The Blue Orchid. A new Thai restaurant with by far the best Thai food in town. Despite some early hiccups, the service is sufficient and improving. Reservations are recommended for Friday and Saturday nights but are rarely needed during the week.
Bisonwitches. A sandwich shop that also has excellent drink specials and nice, dim lighting. Staffed mostly by sorority sisters and frequented by college students from the nearby university, this restaurant offers tasty sandwiches, bread-bowl soups, and beer in a nice atmosphere. Located at 13th and P streets downtown.
Buzzard Billy's. Cajun style food in the Haymarket.
Dish. Downtown haven for eclectic, creative food (South American, Pan-Asian, Med influences) and a carefully chosen wine list. Chef/Owner run. Service can act a little overwhelmed at times. There's some serious craftsmanship in the back of the house. Someone just needs to slightly tighten up the front. 2 visits. 11th and O Streets downtown.
Fire Works. Recently moved from the Haymarket district, now located at 84th and Old Cheney, wood-fired cooking. Everything I had there was fantastic, I particularly liked the BBQ Brisket sandwich, and they have an open WiFi AP. $13 per person.
La Mexicana. Authentic Mexican food served in the back of a Mexican grocery store. Downtown on about 17th and P streets. Delicious.
Lazlo's. Another restaurant owned by the same group that own Fireworks (discussed elsewhere), Lazlos has a menu varied between burgers and steaks. A burger is reasonable, usually around $8.00. Most notable from Lazlos is the Lavash, a thin, cracker-crust, pizza-like appetizer proper for 3 to 4 people to share. A choice of toppings goes on top of melted cheese, chicken, bacon, green-peppers, and mushrooms are excellent choices. Lazlos is associated with the Empyrean Brewing Company, so they always have excellent micro-brews on tap.
The Oven. A downtown Lincoln classic. Started in neighboring [Omaha], the Oven serves excellent Indian cuisine in a cozy, candle-lit atmosphere. Sunday nights there is live music. Located in the Haymarket.
Thai Garden. Tucked away at the base of the National Research building, Thai Garden is one of Lincoln's several Thai restaurants. Most consider the atmosphere to be lacking, and a few don't consider the menu to the best either. Lunch is a particularly good time to stop in and save some money. Dinner around $7.00 a plate and well worth it.
Thai House. Located just north of 27th and Vine, Thai House serves excellent food at more than reasonable prices. The atmosphere is so-so, but the service, food, and prices are terrific.
Maggie's. A delicious vegetarian/vegan wrap restaurant located in the historic haymarket. Serves lunch only.
La Paz. Consistently voted the best Mexican restaurant in town by listeners of KFOR radio. La Paz is located near Westfield Gateway Mall at 56th and 'O' St. Typically quite busy on the weekends, but some people have obviously found something worth waiting for.
El Rancho. Authentic and terrific Mexican food, and recently voted among the Top Five restaurants in Lincoln. Located at 27th and O Streets. Everything there is good. Make sure to have the refried black beans, the tacos, pupusas, and horchata.
Wasabi. Downtown Lincoln's only Japanese restaurant and sushi bar. The food is quite good, though service gets poor marks.
D'Leon's. There are several locations of this drive-through Mexican restaurant. The quality and price of this authentic Mexican restaurant have made it a favorite of both local Hispanics and undergraduates. Open 24/7.