13 Must-Try Mexican Restaurants in Lubbock, TX
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the variety and quality of Mexican food in Lubbock will not disappoint.
Everything from family-owned restaurants to chain restaurants may find. These places satisfy your craving for burritos, tacos, enchiladas, or a margarita.
This blog post will take you through a few Lubbock Mexican restaurants. We delve into what distinguishes each restaurant, their best dishes, and what makes them stand out.
Whether you are a Mexican food lover or want to try something new, this guide will help you find the best Mexican restaurants in Lubbock.
Mexican Restaurants in Lubbock
The Plaza Restaurant
The Plaza has been a mainstay in Lubbock for more than 40 years, serving authentic Tex-Mex food that draws locals and tourists.
When you walk in, the welcoming staff will welcome you with a lively atmosphere and warm hospitality to make you feel at home.
Fajitas, enchiladas, and tacos are just a few of the traditional Tex-Mex dishes on their menu that can customize with different fillings and sauces to suit your preferences.
You can also try their specialty, the crispy Chile Relleno, which comes stuffed with cheese, beef, or chicken.
The Plaza serves delectable fish tacos with fresh vegetables on the side if you want seafood.
With its welcoming ambiance and delicious cuisine, The Plaza is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic Tex-Mex dining experience.
50th Street Caboose
Situated at the corner of 50th St and Slide Road, this restaurant offers a one-of-a-kind Caboose concept.
You can find classic homemade Mexican food like Fajita Stir Fry and Carne Guisada Plate, as well as traditional American favorites.
One of their signature dishes is the Ultimate Tortilla Soup, a delicious chicken tortilla soup served with sliced avocados, Mexican rice, mixed cheese, and tortilla chips.
Aside from their delectable food, The Caboose boasts an impressive Midway Arcade of 100 games and a redemption center filled with novelties, toys, and giant stuffed animals.
The restaurant has three party rooms for meetings, birthday parties, team parties, and private get-togethers with friends.
The Caboose is committed to providing quality service and an unforgettable entertainment and dining experience to exceed every guest’s expectations.
Albarran’s Mexican Bar & Grill
Albarran’s is a casual place located on Milwaukee Avenue in Lubbock with a special menu for Tex-Mex lovers.
Albarran’s lets you indulge in mouth-watering delicacies and satisfy your cravings for lunch, brunch, or dinner.
As you step in, you’ll be greeted by two bars offering signature margaritas and 26 flat screens airing your favorite sports games.
Apart from two floors of main dining, you can relax in the beautiful courtyard or upstairs balcony while enjoying the West Texas weather.
For special parties, there’s a spacious room that can hold up to 65 guests.
The chicken flautas are a must-try, filled with much chicken and cheese and perfectly fried.
The beans are excellent, and the chips and queso are delicious. Additionally, the shredded beef burrito with beans and rice is a crowd favorite with its delicious flavor.
Next time you’re in Lubbock, stop by Albarran’s for a compelling Tex-Mex experience that will leave you craving more.
Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant
Today with 38 restaurants in 13 states, Abuelo’s continues to be a leading-edge pioneer in Mexican cuisine since its establishment in 1989.
At Abuelo’s, you can indulge in Mexico’s delicious and authentic flavors, prepared with premium ingredients and focused on cultural richness.
There’s something for everyone: an extensive selection of fire-grilled fajitas, tacos, cheese enchiladas, guacamole, authentic Mexican rice, Chile Rellenos, and unique house specialties.
The courtyard, with its beautiful sky and inviting atmosphere, provides the perfect setting to savor the exceptional meals and drinks for which Abuelo’s is known.
Montelongo’s Mexican Restaurant
Here’s another hidden gem serving delicious food for four decades! Montelongo’s is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Lubbock.
Located in Clovis Road of Lubbock, the menu at Montelongo’s is extensive and features all the classic Mexican dishes you’d expect.
At Montelongo’s, combo meals are a great option if you can’t decide what to order. It includes an enchilada, Chile Relleno, chalupa, and a crunchy taco. Try the taco, chalupa, and tamale combo for a late dinner.
The cheese enchiladas with rice and refried beans are another best option, but if you’re looking for something extra, go for beef enchiladas or tacos.
Taqueria Jalisco
If you’re looking for authentic Mexican food in the heart of Lubbock, you must check out Taqueria Jalisco.
The restaurant is in a cute spot and always seems to be bustling with people.
The menu is filled with traditional Mexican dishes, from breakfast burritos to fajita bowls, that are perfectly cooked. The tacos plate and Menudo are particularly standout dishes.
In addition, don’t miss the salsa; it’s spicy and delicious. On top of the great food, Taqueria Jalisco also serves up delicious, cheap margaritas that you won’t want to miss.
Joel’s Restaurant
Located on Amherst Street in Lubbock, Joel’s is the perfect place to satisfy your craving for Mexican meals.
This family-owned restaurant has been serving delicious homemade Mexican cuisine for 20 years.
If you’re in the mood for breakfast, try the Nacho Rancheros, which features homemade nacho chips topped with cheese, scrambled eggs, Joel’s ranchero sauce, and your choice of sausage or bacon.
For lunch, try the Barbacoa, which is barbeque served with refried beans, Mexican rice, and salad.
As one of the best Mexican restaurants in Lubbock, they mix homemade hot sauce and traditional ingredients into every item. So, stop at Joel’s and experience the true taste of Mexican.
Chuy’s
Chuy’s is a Tex-Mex restaurant chain that opened its doors in 1982 in Austin, Texas.
The restaurant chain’s Lubbock location is in Spanish Oaks, filled with an eclectic mix of vintage booths, chairs, and retro photos, combined with quirky chihuahua paintings.
The menu has a great selection of delicious food options, such as their famous queso made with a blend of melted cheese, Green Chile, and Ranchero Sauces, and the guacamole freshly mashed with Salsa Fresca and avocados.
If you’re in the mood for a refreshing drink, try the Flavored Rocks Rita made with Corazón Silver tequila, which comes in different fruit flavors like blackberry, mango, raspberry, peach, or watermelon.
If you’re in Lubbock, check out Chuy’s for great food, drinks, and a lively atmosphere.
Picantes
Picantes ensures that the quality and flavor of their dishes will satiate your appetites by using only the freshest ingredients.
Picantes stands out from other Mexican eateries thanks to the owner’s enthusiasm for their enterprise.
They enjoy their food and customers’ satisfaction as a small family-owned business.
The menu offers many choices, from Gorditas to breakfast burritos, and the gorditas are must-tries. They also offer free chips and salsa when you eat in.
The wait staff is friendly and always willing to help. On the customer feedback page, you can submit any recommendations.
Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the delicious cuisine and welcoming atmosphere at Picantes.
Leal’s Tamale Factory
Leal’s Tamale Factory has served delicious and authentic Mexican food for over 60 years.
The restaurant offers a variety of options to suit the needs and preferences of any guest, so you can be sure that you will find something delicious to eat.
Try tamales which are the main items on the menu. Their menu includes classic favorites like pork tamales, chicken enchiladas, chips, and hot sauce.
Also, they appreciate vegetarians, and they offer some meatless options as well.
If you’re in 19th Street of Lubbock, stop by Leal’s Tale Factory and experience some of the best Mexican food.
La Sirena
La Sirena is a must-visit hidden gem located on Salem Avenue in Lubbock. Upon entering, you’ll be welcomed by a cozy, charming atmosphere with beautiful decor and lighting.
The patio is also a fantastic area to relax and enjoy your meal, with a basket of blankets provided.
The restaurant’s seasonal food menu features local and organic produce, pastured meat, and sustainable seafood.
Their taco fillings change weekly, and the chicken mole tacos are a must-try, full of rich and delicious flavors.
The stacked enchiladas are another filling and satisfying option, don’t forget to complement your meal with their fresh salsa trio, queso, and the refreshing Mermaid Water.
As for its drink menu, La Sirena offers different options, including wine, champagne, and tequila.
You don’t want to miss their Paloma martini – it’s simply delicious. In conclusion, La Sirena is a great restaurant for a casual dinner or special occasion in a Mexican Background.
Cancun Restaurant
At Cancun, you’ll notice that the interior is much more spacious and attractive than its exterior appearance suggests.
With an extensive menu to choose from, you’ll find the food to be quite satisfying.
The friendly and helpful staff will quickly serve your drinks, chips, salsa, and orders.
Try their delicious items, such as asada taco or beef quesadilla. And for dessert, don’t miss the delicious churros topped with caramel, cinnamon sugar, and vanilla ice cream.
We recommend Cancun for its outstanding service, generous portions, and enjoyable dining experience.
On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina
For over 40 years, On The Border has been a popular Tex-Mex chain serving up bold flavors across America.
The menu includes classic dishes like chimichangas, chicken fajitas, empanadas, stacked nachos, and many more.
You won’t miss their happy hour specials, available Monday through Friday, with special prices on shareable plates and drinks starting at just $3.
Also, their mouth-watering desserts and entrees are the perfect pairing with every happy hour item.
Stop by South Plains Plaza to board the chain’s Lubbock branch. You can expect generous portions of your favorite dishes infused with Border-Style flavor.
Looking for the best Mexican restaurants in Lubbock? Our guide covers everything from family-owned to chain restaurants, and the best dishes to try.
Final Thoughts
Finally, the Mexican food scene in Lubbock is a must-try for anyone visiting or living there. The restaurants we’ve highlighted are just a few of the many excellent options available.
From fajitas to delicious guacamole, Lubbock has something to offer everyone.
So, for an unforgettable meal, stop by one of these top-rated Mexican restaurants in Lubbock. Your taste buds will thank you!
Note: Since all the information in this article is based on the date of publication, for some reason (health, economic, social), these businesses may be temporarily or permanently closed or moved to another location.
