The best in Lincoln: $$
Haymarket
Ivanna Cone
Who doesn’t like ice cream? Ivanna cone has it. They have some traditional favorites but they really stand out with all the creative flavors that rotate through. They are within walking distance if you just had dinner in the Haymarket and have a really cool atmosphere inside. I love getting a waffle cone with a couple flavors and … Continue reading "Ivanna Cone"
The Oven Cellar
I would assume (almost) everybody in Lincoln knows about The Oven. It’s a great place to get Indian in Lincoln. But I’m not sure everybody knows about the Cellar below The Oven. It’s a wine bar with a fantastic selection. Their sommelier obviously knows their stuff between the wine selection on hand and individual wine … Continue reading "The Oven Cellar"
Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill
Lazlo’s is a Lincoln institution, and for good reason. Everything they do is solid and it is probably my most frequented restaurant in Lincoln. I’m not going to send you to Lazlo’s for a crazy new experience you’ve never had because it’s concept is similar to many brewery/bars around the US. I’m going to send … Continue reading "Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill"
(402) Creamery
The (402) Creamery has two locations in Lincoln, one in the Haymarket and one in South East Lincoln. Both provide amazing & fun homemade ice cream creations that rotate through regularly. I once thought Ivanna Cone would provide all of my Lincoln ice cream needs and we didn’t need anything else. I was wrong, the … Continue reading "(402) Creamery"
The Mill
I would call the Mill Lincoln’s favorite coffee shop. There is a reason for this, they have really cool locations, highlighted by one of the best spots in the Haymarket to sit on the patio and enjoy the atmosphere of the Haymarket. Their other locations around town are pretty darn good too and they also … Continue reading "The Mill"
Crescent Moon Coffee
Sitting directly across from the Mill, Crescent Moon is a little harder to find underneath the Apothecary. I’d call both very good spots, but I would describe the Mill as Lincoln’s go-to & Crescent Moon as the Lincoln’s best (coffee) hidden gem because you almost need to know it exists to find it. If this … Continue reading "Crescent Moon Coffee"
Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street delivers a completely unique experience in Lincoln. There’s really nowhere else you can go to get a crawfish boil dumped on your table to share with a bunch of friends. Between this unique concept, their location in the Haymarket, they really do have a good thing going,
Downtown
Yia Yia’s
I love Yia Yia’s. It has great pizza, a fun atmosphere and is right in the heart of O street (where the college bars are). The college bar scene is a ton of fun if that’s your thing, but Yia Yia’s isn’t one of those typical college bars. There’s certainly a share of young college … Continue reading "Yia Yia’s"
Honest Abe’s Burgers & Freedom
I’m pretty sure Honest Abe’s is Lincoln’s favorite burger place. When Alton Brown was in town in 2015, he asked Lincoln where to eat. According to him, they overwhelmingly said Honest Abe’s. The atmosphere is hard to beat and they do a great job with creativity. You can visit once a week and there’s always … Continue reading "Honest Abe’s Burgers & Freedom"
Itsumo Ramen
Itsumo picks up where AmuManu left off in the same location. Not just a great place to get some Ramen for lunch when you are downtown, but worth a trip downtown specifically for Itsumo.
The Coffee House
The Coffee House was my go-to coffee shop when I was in college. Part of the reason is it is only a short walk from UNL’s campus. But the actual reason I kept going back is because I really liked the atmosphere. It always felt like a nice place to just exist for a while. … Continue reading "The Coffee House"
Aragon Tavern
The Aragon Tavern is the younger, more casual, more downtown, more burger-focused sibling to Casa Bovina. While more casual than Casa Bovina, it is more upscale than your typical burger joint. I love the combination. It has the atmosphere and vibe of a nice business lunch or a hip spot before enjoying a show. Being … Continue reading "Aragon Tavern"
Ali Baba
My go-to place for Gyros & Mediterranean since I was in college. What you’re ordering Hot and Spicy ‘Z’ Plate.
The Sultan’s Kite
If you enjoy the Subway or Chipotle style of customizing your plate as you go concept, and you also like Mediterranean food, you’ll like Sultan’s Kite. The format also means if you’ve never tried Mediterranean food, this is a great place to start (I’m pretty sure you’ll love it). They have been successful enough to … Continue reading "The Sultan’s Kite"
Bison Witches Bar & Deli
My favorite joint in College, get a bread bowl of soup, half Beef & Brie sandwich, tortilla chips + CCQ and you’ll leave happy. Outdoor seating next to the Tower Square is also a great place for outdoor seating.
Muchachos
Muchachos! Man, people around here love Muchachos. They’re not wrong, I find myself craving Muchachos a lot. But I’m having a little trouble telling you why. Cool location? Absolutely. Awesome tacos, nachos & burritos? They just do those things well. I guess you’ll just need to go in or find their food truck and find … Continue reading "Muchachos"
C Berry’s
Get a great BBQ sandwich for lunch when in the downtown area.
The Watering Hole
If you ask a Lincolnite where they should get wings, they will send you to the Watering hole. That is probably all you need to know to make it worth your time. My choice, the Spicy jalapeño grilled wings.
Agave Mexican Grill
With Agave, this is Lincoln’s take on Chipotle’s on a Local level. They do a great job with it. If you are a fan of Chipotle, you’ll love Agave & get to support a local company at the same time.
South East
Honest Abe’s Burgers & Freedom
I’m pretty sure Honest Abe’s is Lincoln’s favorite burger place. When Alton Brown was in town in 2015, he asked Lincoln where to eat. According to him, they overwhelmingly said Honest Abe’s. The atmosphere is hard to beat and they do a great job with creativity. You can visit once a week and there’s always … Continue reading "Honest Abe’s Burgers & Freedom"
Daffodil Mediterranean Cuisine
If you go into Daffodil (and you should), you’ll meet the nicest lady ever (I believe her name is Narges) who will treat you like family. Sample everything before you order (because she’ll probably insist on it) and then make the hardest choice ever on what to order because it’s all so good. I’ve never had … Continue reading "Daffodil Mediterranean Cuisine"
(402) Creamery
The (402) Creamery has two locations in Lincoln, one in the Haymarket and one in South East Lincoln. Both provide amazing & fun homemade ice cream creations that rotate through regularly. I once thought Ivanna Cone would provide all of my Lincoln ice cream needs and we didn’t need anything else. I was wrong, the … Continue reading "(402) Creamery"
Heoya
Heoya is one of those places I could eat every single day. They’re seriously good. I don’t know what they do to their pork, but it is fantastic. They have two locations and a food truck that will show up in various locations. So you don’t have an excuse if you can’t get there. What … Continue reading "Heoya"
Greenfield’s Cafe
When I think of Greenfield’s, I think of Breakfast. If I were to send you to Greenfields, it would be for breakfast, because they do it really well. But they are worth a visit outside of breakfast too. Just an overall solid place to eat.
Lazzari’s Pizza
When Lazzari’s was on O street downtown, they were a go-to for post bar food and gained a bit of a cult following because of it. They have since moved to south Lincoln, but their great pizza remains. Their “Randy Ross” remains as one of my favorite two three slices in Lincoln. When I think … Continue reading "Lazzari’s Pizza"
Stauffer’s Cafe
Stauffer’s is your classic small town cafe where you can get your small town cafe favorites. In the world of classic small town cafes, Stauffer’s is one of the better in Lincoln. Also, they have great pie. If you ask a Lincolnite where to find great pie, I would bet 8 out of 10 would … Continue reading "Stauffer’s Cafe"
Good Evans Breakfast & Lunch
The Good Evans concept is to “bring a more chef-inspired menu and vibe to breakfast and lunch” and it just so happens that is the sort of thing I look for. In my experience, they have accomplished their goal, which leaves two reasons you should visit: 1) you will find something a little (but not … Continue reading "Good Evans Breakfast & Lunch"
The Eatery
One of my favorite childhood restaurants was the Sunday buffet at the North Pantry. My mom also talks often about how much she enjoyed being a server at the South Pantry in high school ages ago. Why does this apply to The Eatery? Well, to me it is very relevant because The Eatery is in … Continue reading "The Eatery"
Lila Mae’s Southern Kitchen & Lounge
Lila Mae’s is one of, if not the best restaurant in Lincoln to grab some southern home-cooked food. It also brings the family atmosphere while dining out as good as anywhere in Lincoln.
South West
Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill
Lazlo’s is a Lincoln institution, and for good reason. Everything they do is solid and it is probably my most frequented restaurant in Lincoln. I’m not going to send you to Lazlo’s for a crazy new experience you’ve never had because it’s concept is similar to many brewery/bars around the US. I’m going to send … Continue reading "Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill"
Pepe’s Bistro
I have been really impressed with Pepe’s and it just happens to be Vegan. The things that get me excited about any restaurant is 1) a creative menu which changes often & 2) these specials come from the creative mind of an on-site chef. Of course neither of those two matter if 3) the resulting … Continue reading "Pepe’s Bistro"
The Sultan’s Kite
If you enjoy the Subway or Chipotle style of customizing your plate as you go concept, and you also like Mediterranean food, you’ll like Sultan’s Kite. The format also means if you’ve never tried Mediterranean food, this is a great place to start (I’m pretty sure you’ll love it). They have been successful enough to … Continue reading "The Sultan’s Kite"
Tina’s Cafe
Tina’s Cafe is a dynamite cafe on it’s own, but as far as I’m concerned, it is known for it’s cinnamon rolls. Who has the best cinnamon rolls in town? Tina’s. The rolls are huge (you will be taking some home), made from scratch and have got some national recognition by being featured on BTN’s … Continue reading "Tina’s Cafe"
The Chocolate Season Chocolaterie & Espresso Bar
If you didn’t get this from their name, the Chocolate Season is a really good place to get some Chocolate. I tend to visit for Coffee since their Coffee shop space is really nice. When they do breakfast or lunch, it has always been good … make sure you keep an eye out for their … Continue reading "The Chocolate Season Chocolaterie & Espresso Bar"
Backswing Brewing Co.
Being an avid golfer, Backswing embodies two things I love: beer, golf, or beer and golf at the same time. Backswing is a perfect way to support my local breweries while also supporting my local golf courses. How can one be sad enjoying a Backswing Kolsch while playing 9 at the Highlands at sundown? If … Continue reading "Backswing Brewing Co."
North East
Honest Abe’s Burgers & Freedom
I’m pretty sure Honest Abe’s is Lincoln’s favorite burger place. When Alton Brown was in town in 2015, he asked Lincoln where to eat. According to him, they overwhelmingly said Honest Abe’s. The atmosphere is hard to beat and they do a great job with creativity. You can visit once a week and there’s always … Continue reading "Honest Abe’s Burgers & Freedom"
Banhwich Cafe
Ah, Banhwich, I love you. You have amazing sandwiches and a great selection of bubble tea. Every time I’m in, I smell those strange looking green waffles and they also smell fantastic. It makes me want to get one, and I almost do. But then I’m distracted by what I came in for: a pork … Continue reading "Banhwich Cafe"
Phat Jack’s BBQ
Phat Jack’s has moved locations a couple times. But I keep following them around Lincoln anyway. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but I’ll usually go toward the brisket myself. If you are a BBQ fan, Phat Jack’s should be on your list of places to eat in Lincoln. What you’re ordering … Continue reading "Phat Jack’s BBQ"
Heoya
Heoya is one of those places I could eat every single day. They’re seriously good. I don’t know what they do to their pork, but it is fantastic. They have two locations and a food truck that will show up in various locations. So you don’t have an excuse if you can’t get there. What … Continue reading "Heoya"
Isles Pub & Pizza
Go to Isles, enjoy the vibe, get the Leaning Tower of Pizza. I’m not sure I need to say much more, do that and you’ll have a very fun night and leave telling yourself you need to come back more often.
Le Quartier Baking Co
You will find Le Quartier in many other restaurants across Lincoln because they make really good bread that makes really good sandwiches. But you can also go in and buy the bread yourself to make your own sandwiches, or try one of Le Quartier’s creations. Also, they have great breakfast, so just go in already.
Pancho Villa Mexican Grill
Pancho Villa’s Guadalajara tacos were enough to make me add them to my list and want to go back. They also have some pretty great green salsa.
Engine House Cafe
Great atmosphere: check, it’s in an old Engine House. Great Breakfast, also check. It has been voted best in Lincoln for breakfast and I think it’s worth the title.
Cook’s Cafe
Cook’s is worth a visit if you are a fan of a good solid old-school cafe. They make their own cinnamon rolls, which are really good and quite different from the rest. If my tasters served me right, I think they have a bit of an orange roll twist.
North West
Honest Abe’s Burgers & Freedom
I’m pretty sure Honest Abe’s is Lincoln’s favorite burger place. When Alton Brown was in town in 2015, he asked Lincoln where to eat. According to him, they overwhelmingly said Honest Abe’s. The atmosphere is hard to beat and they do a great job with creativity. You can visit once a week and there’s always … Continue reading "Honest Abe’s Burgers & Freedom"
Mulberry BBQ
I went into Mulberry one day and watched them carving a glorious brisket behind the counter. It looked so amazing, I told the cashier I was having it. To this day, that is the best brisket I’ve had anywhere. On a separate visit, the guy at the table next to me was gushing to his … Continue reading "Mulberry BBQ"
Reactor Coffee
There are a lot of coffee shops in Lincoln I love & Reactor is toward the very top of my list. It has everything I want in a coffee shop: a really cool and unique space to have coffee and do a little work that is also quiet. It’s also out of the way and … Continue reading "Reactor Coffee"
Tia Lety’s
I would call Tia Lety’s something of a hidden gem in Lincoln because it’s location and building don’t exactly scream “go eat there.” But I’m very glad I found it because it is a place I “go eat there” a lot. If I am feeling Papusas, which I do quite a bit, my first thought … Continue reading "Tia Lety’s"
Patty’s Pub
You may like many things about Patty’s because there is a lot to like. Me? I’m addicted to the German Pizza. I’m not going to name my favorite individual slice in Lincoln, but if I did, the German Pizza from Patty’s would lead the conversation.
Pho Factory
When I worked downtown, Pho Factory was a restaurant I visited on a weekly basis. As far as Pho goes, Pho Factory provided the right combination between good Pho in a nice setting to make it a regular lunch spot.
Blessing Thai Restaurant
Your go-to for Thai in the northwest area of town.
Rendang Malaysian Cuisine
Rendang on O Street is a great addition to Lincoln’s food scene. I would highly recommend you go in and see what Malaysian Cuisine is all about, because they do it very well, in my humble opinion.
Multiple Locations
The Mill
I would call the Mill Lincoln’s favorite coffee shop. There is a reason for this, they have really cool locations, highlighted by one of the best spots in the Haymarket to sit on the patio and enjoy the atmosphere of the Haymarket. Their other locations around town are pretty darn good too and they also … Continue reading "The Mill"
Valentino’s
For the non-Nebraskans, do you know that food you grew up with that you loved as a kid & every time you have it it makes you happy? That’s Val’s for us. Valentino’s used to have some legit pizza buffets too, also a childhood favorite of mine, but these days they do mostly takeout or … Continue reading "Valentino’s"
Runza
I have to assume you are only reading this if you aren’t from Nebraska, because if you are, you already know. First, to put Runza in context with the rest of the restaurants on this site, it is a fast food chain. But it is a fast food chain that originated in Lincoln, and besides … Continue reading "Runza"