The best in Lincoln: Violet Mark
Downtown
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
Ginger
Ginger brings a Mongolian grill-style restaurant combined with a more traditional restaurant in one place. I’ve always appreciated the creative and good food at Ginger, which is what keeps me coming back.
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"
Catalyst Beer Patio and Kitchen
Catalyst delivers a solid menu and a good beer list. But the real reason to visit is the patio. It’s one of the best in town.
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.
Haymarket
Buzzard Billy’s
I might be biassed when talking about Buzzard Billy’s as it is where I worked as a line cook in college. Given the perspective, I’ll tell you a few things about Buzzards. 1) I believe they crank out some very good, well made food. 2) I have always thought they have a fun atmosphere. 3) … Continue reading "Buzzard Billy’s"
North East
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
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.
Villa Amore
Are you looking for good Italian in north Lincoln? Villa Amore delivers. It also delivers enough to make the south Lincoln people (gasp) cross O street too. Take it easy, I’m a south Lincoln person and I get it, but there’s some good food to find up here & Villa Amore is definitely part of … Continue reading "Villa Amore"
South West
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."
Multiple Locations
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"