If you’ve lived in Lubbock long enough, you know there are a few local landmarks that feel like they’ve always been here: the Buddy Holly Center, Prairie Dog Town, and a cold Shiner Bock on the patio at Caprock Café. But believe it or not, the Slide Road location–the one so many of us practically grew up in–didn’t open until December 1st, 2008.
Yep. This Institution of West Texas is coming up on nearly two decades at 82nd & Slide. Here’s a look back at how it all came together.
A Second Location That Felt Like It Had Always Belonged
Caprock Café first set up shop on 34th Street in 1997.
This location was my neighborhood hangout for YEARS! I lived around thew corner on 32nd street and would walk over almost daily to meet friends, have a few beers, some spicy wings, and just chill out on the patio. Over the years, I hosted ABC Rodeo pre-parties, ticket giveaways, and much more. I LOVED–and still love–that place!
They also had a GREAT radio jingle. (After 30-years on the air–I know what differentiates a good jingle from a bad jingle. Theirs was one of the best.)
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It didn’t take long for Lubbock to fall in love with the delicious menu, cold beer, and “Texas with a twist” vibe as well. By the late 2000s, business was booming and the owners made the call to open a second location.
On December 1st, 2008, the doors opened at the Rockridge Plaza spot off 82nd Street and Slide Road, and it was instantly obvious: South Lubbock had been waiting for this.
Lunch crowds packed the place from day one. Happy Hour felt like a neighborhood reunion. And the patio? Even in December, Lubbockites proved they were built for cold-weather beer drinking. I mean, the DO have that massive fireplace to warm you up!
Why That Opening Mattered for Lubbock
2008 was…well, a weird year. Gas was up, the economy was down, and most of us were clinging to anything that felt familiar and fun. Caprock Café delivered exactly that–a place to unwind, laugh, grab a burger, and pretend work wasn’t calling in an hour.
The Slide Road opening also helped kick off the restaurant boom along 82nd Street. Back then, that part of town was spacious. Now? You can’t throw a rock without hitting a restaurant, store, or gym. Caprock was one of the early anchors that helped kick that growth into gear.
A Lubbock Staple That Isn’t Slowing Down
Today, Caprock Café’s Slide Road location is still packed on game days, birthdays, and days ending in “y.” It’s become the go-to spot for teachers after school, tech students on a budget, and anyone chasing the legendary Green Chili Cheeseburger—and that queso!
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So here’s to the Slide Caprock–the one that opened its doors on December 1st, 2008, and hasn’t had an empty table since.
And if anyone wants to celebrate the anniversary the right way–I’ll meet you on the patio. Cold Shiner optional, queso required!
(Check out the photo gallery below!)
Building the Caprock Cafe on 82nd!
Gallery Credit: Caprock Cafe
We Visited ‘Tent Village’ at The Jones as Fans Gear Up for Saturday’s Game Against BYU!
Gallery Credit: Landon King
Josh Abbott Returns to Lubbock for a Sweet Homecoming at Dairy Queen
Gallery Credit: Dairy Queen