Downtown Restaurant Check-in

By: Mr. Wilson on January 29, 2009
Yikes, Roost is now only open from 11:00am until 2:00pm Monday through Saturday. I really hope that doesn't mean Roost is in its death throes. I really like the general Roost concept and I want to see the restaurant succeed in the long term. Maybe it can do just that as a lunch-only joint. But surely doing that while paying Downtown rent isn't easy. Here's hoping Roost has a rosy future. Now, how 'bout Billy Brown's? The Missus and I went there once, several weeks ago shortly after it opened. I haven't heard much after the restaurant since that time. Have any of you been there, or do you know folks who have eaten there? Being a child of 9 South it has some potential, but it never generated much buzz and its tiny size really limits how much cash it can make in a week. Speaking of 9's, what's the scoop on Red 9 in the former P.O. Pears building? The parking lot seems to stay fairly busy and their events calendar seems to be full. It's a bummer Lincoln lost Pears, but it would be great if the building itself continued to live on.

Comments

See what your friends and neighbors have to say about this.

Gene
January 29, 2009 at 3:07PM

I know of one person that went to Billy Brown’s and ordered their “no-bean chili.” He said it consisted of around 80% beans. That’s enough to make me not want to go there.

Nikkidemas
January 29, 2009 at 4:03PM

I’ll make a point to go to Roost more often.  The owner has always been very cool every time I’m in there, & I’m a fan of the Cali Rancher.

As for Red 9, I went there for a surprise party in the upstairs portion a couple weeks ago.  Here’s my Yelp review.

beerorkid
January 29, 2009 at 4:17PM

I hit up Billy Browns once so far.  The things I ordered determined my experience, but I know that they have some exceptional offerings just like 9 south chargrill.  I think the size of the place hurts a bit because it cannot really milk being a bar at the same time.  I wish them the best of luck and will stop in again.

Benn
January 29, 2009 at 4:53PM

The Roost has to be in it’s last throes ... if you can’t justify paying help (added utilities, etc) to stay open longer than 3 hours a day ... it’s about over.  I have always like the food there however.

As far as Billy Browns ... I went once and it was REALLY good.  I had the Patty Melt, sweet potato fries, and potato salad ... all were really good and the potato salad was especially great.  I would recommend it.

Buffmeat
January 29, 2009 at 5:36PM

I love the roost, but you have to always pay for the double meat to make it worth it.

Billy Browns is good, but expensive for a downtown lunch in my opinion.  My suggestion is to keep the menu, lower the prices and decrease the portion size.  Then it could compete with the Lazlo type lunches.

I’ve been to Red 9 a few times.  They are trying too hard to be Nomad from Omaha, but the concept is good.  Damn do I miss buck buck burger day though!!!

foxspit
January 29, 2009 at 10:50PM

I read in the paper in the Journal Star that the Venue is going to start handling the food service at Red 9. I think that’s a brilliant idea.

Fletch
January 31, 2009 at 1:40PM

I would say cutting down to 18 hours a week is definitely being in its last throes. As a person who doesn’t like chicken salad, I’ve never even ventured nearby, presuming that’s my only option there in one variety or another.

JR
February 2, 2009 at 2:11PM

I went to Billy Brown’s once for lunch on a weekday, waited 55 minutes for a hamburger and was treated poorly when I told them I had to get back to my office and to cancel my order.  I won’t try it again.

And, I was at Red9 on Friday, and was told they will begin serving food this Friday.  I also heard that Venue will be catering the food.  Red9 is totally different from Pears, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.  Overall, I liked what they have done with the space.

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