North By Northwest - Lubbock, TX Area Guide

Lubbock was formed in the late 1800s as ranchers and farmers spread out across Texas. The town began to develop its own personality and thrive when the Texas Technological College, later renamed Texas Tech University, was established here in 1923. Agriculture continued to dominate the local economy until the 1980s, when manufacturers and tech companies such as Texas Instruments began to set up shop here en masse.

The National Ranching Heritage Center at Texas Tech is a free museum consisting of many historical structures displaying the history of pioneer life and ranching through the region. Lubbock features many community festivals throughout the year, including Juneteenth, celebrating the emancipation of former slaves in the United States, and Las Fiestas Mexicanas.

Restaurants in the North by Northwest neighborhood of Lubbock cluster around the southern edge of the neighborhood, mostly along Fourth Street. Check them out when you're in the mood for a traditional American burger or some terrific barbecue.

Head to the Twisted Root Burger Company when you want great burgers in a fun and friendly environment. Choose from beef, turkey, vegan or bison, or even exotic meats such as elk, kangaroo or wild boar when available. Build your own burger from ingredients such as green chilis, goat cheese, fried onion strings, peanut butter, Fritos and many others. Don't forget to stop by the pickle bar on your way to your table.

When only the most amazing barbecue will do, stop by The Shack BBQ on Frankford Avenue. Sliced beef brisket and ribs are so perfectly seasoned that many guests say they don't want any barbecue sauce because it would spoil the luscious taste of the meat. Loaded potato salad, mac-and-cheese and apple pie cheesecake also get rave reviews, so come hungry.

Traditional American food gets top treatment at George's Cafe on Fourth Street. Order the chicken fried steak loaded with gravy, or stop in for a full breakfast with all the trimmings. You'll experience wonderful service and walk away with cash left in your wallet.

Locals love hanging out at Cujo's Sports Bar and Grill in the evenings because it features several entertainment options. Stay downstairs to watch a Big 12 game on one of the many big-screen TVs, or go upstairs to dance the night away to hip-hop music. The atmosphere is relaxed, with no dress code or attitude, and women say they feel absolutely safe here. Just a heads up: Cujo's tolerates smoking in the bar.

Residents of North by Northwest expressed excitement when the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema chose their neighborhood as the location for their first Lubbock movie theater. This special movie house treats movies as art, and provides perfect projection and sound, high-end theater seats, and food and drinks delivered right to your seat. Enjoy a full menu including craft beers, wines on tap, baked-to-order cookies and adult milkshakes.

While downtown Lubbock and the area immediately around Texas Tech prove quite walkable, most people in the North by Northwest neighborhood use their cars as primary transportation. You'll find free residential parking, though be prepared to pay for parking on and around campus. North by Northwest residents have easy access to U.S. Highway 84, which crosses Texas from New Mexico to Louisiana.

Lubbock's Citibus runs several routes that connect North by Northwest to Texas Tech as well as to downtown Lubbock. Texas Tech shuttles also service the area. While most Lubbock taxis keep themselves to the downtown area, you can use your Uber app for a pickup when you need door-to-door transportation.

While downtown Lubbock has bike lanes, cyclists won't find any infrastructure in the North by Northwest neighborhood to help with two-wheeled commuting.

The city of Lubbock has small parks planted all over the city, including a couple within the boundaries of North by Northwest. Lopez Park on Auburn Street features a multiuse sport court, as well as playgrounds and picnic facilities.

To the south, Tech Terrace Park features wide-open spaces that many locals find perfect for letting their dogs out to play. Bring a Frisbee and have some fun.

Kids and teens in the North by Northwest neighborhood are happy to pay for entrance to Adrenaline City for trampolining or to Thunder Zone Family Fun for go-karting and other fun. Both spots also feature laser tag.

The cost of living in the North by Northwest neighborhood runs even with that of Lubbock overall, and about 9 percent less than the general cost of living for Texas. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment for only $579 per month, and when you want to grab a beer at a local bar, expect to shell out between $3 and $5.

You'll only pay $1.75 to hop the Citibus downtown. If you'd rather drive, take advantage of Texas' low gas prices, paying an average 16 percent less than the national average to fill up your tank.

When you have major shopping to do in Lubbock, head south to the South Plains Mall, anchored by Sears, JCPenney, Dillard's and Barnes and Noble. A little closer to home, however, you'll find a few specialty shops to help make life in North by Northwest a bit easier and more pleasant.

South of North by Northwest, Academy Sports & Outdoors stocks an enormous inventory of camping, fishing and hunting gear. Also head here when to purchase barbecue accessories.

Check out the Double T Bookstore on Texas Tech campus to pick up great deals on technical books and textbooks. Because this store sells used books, you can save a bundle on your purchases. Also, stock up on your Texas Tech T-shirts and other Masked Rider gear during your visit.

Head to United Supermarket on Slide Road when you need to pick up groceries, or if you need more than food, visit Market Street on 19th Street. At this palatial supermarket, you can not only do your shopping but also hang out at the cafe.