The best in Lincoln: Downtown

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"



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"



Blue Orchid Thai Restaurant

I love this place, and I visit often. They have Thai that is as good as anywhere in town + a really cool building. Some adjectives that come to mind when thinking about the Blue Orchid are cool, hip, interesting, spicy, curry, yum. What you’re ordering: The Green Curry with pork. Add a Thai iced … Continue reading "Blue Orchid Thai Restaurant"



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"



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"



Hub Cafe

Farm-to-table is the theme for the Hub Cafe. It was started as a way to market “Branched Oak Farm’s dairy products, meat and vegetable crops while serving the community of Lincoln.” It’s not your normal “cafe” food so don’t expect anything boring. If you are they type of person who likes fresh, chef-inspired food, it’s … Continue reading "Hub Cafe"



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"



Canyon Joe’s Barbecue

Lincoln has another candidate for best BBQ in town. I’ve had Canyon Joe’s when they were a food truck and loved. They have successfully carried what they do best to their brick and mortar location. Owner Joe Hager may have honed his skills in Texas and may label his BBQ as Texas style. But you … Continue reading "Canyon Joe’s Barbecue"



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"



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.



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"



Code Beer Company

Code: good beer & a good building to drink it in. It’s also close enough to downtown and right on the N street bike path. That, combined with Saro Cider and Craft Axe Throwing also being across the street, you could easily make a it part of a fun day or night out out at … Continue reading "Code Beer Company"



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.



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"



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"



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"



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"



South West

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"



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