I'm feeling craptacular today -- if it isn't a mild version of the flu, it's doing a good impression -- which makes these three local restaurant updates seem especially sad.
First up, Doughboyz: The Missus and I planned to go get a DBQ pizza last night, but when we called to see if the restaurant had reopened, nobody answered and there was no message. That's not a good sign.
Likewise, it's not a good sign that at Crawdaddy's the sign on their door still says "See you after the New Year". It said that in December, too. Major, major bummage. No more crawfish pies? No more big ass burritos with mofo salsa? I weep at the thought.
Lastly, I want to vent a little bit about Lazlo's. I have always held a special place in my heart (stomach?) for Lazlo's, for various reasons. But you know what? I have grown increasingly disappointed with it over my last several visits. It doesn't seem like the same care goes into the food these days. And remember back when Lazlo's was famous for its stellar, unmatched service? Now it's famous for its once-famous stellar, unmatched service. The team service approach used to work so fluidly and seamlessly; now, it has a tendency to be schizophrenic and invasive.
Maybe I'm mis-remembering what it used to be like. Or maybe it just seems like Lazlo's has slid a bit thanks to so many other restaurants getting better. Maybe.
Anyway, those are my three sad bits for the day. I'm going to go think happy thoughts now to see if I can make myself feel any better.
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I heard Lazlo’s is gonna close fireworks and make lazlo’s bigger. So might you mean 4?
Since I brewed at Crane River for ever, I kinda was anti Lazlo’s. But they got some good food. I did not get to go there too often since the life partner does not like the smoked flavor. But last time We went there with her parents I had no clue who our server was. Kinda strange.
Actually, Fireworks is already closed. It reopens on Monday at 86th and Old Cheney.
I agree that the quality of food and service have declined somewhat significantly at Lazlo’s and it is very disappointing.
Last time we went to Lazlo’s (South), we had to ask our waiter if they had specials. Turns out they were out of both the soup and the main special. It was maybe 8 p.m. on Saturday. That sounds like poor planning. Also, if that is the case, I would rather the server be upfront instead of just not mentioning the specials at all and hoping we wouldn’t ask as I regularly order their special.
We had a couple of other minor things that night (a very gritty salad) and some other incidents over the past few months that have moved Lazlo’s well down on my dining list. Honestly, I am somewhat sad about that as it was always a solid “go to” dinner place.
It makes me feel better to know that it isn’t just me being picky.
Here’s a third comment on the quality of service at Lazlo’s. Of the four visits I’ve made in the past 6 months or so, twice the service ranked as some of the worst I have experienced anywhere, ever. (Both happened to be the Haymarket location.)
On the other hand, one of the visits had exceptionally good service for the group of 12 I was with. (That happened to be at the Old Cheney location.)
Myself, I’ve gotten to where I have found myself avoiding it, unless I am with other people who want to go there because of varying food desires.
Does anyone have an alternate for a local place that would be a good spot with a wide variety of food choices for groups of 5-12 people? I’d like to avoid the chains, but my batting average at Lazlo’s is not too hot lately.
On the positive side of things…
I hate to say it, because I don’t want to ruin the relative “hidden-ness” of the place, but I have found Tina’s Cafe on west South St. to be my favorite eatery since moving to Lincoln nearly two years ago.
Don’t go there looking for quality service, but if you are looking for GREAT quality comfort foods at low prices, I haven’t seen the Lincoln place that will beat it.
Though I’d love to try some new places if you have suggestions!
cool I live right by there and will check it out.
On another positive note, I am planning a trip to Paul’s BBQ next week based all of the good things I have heard about it here and elsewhere. I enjoy a good BBQ shack…it is definitely my Southernness coming out.
I haven’t had any good stuff on a regular basis since Sigsbee’s closed. Now, THAT was some good stuff.
Mmmmm…Sigsbee’s was great. I work out in the Highlands and went there for lunch about 2 times a week. I was bummed when they closed. Let us know how your trip to Paul’s goes, I’ve been meaning to get there but just haven’t made it yet.
I’ve been contemplating Lazlo’s lately too. I’m not sure if the food quality has declined (I think it has) or if the menu is just too static. It hasn’t changed much since I’ve been in Lincoln lo these eight years.
I can’t say that I’ve had horrendous service there but the team approach to service is confusing.
I will say that I’m sick and tired of them opening and closing restaurants in the old Jabrisco’s location. I loved the rotisserie chicken at Fireworks but they were never open for lunch so we seldom went there to eat.
For what it’s worth ...
I used to love Tina’s but I got an inedible burger there last year and I haven’t been back. Pretty hard to mess up a hamburger, but they did it and they did it so much that I’m not sure I can go back. I may go back for breakfast one of these days but not for lunch.
I really like Vincenzo’s in the Haymarket for a group of 5-12. Great food (I absolutely love the chicken or salmon soto) and atmosphere.
Vincenzo’s and The Oven are probably my two favorite Lincoln restaurants unless I’m looking for fast food.
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