Case's Food Reviews: Installment Two

Right now, I'm going to do something I have not done in a while, and that is give all you loyal readers my latest restaurant reviews. I snuck out of the D/FW area Thursday morning (March 25) and ventured out to West Texas. There was this hankering to take to the roads to see some sights and taste some good food. So I squeezed a one-night road trip in Lubbock, Texas.

I picked three places in Lubbock this time, so it's time now to let 'er rip!

1. J & M Bar-B-Q, Lubbock - They have two locations in the city, but I ended up going to a smaller, more compact location called J & M Express. They serve the same stuff, but it's a better location (near 80th & Slide). I partook of the sliced brisket sandwich, pork ribs, and German sausage. The ribs had some meat on them, but was a little disappointed that they weren't as smoky as I had expected. They weren't bad, either. As for the brisket sandwich, it was delicious and the brisket itself did have a nice texture and a good taste. The sauce I picked was a mild one, and it was just right for the meat. The sausage had a good taste, as well, full of flavor. Wonderful sides, too, and that may be the best potato salad and pinto beans to be served in Lubbock. Worth going to again? Sure, but they probably need to work on bussing the tables, so I may get it to go. (Rating: 5*****)

2. Ranch House Restaurant, Lubbock - You know when you look at a place like this, and when you step inside, that this is a place the locals love to go to. Ranch House is simply that, located downtown. Too bad they aren't open for dinner at night or for breakfast on Sunday morning. I decided to stop here for breakfast and ordered the chicken-fried steak that I remembered from my last visit. It's not crisp, but soft, and they use only flour before frying. The sausage patties had quite a bit of spice, but were good. Also had hash browns and scrambled eggs, as well as a bucket of biscuits (there were a half-dozen, but were small and had a dinner roll texture to them). They served the cream gravy separately, but that was the right thing to do. Coffee was good, too, as was everything I had. Better bring some cash, folks, as Ranch House does not take credit cards. Be warned. (Rating: 5*****)

3. Ruby Tequila's Mexican Kitchen, Lubbock - They have locations in Lubbock, Amarillo, but also in Houston. West Texas was where this chain began. My visit to the location across from Jones/A T & T Stadium was greeted by my server who explained to me that they use no microwaves and that everything is from scratch and made fresh. Good sign. The tortilla chips were really good and sprinkled with what looked like a chili powder, but the effect was very good. Hot sauces they have contain cilantro, but were not too bad. Since I'm an enchilada aficionado, that's the thing I wanted to try here. Two delicious cheese enchiladas with a great chili con carne, plus good portions of rice and beans on the side. I tell you what; my next trip to Lubbock will include a visit to this great place. Friendly atmosphere, too. (Rating: 5*****)

So, that's it for the reviews for now. These should also help you whenever you travel and want to look for some incredible cuisine. You'll love the places I've listed, so bon appetit in the meantime.