By Kayla Chandler
Texas Tech students often complain there’s nothing to do in Lubbock, even ranking it the most boring place in America. But there is one fun thing Lubbock does well: food.
A fan favorite is Orlando’s Italian Restaurant, with two locations, at 2402 Ave. Q and 6951 Indiana Ave.
Originally from Austin, Texas, Annalise West says Orlando’s is the only place to go for Italian food in Lubbock.
“The best part about Orlando’s is their all-you-can-eat spaghetti meal on Sundays for a ridiculously cheap price,” West said.
Orlando’s also delivers, which is a huge perk for binge-watching nights. Nicole Crites/The Hub@TTU
West said she and her friends make a date to go to Orlando’s at least twice a month.
Appetizers include fried ravioli and pepperoni cheese bread, but West said there is only one standout item for her, the perfect dip for garlic bread: “You can never go wrong with the mafia queso.”
Caprock Café at 3405 34th St. and at 5217 82nd St, owned by the same company that owns Orlando’s, is just as mouthwatering, she said.
“From gourmet burgers, to tex-mex dishes, to their lip-smacking starters, they take the gold,” West said.
Another preferred pick is Italian Garden. A family-owned and operated restaurant, Italian Garden opened two years ago. The restaurant does not serve alcohol, but customers are welcome to bring their own.
Kelsey Chandler, a high school student from San Marcos, Texas, said Italian Garden beats Orlando’s by a landslide.
“Although the ambiance wasn’t as nice, the food made all of the difference,” Chandler said.
Chandler recalls specifically the the scrumptious cheese-stuffed ravioli.
“Every bite was cheesy goodness,” Chandler said. “Not to mention the prices were unbeatable.”
Located at 1636 13th St., Italian Garden is a convenient go-to for Texas Tech students.
Chandler said One Guy from Italy is also top-ranked in her book. A local favorite for decades, One Guy serves the self-proclaimed best calzones in Texas, along with pizza and other Italian delicacies.
One Guy from Italy. Kaitlin Thogmartin/The Hub@TTU
“Their calzones are to die for, but the place is so small,” Chandler said. “The only things missing are a few extra tables; it’s always so crowded.”
There are two One Guy locations, right across the street from Texas Tech at 1101 University Ave and at 4320 50th St.
If you are looking for a great snack after a long night on the town, Big E’s Barbecue is a winning munch spot, staying open as late as 4 a.m. on the weekends. Bailey Bauman said it even beats out Whataburger. Now, that is a big deal.
“I think they are only open at certain times, but those times always seem to be the best times,” Bauman said.
There may be no flash or glam to the small, quick and easy barbecue venue, but some see it as the cream of the crop. Located at 1802 Buddy Holly Ave. in the Depot District, Big E’s is open from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It also serves lunch on Fridays.
Last, but certainly not least: breakfast.
Courtney Craig, a senior from Flower Mound, Texas, said The Pancake House is the only place that comes to mind when starting off her day.
“The food is amazing, but also because it has such a homey feel,” said Craig. “Everyone that works there is so genuine.”
She said there are everyday costumers who have been going for years, which makes it a neat place that has become a Lubbock tradition for many. The Pancake House, at 510 Ave. Q, is open from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Lubbock may be boring, but the food sure isn’t.
Sarah Self-Walbrick contributed to this post.
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