The best in Lincoln: Dinner

Downtown

Dish

Dish has been the highlight eating out in Lincoln for me. I continue to be impressed with the creativity and quality of food & their James Beard nomination backs that feeling up for me. One evening on a date with my wife, sitting outside, everything came together in such a perfect way we that we … Continue reading "Dish"



Green Gateau

The Green Gateau has been a favorite of mine for quite some time. The start the day with one of my go-to spots for breakfast. Have a really nice lunch vibe, but manage to wrap it all together and are one of the better dinner spots in town. The interior vibe is reminds me of … Continue reading "Green Gateau"



Misty’s

If you go out and ask people on the street where to get a steak, Misty’s is probably where they will send you. Misty’s has been around forever and beef is what they do. If you find yourself at Misty’s, get the prime rib. While the best prime rib I’ve had is from a caterer … Continue reading "Misty’s"



Billy’s

Billy’s has a great location in an old house close to the Capitol. It is named after William Jennings Bryan and the decor and atmosphere fits the namesake. I think the history and the building is worth the visit alone, but the food isn’t a slouch either.



North East

Casa Bovina

It’s almost unfair, Casa Bovina/the Mercato clearly has a lot of backing and they do a lot with it, including a really, really fantastic dining experience. While it might be unfair relative to the small operation and silly blog lists like this one, it’s to the benefit of you, the patron. The entire complex reminds … Continue reading "Casa Bovina"



Piedmont Bistro

Piedmont Bistro is owned by the Venue, and that gives them a very good start. It is the Venu’s take on a bit of a different vibe, i.e., a bistro. I think they’ve nailed it. Breakfast When thinking about breakfast or brunch, the Piedmont Bistro is at the top of the list. Go early or … Continue reading "Piedmont Bistro"



Misty’s

If you go out and ask people on the street where to get a steak, Misty’s is probably where they will send you. Misty’s has been around forever and beef is what they do. If you find yourself at Misty’s, get the prime rib. While the best prime rib I’ve had is from a caterer … Continue reading "Misty’s"



Haymarket

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"



Single Barrel

When thinking steak and whiskey, it’s hard to not think of the Single Barrel. They’re a steak joint named after a whiskey process. I don’t know if I need to say anything else. Need more? The whiskey they specialize in is Bourbon and the Bourbon selection is excellent. The Bourbon review named them one of … Continue reading "Single Barrel"



Blue Sushi Sake Grill

Blue has grown to enough cities in the US that it can probably be considered a chain. I’m still going to include them on my list because 1) they started in Omaha, so they are at least a Nebraska Chain, 2) their space in the Haymarket is one of the better places to eat in … Continue reading "Blue Sushi Sake Grill"



Hiro 88

Hiro 88 is from Omaha, but their Lincoln Locations are a (very) welcome addition to our food scene. Hiro is probably my go-to for sushi & sake. Don’t sleep on their other food as their Chilean Sea Bass, Miso-Glazed is probably my favorite seafood dish in town. Both of their locations have great outdoor seating. … Continue reading "Hiro 88"



LeadBelly

Leadbelly’s version of chili & cinnamon roll, the fully leaded jacket, isn’t your traditional combo. It’s a “burger” that has cinnamon roll buns and chili all over the top with chips and jalapenos. If you’d like (and I do), add a fried egg and some chorizo to make it a breakfast leaded jacket. I know … Continue reading "LeadBelly"



Fleetwood

Fleetwood occupies a fun location in the Haymarket. They’ve done a great job with their atmosphere and their menu. As a new location (writing this in January 2023), I will wait to learn more about how they will evolve and what I like best about them. But so far, they are off to a great … Continue reading "Fleetwood"



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"



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"



Wilderness Ridge

As long as Wilderness Ridge keeps their restaurant open to the public, it is somewhere you should visit. Their deck is quite simply the best in Lincoln, and the lodge itself is worth the visit. Their food has always been more upscale & creative, which fits the atmosphere. Over the years, the food hasn’t consistently … Continue reading "Wilderness Ridge"



L’s Kitchen

L’s takes over where the Normandy left off, and I’m pretty happy about it. L’s offers what I look for, chef inspired, creative and most importantly really good food. They describe themselves as “Unpretentious, cozy & Sophisticated,” and I would agree with that. L’s is an all-around nice place for an evening out.



Koen

Koen brings a concept that I’ve experienced a couple times outside of Lincoln. Now having it here, I’m happy that we have this experience. From what I’ve been able to gather, Koen’s grill at your own table experience is usually reserved for more high-end dining. Koen has done a great job of re-creating that here … Continue reading "Koen"



South East

Venue Restaurant & Lounge

The Venue is one of the more upscale restaurants in Lincoln and with that, they have one of the better menus. I enjoy their creativity and specials. On a selection & price perspective, the Venue might be the best place in Lincoln to get a good Whiskey. They are also no slouch with their wine … Continue reading "Venue Restaurant & Lounge"



MoMo Pizzeria & Ristorante

MoMo calls itself a pizzeria, but it’s so much more than a pizza joint. If I am looking for a nice night out, MoMo always comes up in the discussion. When going for dinner, I’ll snag a spot at their bar if I’m lucky enough to find one. In my humble opinion, the bar is … Continue reading "MoMo Pizzeria & Ristorante"



Hiro 88

Hiro 88 is from Omaha, but their Lincoln Locations are a (very) welcome addition to our food scene. Hiro is probably my go-to for sushi & sake. Don’t sleep on their other food as their Chilean Sea Bass, Miso-Glazed is probably my favorite seafood dish in town. Both of their locations have great outdoor seating. … Continue reading "Hiro 88"



FireWorks Restaurant

I sort of see Fireworks as Lazlo’s number 3 since it is owned by them and serves a similar, if slightly more upscale menu. This is a good thing, Lazlo’s is probably my most frequented restaurant in Lincoln, which means I go to Fireworks a lot too.



North West

Well and Good

Located on Innovation Campus, or the old State Fair Park, in the Scarlet Hotel, Well and Good is in a perfect spot to bring a Nebraska-themed restaurant to Lincoln. They bring things like Dorothy Lynch incorporated in a chef-inspired salad, a chef’s take on Runzas for an appetizer and calling dinner “supper” on the menu. … Continue reading "Well and Good"



Toast

Toast is the gem of Fallbrook in northwest Lincoln. They are located in the neat “downtown” area of Fallbrook which brings a nice setting, especially for outdoor seating in nice weather. I also love that a lot of their trim and fixtures came from Whittier Junior High school, where I have a personal connection to … Continue reading "Toast"



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