Lubbock is Catharine's hometown and Barrett's West Texas roots run deep, so we've curated a list of some of our favorite spots around The Hub City. We hope you'll visit as many of these as you're able to so you can experience for yourself the places that make Lubbock and West Texas so special.
What to Drink
Chimy's - An iconic spot (the OG location!) where you'll forget your age (perhaps because of the margaritas) and feel right at home. We recommend an afternoon marg (but drink more than one at your own risk) with a plate of nachos. Doesn't get any better.
McPherson Cellars - While Catharine may be biased because she grew up practically in the McPherson family, Barrett can confirm that the McPherson Cellars makes objectively outstanding wines and has a *perfect* tasting room where you'll want to stay and drink wine for hours. Winemaking has been in the McPherson family for over 40 years — Dr. Clinton "Doc" McPherson, father of Kim McPherson (the current winemaker), is widely considered a pioneer of the Texas wine industry. If Kim is around when you visit, tell him his attorney Bernie sent you. That's code to get an inside scoop on how the sausage wine is made.
Two Docs Brewing and Good Line Beer Company - If wine isn't your thing (you're missing out!), Lubbock fortunately has some great breweries. The atmosphere at Two Docs is enjoyable (don't skip out on the Chilton Gose), particularly if the Lubbock weather is agreeable, and we love Good Line Beer Company for its proximity to great restaurants in Tech Terrace.
The Brewery - Yes, it serves beer, but more importantly, it serves one of the best Chiltons in town. Don't know what a Chilton is? We're not exaggerating when we say it's one of the greatest cocktails ever prepared — and it was created in Lubbock! Don't ever let anyone tell you it's just a vodka soda (iykyk). (For a more low-brow Chilton experience, head to O Bar on 34th Street. Lubbock natives know the drill.)
What to Eat
La Diosa Cellars - A wonderfully unique tapas spot directly across the street from McPherson Cellars. Catharine has been eating here since she was in high school, and some staple menu items have only gotten better with time. The Albondigas and Sylvana's Queso can't be skipped.
La Sirena - While La Sirena easily could be included in "Places to Drink" for the Mermaid Water alone, we love this spot for a Friday night dinner. The porkchop is always delicious.
Dirk's - If you're in the mood for some fried chicken (or in need of a hangover cure — we won't tell!), Dirk's is your spot. Folks who grew up in Texas will immediately recognize the cartoons of the late Dirk West (the restaurant's namesake) that adorn every inch of the walls. Don't skip the bloody mary if you find yourself in need of some hair-of- the-dog.
Capital Pizza - Never one to take a test on an empty stomach, Catharine ordered a whole pizza for herself from Capital Pizza the night before taking the Texas Bar Exam (so perhaps it's good luck pizza). The crust might be the best part but Catharine can confirm the [entire] pie is some of the best she's had.
Tex Mex - Lubbock has no shortage of Tex Mex (and it's really some of the best). Taco Villa (a fast food spot with the freshest ingredients and the best bean burrito you'll ever taste), Montelongo's (a hole-in-the-wall with authentic salsa) and Rosa's Cafe (a tortilla factory with — yes — the best tortillas (dipping them in queso is *chef's kiss*)) are some of Catharine's and Barrett's faves.
What to Do
Buddy Holly Center - In Catharine's mind, Buddy Holly is the second most famous Lubbock-born musician (the most famous of course being Natalie Maines of The Chicks). Buddy Holly Center is a great place to learn more about Buddy Holly's history and life in Lubbock.
Texas Tech Campus - Take a drive through the Texas Tech campus (we promise this isn't as mundane as it sounds!). The architecture of the campus has remained largely the same, something that is not often found on campuses that are 100+ years old. By the time of our wedding, massive renovations to the football stadium should be complete. Just watch out for flying tortillas as you drive by (you should be safe since the football game is away the weekend of November 2, but you never know..).
Prairie Dog Town - Exactly as it sounds — a town of prairie dogs (think real-life Whack a Mole, sans any whacking). Prairie Dog Town was established in the 1930s and was the first protected prairie dog colony of its kind. It's entirely free entertainment and surprisingly enjoyable to watch prairie dogs burrow in and out of their holes on miles-worth of land.
Where to Caffeinate
J&B Coffee - A staple study spot for Catharine while she was in law school (she lived just down the street), J&B Coffee has been serving coffee at the corner of Boston and 26th Street for years. Once you have your coffee, grab a beer across the street at Good Line Beer Company or a pizza next door at Capital Pizza (or both!).
Monomyth Coffee - A newcomer to the Lubbock coffee scene, Catharine and Barrett love to visit Monomyth on trips to Lubbock. Good coffee is important, and we want to make sure you have plenty of it to keep up with the party all weekend!