A Love Letter to Old-School Lubbock Waitresses

There's a certain type of Lubbock waitress that deserves federal protection, or something, and if you've lived here long enough, you know exactly who I'm talking about.

It's the woman who's worked at the same diner, cafe, or breakfast spot for anywhere between 18 and 74 years. She moves faster than should be medically possible, calls everybody "baby," "hon," or "sugar," regardless of their age or gender, and she somehow already has your drink on the table before you've had a chance to sit down.

These are the type of waitresses who run restaurants with authority similar to a small-town mayor.

You don't order food from them so much as receive guidance from them.

"Trust me, you don't want that today. The chicken-fried steak's always better on Mondays."

They are honest to a fault and usually correct.

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What Makes Them So Special?

These old-school waitresses possess secret powers that modern science would have a hard time explaining. They carry a billion plates at once, manage the dining while also yelling at a cook named Tony through the window, and refill your sweet tea with expert precision, never spilling a drop.

They also remember everybody. Not just your name, either. Not only do they know your order, but they know your kid's birthday, ask about your mom, and are almost offended when you haven't dropped by for a meal in a while because of your new job.

“Thought you died,” they’ll say while handing you extra ketchup.

They Actually Care

They don't fake friendliness the way chain restaurants do, and they aren't reading from a corporate customer service script. If you like your food, they know it, and if you don't like it, they definitely see right through you trying to be polite.

Even when they are a bit gruff, there's always a level of warmth right there behind it all.

I'd say these waitresses are part comedian, part therapist, and part...air traffic controller...basically.

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They Aren't Going Anywhere Soon

No matter how trendy restaurants get in Lubbock, there is something deeply comforting about walking into a place where the waitress pours your coffee without even asking and then starts talking to you like she's known you your whole life.

That's real West Texas hospitality, and servers like this are so appreciated in Lubbock. If you know one, make sure to tell them how much they mean to you the next time you stop in for a bite!