The best in Lincoln: Lunch
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"
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.
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.
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.
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"
Shokunin sushi & ramen
Shokunin occupies the former Bread and Cup space. I have many happy food memories in that space, so they have a good start there. There are other Sushi restaurants in town, other Ramen restaurants in town and other Japanese restaurants in town. But Shokunin is just different enough from all of them to stand out. … Continue reading "Shokunin sushi & ramen"
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"
Vincenzo’s Ristorante
Vincenzo’s is Lincoln’s best pure Italian restaurant. But you may be taking more of a trip to St. Louis than Italy when visiting. The Lou hints are subtle, with dishes like toasted ravioli and one that’s called “The Hill” after St. Louis’s most famous food and their Italian district respectively. But the dead giveaway is … Continue reading "Vincenzo’s Ristorante"
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"
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"
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"
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"
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"
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"
North East
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"
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"
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.
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
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"
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"
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"
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.