Let’s be honest—Spanky’s isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a rite of passage. Since 1982, Red Raiders, parents in town for game day, and just about anyone who’s ever walked down University Ave. have made the pilgrimage across from Jones AT&T Stadium. Sure, the burgers are fantastic. Yes, the crinkle fries are perfectly crispy. But we all know why you’re really there: the cheese sticks.
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These aren’t your sad little freezer-aisle mozzarella sticks. No, sir. We’re talking about massive, golden-fried, gooey-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside, glorious logs of cheese that could probably double as defensive linemen for Tech. They’re famous for a reason!
Ordering the “Small” (And Immediately Regretting It)
Here’s the deal: Spanky’s offers a “small” order of cheese sticks (three of them) and a “full” order (six of them). That sounds manageable until you realize each one is roughly the size of a flashlight. Go full order, and suddenly you’re in uncharted and dangerous territory.
And if you’re like me and add onion rings to the mix? Forget it. The table next to you WILL make comments about your takeout box situation. And they’ll be right.
Don’t Sleep on the Onion Rings
Speaking of those onion rings…wow. Gigantic, piping hot, perfectly crunchy, and spilling out of the basket. Honestly, in any other restaurant, these onion rings would be the star of the show. But here? They’re forever in the shadow of the cheese stick dynasty.
“Order Up, Rover!”
Another Spanky’s quirk that deserves some love—they don’t hand you a boring number when you order. Nope, you get a name. Today, my table was “Rover.” Somehow it makes waiting for food more fun when you’re listening for a dog’s name instead of a monotone voice saying, “Order 47.”
A Shoutout to Abigail
Finally, big thanks to Abigail, who took our order with a smile and a sense of humor. Because honestly, anyone bringing a table six cheese sticks AND a mountain of onion rings deserves a medal.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve lived in Lubbock and never had Spanky’s cheese sticks, I’m sorry to say this, but you’re doing it wrong. Whether it’s game day, family day, or just a random Tuesday, go get yourself a plate of the most legendary cheese in the 806…