Eat Like a Local
Dining out in Lincoln
Honest Abes
840 N. 70th St.; (402) 261-9860; grounduprestaurants.com
126 N. 14th St.; (402) 261-4904
8340 Glynoaks Dr.; (531) 500-5970
2662 Cornhusker Hwy.; (402) 975-2424
Honest Abes won “Best Burger Shop” in Lincoln last year, and every guest who visits the restaurant understands why. They are well known for their “Greatest Burger Ever,” though their shakes and fries are equally delicious. They feature classic burgers as well as a rotating menu at all four of their locations in Lincoln.
Rutabagas
1434 O St.; (531) 500-1951; eatrutabagas.com
Known as Lincoln’s favorite vegan restaurant, Rutabagas crafts vegan comfort food for dine in, carry out, late night, and holiday catering. Each menu item is inspired by and with plants, including the cocktails. They also specialize in gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free options!
Lazlo's
210 N. Seventh St.; (402) 434-5636; lazlosbreweryandgrill.com
5900 Old Cheney Rd.; (402) 323-8500
Lazlo's is a classic family favorite and has two convenient locations in Lincoln. Their food is hand-crafted, and the chefs are committed to using fresh ingredients. Many locals enjoy the restaurant’s steaks, burgers, club sandwiches and salads. In addition, Lazlo’s has an in-house brewery and a large wine selection.
MoMo Pizzeria
7701 Pioneers Blvd.; (402) 261-5966; momospizzeria.com
MoMo Pizzeria has made a big name for themselves in Lincoln with delicious Italian cuisine. Pizzas are cooked in a stone hearth, wood-fired oven with quality ingredients. They also offer a variety of salads, pastas and cocktails. With indoor and outdoor seating, MoMo’s is a great place to take the family for pizza or sit at the bar to enjoy appetizers and drinks.
The Hub Cafe
250 N. 21st St.; (402) 474-2453; hubcafelincoln.com
The Hub Cafe uses the best ingredients local farmers have to offer. Sourcing from farmers in the local food community allows them to serve the freshest produce, dairy products and meats to inspire creative dishes.
The Oven
101 Pioneer’s Blvd.; (402) 488- 0650; theoven-lincoln.com
201 N. Eighth St.; (402) 475- 6118
If you are looking for a vibrant, welcoming place that serves true Northern Indian cuisine, The Oven is the restaurant for you. Their menu includes delicious stuffed breads, mulligatawny soup, fish and meat entrees, as well as many vegetarian options. The Oven Haymarket differs from The Oven East in that it also includes The Cellar, which is The Oven’s full-service liquor, beer and wine headquarters.
Sultan’s Kite
7350 S. 13th St.; (402) 904-4115
1309 O St.; (531) 444-6654; sultanskite.com
At Sultan's Kite, they serve fresh Mediterranean food every day, and nearly everything they sell is made from scratch in their very own restaurant. If you've never had Mediterranean food, head on in and sample one of their fine meats, and you'll be in love.
JTK
201 N. Seventh St.; (402) 435-0161, jtkrestaurant.com
JTK Cuisine and Cocktails is a restaurant located in Lincoln's Historic Haymarket. JTK serves Eclectic American cuisine. JTK focuses on great food, great atmosphere, and great wine. Wine Spectator has given JTK their Award of Excellence four years running for their wine list! It’s a great date-night location!
Blue Orchid
129 N. 10th St.; (402) 742-7250
Located in the Grand Manse, Blue Orchid serves Thai-inspired dishes including pad thai, curry dishes, soups and salads. If you check it out, make sure to try their signature favorite appetizer, the Meyung Kum. Blue Orchid’s dishes are made with healthy ingredients and traditional Asian flavors. Furthermore, they’re always generous with their portions!
The Green Gateau
330 S. 10th St.; (402) 477-0330; greengateau.com
The Green Gateau has been serving French-inspired cuisine in Lincoln for over 25 years. They are open for brunch, lunch and dinner with a variety of options. You can’t go wrong with anything you order, although their artichoke and spinach fondue is a signature favorite! In addition, they have many alcoholic beverages available, and the staff is happy to discuss where in the U.S. all food and drinks originated.
Tandoor Indian Cuisine
3530 Village Dr.; (402) 423-2007; tandoor-lincoln.com
This restaurant is the definition of authentic Bhutanese cuisine. Tandoor Indian Cuisine uses fresh ingredients, flavorful spices and unique herbs to create vegan or vegetarian Indian entrées. They offer a variety of delicious Bhutanese appetizers, like naan, soups and salads.
Ginger
6055 Apples Way; (402) 904-4642; ginger-grill.com
Ginger is a great place for family dinner or for a group of friends looking for drinks. They have a circular grill where guests watch the chefs cook up their own custom concoctions. It’s a great place to experience both a custom Mongolian grill as well as good sushi.
Venue Restaurant and Lounge
4111 Pioneer Woods Dr.; (402) 488-8368; yourvenue.net
The Venue is a popular spot to enjoy drinks and appetizers or a decadent meal with friends and family. They serve upscale American cuisine with a French influence. In addition, the Venue hosts a number of events in their private dining rooms and also offers catering services for weddings, graduation parties and other gatherings.
Vincenzo’s Ristorante
808 P St.; (402) 435-3889; vincenzos-ne.com
Vincenzo’s is located in the middle of the Haymarket and is a signature place to go with family, friends, or a significant other. Their menu is filled with authentic Italian entrées, including bruschetta, salads, pastas and a wide selection of wine and cocktails. Their venue has ample seating, and their staff is committed to providing an excellent Italian dining experience.
Sebastian's Table
8340 Glynoaks Dr.; (531) 500-5402; sebastianstable.com
Sebastian's Table is all about families and friends coming together to enjoy a delicious meal. Their menu has a creative Spanish influence, and their food is made with high-quality ingredients. Started by the same owners of Honest Abes, the restaurant is bound and determined to make a big name for itself in Lincoln.
Fortune Palace
5740 Old Cheney Rd.; (402) 420-1688
Some Lincolnites argue that Fortune Palace is the best Chinese food in town, so that’s saying a lot! Find all of the traditional Chinese dishes on their menu, and consider ordering to go for a nice night in.
FireWorks Restaurant
5750 S. 86th St.; (402) 434-5644; fireworksrestaurant.com
A sister company to Lazlo's, FireWorks currently resides in southeast Lincoln. All of their dishes are wood-fired including burgers, pizzas, steaks and rotisseries. Bring your family by during their daily happy hour to enjoy their classic food!
Copal
4747 Pioneers Blvd.; (402) 486-0488; copallnk.com
Copal takes great pride in their culture as well as the food they serve. Dishes are heavily influenced by traditional Mexicano cooking and are always packed with rich flavor. Copal also has daily specials, featured entrées, happy hour and lots of drink specials.
Stauffers
5600 S. 48th St.; (402) 423-2206, staufferscafe.com
Stauffers is a cafe and pie shoppe serving homemade food in Lincoln since 1996. Their menu includes sandwiches, salads, burgers, salads, breakfast, and more! Stauffers is known for its fantastic pies that are available to order by the slice or by the whole pie!
Penelope’s Lil’ Cafe
4724 Pioneers Blvd.; (402) 435-0998
This little cafe has a lot to offer with everything from French toast to sandwiches, salads and tons of take-home dinner options. It’s a perfect spot for those who are looking to enjoy classic comfort food. Penelope’s Lil’ Cafe is a hopping spot for brunch or breakfast that Lincolnites continue to rave about.
Grey Whale Sushi
129 N. 10th St.; (402) 327-8888; greywhalesushi.com
2840 S. 70th St.
Grey Whale Sushi is one of the newest additions to the historic Grand Manse, although they also have a south location near 70th and Van Dorn. They serve traditional Japanese cuisine with fresh, authentic ingredients. The chefs at Grey Whale Sushi are true artists who create beautiful dishes with vibrant colors.
Yia Yia’s
1423 O St.; (402) 477-9166; yiayiaspizzaandbeer.com
{2840 S. 70th St.; (531) 500-4937
Yia Yia’s is a signature pizza and beer shop that has been around for over 25 years. Yia Yia’s offers pizza slices made to order with quality ingredients. In addition, all slices are served with a piece of their famous cornbread. Both of their locations continue to thrive as many longtime locals say it’s their favorite restaurant in town.
Local Beer Patio and Kitchen
5730 Hidcote Dr.; (402) 261-7588; localbeer.co
At Local Beer Patio and Kitchen, a full menu is offered every day with various options and all styles of food. They feature 48 beers on tap that are locally made in Nebraska. Their staff and atmosphere are the perfect space for a quick lunch, happy hour, family dinner, or date night!
The Normandy
2785 S. 17th St.; (402) 476-0606, thenormandylnk.com
The Normandy believes fine dining is an experience everyone deserves to enjoy. Stop in to join them for a genuine taste of premier French cuisine. They have a menu that changes weekly and crepes that are a must try!
Misty’s Steakhouse
6235 Havelock Ave.; (402) 466-8424; mistyslincoln.com
200 N. 11th St.; (402) 476-7766
Misty’s has been a Lincoln tradition since 1965. They are well known for their delicious prime rib, seafood selections and burgers! Their Misty’s seasoning is a must try and available for purchase to take home!
Wilderness Ridge
1800 Wilderness Woods Pl.; (402) 434-5118; wildernessridgegolf.com
Wilderness Ridge is a community golf course with a suburb upscale restaurant perfect for date night, celebrations and events. They began developing the acreage in 1987, and it has blossomed into a beautiful venue for weddings, catering events and large parties. They serve upscale American cuisine, including salads, burgers, seafood and pasta. The staff is extremely professional, and you are sure to enjoy dinner with a live musical performance.
The Eatery
2548 S. 48th St; (402) 489-0396, theeateryrestaurant.com
The Eatery is fresh, fast, and friendly! They have it all from breakfast and brunch, family style foods, pizza, sandwiches, pastas and more! You have to check out this highly recommended restaurant!
Ramos Pizza
2435 S. 48th St.; (402) 483-5050; ramosandbusters.com
Ramos Pizza offers Lincoln's favorite pizza and BBQ under one roof. Famous for their city-wide delivery, they have become a hot topic in the Lincoln community. You may also visit the sports pub at 48th and Normal for pizza by the slice and great beers.
Parthenon
5500 S. 56th St.; (402) 423-2222; theparthenon.net
The Parthenon Greek Grill and Taverna provides the Lincoln area with fresh, flavorful and authentic Greek cuisine. Go visit and enjoy the comforting atmosphere and mouth-watering menu!
Toast
570 Fallbrook Blvd.; (402) 261-8859; gettoasty.com
Toast is an American restaurant with a wide selection of beers, wines, cocktails and entrees. Their menu has a European twist and is packed with options that appeal to both meat lovers and vegetarians alike. Toast also has many options for kids, and the atmosphere of the restaurant is family-friendly.
Stur 22
2110 Winthrop Rd.; (402) 805-4579; stur22lounge.com
Stur 22 was established in Lincoln a few years ago and is continuously growing. The restaurant has a welcoming atmosphere and the walls are covered with unique art. Sturr 22 serves tropical drinks as well as Carribean and West African-inspired dishes. Some favorites at the restaurant include stews, plantain chips and jerk chicken.
Hacienda Real
3130 Pine Lake Rd.; (402) 423-0525
Hacienda Real is another local favorite with excellent Mexican cuisine in a fun, family-friendly environment. As an added perk, the restaurant has a notably fast kitchen, generous portions and reasonable prices.
Pepe’s Bistro
1311 S. 11th St; (402) 470-7217
Pepe’s Bistro is a favorite for vegans and vegetarians craving authentic Mexican food. Pepe has truly perfected his recipes and features his dishes at many local pop-up events, breweries and other community get togethers. His quaint little shop is located in the Indian Village shopping strip off of 11th Street.