(From November 2011)

Eclectic tables and funky couches, as well as live music, make this the coolest coffee house in Lubbock, where the foam on the lattes and cappuccinos is a work of art and French press is a ready option. Our favorite: the aspen latte, with its unique blend of maple syrup and cinnamon. Even better—because you don’t have to love coffee to enjoy Sugar Brown’s—is the bounty of decadent baked goods: We tried inscrutably moist yet crumbly scones and muffins with crunchy tops and berries the size of hen eggs (we exaggerate only slightly). We especially love the mural: a brooding depiction of the West Texas prairie. 

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(From January 2012)

Unassuming in appearance, this strip mall eatery nonetheless offers out-of-the-ordinary (for Texas) menu items, like Boston scrod. We opted for a cup of decadent lobster bisque, then proceeded to an oven-roasted rainbow trout with toasted almonds and lemon butter. Key lime pie was amped up with a coconut crust and raspberry sauce.

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(From September 2010) Five wood-burning pits envelop this roadside spot in mesquite smoke. We made our way past the smokehouse to a small picnic table and ordered soft drinks and chicken plates. Rubbed with a blend of chile and spices (cumin chief among them), the perfectly cooked fowl did not disappoint, nor did the generous sides of homemade corn tortillas, charro beans, and fresh pico de gallo. If you prefer to stay out of the smoke, order to go.

Monday, August 2nd, 2010, 1:03 pm
Flo says:
Pollo Asado is the best! I found it by accident and have been a loyal customer. It’s licking figer good! The roasted corn and of course the ribs are just as good.

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(From June 2011) Famous for its burgers, Alicia’s also does better than most with Tex-Mex. Building blocks like chiles, beans, and tomatoes get seasoned to perfection and turn the chalupas, tacos, and enchiladas into seriously good eats. Check out Jonny’s Omelet, which is actually a huge egg crepe enveloping a scrumptious pile of cheese, peppers, and tomatoes.

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(From November 2011)

It is surely nice to revisit this friendly roadside cafe, with its lovingly prepared food. But with little time to linger over the linguine, we opted for a soup and sandwich combo. The turkey sandwich, on thick, slightly sweet bread, was yummy, spread as it was with house-made mayo and tomatoes with the flavor of late summer. Unfortunately, the corn chowder—how could this be?—was challenged both in flavor and texture. Back to the pasta next time! Beer & wine.

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(From November 2010) There’s a certain yin and yang here, though it’s unthinkable anyone would use that term, what with the Old West feel of the place. Inside is dark and cozy; outside on the patio it’s warm and leafy. Likewise the food: In the mood for a great burger at lunch, we instead got just a good one; it suffered from a sourdough bun paired with a patty way above its soon-soggy pay grade. Greasy fries were another disappointment. Nevertheless, we’ve usually been more than happy with our dinners here (and fortunately, many of the dishes can be ordered at lunch).

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(From July 2011)

You have to wonder: Why the fern-bar high tables and chairs mixed with four-tops? And why did we have to arrive right behind a large group that the kitchen seemed unable to accommodate? Alas, the enchiladas montadas were worth the wait; the cheese enchiladas had lots of red sauce and plenty of really good cheddar melted on top; and the Spanish rice is the best to be had for many miles. Liquor license pending

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(From May 2011) It can be a bit crowded and loud, but this hip pizza joint earns its merits. The crust is superthin and crisp, the sauce light and spicy, the ingredients varied and excellent. Try the mysteriously named Surgeon, heaped with pepperoni, sausage, roasted red peppers, portobellos, and garlic, or the decadent Hampton Clam. Or build your own pie from a list of 35 fresh toppings. There are also great salads, daily lunch specials, and a huge selection of beer. Don’t miss the trio of desserts: espresso brownie, cherry bread pudding, and coffee almond ice cream torte. Alas, no delivery. Beer & wine.

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(From January 2011) Amarillo loves this neighborhood spot, where the servers are friendly and the bartenders knowledgeable. Weekly specials come complete with suggested wine pairings, and entréeS cover the map, from fresh seafood and duck to lamb and beef. Owners Brian and Lizzie Mason have imported menu favorites from Zen 721 (their now defunct Asian fusion endeavor) for even more variety. Start with the delicious rock shrimp tempura salad or the sampler of grilled quail, prosciutto-wrapped scallops, and bacon-wrapped shrimp. The plentiful pastas (blackened salmon tortellini, angel hair with Sicilian meatballs) never disappoint, and we adore the roasted duck with creamy blue cheese risotto. Bar.

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Photograph by Cody Anderson

(From October 2011)

Take a break from shopping and make your way to the distinctive yellow building with the pink door on Route 66. Then step up to the counter and place an order for one of the best burgers you’ve ever eaten. We’re nuts for Tuco’s Revenge, with its pepperjack-cheese-stuffed patty and spicy habanero sauce; we like to add an order of sweet potato puffs for a little crunch. The menu features several other original burgers, plus sandwiches and salads. And don’t forget the gelato; flavors change daily. 

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