Our Story
The Caboose Story
“Serving Fun in Lubbock Since 1977”
"Founded in 1977, located near Texas Tech’s Jones AT&T Stadium, the original Copper Caboose at 4th & Boston was Lubbock’s first restaurant to serve beef and chicken fajitas. Created by Frank Smith and brothers John & Frank Fitzpatrick, the Caboose later expanded its Tex-Mex menu with West Texas favorites and authentic Mexican recipes from Lupe Gonzales."
"In 1990, Bob Jordan and partners John Fitzpatrick, Phil Bradley, and designer Gladys Harboth opened 50th Street Caboose near South Plains Mall. The 15,000 sq. ft. Tex-Mex restaurant featured 75+ arcade games, pool tables, and a popular redemption center. Known for its ‘Tokens for A’s’ program, it quickly became Lubbock’s top family fun spot. Signature features included a bar-circling train, giant TVs, and industrial design. The evolving menu added authentic Mexican flavors, thanks to George Amaya."
In 1992, we added 3 party rooms for the kids, with local artists creating original Disney-style artwork on the walls to complete our first remodel.
Then, in 1998, we relocated and updated our 3 party rooms and unveiled our million-dollar game-room, featuring 100 arcade and redemption games, designed by partner Curtis Jordan, of Jordan Amusement and Billiards. Our Party Rooms are available any day, lunch or dinner, by reservation. They are popular for all occasions, birthday parties, family events, office parties, team gatherings, professional meetings, civic meetings, holiday parties or just a friendly get-together.
"In June 2001, Copper Caboose relocated to 56th & Avenue Q, continuing its tradition of authentic Mexican food and Lubbock’s best all-you-can-eat fajita lunch buffet. With a sports bar vibe, this location offers 20 big-screen TVs, 12 booths with personal TVs, and free pool daily on 10 Brunswick tables."
"In 2005, 50th Street Caboose expanded, adding The Sports Grill, bringing the restaurant to 20,000 square ft. This remodel added a second bar, 25 HD TVs, a massive video wall, and pool tables—making it one of the top sports bars in Lubbock. It’s the perfect spot to watch your favorite team while the kids enjoy the arcade."
"Launched in 2009, Caboose Catering brings our famous Tex-Mex flavors straight to your event. With flexible menus and pricing, we cater everything from family celebrations and office lunches to corporate events and Texas Tech tailgates. For reliable Lubbock catering with bold flavors, choose Caboose Catering."
"In 2020, like most Lubbock businesses, we faced the challenges of the COVID-19 shutdown. Thanks to the dedication of our loyal team and management, we kept many employees working by deep-cleaning the restaurant and maintaining operations. We stayed connected with our staff, committed to bringing everyone back as soon as possible."
"On March 19, 2020, Governor Abbott ordered all Texas restaurants to close for dine-in, allowing only curbside pickup. We quickly adapted with a To-Go Bulk Menu, alcohol-to-go options, and expanded delivery through Favor, DoorDash, UberEATS, and Grubhub. Thanks to incredible local support, we reopened at 25% capacity on May 1, 2020, increased to 50% later that month, and fully reopened—along with our game room—on March 10, 2021. The COVID-19 was incredibly difficult, but we’re so grateful for the ongoing opportunity of serving our loyal Lubbock community."
"Visit 50th Street Caboose in Lubbock for a one-of-a-kind dining and entertainment experience. Enjoy authentic Tex-Mex favorites, char-grilled fajitas, juicy steaks, shrimp, catfish, chicken strips, fresh salads with house-made dressings, and classic American dishes. With a full arcade, pool tables, and a family-friendly atmosphere, Caboose is the perfect spot for food, fun, and gatherings."
"At 50th Street Caboose, our mission is to exceed every guest’s expectations with friendly service, wow drinks, delicious Tex-Mex and American food, and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. We’re more than a restaurant—we serve fun for the whole family!"
We look forward to serving you again soon,
Liz and Phil Bradley
Managing Partners
50thStreetCaboose.com
