Lone Star Beer is the signature welcome drink at Cotton Court
I was today years old when I found out Lubbock is the 10th largest city in Texas, with a population of over 260,000! But for a big city, it still carries a moody West Texas vibe; Lubbock doesn't feel as busy as you'd expect a city of that size would (which is a good thing to me!). Lubbock is such an easy destination for us, so we've visited many times in the few years we've lived in Texas. Additionally, this was our 4th stay now at the Cotton Court, it truly is a gem of the city.
Snacks are never far away at Cotton Court
1610 Broadway
Lubbock, Texas 79401
Although we are "seasoned" visitors, there's always something new we notice or experience each time at Cotton Court. This trip we focused on the hotel stay itself, rather than pack the trip full of other things, and were able to make full use of the amenities. The highlight of Cotton Court is the outdoor space. I've never stayed at a hotel quite like it (well, maybe Texican Court in Irving, but it's a sister property of the Valencia Group!). I was amazed at the number of people hanging out on their porch during the evening - it felt like a little village. People in rocking chairs and at the firepits enjoying the band, which was playing outside. We also love that they are so family and pet friendly.
The amazing outdoor space at Cotton Court
Speaking of new, a new restaurant has opened on the South end of town called The Fresh American.
3715 114th Street
Lubbock, TX 79423
The Fresh American serves up fries and homemade ketchup as their "bread & butter"
The name says it all - fresh American fare. Every meal starts with shoestring fries and a homemade thai chili ketchup - their take on bread and butter, which impressed me right away. We tried a few of their cocktails, all of which were beautifully presented. My favorite was the blood orange margarita. For food, we ordered the surf & turf and pasta special, which was a shrimp and scallop combo on top of linguini in a lobster cream sauce. Surf & turf was typical, but the pasta was out of this world. All of the flavors were perfection. Above all, the service was phenomenal. Despite the capacity, we were never waiting for anything.
I also loved how multipurpose the restaurant was. For a traditional date night, there is the main dining room. For more formal or private events, they have small and medium side rooms that you can reserve. If you want a more casual vibe or want to watch the Tech game, they have an entire bar section with high top tables. And lastly, for you and your 4 legged friends, you can sit on the patio. You can't go wrong in any of these spaces.
Appetizers at the Midnight Shift, hotel restaurant at Cotton Court
We also ate at the Midnight Shift, the restaurant housed at Cotton Court. We hadn't eaten there since our very first visit. The menu had been updated and we were excited to try some new things. The Shift salad with salmon was amazing, the pears and candied almonds were such a good sweet and savory combo. We also tried the quinoa stir fry bowl, so good! Although not my thing, we also got the chicharrons, which sounded very crispy and the poutine, which the Canadian approved of. I was impressed.
I'm in love with the styling at the Cotton Court - the lobby is stunning
Now that we've visited a few times, some of the faces at the hotel have become familiar. The guys at the front are extremely friendly and helpful. Being welcomed in with a cold Lone Star beer will never get old. Since our return home, I've noticed a new coffee spot and a bubble tea shop have opened! Lubbock is always bringing something new! Til next time...