Lubbock Magazine - March 2022

MARCH 2022

+ HAMILTON HIGHLIGHTS HOLLY HALL’S BROADWAY SEASON TEXAS TECH SCHOLARS LOOK AT MARVEL’S ‘THE PUNISHER’

THINKING OUTSIDE THE

$�.�� US LUBBOCK MAGAZINE

BOX LUBBOCK ARTIST’S VENDING MACHINE PROJECT SHOWCASES LOCAL WORK

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Contents

MARCH 2022

26

Features

In every issue

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‘THE ROOM WHERE IT HAPPENS’ Hamilton highlights Holly Hall’s Broadway season

SOUTH PLAINS SCENE Texas Tech scholars look at Marvel’s ‘The Punisher’

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THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX Lubbock artist’s vending machine project showcases local work

14

806 INC Lubbock Chamber ribbon cuttings

15

EAT DRINK Restaurant guide

26 5

TWO CENTS Deedee Brown-Campbell

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Feature

‘THE ROOM WHERE IT

happens’

‘Hamilton’ highlights Holly Hall’s Broadway season Adam D. Young Lubbock Avalanche-Journal | USA TODAY NETWORK

A

two-week engagement of Hamilton and productions of such shows as Dear Evan Hansen and Fiddler on the Roof are among highlights of the newly announced 2022-23 touring Broadway lineup at the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts & Sciences.

The American Theatre Guild, the largest not-for-profi t touring Broadway presenter in the nation, announced its 2022–2023 Season lineup this month.

In its second season at Buddy Holly Hall, the number of Broadway show performances increases from two to three due to popular demand, the theater guild announced.

Shoba Narayan and Joseph Morales in Hamilton.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY AMERICAN THEATRE GUILD

MARCH 2022 | lubbockonline.com/lubbock-magazine | Lubbock Magazine

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The season kicks off Oct. 10-12, 2022 with Hairspray and wrap up with two weeks of Hamilton July 19-30, with productions of Fiddler on the Roof, Dear Evan Hansen and Tootsie in between.

“We are truly delighted with the caliber of shows programmed for the 2022-2023 season. We strive to provide world-class entertainment and family shows that will inspire audiences,” said Amy Hamm, Executive Director of The American Theatre Guild. “It’s important that we further our mission in the Lubbock community and support the performing arts with quality shows as well as increased eff orts in educational programs and partnerships through our Staging the Future initiative.”

Casting for the shows has not yet been confi rmed.

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Season tickets for the 2022–2023 Broadway Series start at $199 and are available for purchase at BroadwayAtBuddyHollyHall.com or by calling 1-800-7767469. The full lineup includes:

Hairspray Oct. 10–12, 2022 Description: You Can’t Stop the Beat!

HAIRSPRAY, Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon is back on tour! Join 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960’s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a girl with big dreams (and even bigger hair) change the world?

Featuring the beloved score of hit songs including “Welcome to the 60’s,” “Good

Lubbock Magazine | lubbockonline.com/lubbock-magazine | MARCH 2022

Morning Baltimore” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” HAIRSPRAY is “fresh, winning, and deliriously tuneful!” (The New York Times).

This all-new touring production will reunite Broadway’s award-winning creative team led by Director Jack O’Brien and Choreographer Jerry Mitchell to bring HAIRSPRAY to a new generation of theater audiences.

Fiddler on the Roof When: Jan. 30–Feb. 1, 2023 Description: Audiences across North America are toasting a new production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF! Rich with musical hits you know and love, including “Tradition,” “Sunrise, Sun-

Stephen Christopher Anthony As Evan Hansen And Jessica E Sherman As Heidi Hansen. PHOTO BY MATTHEW MURPHY

MAIN: Billy Dawson plays Corny Collins, center, alongside Kaelee Albritton as Amber Von Tussle, left of center, in the American Theatre Guild production of “Hairspray.” PHOTO PROVIDED/JEREMY DANIEL

Dear Evan Hansen

set;’ “If I Were A Rich Man;’ “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and “To Life (L’Chaim!),” FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is the heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and life, love and laughter.

Tony-winning director Bartlett Sher and the team behind South Pacifi c and The King and I bring a fresh and authentic vision to this beloved theatrical masterpiece from Tony winner Joseph Stein and Pulitzer Prize winners Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick. Featuring a talented cast, lavish orchestra and stunning movement and dance from Israeli choreographer Hofesh Shechter, based on the original staging by Jerome Robbins, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF will introduce a new generation to the uplifting celebration that raises its cup to joy!

To love! To life!

When: April 4–9, 2023 Description: Winner of six 2017 Tony awards including best musical and the 2018 Grammy Award for best musical theater album.

A letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told, a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he’s always wanted: a chance to fi nally fi t in.

DEAR EVAN HANSEN is the deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it.

DEAR EVAN HANSEN has struck a remarkable chord with audiences and critics everywhere, including The Washington Post who says DEAR EVAN HANSEN is “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theatre history.” The New York Times calls it “a gut-punching, breathtaking knockout of a musical.” And NBC Nightly News declares the musical “an anthem resonating on Broadway and beyond.”

DEAR EVAN HANSEN features a book

by Tony Award winner Steven Levenson, a score by Grammy, Tony and Academy Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman), and direction by four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif (Rent, Next to Normal).

Tootsie When: June 5–7, 2023 Description: Call it “musical comedy heaven” (Rolling Stone). Call it “the most uproarious new musical in years!” (The Hollywood Reporter). Call it TOOTSIE! This laugh-out-loud love letter to the theater tells the story of Michael Dorsey, a talented

but diffi cult actor who struggles to fi nd work until one show-stopping act of desperation lands him the role of a lifetime.

Featuring a hilarious Tony-winning book by Robert Horn and an outrageously clever score by 2018 Tony-winner David Yazbek (The Band’s Visit, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), this New York Times Critic’s Pick is “a joyful delight” (The Washington Post) that’s “so packed with punchlines, it should be called a jokebox musical!” (Bloomberg). “In these turbulent times, when the world seems out of balance, we need a place to let the good times roll,” raves Rolling Stone.

“TOOTSIE is it!”

Hamilton When: July 19–30, 2023 Description: This “theatrical landmark has transformed theater and the way we think about history” (The New York Times).

HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education.

With book, music, and lyrics by LinManuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. It has won Tony, Grammy, and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors. e

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Cover story

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Lubbock Magazine | lubbockonline.com/lubbock-magazine | MARCH 2022

Thinking

OUTSIDE THE BOX Lubbock artist’s vending machine project showcases local work Brandi Addison Special to Lubbock Avalanche-Journal | USA TODAY NETWORK

H

oping to make art more accessible in Lubbock’s evolving arts scene, one local artist decided to put her creativity to the test.

Sam Gaitan, whose artist name is Raicodoll (pronounced ray-koh-doll), recently debuted her one-of-akind art vending machine project — well, it’s at least one-of-a-kind for Lubbock.

Gaitan said there’s actually a growing community of creative art vending machine owners on the East Coast and even a couple in Amarillo and El Paso, although she says she wasn’t aware any of those existed when the idea fi rst popped into her head.

“The initial idea came because I saw a TikTok video of a teacher taking gumball machines and repurposing it for her students,” Gaitan said. “I shared it with my friends, and we all thought it would be cool to do something bigger.”

As soon as Gaitan realized the plausibility of it, she went to work. Only a few weeks passed before the Little Crow’s Market Box was ready for business.

Lubbock area artist and creator Sam Gaitan launched the Little Crows Market Box vending machine earlier this year. BRANDI ADDISON/SPECIAL TO LUBBOCK MAGAZINE

Art on demand Gaitan recruited more than a dozen artists to fi ll the market box, which now claims home at the Brand Tattoo Studio at 4412 50th St. in Lubbock.

The cost of each item varies, but they are all less than $20. Although Gaitan has spent hours and hundreds of dollars attempting to get a card reader into working condition, the art vending machine only accepts coins and $1 and $5 bills at this time.

Only taking a small percentage of the artists’ commission, 31-year-old Gaitan manages the entire business venture on the weekends, while also working a fulltime job at Texas Tech throughout the week.

She takes inventory and replaces stock for each creator and packages all products.

She also provides maintenance to the used machine, which she completely revived on her own in late December.

Named after Gaitan’s fondness for crows — which she uses on her business cards — and the bird’s innate ability to collect shiny objects, the Little Crow’s Market Box off ers a range of creative gems and unique fi ndings, ranging from mystery tarot readings and pottery art to handmade jewelry and soaps.

As expected of a normal vending machine, there are also some snacks for people who anticipate a quick bite when they walk up. And there are also some dog treats, of which a portion of the proceeds go toward Saving Grace Pitbull Rescue.

“It’s almost like it’s a whole box of trinkets,” Gaitan said.

A second Little Crow’s Market Box will soon open at Tumbleweed and Safe Coff eehouse. Gaitan also has smaller gumball machine projects across town, including a fortune-telling machine — with yes or no answers — and a positive affi rmation machine, aimed at cheering up anyone having a bad day.

Artists’ appreciation Dre Corrales is a longtime Lubbock resident, moving to the city when the First Friday Art Trail program was still in its infancy. Moving from San Antonio, she almost considered Lubbock an art desert back then.

“Coming from somewhere like that to Lubbock was defi nitely a culture shock — especially 10 years ago, when there wasn’t near as much to do here like there is now,” Corrales said.

Corrales attributes some of this to locals 10

like Gaitan, who is also a lead organizer of the semi-annually Oddities Market and bimonthly Moonlight Market to connect creators of weird, unique, and dark art.

“The thing about people like Sam, and even myself — our type of group — is that we realized the only way we’re going to have things here for us is to create them ourselves,” Corrales said. “We recognize that we’re innovators; we’re creatives; and we’ll bring it to you.”

Having only dove into professional art out of boredom during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, Corrales is a participant in all of Gaitan’s collaborative markets, as well as the Little Crow’s Market Box. Her business, named London Blue Accessories, specializes in novelty jewelry made from small nostalgic toys, such as My Little Pony characters and the green Army men, and various beads and charms.

“I try to make sure that the stuff I make is as one-of-a-kind as possible,” Corrales said. “That way, these things are exclusive to me. It just makes it that much more special and rare. So, doing something like the vending machine, I think is really important, because it allows multiple artists to put their stuff out there in a place where diff erent types of people come in and out — and they can fi nd a little bit of everything.”

Artist Christopher Loewen had only recently met Gaitan when he joined the Little Crow’s Market Box’s lengthy list of participating creators.

“Getting to see the Little Crow’s Market pitched and then funded to support a lot of artists in Lubbock has been really great,” the illustrator said. “A lot of these artists have more dark aesthetics, so it can be a bit diffi cult fi nding an audience, even though time has shown the audience is there.”

Born and raised in West Texas, Loewen has only lived in Lubbock for about fi ve years, although it’s taken some time to engage within the local arts community, so he only began to get fully involved about a year ago, he said.

Loewen, who specializes in mushroomthemed and fungi-related artwork through his project called Monstrous Monolith, offers a $5 sticker pack in the Little Crow’s Market Box. Regardless of whose art calls to them, he hopes everyone in Lubbock can fi nd something they’ll cherish in the Little Crow’s Market Box. “I hope the art reaches the people who want to see it, and the community’s support reaches the artists,” he said. e

Lubbock Magazine | lubbockonline.com/lubbock-magazine | MARCH 2022

Lubbock area artist and creator Sam Gaitan has crafted a variety of alternative coin-operated vending machines offering non-traditional prizes, including positive affirmations and yes or no answers to a question. PHOTOS BY BRANDI ADDISON

South Plains Scene

‘Judge, Jury and Executioner’ TEXAS TECH SCHOLARS LOOK AT MARVEL’S ‘THE PUNISHER’ Special to Lubbock Avalanche-Journal USA TODAY NETWORK

Frank Castle is arguably one of Marvel’s most complicated characters. Although he is determined to annihilate the world’s worst criminals, he’s often willing to stoop to their levels – or even lower – to do so.

But perhaps that’s understandable in his case.

As Castle’s story goes, the husband, father and decorated war veteran was spending a peaceful afternoon with his family, enjoying a picnic in the park, when they inadvertently witnessed a murder by the mob. The mob subsequently killed Castle’s wife and children, and tried to kill him, but he survived. In response, Castle unleashed a one-man war on all criminals, starting with his family’s killers, and gave himself a new name: the Punisher.

Introduced in a February 1974 SpiderMan comic, the Punisher has not only endured over the decades – he’s fl ourished.

He appears in thousands of comics, three movies, a video game, fan fi ction and, most recently, two seasons of his own “Netfl ix” series. But what is it about Castle’s story that continues to speak to us nearly 50 years after its debut?

That’s what a group of Texas Tech University scholars hope to answer through their new volume, “Judge, Jury and Executioner: Essays on The Punisher in Print and on Screen.”

The collection examines the Punisher from philosophical perspectives of morality and justice. Essays critique the character through the lenses of gender and feminism; consider the Punisher’s veteran status in relation to the Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq wars; and examine how politics and gun violence connect the Punisher’s world with our own.

“What makes the Punisher relevant after all these years, especially now, given that parts of our culture have gotten so violent and certain political groups have used the Punisher’s insignia as one of their rallying points?” asked Robert G. Weiner, popular culture librarian in the Texas Tech University Libraries and one of the volume’s editors. “The Punisher himself is apolitical; 12

he disdains the far right just as much as he disdains the far left. He walks around with a gun, killing criminals and taking the law into his own hands. What makes a character like that relevant in contemporary society and why does the Punisher continue to be a vehicle for storytelling?

“I mean, when you think about it, that doesn’t sound all that interesting, right?

How can you continue to tell stories about a character Weiner that just kills bad people and keep it relevant?”

That’s what Weiner hopes to answer, along with fellow editors Ryan Cassidy, an associate librarian at Texas Tech who runs the University Library’s Makerspace and Virtual Reality Lab; Matthew J. McEniry, an associate librarian and director of the Digital Scholarship Lab; and Alicia GoodmanJay, a professor of theatre management and administration at Indiana State University who earned her doctorate at Texas Tech.

Among the contributing authors for the volume are three other Texas Tech scholars: Ryan Litsey, assistant dean in the University Libraries; Mike Lemon, an English instructor and consultant for the Graduate School’s Teaching Eff ectiveness And Career enHancement (TEACH) Program; and Rob King, associate librarian for the Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library.

“What interested me about this volume is exploring how the traditional, almost stereotypic story of revenge in the Punisher has evolved or taken on new meaning over the diff erent decades and eras of social progression,” Cassidy said. “I really wanted to highlight as many diff erent voices as possible. While they would almost all certainly touch on the origins or motivations of the original incarnation of the character, each author would be able to talk about a variety of authors and representations in diff erent media over the years.”

While the Punisher is frequently perceived as an uber-masculine character – and it tends to be men who latch onto him –

Lubbock Magazine | lubbockonline.com/lubbock-magazine | MARCH 2022

“Judge, Jury and Executioner: Essays on The Punisher in Print and on Screen” is a book exploring Marvel’s “The Punisher.”

IMAGE PROVIDED BY TEXAS TECH

Goodman-Jay gravitated toward stories that featured a female version of the Punisher.

“I’m interested in gender representation and how gender-swapped versions of the character match up to the originals,” she said. “Generally, female versions of beloved heroes (e.g., Batwoman, Supergirl, Mrs. Marvel, etc.) are marketed as almost equivalent matches to their male counterparts.

Within the Punisher world, several female characters have been called the ‘female Punisher,’ but in reality, are nowhere near as similar. What makes these characters unique is that the qualities that make the Punisher the anti-hero are normally reserved for female villains – thus they are insuffi cient to be called equivalent.”

For McEniry, the appeal was in how the Punisher reacted in various situations.

“Personally, I wanted to see how alternate Punisher characters interacted in worlds in which they had greater power to be that judge, jury and executioner,” McE-

niry said. “And what I found was that most characters, no matter their power level, stuck to their mission to punish what they saw as evil in the world. The narrative arc for this character never diverged from that mission, and perhaps that’s why it’s such a tragic character. No matter how far away from the circumstances they are, they were still haunted by the death of their family.”

With that as his driving force, the Punisher is essentially indiff erent to the opinions of anyone else.

“He basically doesn’t care what the other superheroes think of him, what the police think of him or what the criminals think of him,” Weiner said. “In some ways, he is an ultimate expression of free will in the sense that he does what he wants, regardless of the consequences – and the consequences are killing the killers, killing the rapists, killing the drug manufacturers and killing the criminals.”

The other superheroes, for their part, despise the Punisher, thinking of him as insane or, at the very least, a loose cannon.

And yet, while the Punisher often fi nds himself in opposition to the other heroes,

he has one major thing in common with them: “Like most comic heroes, he has a strict code to live by,” Cassidy said. “It just happens to be more brutal than most.”

That separation from other Marvel characters is what makes the Punisher fascinating, noted McEniry.

“His moral compass is broken; he wouldn’t feel empathy for someone like the Green Goblin whereas Spider-Man is always trying to help the villains he encounters. He’d put a bullet in his head and be done with it,” McEniry said. “There’s a fi nality with his actions that the other heroes don’t allow, and that’s why he’s an anti-hero in the Marvel Universe. He doesn’t play nice with the other heroes, and they know that.”

However, Weiner and McEniry suggest the “anti-hero” description isn’t exactly accurate when it comes to the Punisher.

“I would argue that the Punisher is an anti-villain,” Weiner explained. “The Punisher is completely antithetical to the criminal mindset, even though he himself is a criminal by killing criminals. So, there’s this irony and dichotomy with the Punisher that, I think, continues to make the character relevant and interesting.”

At the end of the day, Goodman-Jay said, the Punisher recognizes that he is not a hero. But in fi ghting to eliminate evil, he is sometimes pitted against others with the same goal. The only diff erence is that they are constrained by the bounds of society and law in ways he isn’t.

“The Punisher interests me because he is not a hero nor a villain but somewhere in between; he is a contradiction claiming to want justice but going outside of the justice system,” Goodman-Jay added. “This is a complex issue because we know the justice system is fl awed, but we also know vigilantism is not the answer. The Punisher is in a gray area between doing what is right and what is just – and those are often in opposition. It is a fascinating examination of psyche and moral debate.”

That examination allows audiences to question their own beliefs.

“The idea of taking the law into one’s hands and how far someone is willing to go is a timeless question,” Cassidy said. “It fi ts into the philosophy of ‘what is justice,’ ‘how

do you mete out justice,’ and ‘is justice for rehabilitation or punishment?’ The character is often written off as a simple gun-toting madman, but the extensively diverse ways in which diff erent authors, series and media forms have portrayed the Punisher display how complex and multifaceted the character can really be.”

For instance, despite the Punisher’s seeming indiff erence to human life, he’s reluctant to harm animals in any way. He’s been known to save dogs, coyotes, lobsters and even sharks from certain death.

“While we sometimes question the morality of the Punisher, we also would very much like to have someone clean up the streets, as it were, and take out the evil that exists in the world,” Weiner said. “And the Punisher believes that’s what he’s doing.

But make no mistake, there’s really very little humanity left within Frank Castle. And yet, he would gladly walk a blind old lady across the street or save a coyote that’s been shot.”

Studying a character like the Punisher, McEniry and Goodman-Jay said, refl ects the turbulence and trauma of the real world.

“I think we put characters like the Punisher, Deadpool, Venom and Red Hood into the anti-hero box and bring them out when we want cool action sequences and nothing else,” McEniry said. “But there’s a lot of trauma those types of characters go through that is glossed over in favor of their revenge story. Slowing the narrative down to look at how everything aff ects them lets us see that they are more than a one-dimensional story.”

“While studying clearly defi ned heroes and villains can reaffi rm our beliefs about good versus evil, studying characters that blur the lines is where we can gain insight into the human condition,” Goodman-Jay added. “Characters that make us debate circumstances, question systems and highlight social issues are worth studying, and the Punisher fi ts the bill. Whether it is veterans’ rights, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental health topics, failures of the justice system or political corruption, the Punisher comics lead to very real issues and discussions that can hopefully lead to change.” e

MARCH 2022 | lubbockonline.com/lubbock-magazine | Lubbock Magazine

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806 inc.

Lubbock Chamber ribbon cuttings

Capital Federal Credit Union, 4210 50th St., Ste. E. Holding scissors are Senior VP R.C. Lewis, Vice Chairman Linda Lewis, Chairman Royce Lewis, and President & CEO Mike Hensley. Holding ribbon are Chamber Ambassadors Bart Bartholomew, left, and Tyler Backus.

Others pictured are staff, family, friends and additional Lubbock Chamber Ambassadors.

Premier Waterworks (second location), 7111 Santa Fe Drive. Holding Scissors are President Ronnie Moore and Vice President Cris Adamson. Holding ribbon are Chamber Ambassadors Lindley Herring, left, and Tracy Polk. Others pictured are Premier Team, family, friends and other Lubbock Chamber Ambassadors.

Curby’s Express Market, 1903 Milwaukee Ave. Holding scissors are owners/partners Brady Collier and Grant Gafford. Holding ribbon are Chamber Ambassadors Ryker Taylor, left, and David Vaughn. Others pictured are Curby’s team, family, friends and other Lubbock Chamber Ambassadors.

Stride Mindset LLC, 11430 Quaker Ave., St. 1100. Holding scissors are Owner Nikki Turnbow and her sons Briggs and Weston Turnbow. Holding ribbon are Chamber Ambassadors Kim Davis, left, and Mary Owen. Others pictured are staff, family, friends, and other Lubbock Chamber Ambassadors.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LUBBOCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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Lubbock Magazine | lubbockonline.com/lubbock-magazine | MARCH 2022

Knocksville, 11717 Indiana Ave. Holding scissors are Owner Chris Browning and COO Ronnie Cherry. Holding ribbon are Chamber Ambassadors Myrissa Rutter, left, and Jonathan Barela. Others pictured are Owners Brady Collier and Grant Gafford; Lubbock Chamber Chairman Casey Doyle; and other family, friends and Lubbock Chamber Ambassadors.

Fremont Salon, 6309 66th St. Ste. 900.

Holding scissors is owner Rebekah Peer.

Holding ribbon are Chamber Ambassadors Tracy Polk, left, and Ebie Serda. Others pictured are staff, family, friends and Lubbock Chamber Ambassadors.

Eat Drink

WHERE

food &art MEET

MIGUEL’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT PLEASING TO THE EYES, TASTE BUDS Avery Dishaw Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

M

iguel’s Mexican restaurant and bar offi cially opened this winter after months of preparation and fi ne tuning.

The restaurant on Broadway near University Avenue off ers authentic Tex-Mex food and drinks, an outdoor patio, pool and ping pong table as well as captivating artwork in the form of custom murals crafted over months.

Miguel’s might stand out on Broadway because of the bright and vividly painted exterior and wide variety of artwork all over the building, but there is a unique story behind every piece of artwork inside and outside of the building.

Tommy Bonner, the restaurant’s owner who is also the owner of Bier Haus, said he wanted to create something unique to Lubbock that symbolized everything he loved about Mexican culture, from the vibrant colors to the food and drinks. To bring his vision to life, he hired four local Lubbock artists to paint the place.

Miguel’s food and drink menu has traditional Mexican dishes like Elotes, Ceviche, Pozole, and street tacos, and standard Tex-Mex items like quesadillas, chips, queso and fajitas.

The cocktail menu off ers creative Mexican-inspired drinks by combining rich fl avors and popular ingredients to make their agua fresca, mango margaritas and jalapeno margarita.

Miguel’s is located at 2002 Broadway Lubbock and opens every day at 11 a.m. and becomes 21+ at 9 p.m., closing at midnight, tentatively. e

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Miguel’s offers a variety of tacos and street tacos on its menu.

PROVIDED BY MIGUEL'S

Miguel’s owner Tommy Bonner says this painting by artist Kelly J. Reyna is one of his favorites. AVERY DISHAW/ AVALANCHE-JOURNAL

Miguel’s offers a $2 off discount on its enchilada plates on Mondays.

PROVIDED BY MIGUEL’S

Miguel’s signature logo is painted on the patio on the front side of the building on Broadway, near the Texas Tech campus.

AVERY DISHAW/AVALANCHE-JOURNAL

MARCH 2022 | lubbockonline.com/lubbock-magazine | Lubbock Magazine

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Eat Drink

RESTAURANT GUIDE

THE EAT DRINK RESTAURANT GUIDE IS A READER SERVICE COMPILED BY THE LUBBOCK MAGAZINE EDITORIAL STAFF. THE MAGAZINE DOES NOT ACCEPT ADVERTISING OR OTHER COMPENSATION IN EXCHANGE FOR A LISTING. THE GUIDE IS UPDATED REGULARLY.

PRICING GUIDE $ most entrees less than $10 $$ most entrees $11 to $20 $$$ most entrees more than $21

4ORE! GOLF 4ore!’s sprawling complex is also home to an upscale grill that serves lunch, dinner and Happy Hour daily. Expect standard American fare with a twist. 6909 Marsha Sharp Fwy., 368.8334, 4oregolf.com $ 50TH ST. CABOOSE Fuel up on Mexican-American food after hours of fun arcade fun. Daily lunch, appetizer, and kid’s discounts abound. 5027 50th St., 796.2240, cabooseonline.com $ ABUELO’S Time-tested Abuelo’s has plenty of options to please the entire family. Relax in the hacienda-style dining room with a refreshing margarita. 4401 82nd St., 794.1762, abuelos.com $$ ADOLPH’S GRILL & BAR Fill up on burgers and bar-bites before trying out your vocal skills during karaoke every evening. 5131 Aberdeen Ave., 785.2030, adolphsgrillandbar.com $ ALBARRAN’S MEXICAN BAR & GRILL There’s plenty of room to unwind in Albarran’s expansive indoor and outdoor dining areas. A cold margarita is the perfect complement to popular fish tacos or steaming fajitas. 7722 Milwaukee Ave., 771.2869, albarrans.com $$ ALL AMERICAN EATERY & CATERING CO. Housed in the former Hwy. 87 Lunch Diner, All American offers sandwiches, salads, fresh pie, and a hot entree buffet special of the day. Our curiosity has been peaked by the bacon-wrapped brat on a pretzel bun and the homemade pimento cheese sandwich. 8901 Hwy. 87, 368.6304, allamericaneatery.com $ ALOHA BBQ GRILL Loaded plates of sweet Hawaiian-style entrees and barbecue will ensure a to-go box. Be prepared to wait, as the food is made to order. 9810 Indiana Ave. Suite 800, 771.9405$ 16

AMIGOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT Stand-outs at this small, casual eatery are the all-you-can-eat menudo and barbacoa burritos. 5001 34th St., 795.9552 $ ANNA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT It’s Tex-Mex heaven inside Anna’s bright and cheerful dining room. Start with fresh guacamole and move on to a generously portioned combination plate. 6909 Indiana Ave., 771.8783 $ APPLE TREE CAFE & BAKERY This local favorite impresses with homestyle breakfasts, fresh sandwiches, and plenty of baked goods to satisfy your sweet tooth. 3501 50th St., 799.7715, appletreelbk.com $ APPLEBEE’S GRILL + BAR We love 2 for $20 menu at Applebee’s; it’s the perfect way to share. Finish off your meal with a Dessert Shooter, the justenough dessert for every sweet tooth.

4025 S. Loop 289, 785.4025, applebees.com $$ ARANDAS TAQUERIA Specializing in Jalisco-style Mexican food, Arandas serves breakfast, lunch and dinner from an ample menu. Use the convenient drive-thru for tasty food on the go. 4001 34th St., 687.1939 $ ASPEN CREEK GRILL One of only nine locations nationwide, Aspen Creek’s Amarillo restaurant offers its signature made-from-scratch food in a family-friendly atmosphere. 3012 W. Loop 289, 553.7930, aspencreekgrill.com $$ ATOMIC LOUNGE & PIZZA KITCHEN Atomic specializes in fire roasted pizzas.

Feast on favorites like The Roni, extra-large slices of pepperoni atop melted mozzarella and smoky tomato sauce. Atomic’s ovens cook a pizza in 2 1⁄ 2 minutes so your hunger pangs are quickly satisfied. 2420 Broadway, Suite A, 407.3221 $$ BACK 40 GRILL Back 40 covers all the bases: kid-friendly, great food, satisfying desserts, live music, and a patio area. 5214 98th St., 853.8715, theback40grill.com $$

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BAKED BLISS Baked Bliss offers a full lunch menu with salads, hot and cold sandwiches, daily specials, burgers and can’t miss dessert specials. 4005 34th St., 784.2004, lubbockbakedbliss.weebly.com $ BANGKOK THAI RESTAURANT This tiny hole-in-the-wall serves fresh Thai entrees and soup bowls. Customer favorites are the beef noodle soup, spicy chicken, and tom kha gai. 4624 34th St., 791.7787 $ BEEF ‘O’ BRADY’S There’s something for every member of the family at Beef’s. Enjoy the game on multiple TVs while you eat. 5510 Fourth St., Suite 280, 792.3337, beefobradys.com/ lubbock $ BEIJING HOUSE RESTAURANT Specializing in Mongolian barbecue and Chinese fare, Beijing’s daily lunch specials and dinner entrees are easy on your wallet.

3605 50th St., 793.9593, beijinghouselubbock.com $ BIERHAUS LUBBOCK This patio bar on Broadway specializes in beer and pub grub. With plentiful outdoor seating on its pet-friendly patio it’s a casual place to enjoy good weather with man’s best friend. 2009 Broadway, 368.8324, bierhauslubbock.com $ BIG E’S BARBEQUE This late-night haunt in The Depot District serves take-and-eat barbecue, specifically meat burritos with pork, sausage, chicken or brisket, and your choice of condiments.

1802 Buddy Holly Ave., 441.6703 $ BIGHAM’S SMOKEHOUSE Open for 40 years, Bigham’s serves its West Texas-style barbecue from two small, straightforward locations. 3312 82nd St., 797.9241/4302 19th St., 793.6880, bighamsbbq.net $ BJ’S RESTAURANT & BREWHOUSE This chain that originated in Southern California offers burgers, pizza and pub grub with an expansive list of craft brews. 4805 S. Loop 289, Suite 100, 783.8600, bjsrestaurants.com $$

BLUE SKY TEXAS Blue Sky’s burgers and homemade fries are the perfect companions to a Lone Star Beer or an Oreo shake. Be prepared to share the one-size-feeds-a-lot cheese fries. 4416 98th St., 368.7591/3216 Fourth St., 368.0750, blueskytexas.com $

CAGLE STEAKS Step into a true West Texas experience at Cagle Steaks. After walking around the ranch, feast on hand-cut steaks with all the fixings. Save room for fresh cobbler topped with ice cream. 8732 Fourth St., 795.3879, caglesteaks.com $$

BONUS BURGERS This cash-only eatery’s claim to fame is its classic soda fountain shop-style greasy burgers and fries. Save room for a thick and creamy shake. 2312 50th St., 795.7400 $

CANCUN RESTAURANT & BAR This Lubbock mainstay has stood the test of time because of its reasonable prices, generous portions, customer service, and Happy Hour bargains. 7905 University Ave., 687.9048, cancunlubbock.com $-$$

BRYAN’S STEAKS A traditional buffet-style steakhouse, Bryan’s offers steaks cooked to order with self-serve salads, sides and soft-serve ice cream. 1212 50th St., 744.5491$$ BUFFALO WILD WINGS You can’t go wrong with Buffalo’s hot wings, especially on a Tuesday night. Keep busy with the interactive games and every televised sport under the sun. 6320 19th St., 785.9464/7638 82nd St., 855.4992/ 8212 University Ave., 745.5525, buffalowildwings.com $$ BUNS OVER TEXAS If you’ve ever been to Buns, then you know “Your buns are up,” means dinner’s ready.

The made-to-order burgers will fill you up fast. Pair one with some of the best cheese fries around, and wet your whistle with the refreshing ice tea. 3402 73rd St., 793.0012, bunsovertexas.com $ BURRITO TOWER Housed in a bright gold building, this small Mexican joint serves breakfast starting at 7 a.m. and lunch until 2 p.m. We’re hooked on the migas rancheros and gorditas. 3001 34th St., 791.5813 $ BURKLEE HILL BISTRO & TASTING ROOM Open for lunch and dinner service, the Burklee Hill Bistro serves as the Burklee Hill Vineyards’ Lubbock tasting room while also offering a food menu and event room.

Enjoy shareable small plates, hot panini sandwiches, salads, and 10-inch pizzettes.

1109 Broadway, 993.1195, burkleehillvineyards.com/Lubbock $$ CAFE J Enjoy elegant ambience surrounded by original artwork. Menus change with the seasons and each entree is carefully prepared with a wine pairing in mind. 2605 19th St., 743.5400, cafejlubbock.com $$$

CAPITAL PIZZA Don’t let Capitol’s nondescript storefront fool you. Quality ingredients, creative specialty pizzas, and hundreds of craft beers certainly impressed us. 2705 26th St., 368.3603/8211 Slide Road, 701.4062, capitalpizzalubbock.com $$ CAPROCK CAFE A Lubbock favorite, CapRock is the perfect place to hang out and watch the game – with a burger in one hand and an ice-cold beer in the other, of course! 3405 34th St., 784.0300/5217 82nd St., Space 109, 771.2233, caprockcafe.com $-$$ CASA MANILA This small eatery serves breakfast and lunch buffet-style, giving diners the opportunity to try a variety of authentic Filipino items. 6620 Milwaukee Ave., 993.1161 $ CASA OLÉ Enjoy casual dining with Tex-Mex favorites like nachos, enchiladas and tacos. 4413 S. Loop 289, 793.9351, casaole.com $ CAST IRON GRILL First, the pies. We don’t care what time of day; a meal just isn’t complete without a sweet slice. Move on to home-style breakfasts complete with biscuits and gravy, or hearty from-scratch burgers, chicken-fried steak and ribs. We can’t get enough. 620 19th Ave., 771.7690, castirongrilllubbock.com $ THE CATCH This popular seafood franchise hales from South Texas and offers Cajun-style seafood. Choose from fried fish, shrimp, gator, oysters, tacos and a variety of boils. 5111 82nd St., 701.2900, thecatchhouston.com $$ CHEDDAR’S SCRATCH KITCHEN Cheddar’s offers American-style food at prices that won’t break your budget, which

makes it the perfect place to bring the whole family. 4009 S. Loop 289, 791.1213, cheddars.com $-$$ THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY The national chain made its Lubbock debut in late 2018. The bountiful menu is full of a variety of starters, entrees, and sides, but we’re always up for an enormous slice of decadent cheesecake. Why not start with dessert instead? 6014 Slide Road, 785.8636, thecheesecakefactory.com $$ CHICKEN RUN Open daily for breakfast and lunch, the cafe serves breakfast items, specialty juices, lunch combo deals and small plates for lighter appetites. 1910 Quaker Ave., 687.3447, chickenrun.cafe $$ CHILI’S GRILL & BAR There are countless go-to meals at Chili’s, namely the fajitas and Chicken Crispers.

5805 Slide Road, 796.1696/607 University Ave., 744.2025, chilis.com $$ CHIMY’S CERVECERIA If a margarita is in order, this is the spot.

Plenty of Tex-Mex staples and margarita flavors and a lively outdoor patio make this a great place to spend an evening. 2417 Broadway, 763.7369 $ CHINA EXPRESS Choose from dine-in, take-out or delivery at China Express. Customer favorites include Szechuan, Hunan and curry dishes.

5510 Fourth St., Suite 250, 799.3133, chinaexpresslubbock.com $ CHINA WOK With more than 125 menu items, you might feel a little overwhelmed when it comes to ordering. But don’t despair – everything’s good. 6302 Frankford Ave., Suite 3, 783.8888, china-wok-lubbock.com $ CHINA TOWN RESTAURANT You’ll find an ample menu at China Town.

Customers love the daily lunch specials and authentic Chinese fare. 5217 82nd St., Suite 114, 794.9898 $ CHINESE KITCHEN This humble eatery is a local staple for Chinese food, especially on the go. 5308 Slide Road, 792.9142, eatchinesekitchen.com $ CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL What began as a small gourmet burrito shop in Denver in 1993 has grown into a chain with more than 500 locations. We’re

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crazy about the bowls – chock full of rice, black beans, corn, and your choice of meat – it’s a fast, filling and delicious lunch or dinner option. 2411 Glenna Goodacre Blvd., 744.4503/2912 W. Loop 289, 784.0083/ 8201 Quaker Ave., Suite 102, 783.0211, chipotle.com $ CHIPS SPORTS BAR The simple menu at Chips contains standard sports bar fare: pub-style appetizers, burgers and sandwiches. Fill up on your favorites while you watch the game or play a game of pool. 5166 69th St., 794.1944, chipssportsbar.com $ CHOOCHAI THAI CUISINE The small, unassuming building hides a treasure trove of authentic Thai offerings.

Try the labb nau or pad see ew. “Spicy” means spicy here, so be warned. 2330 19th St., 747.1767, choochai.com $ CHOPPED & SLICED BBQ Chopped & Sliced has all the bases covered: premium barbecue and all the fixings, friendly service, delicious cobbler, catering and a food truck. We’re big fans.

3501 50th St., Suite 110, 317.1920, choppedandsliced.com $$ CHOP CHOP RICE CO. It’s all in the name: Chop Chop Rice Co. specializes in rice, but goes much further than that. With a menu full of meats and vegetables, you can dress up your rice any way your heart desires. Come hungry, because portion sizes are impressive. 5707 Fourth St., 478.1775/7320 Milwaukee Ave., 701.5400, chopchoprice.com $ CHRISTAKIS BURGERS When you’re craving a burger, this is your spot. A favorite among in-the-know locals, Christakis serves jumbo-sized and regular burgers with a variety of topping combinations. Try the namesake burger with pastrami and cheese for messy but delicious meal. 1111 34th St., 744.6833 $ CHUY’S A national Tex-Mex chain, Chuy’s serves big-as-your-face burritos on hand-rolled tortillas, cooked fresh to order. Funk and funky drinks in the lively dining room ensure a fun visit. 4805 S. Loop 289, 698.6264, chuys.com $$ COCINA DE LA SIRENA Located in the historic Cactus Alley courtyard, La Sirena serves modern Latin American food in a cozy dining room. The menu changes regularly to accommodate local 18

produce, but it’s a delight no matter the season. 2610 Salem Ave., 368.7960, lasirenacocina.com $$$

paired with a small wine and beer menu.

2910 W. Loop 289, Suite 601, 792.1216, cravedessertlbk.com $

THE COFFEE BAR AT CARDINALS Order coffee and something off the breakfast menu for a great start to the day. Open at 6 a.m. for early risers, the coffee bar also offers lunch items and baked goods. 6524 Slide Road, 776.6727, mycardinalsports.com/the-coffee-bar $

CRAWDADDY’S SPORTS GRILL & BAR Cajun favorites, seafood, burgers, and fries round out the menu at Crawdaddy’s. Enjoy a drink from the bar while you dine. 5725 82nd St., 771.4455 $$

COOK’S GARAGE Tuck in to Texas-style comfort food surrounded by classic cars and memorabilia.

You can’t miss with the wings, burgers or nachos. 11002 Highway 87, 893.2491, cooksgarage.com $$ COPPER CABOOSE RESTAURANT BAR Part entertainment venue, part Tex-Mex restaurant, Copper Caboose is the place to take a group ready for a party. Daily food specials let you save your money for the arcade. 5609 Villa Drive, 744.0183, cabooseonline.com $$ COSTA VIDA Costa Vida’s “Fresh Mex” offerings include extra-large made-to-order burritos, salads, enchiladas, top-shelf tacos and more. Easy online ordering makes dinner a snap. 4410 114th St., Suite 200, 368.8390, costavida.com $ COTTON PATCH CAFE The Cotton Patch is in the home-style comfort food business. Served with southern hospitality, entrees like chicken and dumplings, chicken-fried steak with gravy, and steakhouse burgers make it easy to eat your fill – and then some. 6810 Slide Road, 771.4521, cottonpatch.com $$ CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORE A home-cooked breakfast for supper says comfort food like nothing else, especially when there’s a chill in the air. 5018 Milwaukee Ave., 795.9884, crackerbarrel.com $-$$ THE CRAFTHOUSE GASTROPUB Experience quality eats at this casual pub.

Choose something from the Bites, Small or Large menus depending on your appetite.

We’re taken with the dumplin’s and house Canadian bacon. 3131 34th St., 687.1466, crafthousepub.com $$ CRAVE: A DESSERT BAR This sweet little shop delights with dessert crepes, chocolate fondue or a s’mores tray, and a variety of baked goods perfectly

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CRICKET’S DRAFT HOUSE + GRILL Cricket’s proximity to Tech, plenty of beers on tap, dinner and late-night menus, affordable prices, and pool and gaming tables make it a great handout spot. 2412 Broadway, 744.4677, cricketsgrill.com $ CUJO’S SPORTZ BAR & GRILL Watch the game at Cujo’s and enjoy daily drink specials, Happy Hour, and plenty of pub grub to while away the hours. 5811 Fourth St., 791.2622, cujossports.com $$ DIMBA’S CHICKEN & SEAFOOD Can you ever have enough fried chicken or catfish? We don’t think so. Especially when it’s fresh, cooked to order, and surrounded by french fries. Good thing there’s an allyou-can-eat option for dine-in, and “messo-catfish” for drive-thru or carry-out. 5010 Quaker Ave., 799.0830/421 Frankford Ave., 281.1681 $ DION’S This Southwestern chain offers pizza, salads, and subway sandwiches in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. 2721 82nd St., 745.1010/6410 82nd St., 747.4800, dions.com $ DIRK’S Dirk’s focuses on “Birds. Beers. Bubbles.” and we’re in! For $13 choose fried chicken, chicken tenders, rotisserie chicken, or chicken-fried steak with two sides, which are just as tempting as the meats. Dirk’s also offers shrimp and grits and Gulf oysters on the half shell. 1636 13th St., 368.3915, dirkslbk.com DOUBLEDAVE’S PIZZAWORKS Feast on the buffet or order a whole pie at DoubleDave’s. Customers love the stromboli and generous portions. 6023 82nd St., Suite 4, 763.3283, doubledaves.com $$ E&J SMOKEHOUSE AND GRILL Nestled in Escondido Canyon, E&J is open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Saturday. Dine on plenty of barbecue and Texas-style sides and desserts at this little oasis. 701 Regis St., 762.6201, ejsmokhouse.com $$-$$$

EARL OF SANDWICH This chain serves hot sandwiches topped with their own unique ingredients and sauces. 11824 Indiana Ave., Suite 100, 993.6000 $ EAST MOON ASIAN BISTRO East Moon specializes in Pan-Asian food, with a focus on Thai dishes, sushi, noodles and curries. Regulars love the affordable lunch specials and quick delivery service.

5028 50th St., 712.8888, lubbockeastmoon.com $ EAT AND ART CAFE This cafe offers daily hot-plate specials, rice bowls, ramen, soup and sandwiches, within a charming, art-centric atmosphere.

7604 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 600, 368.6293, eatandartcafe.com $$ EDDIE’S BBQ Eddie’s is true West Texas kitsch. The historic lunch-only eatery offers authentic Texas-style barbecue and some of the tastiest Frito pie around. 1324 E. 50th St., 747.3736 $$ EINSTEIN BROS BAGELS Pick up fresh bagels to go, or settle in with an egg sandwich and hot coffee, a smoothie, sweet treat or something off the lunch menu. 5217 82nd St., 687.4046/4525 Marsha Sharp Fwy., 687.4025/703 Flint Ave., 224.3563/1801 Boston Ave., 742.6382, einsteinbros.com $ EL CHARRO Open early for breakfast, El Charro serves traditional Tex-Mex favorites like burritos, tacos and enchiladas. Use the drive-thru for a hot breakfast to go. 5011 I-27, 747.5790, elcharrotexas.com $ EL PHOENIX TAQUERIA El Phoenix specializes in Oaxacan-style cuisine and “Mexican comfort food.” Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, El Phoenix also offers daily specials and Happy Hour. 10007 Slide Road, 993.5011 $

289, 791.4400/3009 Main St., 742.1231, fazolis.com $ FIREHOUSE SUBS Founded by firemen, the eatery sets aside a portion of every purchase to donate to local first responders to provide them lifesaving equipment. 2510 Marsha Sharp Fwy., Suite 150, 747.9600/5027 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 200, 799.1098/9810 Slide Road, Suite F, 702.8251, firehousesubs.com $ FIVE GUYS BURGERS AND FRIES Order a la carte from the simple menu at this fast-casual eatery, choosing from burgers made to order with your choice of toppings. Plenty of fries means you’ll need to loosen your belt! 4410 19th St., 368.3490/6076 Marsha Sharp Fwy., 771.4897, fiveguys.com $ FLIPPERS TAVERN This colorful little hole-in-the-wall specializes in brats with all the fixings. Try the Pile Driver for a cheese and chili fix. 1406 Avenue Q, 701.5130 $ FORTUNE COOKIE CHINESE RESTAURANT Serving Cantonese-style food, Fortune Cookie is family-owned and -operated.

Easy online ordering makes dine-in and takeout dining a breeze. 7006 University Ave., 745.2205, fortunecookietx.com $ FUDDRUCKERS This fast-casual chain bills itself as making the “world’s greatest hamburger.” Fuddruckers lets diners choose the size of their burger, how they’d like it cooked, and which toppings they’d prefer. 5501 Slide Road, 687.3833, fuddruckers.com $ THE FUNKY DOOR BISTRO & WINE ROOM With everything from mac ‘n cheese to fondue, lobster to steak, and more than 800 wine labels, The Funky Door is a divine place to linger. 6801 Milwaukee Ave., 687.0505, thefunkydoor.com $$-$$$

EL RANCHITO BURRITO This little hole in the wall offers Tex-Mex out of a small storefront. Go early for breakfast or enjoy lunch until 2 p.m. 4529 34th St., 785.7333 $

FUZZY’S TACO SHOP Options are endless at Fuzzy’s with everything from a variety of Baja-style tacos to enchilada plates, over-sized salads, tamales, and breakfast all day, every day. 10101 Slide Road, 797.8226/2102 Broadway, 740.8226, fuzzystacoshop.com $

FAZOLI’S The slogan “Fast. Fresh. Italian.” says it all.

Feast on pasta, salads, build-your-own items, submarine sandwiches, and pizza.

4008 82nd St., 785.4554/1902 W. Loop

GARCIA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT Garcia’s is known for its affordable food and on-point margaritas. Feast on the buffet for weekend brunch. 5604 Slide Road, Suite 100, 792.0097 $

THE GAS LIGHT Relax with a handcrafted cocktail and one of the shareable plates while you listen to live music in the lounge. 5212 57th St., Suite 100, 785.1720, thegaslight.net $$ GATOR’S BAYOU CAJUN GRILL & BAR Gator’s Bayou’s fun atmosphere and extensive food and drink menus ensure that you’ll enjoy your experience. Fans of Gator’s enjoy the Sunday brunch and sheltered patio. 5217 98th St., 698.6900, gatersbayou.com $$ GEORGE’S CAFE The cafe serves breakfast all day, every day, with daily specials that are sure to please. You’ll find friendly service and Texas-style comfort food at George’s. 5407 Fourth St., 795.6000 $ GEORGE’S RESTAURANT Comfort food and burgers round out the menu at George’s. Customers love the all-day breakfast and cozy diner-style environment. 6914 82nd St., Suite A, 783.8500, georges82nd.business.site $ GILBERT’S BAR & GRILL With its Tech-themed dining room and generous patio, Gilbert’s is the perfect place to hang out and enjoy a home-style meal. Enjoy family-style Chinese food on Saturday nights and brunch on Sundays.

2608 Salem Ave., 795.8791, gilbertslubbock.com $$ GIORGIO’S PIZZA Giorgio’s longstanding downtown location offers counter service and some of the city’s most beloved pizza by the slice, calzones, pasta, and daily lunch specials. 1018 Broadway, 765.9330 $ GOHAN JAPANESE FUSION A fast-casual eatery, Gohan serves hibachistyle build-a-bowl meals, specialty rice bowls, and bubble tea. 1003 University Ave., 368.8048 $$ HARRIGAN’S PRIME GRILL Remember Harrigan’s? Well, the beloved chain is back as Harrigan’s Prime Grill, and locals are thrilled. Open for lunch and dinner, the menu includes plenty of steaks to satisfy beef lovers, along with plenty of options for the entire family. Don’t’ leave without indulging in a Black Magic Cake.

11814 Indiana Ave., 368.8008, harrigans.com $$-$$$ HAYASHI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE Featuring hibachi-style entrees, Hayashi

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also offers sushi and sashimi, bento boxes and a sake bar. 4220 82nd St., 792.6868, hayashilubbock.com $$ HAYASHI MIDTOWN Hayashi Midtown offers lunch and dinner specials, create-your-own bento boxes, sushi, and, of course, hibachi grill cooking.

3701 19th St., 701.5486, hayashimidtown.com $$ HEALTHY ESSENTIALS Part nutrition shop, part cafe, Healthy Essentials serves low-calorie breakfast and lunch items, coffee and smoothies. 8008 Abbeville Ave., 771.5959, healthytastegreat.com $ HEALTHY MEALS TO GO Take the guesswork out of meal planning with individual and family-style meals for breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner. 5206 82nd St., Suite 9, 722.2727, hmtogo.com $$ HEFF’S BURGERS A winner in the Best Burger category of Best of Lubbock since 2010, Heff’s serves nine different fresh, half-pound burgers, and sandwiches, home-style fries, and ice cream. 5727 82nd St., 698.0900, heffsburgers.net $ HILL BARBECUE Hill Barbecue originally opened its doors as Embers Barbecue in Levelland. After a move to downtown Lubbock’s Art District, Hill Barbecue serves its craft-smoked meats every Thursday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to sellout. Expect a line for this beloved barbecue joint, but it’s worth the wait. 1106 Fifth St., 632.3313, realtexasgrit.com $$ HOLLY HOP ICE CREAM SHOPPE This charming, old-fashion ice cream and soda shop also serves pizza, hot dogs and sandwiches for lunch and dinner. 3404 34th St., 792.2756 $ THE HONEYCOMB PIE SHOPPE #2 If you can make it past the pie case, there are plenty of sandwiches, soups and salads for a filling lunch. 3833 50th St., Suite 3, 701.4133 $ HUB CITY WINGS Offering more than just wings, Hub City also cooks up burgers, hot dogs, chicken strips and more. 1902 34th St., 687.3332, hubcitywingslubbock.com $

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IKE’S WOODFIRE GRILLE Ike’s offers handcrafted steaks, seafood, wood-fired pizzas, calzones, burgers and more. Save with Ike’s daily specials and enjoy daily Happy Hour Monday through Friday. 4414 82nd St., Suite 218, 368.8036, ikesgrill.com $$

ous Roast Beef and Provolone, a hot sandwich like Jersey Mike’s Famous Philly, or make any sub into a wrap or salad for a low-carb option. Order in-store or online and pick it up for a quick and tasty meal.

6319 82nd St., Suite 300, 590.4015, jerseymikes.com $

INDIA PALACE RESTAURANT A little aging gem, you’ll find cooked-toorder Indian standbys like naan, samosas, masala and mango lassi. Be prepared to wait, but the food is worth every minute.

3021 34th St., Suite A, 799.6772 $

JIMENEZ BAKERY & RESTAURANT Jimenez has offered traditional Mexican baked goods to the Lubbock area since 1969. Breakfast items lean toward Texasstyle comfort food, while lunch and dinner focus on more traditional items. Don’t leave without trying something from the bakery.

1217 Crickets Ave., 744.2685 $

ITALIAN GARDEN Traditional Italian fare at this BYOB restaurant downtown. A variety of pasta, pizza and subs ensure a hefty carb fix. 1215 Avenue J, 771.2212, italiangardenlubbock.com $$ IT’S GREEK TO ME You’re in for a unique experience at this Greek and American food restaurant. You can’t go wrong with the falafel, gyro and sweet baklava. 7006 University Ave., 792.1949, itisgreektomelubbocktexas.com $ J&B COFFEE CO. Generously portioned sandwiches, baked goods and specialty desserts make the perfect complement for freshly roasted coffee or flavored tea. 2701 26th St., 796.1114, jandbcoffeeco.com $ J & M BAR-B-Q For more than 25 years J&M has served its mouthwatering mesquite-smoked barbecue to the Lubbock area. Choose from sausage, ribs, brisket, turkey ham and more, with plenty of fresh sides and sweet cobbler. 7924 Slide Road, 798.2525/ 3605 34th St., 796.1164, jandmbbq.com $$ JASON’S DELI The options at Jason’s are endless – sandwiches, paninis, wraps, baked potatoes, soups, salads, po’boys and even pasta.

4001 S. Loop 289, 799.8660, jasonsdeli.com $ JAZZ, A LOUISIANA KITCHEN A national chain, Jazz serves New Orleansstyle classics and features nightly live music. 3703 19th St., 799.2124, jazzkitchen.com $$ JERSEY MIKE’S SUBS Jersey Mike’s stands behind its high-quality, premium meats, cheeses and freshbaked bread. Try a cold sub like the Fam-

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JIMMY JOHN’S Jimmy John’s prides itself on fresh ingredients and friendly service. We love the endless options for topping combinations.

4730 Slide Road, 795.0800/2413 Broadway, 740.0002, jimmyjohns.com $ JOE’S CRAB SHACK Lubbock’s Joe’s Crab Shack is still the place to grab seafood in a fun, casual environment. 5802 W. Loop 289, 797.8600, joescrabshack.com $$ JOSIE’S AUTHENTIC MEXICAN KITCHEN Josie’s three Lubbock locations serve a variety of fresh, handmade burritos for walk-up, dine-in and drive-thru service.

Breakfast burritos are the most popular, but the Big Mama is a sure bet any time of day. 3312 Avenue Q, 744.8075/5101 Aberdeen Ave., 793.7752/6606 19th St., 793.1921 $ JUMBO JOE’S A true burger joint, Joe’s offers dine-in, carry-out and a convenient drive-thru.

Extra-large portions and affordable prices keep diners going back for more. 3310 Fourth St., 747.7900, jumbojoes.com $ KIN KOREAN BBQ & SUSHI LOUNGE Traditional Korean BBQ is designed for sharing. At Kin, choose your meat and cook it yourself at the table. Or choose sushi from Kin’s “Sushi Conveyor Revolution,” which features fresh-made sushi. 6810 Milwaukee Ave., 368.3830 $$ KING LOUIE’S SPORTS LOUNGE & BILLIARDS ROOM Kin Louie’s stretches “Happy Hour” into an eight-hour celebration. Enjoy drink specials and shareable plates from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. every day, while you watch the game or play a game of pool in the smoke-free pool hall. 7604 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 1400,

368.8200 $$ KING STREET PUB Nestled in a strip mall on Indiana, King Street Pub’s stark exterior holds a surprisingly charming Victorian English tea room meets traditional pub-themed restaurant.

Inventive cuisine and a cozy atmosphere will keep you going back for more. 8004 Indiana Ave., Suite B18, 993.1010, kingstreetpub.com $$ LA DIOSA CELLARS From the funky decor to the perfectly prepared tapas to the extensive wine list, La Diosa promises a top-notch experience.

901 17th St., 744.3600, ladiosacellars.com $$ LA MADELEINE Charming chain La Madeleine keeps customers coming back for more with Frenchstyle baked goods for breakfast, lunch or dinner. 8201 Quaker Ave., Suite 118, 698.6313, lamadeleine.com $$ THE LANTERN TAVERN A step above standard pub fare, The Lantern serves shareable appetizers, burgers and pizza in its casual dining room. Enjoy the dog-friendly patio and listen to live music on Friday nights. 3502 Slide Road, 785.2280, lanterntavern.net $$ LAS BRISAS SOUTHWEST STEAKHOUSE Elegant Southwestern-style fare awaits at Las Brisas. Feast on a 24-ounce bone-in rib-eye paired with the perfect craft cocktail or a selection from the wine list. 4701 112th St., 687.6050, las-brisas.com $$$ LEAL’S TAMALE FACTORY AND MORE Leal’s serves dishes that blend the traditional flavors of Mexico with a few twists that will delight you. 6205 19th St., 780.5325, lealstamalefactory.com $$ LILLIE’S PLACE Lillie’s affordable Mexican food and breakfast all day are made even better by great customer service and special attention for pups in the drive-thru. 6313 19th St., 701.5206 $ LINDA’S CAFE Specializing in Filipino food, no-fail customer favorites include the special pancit and lomain. Be prepared for a wait as the food is made fresh to order. 1901 W. Loop 289, Suite 6, 791.0233 $

LISA WEST’S DOUBLE NICKEL STEAK HOUSE Voted one of the top 10 best steak houses in Texas, the Double Nickel specializes in traditional steak-house fare. While beef rules the menu, you’ll find plenty of chicken, seafood and salads to delight the pickiest eater. 5405 Slide Road, 792.0055, doublenickelsteakhouse.com $$$ LITE BITE MEDITERRANEAN CAFE This simple Mediterranean diner also has a specialty market and deli on site. Customer favorites include the fresh gyros, baklava, and hummus. Order online for quick pickup or delivery. 3624 50th St., 788.0215, litebitemediterraneancafe.com $ LITTLE PANDA For affordable food fast, Little Panda is the place. The ample menu has plenty of items under $10, and easy online ordering. 1221 University Ave., 722.088/7412 University Ave., Unit 1, 745.8885 $ LITTLE WOODROW’S Expect pub-style fare, including burgers, “Mile Wide” nachos, Tex-Mex food, sandwiches, wraps, salads and plenty of shareable for watching the big game. With indoor and outdoor areas to hang out with the gang, this just might be the Hub City’s new favorite game day spot. 6313 66th St., 698.6601, littlewoodrows.com $$ LOCAL BAR AND GRILL Located close to the Texas Tech campus, Local’s bar menu includes pizza, burgers, street-style tacos, and shareable pub grub.

Fill up on Big as Your Face nachos topped with white queso, chorizo, chili and jalapeños. 2420 Broadway, 368.5127 $ LOGAN’S ROADHOUSE Visit Logan’s Roadhouse for everything from quick lunches, take-out options, and party platters to mouth-watering, handcut steaks and a variety of entrees for health-conscious diners. 6251 Slide Road, 780.8135, logansroadhouse.com $$ LONE STAR OYSTER BAR A Lubbock staple for more than 30 years, Lone Star serves shrimp and oysters, and burgers and bar food. Listen to live music on the patio or watch the game on the big screens inside the restaurant. 5116 58th St., Suite C, 797.3773/3040 34th St., 796.0101 $$ LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE Stand-outs on LongHorn’s extensive menu include Grilled White Cheddar Stuffed

Mushrooms, the hearty LongHorn Gourmet burger, a variety of steaks, and the lighter Spinach Feta Chicken. 4805 S. Loop 289, 783.0015, longhornsteakhouse.com $$ LOS TACOS This hole-in-the-wall joint serves authentic Mexican food with a focus on tacos. Try a variety to find your new favorite. 3501 Avenue A, 771.0836 $ LUBBOCK’S BREAKFAST HOUSE & GRILL Serving breakfast daily from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Breakfast House also serves lunch, and dinner until 10 p.m. A huge menu means you can go back again and again to discover a new taste treat. 7006 University Ave., Suite 17, 687.8912/3515 50th St., 308.0010/2422 19th St., 701.5351, lubbockbreakfasthouse.com $ LUCKY CHEN CHINESE RESTAURANT Luck Chen serves familiar favorites like fried rice, chow mein, and moo goo gai pan. Daily lunch specials cost a low $5.95.

1803 Seventh St., Suite 801, 749.7888, luckychentx.com $ MAIN EVENT ENTERTAINMENT Perfect for the whole family or a large group, the Main Event offers bowling, arcade games, mini golf and more. Feed the crew with made-to-order pizza or plenty of grill-style nibbles from the dining area.

6010 Marsha Sharp Fwy., 792.3333, mainevent.com $$ MAMA JOSIE’S KITCHEN A staggering amount of burritos for breakfast or lunch means making a decision will be difficult. Multiple locations help satisfy those pesky cravings for Tex-Mex. 5719 66th St., 741.0588/212 University Ave., 747.8546/318 N. University Ave., 744.6268 $ MAMARITA’S BORDER CAFE MamaRita’s fast casual Tex-Mex is a regular Best of Lubbock winner. In business since 1989, locals love the salsa bar, margarita’s, and affordable daily specials. 6602 Slide Road, 794.4778, mamaritaslubbock.com $ MANARA CAFE Family-owned and -operated, Manara serves authentic Mediterranean cuisine.

Customers love the swarma and gyro sandwiches and saffron rice. 2623 34th St., 701.4190 $$ MAR Y TIERRA This cozy Tex-Mex restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Expect fresh-made

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food and plenty of choices as the menu is lengthy. 2531 82nd St.,784.2008/5702 19th St., 407.5009, marytierralubbock.com $ MASISO Cupbap, a popular Korean street food, is a rice bowl topped with Korean-style barbecue, a dumpling and noodles. Discover this simple meal at Masiso, along with a limited number of other Korean favorites. 4809 34th St., 368.5469, masisocupbap.com $ MCALISTER’S DELI McAlister’s is not just another deli. Its made-to-order menu is chock full of fresh sandwich and salad options that make for a quick and tasty lunch. 2415 19th St., 740.0022/4210 82nd St., Suite 212, 799.5200/6810 Milwaukee Ave., 577.4349, mcalistersdeli.com $ MESQUITES BAR & GRILL The busy bar serves a limited menu to enjoy while watching the big game. 2419 Broadway, 744.9277 $ MIGUEL’S Restaurant features a variety of Texas-Mex and Mexican favorites including tacos, enchiladas and a colorful assortment of art and decorations to enhance the atmosphere. There’s also an extensive drink menu. 2002 Broadway. 806) 701-3663 $$ MI TACO VILLAGE This humble eatery offers dine-in or carryout, with live music on weekends. In business since 1975, the family-owned restaurant serves fresh and delicious Tex-Mex. The chile rellenos are renowned. 220 Regis St., 747.9700 $ MISS ANN’S CLASSIC DINER A true Lubbock classic, Miss Ann’s serves burgers, hot dogs, boxed meals, and ice cream. (Save room for a malt!) 3218 34th St., 792.2729 $ MONTELONGO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT Dine in, takeout, or catering – Montelongo’s has you covered. Locals love the enchiladas and carne asada. 3021 Clovis Road, 762.3068, montelongosrestaurant.com $ MOTOMEDI MEDITERRANEAN Quick and affordable bowl meals fill the menu at Motomedi. Make is vegetarian with falafel or choose your meat and add rice, spiced fries or arugula, sauce and toppings. Every bowl is full of beautiful color and flavor! 3204 W. Loop 289, Suite 300, 317.1053, motomedi.com $ 22

THE NICOLETT With an outdoor dining opening set for fall, The Nicolett is making the best of the COVID crisis by offering The Nicolett At Home ahead of its official opening. The takeaway program will give locals the opportunity to sample a new menu each week, designed to serve two to four guests. 511 Broadway., nicolettrestaurant.com $$ NORA’S MEXICAN FOOD RESTAURANT A simple menu filled with Tex-Mex food is also easy on your wallet. Grab a package of fresh tortillas to go. 4102 34th St., 771.2047 $ THE OFFICE GRILL AND SPORTS BAR Known for great live country music, The Office offers all-day Happy Hour and a simple menu with grill items like sandwiches and burgers. 5004 Frankford Ave., Suite 900, 687.6242 $ O’HANA JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR Choose from hibachi service or fresh sushi when you dine at O’hana. Reservations are suggested for busy weekend evenings.

5510 Fourth St., Suite 100, 792.0144/ 5217 82nd St., 783.8298 $$ OLIVE GARDEN ITALIAN KITCHEN Olive Garden will tell you, “When you’re here, you’re family,” and that’s the truth.

With endless salad and breadsticks, no matter the entree, you’ll leave satisfied.

5702 Slide Road, 791.3575, olivegarden.com $$ ON THE BORDER MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA On the Border’s made-to-order fajitas will knock your socks off. Of course, good Mexican food is even better with a cold beer.

Go ahead, indulge. 6709 Slide Road, 686.1550, ontheborder.com $$ ONE GUY FROM ITALY Fresh, hot, cheesy calzones are the star at One Guy, but the pizza, pasta, and garlic bread are also noteworthy. You’ll find traditional Sicilian recipes and great conversation when you dine in. 4320 50th St., 791.1210, oneguyfromitaly.com/1101 University Ave., 747.1226 $ ORLANDO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Generous portions of Italian mainstays dominate Orlando’s menu, with a southwestern influence peppered throughout.

Customers rave about the potato and green chile soup, burgers, and all-you-caneat spaghetti and meatballs. 6951 Indiana

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Ave., 797.8646/2402 Avenue Q, 747.5998, orlandos.com $$ OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE Let’s just start with the Bloomin’ Onion. We could actually end there and be completely satisfied, but what’s a trip to Outback without a Victoria’s Filet Mignon and Bacon Bourbon Salmon? Speaking of completely satisfied, leave room for the Chocolate Thunder from Down Under. 4015 S. Loop 289, 788.0035, outback.com $$ PANCAKE HOUSE This cozy diner fills up fast, so expect a wait time. Enjoy home-style breakfast until 2:30 p.m. daily, with lunch items available after 11 a.m. 510 Avenue Q, 765.8506 $ PANERA BREAD You can count on this beloved chain for seasonal entrees, hearty salads, and some of the best baked goods around. 3004 W. Loop 289, 797.0881/4407 98th St., 794.2222/6807 Milwaukee Ave., 698.8300, panerabread.com $$ THE PECAN GRILL Located inside the Overton Hotel & Conference Center, The Pecan Grill serves upscale breakfast, lunch and dinner. We’re fans of the Texas redfish and NY strip steak. 2322 Mac Davis Lane, 776.7010, overtonhotel.com $$$ PEI WEI Pei Wei is always busy, but it’s certainly worth the wait. Your visit isn’t complete without the lettuce wraps. From there, delight your taste buds with beef ginger broccoli. 4210 82nd St., Suite 230, 792.4896, peiwei.com $$ PEPE’S PIZZA & ICE CREAM Is there a better combination than pizza and ice cream? We don’t think so. Feast on hand-tossed pizza made to order, and ice cream loaded with your favorite mix-ins.

3704 98th St., Suite 900, 993.7373, pizzabypepes.com $$ PHO CALI Specializing in Vietnamese noodle soup, Pho Cali also offers barbecued pork chops, fried vermicelli, and coffee. 4636 50th St., 784.2882, phocalillc.com $ PICANTES Known for its family atmosphere and fast, affordable Mexican food, Picantes has been serving its straightforward food to hungry locals for years. You can’t go wrong with one of the daily specials. 3814 34th

St., 793.8304 $$ PICOSO’S MEXICAN KITCHEN This much-anticipated restaurant was founded by members of the Leal’s family.

The eatery serves rustic modern Mexican food with a focus on street-style tacos and classics like enchiladas, chile relleno, tacos and quesadillas. 7611 Milwaukee Ave., 445.9560, picososmexicankitchen.com $$ PINKIE’S BARBECUE In business since 1962, Pinkie’s specializes in brisket, pork ribs, ham, and sausage with all the fixings. 4704 Fourth St., 687.0795, pinkiesbarbecue.com $ PITA PIT Create your own pita sandwich at the Pita Pit. With a focus on healthy ingredients, you can dine guilt-free for lunch or dinner.

5707 Fourth St., Suite 4, 687.7482, pitapitusa.com $ THE PLAZA RESTAURANT Eat your fill of fresh chips and hot sauce and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. Perfect for a family night out, the menu offers enough variety to suit the pickiest eaters.

5029 Milwaukee Ave., 687.3823, theplazarestaurant.com $$ POLIBERTO’S TACO SHOP Find your favorite Tex-Mex items at Poliberto’s. Tacos and burritos earn top ratings at this simple drive-thru only restaurant.

107 Beech Ave., 763.5555 $ POTBELLY SANDWICH SHOP Potbelly has it all – sandwiches (hot or cold), salads, macaroni-and-cheese, soup, chips, cookies, shakes and smoothies – plenty of options to keep you going back for more. 2402 Ninth St., 747.5667/6616 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 900, 687.4635, potbelly.com $ QDOBA MEXICAN EATS Order customizable, build-your-own nachos, rice bowls, burritos and salads at this fast-casual chain. Each ingredient is prepared in-house with everything made fresh to order. 5017 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 300, 771.2411, qdoba.com $ QUEEN OF TARTS BAKERY & CHEESE SHOP Handmade artisan baked goods are perfectly paired with a selection of gourmet cheeses. Put together a picnic basket-style takeaway for a romantic evening in. 8004 Indiana Ave., Suite B18, 993.1009, queenoftartslubbock.com $$

RAIDER BURRITO Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Raider Burrito caters to those pesky Tex-Mex cravings. Locals love the street-style tacos and breakfast burritos. 2102 19th St., 771.1178 $ RAIN CAFE Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, with brunch on weekends, Rain offers simple American cuisine that leans toward comfort food. 2708 50th St., 785.5800 $ RASPADOS COLIMAS The photos on Raspados’ Facebook page will instantly draw you in and make your mouth water. Huge fruit drinks, cheesy cups full of Mexican corn, and overflowing taco plates look particularly tempting.

2203 Clovis Road, 760.521.8574 $ RAZZOO’S CAJUN CAFE Open in Lubbock since August 2018, Razzoo’s serves Cajun specialties in a fun, friendly atmosphere. Unwind on Winey Wednesdays with half price wine all day.

4805 S. Loop 289, 783.3032, razzoos.com $$ RED LOBSTER Seafood is a real treat in the South Plains, and Red Lobster is an old stand-by when you have a hankering for shrimp. Our favorite? The scampi swimming in delicious garlic butter complemented by tasty garlic cheese biscuits. 5034 50th St., 792.4805, redlobster.com $$ RED ZONE CAFE This casual college football-themed eatery serves home-style fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 3602 Slide Road, 784.0010, redzonecafe.org $ RIVER SMITH’S CHICKEN & CATFISH A Lubbock mainstay, Rive Smith’s serves fried catfish and chicken battered to perfection. Chargrilled options, and oysters, shrimp and crab round out the menu. 406 Avenue Q, 765.8164, riversmiths.com $$ ROSA’S CAFÉ & TORTILLA FACTORY Perfect for take-out or a quick, satisfying meal, Rosa’s offers Tex-Mex favorites and a fun, upbeat atmosphere. You can’t beat the homemade tortillas, made fresh every day.

5103 82nd St., 794.2285/4407 Fourth St., 785.5334/5020 Milwaukee Ave., 792.0015/ 3115 50th St., 784.0100/13011 Indiana Ave., 451.5132, rosascafe.com $ ROYAL SEAFOOD SHACK/LEE’S CAFE The eatery houses two restaurants in one

location. From traditional Cajun seafood boils, to fried or grilled fish, to sandwiches and gumbo, the Royal Seafood Shack’s menu is brimming with fresh seafood, paired with down-home comfort food sides like corn on the cobb, cornbread, french fries and coleslaw. Fans of Lee’s Café’s authentic Soul Food can still enjoy Southern food favorites made fresh daily. 7604 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 400, 368.8537, royalseafoodshack.com $$ RUDY’S COUNTRY STORE & BAR-B-Q Rudy’s serves up the same original recipes they’ve used since 1989: brisket, ribs, turkey, pork loin and sausage slow-smoked over an oak fire, seasoned with a secret dry-spice blend and topped with “Sause.”

4930 S. Loop 289, 797.1777, rudysbbq.com $$ SABROSO MEXICAN RESTAURANT AND BAR Traditional Tex-Mex is a staple in West Texas, and Sabroso does not disappoint.

You can’t go wrong with a taco special, enchiladas, or the popular breakfast migas, offered at breakfast or brunch. 5812 34th St., 702.8959, sabrosomexicanrestaurant.com $ SAIGON CAFE An extensive variety of Vietnamese entrees fill the menu at Saigon Cafe. Photos of the food make it easier to choose something off the menu. 4515 50th St., 788.1367 $ SAKURA NOODLE HOUSE & SUSHI BAR Sakura’s extensive menu is offered all day, and includes rice or noodle bowls, sushi and hibachi. Affordable daily lunch specials from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. make Sakura an excellent early dinner choice. 4520 50th St., 368.7046 $$ SALTGRASS STEAK HOUSE Saltgrass has plenty of steaks to choose from and you can pair it with juicy Gulf shrimp or lump crab meat. Take our advice: Save room for the Two-Fork Cheesecake.

Rich and creamy, it melts in your mouth.

6026 Marsha Sharp Fwy., 792.1004, saltgrass.com $$ Samburgers A small dine-in space with a drive-thru, Samburgers offers old-fashioned burgers, onion rings, and fries made fresh to order.

4447 34th St., 799.1987 $ SANCTUARY BAR & CAFE Sanctuary offers specialty cocktails like its nitrogen-infused “NitroMargarita,” and

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classic bar food like burgers, dip and chips, and chicken wings. The eatery expects to release a full food menu in the coming months. 8209 Slide Road, Suite 900, 368.3867, sanctuarybarandcafe.com $$ SEOUL KOREAN CUISINE You’ll find authentic Korean food at Seoul.

The simple menu includes kimchi, bulgogi and more traditional Korean entrees. 4620 50th St., 687.8835 $ SKOONERS GRILL & BAR Open since 1998, Skooners simple menu include wings, pressed sandwiches, soup and salad. 1617 University Ave., 749.7625, skoonerslubbock.com $ THE SILVER BULLET This smoky little dive’s main draw is karaoke and billiards, but there are a few appetizers, burgers, sandwiches and other pub grub offerings on the abbreviated menu. 5145 Aberdeen Ave., 795.4122, silverbulletlubbock.com $ SIMPLE SIMON’S PIZZA Simple Simon’s affordable menu is filled with sandwiches, calzones, pizza, salads and wings. 3410 I-27, 741.0007, simplesimonspizza.com $ SLIM CHICKENS From southern-style chicken wings and tenders to sandwiches and chicken and waffles, Slim Chickens will leave you full, satisfied and licking your fingers. 2405 19th St., 701.4535/5508 Fourth St., 780.6446/ 4509 98th St., 368.3723/7801 University Ave., 701.5055, slimchickens.com $ SMOKIN JOE’S Get your Tex-Mex fix at Smokin’ Joe’s. Inthe-know locals favor the flavorful cheeseburgers and fruit waters. Head through the convenient drive-thru for a refreshing snow cone. 2001 Clovis Road, 749.5637 $ SOUPER SALAD Pile your plate full of seasonal veggies, a loaded baked potato or a flatbread pizza at Souper Salad’s all-you-can-eat buffet.

There’s something for everyone. 6703 Slide Road, 794.0997, soupersalad.com $ SPANKY’S SANDWICH SHOP This Tech hangout specializes in homestyle hamburgers, sandwiches and shareable pub grub. 811 University Ave, 744.5677, spankys.com $$

daily, Stacked also caters and offers a convenient drive-up window for meals on the go. We’ve got our eye on the pancakes at Stacked, with four tempting flavors: original, chocolate chip, sweet potato, and bacon. 6015 82nd St., Suite 5, 317.1101, stackedlbk.com $ STELLA’S The perfect place to linger over an exquisite meal, Stella’s serves brunch, lunch and dinner in a warm and inviting atmosphere. 6015 82nd St., Suite 1, 831.2832, stellaslubbock.us $$-$$$ SUGARBAKERS CAFE & BAKERY Open for breakfast and lunch, Sugarbakers offers light lunch fare, and can accommodate showers, birthday parties, and large groups. Try the sawdust pie – you won’t regret it. 4601 S. Loop 289, Suite 1, 797.0794, sugarbakerscafe.com $ SUSAKI SUSHI STEAKHOUSE One thing is certain: You won’t run out of options at Susaki – although you might settle on a few favorite sushi rolls. If sushi’s not your thing, choose a traditional hibachi entree. 6301 82nd St., 794.8881 $$ TABLE 82 Table 82’s cuisine ranges from hearty Italian entrees to high-end steaks to an abundance of seafood to burgers and pizza.

We’re impressed with the variety and outstanding ingredients. 4210 82nd St., Suite 240, 799.3408, table82.com $$-$$$ TAQUERÍA AUTLÁN Part bakery, part taco shop, Taquería Autlán satisfies hungry patrons with its authentic street-style tacos, menudo and burritos. Save room for the huge tres leches cake, cheesecake or something from the bakery for dessert. 2722 50th St., 785.1717 $ TAQUERIA JALISCO A mainstay for authentic Mexican food in Lubbock, Taqueria Jalisco serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in its large dining areas painted to look like a hacienda. Top-notch, friendly service and quality food ensure a return visit. 2211 Avenue Q, 763.7605 $ TAQUERIA Y PANADERIA GUADALAJARA This modest eatery serves authentic fare with fresh baked goods. We love the street tacos and fresh-made chicarrón, crackling hot from the fryer. 1925 19th St., 765.8321 $

STACKED BREAKFAST & LUNCH Open early for breakfast and serving lunch 24

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TECH CAFE The Tech Cafe serves breakfast all day and offers plenty of Texas-style comfort food for hungry diners. With prices that are easy on your wallet, the ample menu has something for everyone. 4006 130th St., 701.5855/1524 50th St., 744.5990/11703 University Ave., 748.1999/2611 Slaton Road, 771.5048/4631 50th St., 701.5002 $ TEDDY JACKS HUB CITY GRILL Teddy Jacks promises a fun experience in its energetic dining area. The menu touches on a variety of American favorites, so there’s sure to be something for everyone at the table. 7205 Milwaukee Ave., 698.6997, teddyjacks.com $$ TEXAS BURRITO For breakfast on the go, Texas Burrito is the spot. Generous portions and affordable prices keep loyal diners going back for more. 2167 50th St., 744.7373 $ TEXAS ROADHOUSE Bread lovers will rejoice over the rolls and steak lovers will drool over the meat on display as soon as they walk through the door. Be ready for a wait, but the food’s worth it. 4810 S. Loop 289, 799.9900, texasroadhouse.com $$ THAI KITCHEN This hidden gem gets high marks for cleanliness, value and authentic Thai flavor. 2302 Texas Ave., 782.8689 $ THAI PEPPER THAI FOOD RESTAURANT This bustling but small restaurant is a local favorite. Solid traditional Thai offerings like pad thai and chicken larb can be made extra spicy for the adventurous diner. 3702 20th St., 795.7444 $ THAI THAI RESTAURANT Take in-the-know diners’ advice: Don’t request substitutions on menu items at Thai Thai – trust the owner for authentic flavor, even if some of the entrees are unfamiliar. 5018 50th St., 791.0024 $ THIRSTY DILLA Gourmet quesadillas for breakfast, lunch and dinner are the focus at the Thirsty Dilla. Choose a meat or create your own quesadilla from a variety of vegetables, meats and cheeses. Quench your thirst with fruit teas and slushes, boba teas, and classic Micheladas. 6301 82nd St., Suite 101, 701.4800 $ TIKKA SHACK INDIAN GRUB This modern chain caters to Indian food

connoisseurs and beginners alike. The simple, build-your-own menu takes the confusion out of ordering. Create kabobs, wraps and bowls to your liking and try a traditional sweet to end your meal. 6620 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 100, 771.0960/2407 Ninth St., Suite 500, 701.4837, tikkashack.com $

pub fare designed to curb those cravings.

Choose items like steak, nachos, hot wings, burgers and too many more to list. 6012 Marsha Sharp Frwy., 793.1075, twinpeaksrestaurant.com $$

TOM & BINGO’S HICKORY PIT BAR-B-QUE In business since the 1950s, Tom & Bingo’s is a local staple. Feast on mesquite-smoked barbecue, sausage, burgers, and traditional sides. Grab a bottle of the famous barbecue sauce to go. 3006 34th St., 799.1514 $$

TWISTED ROOT BURGER CO. This trendy burger joint offers a gourmet twist to its generous half-pound burgers.

Experiment with non-traditional toppings like goat cheese, thyme caramelized onions, smashed fries and even a vegetarian option. Chill out with a delicious spiked milk shake. 116 W. Loop 289, 797.0532, twistedrootburgerco.com $

TOMMY’S FAMOUS BURGERS This family-run franchise promises the perfect fast food burgers, hot dogs and chili to end late-night cravings. Order a hot dog with the works – you won’t be disappointed. 117 University Ave., 763.5424, tommysfamousburgers.com $

UNCLE CHIEN’S CHINESE & THAI RESTAURANT This tiny drive-thru or dine-in restaurant serves affordable traditional Chinese and Thai food. Expect friendly service and standard fare. 3004 34th St., 795.1148, unclechiens.com $

TORCHY’S TACOS Start with the queso and a Happy Hour special and linger in Torchy’s hip atmosphere as the perfect end to a workday or for day-time weekend relaxation with friends. 2407 Ninth St., Suite 100, 368.8973/3204 W. Loop 289, 412.5220 torchystacos.com $

URBAN BRICKS PIZZA Fast, build-your-own pizzas from counter service enable guests to experiment with everything from the crust, sauce and drizzle to meat, cheese and vegetables. 7610 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 300, 993.7777, urbanbrickspizza.com $

TORO BURGER BAR Toro focuses on burgers and beer: 40 beers on tap and a staggering 26 burgers on the menu (there’s even fish and veggie burgers!). The Fiery Green Chile Cheeseburger and Buffalo Mac & Cheese Chicken Sandwich are certainly intriguing. 7706 Milwaukee Ave., 698.6283, toroburgerbar.com $ TOVA COFFEEHOUSE Enjoy coffee, tea, baked goods and breakfast items all day at TOVA. Your purchase helps the nonprofit coffeehouse as it donates its profits to local organizations working to alleviate poverty in Lubbock.

6023 82nd St., Suite 1, 368.7218, tovacoffeehouse.org $ THE TRIPLE J CHOPHOUSE & BREW CO. Owned and operated by the folks that started Bigham’s Bar-B-Q, Triple J serves lunch and dinner in its historic downtown location. Meat lovers will rejoice over the USDA Choice steak options. 1807 Buddy Holly Ave., 771.6555, triplejchophouseandbrewco.com $$ TWIN PEAKS At Twin Peaks, expect traditional sports

WALK-ON’S BISTREAUX & BAR Walk-On’s serves Louisiana-inspired cuisine like seafood, traditional Cajun favorites and bigger-than-average burgers. The like to call it “Game Day with a Taste of Louisiana.”

We call it just plain tasty. 2630 W. Loop 289, 793.1845, walk-ons.com $$ THE WEST TABLE KITCHEN AND BAR The West family’s hip eatery inside the Pioneer Condos building downtown serves outstanding, creative food. The menu changes daily to accommodate seasonal foods, but we enjoyed the crab hushpuppy starter, hearty burger, and roasted beet salad on our last visit. 1204 Broadway, Suite 103, 993.9378, thewesttable.com $$ WILEY’S BAR-B-QUE While it’s off the beaten path, Wiley’s is worth a visit. We’d go for just the ribs, but the brisket, sandwiches, and potato salad are also tasty options. 1805 Parkway Drive, 765.7818 $$ WING DADDY’S SAUCE HOUSE Available for dine or carryout, Wing Daddy’s serves cravable wings, bar-style appetizers burgers and more. Enjoy lunch specials weekdays, and weekly specials Monday through Thursday. 7706 Milwaukee

Ave., 698.9464, wingdaddys.com $$ WINGSTOP Wingstop cooks up some of the best chicken wings around. There’s a flavor for every palate. And if you haven’t had sugared and salted french fries, you just haven’t lived.

5510 Fourth St., Suite 220, 788.1310/1803 Seventh St., Suite 501, 744.7675/6807 Slide Road, 798.3226, wingstop.com $ WOODY’S BRICK OVEN PIZZA & GRILL A family-owned and -operated establishment, Woody’s serves Chicago-style pizza, wings, calzones, burgers and sandwiches.

Daily specials, especially at lunch, make this place a great value. 3135 34th St., 368.5263, woodysbrickovenpizzaandgrill.com $$ WORLD OF BEER World of Beer features more than 500 global beers, craft beer on tap, and tavernstyle food. Enjoy “Beerunch” on Sundays and lunch on lunch and dinner daily. 2910 W. Loop 289, 785.1386, worldofbeer.com $ YAMAGATA JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE & SHABU SHABU Yamagata’s shabu shabu (hot pots) set it apart from other hibachi-style restaurants in town. Choose a variety of thinly sliced meats and vegetables to cook tableside.

5905 82nd St., Suite 104, 687.5620 $$ YAYA’S PLACE There’s Soul Food and then there’s “food for your soul,” which is what you’ll find at YaYa’s Place. Feast on old-fashion fried chicken, pork chops, catfish, loaded baked potatoes, collard greens, corn bread and more. Order ahead for takeout only. 1500 14th St., 317.8769 $ YELLOW HOUSE COFFEE On weekdays, Yellow House serves breakfast built on toast. Start your weekend with breakfast ingredients on fluffy buttermilk biscuits. And of course, there are plenty of specialty coffees to get that morning energy boost. 3017 34th St., 702.8997, yellowhousecoffee.com $ YUYO JAPANESE RESTAURANT Choose from the menu, hibachi-style meals, or fresh sushi from the sushi bar.

5130 80th St., 368.7861, yuyorestaurant.com $$ e

MARCH 2022 | lubbockonline.com/lubbock-magazine | Lubbock Magazine

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Two cents

Deedee Brown-Campbell TEXAS TECH’S NEW SENIOR ASSOCIATE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR FOR ACADEMICS

What is the best advice you received when you were beginning your career?

The best advice I have ever received is to be consistent and authentically yourself; #1 It’s so much easier to just be yourself rather than emulating someone else, and #2 People respect and deserve honesty.

How do you use social media to grow your network?

Social media is an area that I could continue to learn to utilize to grow my network. I mainly use it to connect with and stay connected with friends and loved ones that are afar. I like scrolling through Facebook occasionally but still believe in the old-fashioned way of building and sustaining relationships.

How do you maintain balance?

I am thankful for a husband, a teenager and first grader who remind and require me to keep a healthy balance in my life. I intentionally disconnect when I get home from work for at least two hours to make sure my family is taken care of; once they are then I can check back into any unfinished business, take time to reflect on the day, or plan for the upcoming day, or catch an episode or two of my favorite TV shows.

What has been your wisest investment?

I think my wisest investment has been in my family and cherishing the time I have with them. It has been a challenge, but I am thankful for a job that allows me the opportunity to incorporate family experiences into it, and living in a community that recognizes that. Experiences > Expenses How has your past work experience shaped you into a leader?

All of the experiences I’ve had (successful and unsuccessful) have shaped me into the leader I am today. I choose to learn from my mistakes and apply those lessons into my decision making moving forward. I’ve also learned how to lead by serving and by following. The challenges, the triumphs, and everything in between- I am thankful for.

What is the best part about your job?

The best part of my job is being able to make an impact on young lives while being in a stimulating and entertaining environment.

Sports has had such an impact on my life (personally and professionally) and I am 26

determined to help others recognize the opportunity that sports can provide. Tech Tech and the city of Lubbock is a special place! Wreck’em!

How has mentorship made a difference in your professional and private life?

Mentorship has most definitely made a difference in my life- I have learned that mentors come in different ages, shapes, positions, and some are connected to you in the most expected ways. It is imperative to build relationships with people who are doing, have done, or are wanting to share like goals and dreams as you have.

Which living person do you most admire and why?

My Mother would be the living person that I admire- she is the epitome of the American dream, she came to America from Panama and has been the backbone of our family by teaching us about hard work, loyalty, and perseverance. I still rely on her expertise gained from simply living life- and realize that she has taught me many transferrable skills: work hard, treat people right, don’t be afraid to fail, use failure as a lesson to improve when the next opportunity arises.

Which over-used word or phrase makes you cringe?

I get so annoyed when I hear people say they want to ‘piggy-back’ off of what other people say. Not sure why, ha!

What is your business philosophy?

My philosophy on business is to observe, learn, try to understand, and THEN respond. I believe in giving people the benefit of the doubt until they give you a reason not to.

Which quality do you most value in an employee?

I highly value team members who have a good attitude and presence in the office. I enjoy being around people that “like” what they do and enjoy coming to work. This doesn’t mean there won’t be challenges, but it does mean that with a positive attitude, and assuming positive intent, you can work through it.

What personality trait has most helped you succeed?

I think the personality trait that has most helped me succeed is my “can-do” attitude.

Lubbock Magazine | lubbockonline.com/lubbock-magazine | MARCH 2022

I’m not afraid of a challenge and will do my best to figure out how to work through an issue. I believe in working hard, and giving it your all, no matter the situation.

Who is your favorite author?

Maya Angelou is my favorite author - her words are so raw, so inspiring, and timeless. I expect that generations to come will say the same thing about the impact of her words.

What did you learn from your best boss?

Your worst?

What I learned from by best boss - get to know your people and take care of them.

From my worst boss - I learned that when you don’t challenge people, they will settle for mediocrity and that ultimately will limit them from reaching their potential in life.

Deedee Brown-Campbell. MATTHEW MINARD

How can Lubbock improve its business environment?

Being new to the area, I think creating a resource guide more visible and available would be helpful for those of us who are looking for things to do around the town. I also think that marketing outside of the Lubbock area might be helpful, if people knew more about the area- they would be just enticed to visit and ultimately positively affect the business environment.

Most important tech tool: Double Monitors for my office computer AND a reliable IT contact! We have the BEST IT department at Texas Tech and their knowledge, patience, and availability is the best tool a tech-challenged person like me could have!

Best time management tool: I am old-school and still rely on handwritten to-do lists along with a reliable phone alarm.

This is the best way for me to manage my time, my day, my life.

I cannot live without my: Glasses and Chapstick. For obvious reasons. :) My favorite thing about Lubbock is: Lubbock is filled with really, really, nice people. I keep thinking the ‘west Texas charm’ will wear off, but it hasn’t - and I’m thankful!

The community rallies around Texas Tech University, and it is like no other experience.

So thankful to experience this.

Most unusual job or task: The most unusual job I have had was dog-sitting a house full of bull mastiffs. They were humongous but had no realization of their size. Every time I took a seat, they would want to sit on my lap. I like dogs, but this was a bit much even for me!

MARCH 2022 | lubbockonline.com/lubbock-magazine | Lubbock Magazine

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