The best in Lincoln: Outdoor Dining
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"
JTK
JTK has the best steak in town, a Nebraska Wagyu Filet that is just wonderful. JTK itself has one of the most upscale vibes in town and is pretty darn good even without the steak. Bonus JTK probably might just have the best overall whiskey selection in Lincoln. So if you want steak and whiskey, JTK should … Continue reading "JTK"
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"
The Oven
The Oven serves traditional Indian comfort food, and they do it very well. But to me, the Oven stands out by combining some very solid Indian food with a great wine list and really nice atmosphere. You can get a good Chicken Tikka Masala in a lot of places, but you can’t get it in … Continue reading "The Oven"
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"
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"
HopCat
I hesitate to add chains to my lists. You won’t see them much on this site. But Hopcat is a fairly small chain and does a really good job with including local beers with their already amazing & large beer list. The list isn’t just large, it’s well thought out and one that’s hard to beat.
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"
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"
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"
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.
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"
South East
The Oven
The Oven serves traditional Indian comfort food, and they do it very well. But to me, the Oven stands out by combining some very solid Indian food with a great wine list and really nice atmosphere. You can get a good Chicken Tikka Masala in a lot of places, but you can’t get it in … Continue reading "The Oven"
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"
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.
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"
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"
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"