Lubbock’s New Family Owned Restaurant Is In An Unexpected Place

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Being part of a family-owned business is a beautiful experience. Challenging, at times maddening, but incredibly, deeply rewarding. I know, because my family and I have all put sweat equity into our family business. I have profound respect for other Lubbock folks who do the same.

The Watering Hole at Texstar (5505 132nd St) is a family-owned restaurant with a diverse menu and even brunch (yum!), and it's in a unique location. It's attached to the family's other business, Texstar Athletics. Texstar Athletics is a tumbling, trampoline, and cheer gym that offers recreational classes and competitive team athletics.

The restaurant serves a dual purpose: to provide refreshment for what are surely voracious athletes (I took gymnastics as a kid, and I was always starving after), and to serve the Southwest Lubbock community for breakfast, lunch, and Saturday brunch. That's right, the restaurant is open to the public.

I recently spoke with Kelsey Magness, who sent me some really appetizing photos of some of the restaurant's offerings. Grilled cheese is much more challenging than most people suspect to get exactly right, so I find this photo very pleasing:

The gooey cheese, the grill marks, and I'd totally eat that little crunchy cheese bit immediately. It's a thing of beauty.

The Watering Hole offers a ton of different drinks as well, including coffee drinks like lattes, smoothies, hot chocolate, and more. There are plenty of sweet treats, too.

And as I happen to be writing this at 8:45 a.m., I find myself truly longing for this delicious-looking and generously portioned breakfast wrap. I'm going to be so sad when I eat my packaged breakfast bar instead:

Local Lubbock eats taste the best because they are created with love, hard work, and care. I am glad that Lubbock has another appetizing option, and that our athletes will be nourished and supported through their journey.