Little Things Lubbock Loves: The Chicken A La Mer at Jazz!

More Than 38 Years of Cajun Flavor in Lubbock

For more than 38 years, the fine folks at Jazz-A Louisiana Kitchen have been dishing out Cajun favorites to the Hub City. Around here, Jazz isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a rite of passage. If you’ve lived in Lubbock any length of time, chances are you’ve had a plate of crawfish étouffée, a po’boy, or their legendary Chicken Al a Mer while sitting under walls plastered with dollar bills covered in names, doodles, and inside jokes.

Get our free mobile app

The Vibe That Keeps You Coming Back

What makes Jazz different? Maybe it’s the funky, dollar-bill-covered decor. Maybe it’s the bartenders and servers who make you feel like family. Maybe it’s the retired lawyers who hang out drinking beer and telling tall tales most afternoons. Or maybe it’s just that the food is that good. Personally, whenever I’ve got friends visiting Lubbock for the first time, Jazz is always my first stop. Nothing beats an ice-cold Coors Light and a big, steaming plate of Chicken Al a Mer. Every single time, they’re blown away.

What Exactly Is Chicken Al a Mer?

If you don’t speak French (or whatever “Al a Mer” technically is), it basically means “of the sea.” And that’s exactly what you’re getting—a creamy, seafood-loaded dream sauce. Shrimp, krab, Parmesan cream, Cajun spices—ladled generously over golden, crispy chicken. Jazz describes it like this:

Our most popular item and the one that’ll keep y’all comin’ back. This chicken is topped with a shrimp & krab Parmesan cream sauce over a bed of rice with your choice of veggie. Ooo, baby!

READ MORE: Meet The Slang Words Taking Over Lubbock And Beyond

Let me add my own endorsement—I’ve had it just about every way possible. Fried or blackened chicken, dirty rice, pasta, red potatoes, double veggies, no veggies…Jazz is more than happy to customize it however you like. Pro tip: even the “half order” (one chicken breast) is plenty for most folks, but if you’re like me, the “full order” is the way to go.

The Dollar Bills on the Wall

Now, let’s talk about those dollar bills. It’s a Texas Tech tradition to grab a buck, write your name or a favorite quote, and stick it somewhere on the wall—or the ceiling, or a barstool, or pretty much anywhere with an open spot. I’ve added a few myself over the years: one with my wife, a couple more in her memory after she passed, and one for my late friend Zach, who grew up in Louisiana and swore Jazz was as good—or better—than what he got back home.

READ MORE: Little Things Lubbock Loves: This Free Seafood Steaming Hack!

A Story of Community and Heart

When COVID hit, Jazz and its staff took a big hit, too. That’s when owner Tracee made a bold decision—she took all those bills off the walls and divided the money among the staff. All told, it added up to more than $6,400! That’s the kind of love and loyalty that makes Jazz special. Tracee takes care of her people, and her people take care of you!

Why Jazz Matters

At the end of the day, Jazz isn’t just about the food—it’s about tradition, family, and community. Whether you’re a Red Raider grabbing a po’boy after class, a local family celebrating a birthday, or a first-time visitor to the Hub City, Jazz is the kind of place that leaves a mark. After nearly four decades, it’s safe to say Jazz isn’t just part of the Lubbock food scene—it is the Lubbock food scene!