The best in Lincoln: Red Mark
Haymarket
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"
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"
Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street delivers a completely unique experience in Lincoln. There’s really nowhere else you can go to get a crawfish boil dumped on your table to share with a bunch of friends. Between this unique concept, their location in the Haymarket, they really do have a good thing going,
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"
South East
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"
Carmela’s Bistro & Wine Bar
Go to Carmela’s for a nice dinner out. Get a good steak and nice glass of wine to take in the fun atmosphere and you’ll have a very good evening. Not feeling like a steak? Don’t worry, the rest of their menu offers plenty of other creative and good items too.
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.
Greenfield’s Cafe
When I think of Greenfield’s, I think of Breakfast. If I were to send you to Greenfields, it would be for breakfast, because they do it really well. But they are worth a visit outside of breakfast too. Just an overall solid place to eat.
Lazzari’s Pizza
When Lazzari’s was on O street downtown, they were a go-to for post bar food and gained a bit of a cult following because of it. They have since moved to south Lincoln, but their great pizza remains. Their “Randy Ross” remains as one of my favorite two three slices in Lincoln. When I think … Continue reading "Lazzari’s Pizza"
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"
Downtown
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"
North East
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"
Isles Pub & Pizza
Go to Isles, enjoy the vibe, get the Leaning Tower of Pizza. I’m not sure I need to say much more, do that and you’ll have a very fun night and leave telling yourself you need to come back more often.
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.
Leighton’s Pub
Awesome sandwiches? Creative Pizza? A nice atmosphere? Leighton’s Pub, you’re speaking my language. I’ve been impressed enough every time I’ve visited that it’s on my radar whenever the “where do you want to eat” question comes up.
North West
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"
Patty’s Pub
You may like many things about Patty’s because there is a lot to like. Me? I’m addicted to the German Pizza. I’m not going to name my favorite individual slice in Lincoln, but if I did, the German Pizza from Patty’s would lead the conversation.
Zipline Tap & Grill
The Zipline Tap & Grill is Zipline’s take on a food & drink pub. Up in the Fallbrook area, it has a great atmosphere and location. It may be a bit of a drive, but I always love visiting “downtown” Fallbrook. The interior is well done and there’s a nice outdoor space. The serve good … Continue reading "Zipline Tap & Grill"
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"
Florio’s Italian Restaurant & Grille
Do you like Italian? Yes? You’ll probably like Florio’s. I’ve never left unsatisfied.
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"
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"
The Chocolate Season Chocolaterie & Espresso Bar
If you didn’t get this from their name, the Chocolate Season is a really good place to get some Chocolate. I tend to visit for Coffee since their Coffee shop space is really nice. When they do breakfast or lunch, it has always been good … make sure you keep an eye out for their … Continue reading "The Chocolate Season Chocolaterie & Espresso Bar"
