Ground Zero — Restaurant in Lubbock

Our visit to Ground Zero was a mixed experience, but overall, above average.

Parking: Being near Texas Tech, parking was tricky. Two retail-only spots were taken by a smoker on a trailer which could have fit on a single spot but may have been difficult to back in considering the street room available so we circled the block twice before finding a spot on the backside of the parking garage to avoid paying for a spot. Main issue is being located in the same building as a popular apartment complex and bar close the stadium. Not a dealbreaker, but something to keep in mind—especially on game days.

Seating & Atmosphere: The hostess asked if we wanted a "half booth or full booth," which we assumed meant a two-person vs. four-person booth. We chose "half" and were seated at a booth with no chairs across from it. I would say that’s more on us than her, but a little more clarity may have helped us make a better decision. I don’t mind a chair over a booth if the chair is cushioned and the one I grabbed from the bar was so not a big deal.

The atmosphere was great, and they seem to offer karaoke nights, which we enjoy people-watching for.

Food & Drinks: We started with the appetizer sampler: Mozzarella sticks: 8/10. Solid size, flaky crust. Not as big as Spankys, but not small like an average chain such as Chilis. Chicken tenders: 7/10. Crispy but either slightly overcooked or maybe old fry oil. Breading was just a tad dark and a little more oily than preferred. Loaded fries: 5/10. Large chunks of tomatoes and onion, no sour cream as advertised on the menu, and the fries were average. Landing in between thin and crispy and thick and fluffy is fine but maybe cooked a tad longer, they could have been great. Personal preference but something to note.

We ordered the Zero to 100 Bucket after learning they were either out of Bud Light Lime, or just didn’t carry it all together. The drink was good, but we were quoted $8–$9, and the receipt showed $10. The menu didn’t list bucket prices unlike a majority of the other drink offerings, which was why we asked just out curiosity. Not the end of the world, but something to keep in mind.

For entrees: Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken: Dressing was weak, and the chicken lacked flavor. My wife enjoyed it and little negative to say about it but as someone who has had a fair share of Caesar salads, I’d say a more flavorful dressing and seasoning for the chicken could go a long ways. Seafood Basket: Fried catfish, crawfish, and shrimp. Menu listed cocktail & tartar sauce, but it arrived with just tartar. When I asked for cocktail sauce, I was brought marinara instead. This was more impactful than you’d assume knowing that I prefer cocktail over tarter and was debating between this and another plate and likely wouldn’t have gone with the seafood basket had a I known they either didn’t actually carry cocktail sauce or they were out for the day. The marinara would have been nice with the cheese sticks but the ranch was a good alternative considering the flavor.

Sauces: Buffalo sauce relied heavily on a vinegar flavor, but the BBQ sauce was decent. Ranch was surprisingly good, almost as if they made their own with packets and used a little more seasoning than called for in the average recipe.

Drinks: Blueberry Margarita: 7/10. Started warm but got better as ice melted. Shaking it before serving likely wouldn’t have resolved the warmness. Pineapple Mimosa: 8/10. Simple, solid. Ratio of pineapple juice to mimosa was well done.

Service: Our waitress, Julyssa, was great—attentive and friendly. Also, the manager checked on us multiple times, which we appreciated.

Overall: We’d rate Ground Zero 6/10. The food wasn’t bad, but nothing stood out as a must-return-for dish. The atmosphere is fun, and we’d come back if friends wanted to meet up, but we wouldn’t go out of our way. A few improvements—clearer menu pricing, stronger seasoning in dishes, and clear menu item availability would make a difference.

If you’re in the area and don’t mind parking challenges, it’s...

I first want to say DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME WITH THIS PLACE!!!! With so much potential and said “good reviews” I had high expectations walking into this establishment that were not even sort of in any way met. It’s a rare occurrence to find an establishment that underperforms in every area that a restaurant/ bar should. Walking in the atmosphere was very aesthetically pleasing, the music was a bit loud for being the afternoon on a Monday with a slow customer flow, that was the least of my worries though…. The first red flag was the cocktails, I ordered a standard margarita for their “5$ margarita Mondays” what I got was a glass with STRAIGHT MIXER.. I had to send my drink back just for a remake. You would’ve thought by the second round they would’ve gotten it right… but NOPE this place’s drinks are an absolute joke especially for the price. Second was the food, ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING. They charge a premium price for freezer food, being someone who has worked in the food industry I am very familiar with food quality and this place does not make anything remotely appetizing or of great quality… save your money folks. We ordered fries and fried cheese for the table initially just for all four of us to be ABSOLUTELY disgusted to the point we didn’t bother finishing either of the apps… THE WINGS were the cherry on top they were chewy and the sauces were about as bland as bland gets.. if your going to be a bar and grill get your basic bar finger foods right. This brings me to my last issue… the bussers and door guys. The waitress was absolutely sweet (the only nice quality in the establishment) that being said when having my table cleaned off I asked simply for water being I hadn’t received a table touch in a good while. Upon asking the busser (not knowing he was a busser) he was quick to reply “how about you ask your server” he said it with such attitude and a smart assery that it killed the mood for the whole entire evening and made us eager to get the check and get out. I question the LEGITIMACY of these high reviews. At the end of the day your paying a premium for some of the worst food and cocktails in a unfriendly environment don’t waste your time and money. I will...

Nestled in the heart of the city, Ground Zero offers a cozy ambiance perfect for casual hangouts or intimate dinners. I recently indulged in their signature burger, and it was an absolute delight.

The burger was a masterpiece of flavors, with a juicy patty cooked to perfection, nestled between soft, toasted brioche buns. Each bite was a symphony of textures, from the crisp lettuce to the tangy pickles, all complemented by the melty cheese and savory bacon. The attention to detail in every component was evident, and it truly elevated the dining experience.

The service was exceptional, with friendly and attentive staff ensuring that every need was met promptly. The ambiance was inviting, with warm lighting and tasteful decor adding to the overall charm of the place.

While the burger stole the show, The Brickyard Bar & Grill also boasts an impressive selection of drinks, from craft beers to handcrafted cocktails, perfect for pairing with their delectable menu offerings.

Overall, my experience at Ground Zero was nothing short of excellent. Whether you're craving a delicious burger or looking for a cozy spot to unwind with friends, this establishment certainly delivers. Highly...