Best Diner in Lubbock, Texas: Cast Iron Grill

I'm going to start with telling you how I came across this spot. My father-in-law is a huge fan of Buddy Holly, so naturally, when in Lubbock, we had to pay his museum a visit this year. Everyone told us that the only place we need to experience (for dining) is the Cast Iron Grill. I had never of it. I'm not from Lubbock but when in an unknown area, you listen to the locals. The Cast Iron Grill was recommended by our friends, two distant relatives, the hotel front desk and the Buddy Holly museum staff. How's that for a recommendation list?

Well, we actually paid the spot a visit three times in 10 days. Imagine that. We kept going back. And not one of us complained. That's how good this spot is, seriously.

Our first visit to the Cast Iron Grill did not disappoint at all. From a comfy, casual atmosphere that felt plenty spacious despite being quite crowded at the lunch rush on a Friday, to our smiling and gracious waitress, Heather. She could not have been nicer nor more accommodating. After ordering, when we inquired about her recommendation for pie and she was quick to fill us in on today's choices while also letting us know that many people order their pie at the beginning of the meal to ensure they don't sell out before getting any. Can you imagine? Well, we did just that! Our entress (chicken-fried steaks) were served quickly...and were delicious - crispy texture with cream, decadent gravy. I also tried the fried green beans as one of my side options & they were so wonderful that I ordered a second helping! Also, the Texas Cream pie was a homemade masterpiece, as Heather promised.

On our second visit, it was a breakfast visit. We arrived at 8 AM and the place was filled to capacity! We could not believe it. After waiting for about 10 minutes for a table, I started with the house coffee which was perfectly served in a warm mug and perfect temperature - deeeelish! For my meal, I just had to try the hand breaded Chicken Fried Steak with fresh house made gravy, and topped with two perfectly cooked over medium eggs and hash-brown potatoes. I know it's similar to my previous dinner and it had enough cholesterol to put a horse to sleep but I loved it. My son ordered the western omelet with hash-browns. What was a pleasant surprise was that a pancake was included with both entrees. Let me tell that this short order cook in the kitchen is a master of his craft. Both orders were cooked perfect! I walked up to the kitchen and exclaiemd 'Five stars Chef!' and they all laughed. And remember the homemade pancake batter that grandma would mix up when you were young? Well, this place knows how to make amazing pancakes. Just like when we were kids.

On our third and final visit, we came back just before leaving. We had to visit the Junior Olympic Boxing tournament for our friends and...once again, wound up here! Go figure!

This time, for breakfast again, we decided that everyone's meal would be a filling one before we got back on the road. So, every meal we ordered was a Texas-sized meal with all the breakfast trimmings to boot! We had BLT's, pancakes, bacon, green chili omelet, sweet tea, and banana pudding!! You name it, we ordered it. For our third and final visit, our server, Audriana, was as sweet as pie, patient, knowledgeable, attentive, and funny!! We all agreed that when we return to Lubbock, we will definitely be back!!

The next time we visit this spot, we might try their burgers. We never got the chance to enjoy them within our three meal visit to Lubbock but the burgers looked great - so they are on the list when we return! Or, maybe if we are lucky enough to be early, maybe their country breakfast selections instead. Either way, we win!

Thank you Cast Iron Grill, Heather and Audriana, for being the first and only favorite restaurant in Lubbock, Texas. We loved the food and the "state of Texas with TRUE southern hospitality!!" You rock!

620 19th St, Lubbock, TX 79401

(806) 771-7690

http://www.castirongrilllubbock.com/