Why Lubbock Is Hungry For New Restaurant Choices

Lubbock has a lot going for it. Open skies, aggressive winds, and approximately 76 places to get a chicken-fried steak the size of a toddler.

What we don't have...is options.

At some point, there's a moment where you're lying in bed at home, ordering Uber, and scrolling through the same 5 restaurants you always go to, thinking: "There has to be more than this..." But, no. There isn't. Not yet. (I always say "yet" stands for you're eligible to.)

So, let's get down to business. Here are a few major restaurant chains that Lubbock needs to step up its food game and catch up with the rest of the modern world:

The “Why Do We Not Have This Yet?” Tier

We'll start with the obvious...

In-N-Out Burger

Yeah, I know. There are locations in other parts of Texas, just not here. That almost makes it worse. Do they have something against us? Lubbock residents are forced to suffer through a long and arduous road trip just to get some real animal-style fries.

Shake Shack

We need a fancier burger situation around here that still isn't too fancy. Shake Shack would be a perfect match.

Cava

This is a great place for people who are trying to "eat clean" without losing all the flavor. It would be a welcome break from deep-fried everything.

The “We’d Act Brand New If This Opened” Tier

These are the places that would cause major traffic problems on the first day:

Jollibee

If you know, you know. If you don't, maybe that's for the best. You can't miss what you never had. But, here's a hint: gloriously crispy, crunchy, fried chicken, delicious fried pies, and even spaghetti!

Din Tai Fung

Soup dumplings in Lubbock? Totally life-changing. Also a bit chaotic, which is spot on for Lubbock's brand.

Eataly

Badass fancy schmancy Italian food. Would we act sophisticated? Absolutely not.

We aren't asking for much...

Look, nobody is saying Lubbock needs to turn into Austin overnight. We’re just asking for a few more options so every dinner decision doesn’t feel like a group project that ends in mild disappointment.

We’ve got the people. We’ve got the appetite. We’ve definitely got the parking.

Now we just need the restaurants to believe in us.

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