This is a chronological list of restaurants permanently closed in Lubbock, Texas—a nostalgic look back and a helpful resource for those seeking available restaurant spaces. These are the places that we miss. This is our restaurant history. A forgotten piece of our heritage. No matter how long each of these eateries was open, on a daily basis they paid someone’s rent, provided sustenance for a hungry traveler, or were just part of the community. So please join us and do not forget this part of our town.
Lubbock, Texas, with a population of around 260,000, sits in the heart of the South Plains region and boasts a vibrant food scene that highlights its rich agricultural heritage. Known for its farm-to-table ethos, Lubbock serves up local favorites like Texas-style barbecue, chili, and the famous Mexican dish, enchiladas. A standout in the culinary scene is **Caprock Café**, celebrated for its burgers and Tex-Mex creations, embodying the city’s commitment to hearty flavors. The area’s geography, characterized by vast plains and cotton fields, has significantly influenced its cuisine, making fresh, locally-sourced ingredients a cornerstone of Lubbock’s dining traditions. As a former hub for the cotton industry, the history of labor and community in Lubbock has fostered a warm, welcoming atmosphere that permeates its vibrant food culture.
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Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided as a resource, but it may not always be 100% accurate. While we strive to research and verify details, errors can occur, and businesses frequently change names, locations, or reopen after closing. Addresses, operating status, and other details may be outdated or incorrect. Use this information at your own risk. If you spot an error, please contact us here, and we will do our best to update it promptly.
A Culinary Time Capsule: The Rise and Fall of Lubbock’s Restaurant Scene
Lubbock, Texas, has long been a city defined by its rich history, music, and ever-changing restaurant landscape. From iconic national chains to beloved local favorites, many eateries have come and gone, each leaving behind memories and flavors that shaped the community. This blog post takes a nostalgic journey through Lubbock’s restaurant history, sorted by decades, tracing the rise and fall of some of the most notable dining establishments.
The 2020s: A Decade of Rapid Changes
The 2020s have seen a turbulent restaurant industry in Lubbock, with numerous closures occurring within just the past few years. The COVID-19 pandemic, changing dining habits, and economic challenges led to the downfall of many eateries.
- Ricchezza’s Philly Cheesesteaks (5707 4th Street, Suite 4) closed in January 2023, leaving its space vacant. Previously, the location had been home to Chop Chop Rice Co.
- 1000 Degrees Pizza saw two locations shuttered in March 2023. The Indiana Avenue location (11804 Indiana, Suite 300) was replaced by Somethings Poppin, a popcorn shop, while the 19th Street location (3711 19th St) was taken over by HubCity Burger Bar, which itself may have also closed.
- The Lost Cajun (6810 Milwaukee Ave) served its last bowl of gumbo in May 2023, making way for Free Range Fry House.
- La Chavena’s (1519 34th St) and Rangel’s Mexican Food (4821 34th St) both shut down in May 2023, leaving a noticeable gap in Lubbock’s Mexican food scene.
- Toro Burger Bar (7706 Milwaukee Ave) closed in June 2023, and as of 2024, the space remains vacant.
- Brooklyn Pizzeria & Wing Bar (5217 98th St #600) also ended operations in June 2023.
- One of the biggest losses was Tom & Bingo’s Hickory Pit Bar-B-Que (3006 34th St), which had been a staple since 1952 before closing in January 2024.
- Denny’s (607 Avenue Q), located in the La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Lubbock, closed in May 2024.
- KFC (5004 Slide Rd) also shut down, marking the loss of yet another fast-food icon in the city.
- Table 82 (4210 82nd St #240) temporarily closed in April 2024 due to flood damage, though it may reopen.
- Señor Chubby’s Mexican Bar and Grill (3410 98th St Suite 1112) closed in April 2024, making way for Benito’s #2, an Italian restaurant.
The 2010s: The End of Local Legends
The 2010s saw the closure of several long-standing restaurants that had been mainstays for decades.
- Gardski’s Restaurant & Bar (2009 Broadway St) had been a go-to destination since 1976 but closed around 2014. The location later became Holy Cow and is now home to BierHaus Lubbock, which opened in 2018.
- Another Gardski’s Restaurant & Bar (6251 Slide Rd) was later occupied by Roughriders, then demolished to make way for Logan’s Roadhouse, which itself closed in 2024.
- Hooters (4950 S Loop 289) shut its doors as cultural and dining trends shifted.
The 2000s: A Decade of Changing Tastes
This decade saw the decline of many national chains that once thrived in Lubbock.
- Dunkin’ (7901 University Ave) closed, marking the end of the brand’s attempt to establish itself in the area.
- Huddle House (6616 Milwaukee Ave #100) faded away as diners turned to other late-night options.
- Chelsea Street Pub (6002 Slide Rd) was once a popular bar scene fixture but eventually disappeared as the shopping malls that housed it began to decline.
The 1980s and 1990s: The Fall of Fast Food Titans
This period saw the closure of several once-popular fast-food chains that failed to adapt to evolving consumer demands.
- Wendy’s (2401 19th St) was a key location but eventually shut down.
- Long John Silver’s and KFC (7601 82nd St) represented a combined fast-food powerhouse that later vanished from the scene.
- Dimba’s Chicken & Seafood (5010 Quaker Ave) was another restaurant lost to time.
The 1970s: The Golden Age of Steakhouses and Diners
The 1970s brought in several well-known restaurants, some of which lasted for decades before their eventual closure.
- Steak and Ale (4646 50th St) opened in 1976 and was a pioneer in affordable steak dining before closing. The location became Stella’s in 2007 and is now home to El Malecon Mariscos.
- Howard Johnson’s Restaurant (6025 Avenue A) opened in 1967, known for its fried clams and ice cream before disappearing as the brand declined nationwide.
- Burger Chef had locations at 42nd & Q and 212 University Ave, both of which eventually disappeared in the 1980s after Hardee’s acquired the brand.
The 1960s and Earlier: The Foundations of Lubbock’s Restaurant Scene
Lubbock’s early restaurant scene was defined by innovative fast-food concepts and family-owned eateries.
- Ku-Ku Burger Bar (2402 4th St, now known as Martha Sharp Freeway) opened in 1966, serving burgers with its iconic cuckoo bird mascot. The brand eventually disappeared.
Preserving Lubbock’s Culinary Legacy
While many restaurants have come and gone, each one contributed to Lubbock’s vibrant food culture. The city continues to evolve, with new eateries filling the spaces left behind by these past establishments. As time moves forward, this list will continue to grow, remembering the places that once served as the heart of Lubbock’s dining scene. If you have any memories of these restaurants, feel free to share them and keep the legacy alive!
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