Most local restaurants will never make it to 10 years. In fact, nearly half of restaurants close before they even hit the three-year mark. Keeping a restaurant open past a decade is a remarkable achievement, and once a place goes past 30 years, it’s more than an eatery; it’s a tradition.  Here’s a look at some of the Lubbock restaurants that have lasted over 30 years, and why they’ve seen such longevity.

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50th Street Caboose (Since 1990)

50th Street Caboose is where many Lubbock folks have had birthday parties, first dates, and plenty of fun times with friends. I remember cashing in my report card for tokens every chance I got. I also remember how excited I was the first time I could finally order a strawberry daiquiri- and yes, it tasted as good as it looked. For me, 50th Street Caboose represented the transition between being a kid and being an adult in a way that proved both times in my life could be ridiculously fun.

50th Street Caboose has stood the test of time because it has something for everyone, and in fact, usually a few things for everyone. The food is fantastic- with Tex-Mex and American choices, and a remarkably consistent menu despite its many offerings. It has a full bar with fun custom drinks or just a shot of very nice tequila. There are fun games galore in the large arcade, or you can opt for the separate bar area for billiards. It’s a great place to have a birthday party, whether you opt for a private room or the staff lets everyone know it’s your special day with a song.

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Jazz A Louisiana Kitchen (Since 1986)

Can I confess something to you? Jazz set an expectation for what Cajun food could taste like that a few of the places I tried in New Orleans failed to deliver on. Jazz has excellent and exciting recipes that blend richness with brightness, savory with spicy, and decadence with… more decadence. Also, they are the only place in Lubbock I’ve had a good Mai Tai.

Jazz has lasted for the great food and the even better vibes- it’s an incredibly welcoming and cozy place within walking distance of a place full of people who could use some warmth and reassurance- I’ve walked to Jazz after visiting folks at the hospital, trading my anxieties at the door for a barstool that, yes, I was welcome to sit at.

Mamarita’s Border Cafe (1989)

Mamarita’s is still doing bustling business across the street from a dead Tex-Mex chain. Mamarita’s outlasted the big guys by having plentiful, delicious food at low prices, and the incredible salsa bar certainly helped, too. Paired with their separate bar area, Fat Dawgs, Mamarita’s has great “neighborhood” vibes in a destination shopping area. I really love the patio, too.

Other Great Places That Have Lasted

Orlando’s on Ave. Q is Lubbock’s oldest restaurant in its orginal location, and at 60 years, doubles the criteria for this article. I’ve written about Orlando’s a lot, and from the heart. It’s uniquely Lubbock, as is its sister restaurant, Caprock Cafe, which has also been around for nearly 30 years.

Spanky’s is a Lubbock favorite in a delightfully charming building. While other places near Tech come and go, Spanky’s cheesesticks and burgers have stood the test of time.

Abeulo’s began in Lubbock in 1989 and then expanded to other cities. The location in Lubbock is still so beautiful and elegant, especially in the winter with the lights in the trees. A little oasis on 82nd & Quaker, with truly great margaritas.

Buns Over Texas is a delight, and a place where I can get as many pickles and onions as I like on my burger. Buns does excellent volume business while still giving folks the options they want, like flavored syrups for sodas and whatever condiments and veggies you want. Also, it’s really fun to hear your buns are up.

So what do all these places have in common? They are all Lubbock originals that offer much more than the minimum, have excellent service, and are totally unique. While the recipe for success sounds simple, it takes hard work, dedication, and grit to make it happen. Thank you to all these places; you make Lubbock better.

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Gallery Credit: Renee Raven