuy's Thai Pepper Freshii
The Shack BBQ Rosa's Café Slim Chickens
I mean seriously I could go on for days here, but these are my favorites in the Hub. Now, I hope I've settled your food cravings and I'll move on.
What are some activities and sights Lubbock has to offer?
Shopping
Okay, we're no Dallas or Houston. The shopping situation isn't prime, but it's workable. South Plains Mall carries our necessary department stores like Dillard's and Macy's. It has a Barnes and Noble store and even a Party City. There's a couple of recognizable shops inside, but there's a lot of, what I consider, random stores.
Dillard's is honestly the only place worth going at the mall in my opinion, but you do you kid.
There's a ton of boutiques in Lubbock, my favorite being Chrome. Chrome is full of beautiful clothing, jewelry, shoes, accessories and home decor that you really can't afford, but really wish you could. Every once in a while I'll find a cheaper piece and pounce, but it's so fun to stroll through the fabulousness that is the store.
Again, there's some places to go, but please don't come to Lubbock to shop. Save that for the city, folks.
Wineries
Back to alcohol!
Lubbock has multiple wineries that offer wine tours and tastings. This is a great way to spend a sunny Saturday here. Check out:
Local Attractions
Whether it's the movies, a museum, art or even an amusement park, Lubbock has something to keep you busy.
The First Friday Art Trail
This is an evening tour of Lubbock's art scene. It's free and definitely a fun activity to check out if you're here on the first Friday night of the month. To learn more about it, you can check out http://ffat.org!
Alamo Drafthouse
Alamo is the best movie theatre in town. It doesn't always have every title, but it makes up for it with drinks and food served to you while watching the movie. They also offer sing-alongs, quote-alongs and theme night when they have special titles showing. They're notorious for throwback movies and it's always cool to see your favorite movie in a theatre experience with food and a cold beer.
Joyland Amusement Park
So, it looks a bit like a nightmare, but it's usually a pretty popular place to go. I'm not one for small carnival-type parks, personally. However, Joyland is an irresistible environment. Fried food and rides ... what more could you ask for?
Mackenzie Park
This a good place to bring your dog, have a picnic or to hammock. Lubbock isn't abundant with trees so Mackenzie Park is the perfect place to hang up your Eno and chill.
Concerts
Charley B's, United Supermarkets Arena, Lonestar Park, the Blue Light Live, etc. There's plenty of venues in town to cater to your live music needs. Check out the venue websites to see what shows are coming up!
Texas Tech
Of course, the best for last. If you've never seen the campus, it's really something. After your campus tour, head to a sporting event on campus and check out the Red Raider athletes (they're pretty good). There's also shows at the Maegan Theatre on campus put on by our theatre students.
Hopefully, now I've convinced you there's way more to Lubbock than tumbleweeds and dust. Aside from the many things to do, eat and drink, the people are what make Lubbock the best town in West, Texas and arguably the whole state. So come to the Hub and check out what makes Lubbock the friendliest city in America!
- Hayley
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