For most travelers speeding through the Texas south plains, Lubbock is nothing more than a mass of converging highways convenient for gassing-up, checking the map and moving on. But those in the know plan their Lubbock stop more wisely. After all, the Hub-city has hidden gems that should be savored, and its crown jewel is Manna Bread & Wine.
Located in a cozy corner of Cactus Alley—which sits off of a recently completed portion of the Marsha Sharp freeway southwest of the Quaker Street exit—Manna Bread & Wine transports the road-weary traveler to a place of tranquil calm with the best wine and beer selection in town.
Lunch Options
Owner and chef, Sally Good’s menu is a whimsical variety of gourmet food with a unique Texas spin. Her Tapas menu offers traditional fare, such as the Artisan Cheeseboard, as well as more creative starters like the popular Crab, Avocado, and Mango Nachos. Lunch options include scrumptious choices like Texas Taco Salad, Buffalo Sliders or one of her Texas-sized, wittily named burgers (Thatsa Gouda Burger or the Kermit Burger slathered with avacados and green chile crema, for instance).
Dinner Options
And if one prefers an elegant evening dinner, Manna Bread & Wine cannot be beat. Just as unique as its menu choices, the restaurant’s inviting décor surrounds the twelve or so candle-lit tables with brick and dark wood, which is kept from looking too dour with twinkling lights strewn across the ceiling beams. And while the look of the restaurant lends itself to an intimate, romantic dinner, the menu options will please even the most ravenous with delicious choices such as Tilapia in Banana Leaf, Hot-n-Crunchy Ruby Red Trout, or Beef Tenderloin Medallions. More importantly, the wine list is impressively comprehensive: an Australian Shiraz, a Chilean Cabernet, a French Pino Noir begin a long list of local and imported options.
Dessert Options
But members of the clean-plate and empty-glass clubs should be forewarned: the dessert menu truly saves the best for last. As a friend put it, the Chocolate Torte is “so sinfully good that one is required to convert to Catholicism afterwards and confess to eating it.” However, the torte is out-shown by the Coconut Cake. Its three tiers of delicate cake are adorned with sweet frosting and a hint of liqueur. Even those who previously poo-pooed coconut will be asking for another bite, and the healthy serving sizes mean there is plenty to go around.
Meals hover around $15 (tapas and desserts are a little less), and Manna’s seating is limited. While the restaurant does not take small party reservations, those wanting to secure a table are welcomed to call ahead. If there is a wait, callers will be immediately placed on the list. And the experience is definitely worth the wait!
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