Lincolnite: Lincoln's Online Community

I’m bummed.  It looks like J.J. Harder is leaving the Daily Nebraskan for greener pastures.

http://www.dailynebraskan.com/home/index.cfm?event=displayArticle&ustory_id=1dac720a-f918-4630-b37c-0aacac693146

I was surprised to see he’s been writing for the DN for seven years.  I love some of his reviews.  I don’t always agree with him (including his list of Lincoln’s Top 10) but I’ve always looked forward to his reviews to see what he would say next.

I would have thrown M&N;into the Top 10 mix but that’s just me.

Don’t hold out on us, foxspit, give us your whole list!

Mr. Wilson - 07 December 2006 03:21 PM

Don’t hold out on us, foxspit, give us your whole list!

I would like to second that request.

Mr. T - 07 December 2006 07:29 PM

Mr. Wilson - 07 December 2006 03:21 PM

Don’t hold out on us, foxspit, give us your whole list!

I would like to second that request.

It’s difficult to do a Top 10 because sometimes my favorites ebb and flow.  Right now, however, some of my favorites are (in no particular order):

1. Vincenzo’s - Probably my favorite restaurant, definitely in the top 2 or 3.  The chicken or salmon soto is to die for.
2. The Oven - Another Haymarket staple, that’s a lot like Vincenzo’s.  Excellent food and service, and a great atmosphere.  I’ve locked into the lamb curry here and it’s hard to order anything else but everything is good.
3. M&N;Sandwch Shop - Norm is not exactly known for his bedside manner.  In fact, I think he probably did hard time for killing a man when he failed to place his order in a concise manner.  The first time I saw him smile it nearly scared the crap out of me.  Regardless, M&N;Sandwiches are unlike any in Lincoln.  I’ve locked into the Italian Beef Cheesesteak, even though Norm pushes the pastrami every time I go (last time he ticked off a list of well known Husker football players who have the pastrami burger when they visit).  Friends tell me he has the best pastrami in Lincoln.  If it’s anything like the Italian Beef Cheesesteak (order it “sloppy"), then I have not doubt it’s the best.  These are great Chicago-style sandwiches.  Just don’t expect a lot of ambiance or touchy-feely service when you go.
4. Stauffer’s Cafe - Great pie and old-fashioned comfort food.  I go here for breakfast every Saturday morning with my brother.
5. Merle’s - Something about it, I just love this place.  Probably the best double cheeseburger I’ve ever had.  Love their fried chicken lunch special too.  It’s kind of like a roadhouse bar/restaurant out on West O in Emerald.
6.  Thai House - Great Thai food here.  It gets the nod over Blue Orchid, for me, because it’s great food at a great price.  You can eat there for under $6 and get a huge lunch.  No atmosphere to speak of though.  If you’re out on a date, go to Blue Orchid.  The food is great, it just costs more than Thai House.
7. Lazarri’s - Excellent calzones.  Enormous and cheesy.  Order them ahead, otherwise it takes them 20 minutes to prepare, longer if its the lunch rush.  The pizza is good too.
8. Patty’s Pub - The $10 lunch pizza on Fridays is an incredible deal that will easily feed 3 people, possibly 4.
9. The Isles - Great pizza and worth the drive to Havelock.  The Leaning Tower of Pizza is great but I always order hamburger mushroom.  Probably the best in Lincoln.
10. El Portrero - Lately this is my favorite place for Mexican food.  Great atmosphere, love the chips and salsa and I lean toward ordering the huevos rancheros or the chille rellano (must be baked, it’s not greasy like most) and they are huge!

I’m sure I left someone out but right now these are some of my favorites.  What about you guys Mr. Wilson and Mr. T?

I will never, and would never recommend that anyone go to M&N;sandwich shop ever again.  I used to go there when I was out riding my bike on the trails.  One weekend we had some friends in from out of town, and they wanted a sandwich.  I took them to M&N;and told them over and over just how great they were.  When we got there the punk that was working the counter was having some sort of bad drug trip or something.  After we ordered our sandwiches we decided that we wanted them to go, since I really did not want to be in the shop with this idiot, so he got ticked off that we wanted to leave and turned around to wrap our sandwiches and took all of the toppings off and wrapped them up.  We then drove to the sunken gardens to eat and when we got there we saw that our sandwiches were now just bread, a little meat and some mayo.  I called M&N;on Monday and told the person in charge about the incident and he told me that if I really had a problem with it then I would have drove right back to the shop and complained then, and not waited until Monday.  But in reality I did not want the mental midget that was working there touching anything that I was going to eat, and I could tell that complaining to him was going to have no positive outcome.  So since the owner obviously does not care if he keeps customers or not, I have decided that I will help him out by doing what I can to make sure that people steer clear of his shop.  I am willing to give any place 3 chances to keep my business, and there are very few places in this town that I will not spend my money, but M&N;sandwich shop is #1 on my places to avoid list.

That’s awful Elliboom!  I don’t blame you a bit for your reaction and subsequent approach.

I have never seen anyone, other than Norm, the owner, working there.  His wife usually helps at the register and soda machine, but that’s it.  Maybe that’s why the fellow you encountered isn’t working there anymore.  Norm isn’t the best person to offer training on customer service, but I have never had a bad experience there like you relate.  I guess if I ever see someone other than Norm making sandwiches I’ll rethink my lunch options.

foxspit,

I have taken your list down.  As a new citizen of Lincoln (well, since March 2006), I have yet to branch out beyond the fast food.  I have have eaten at Yia-Yia’s, Shanghai Palace, and Blue Orchid, but that’s as far as I’ve gone.  My stomach really, really, really desires more than what I’ve been providing.  Thanks for a “jumping-off” point!

DKay - Not sure where you live at, work at, or spend most of your day, but let me add - if you are near downtown - a few casual lunch time winners are the ever reliable Ali Baba’s and La Mexicana, and Danny’s Deli or High Nooner’s for sandwiches. Really it depends on which part of Lincoln is closest to you. Exploring on your own helps a lot. I’ve noticed that good places here can come and go very quickly - either they are embraced and do well, or fail due to bad location. Lincolnites are amazingly conservative in their tastes and habits, so you really have to seek out what is best for you.

Big yes to El Portrero on foxspit’s list.  Went for lunch on a weekday.  It was very busy but we didn’t wait for a table or service.  Food was really good.  I will go back regularly.

Should also mention the El Chapparo on 13th and F. Unless you are taking out, go early as its always packed for lunch and they have a small dining area.

Mr. T - 06 September 2007 12:23 PM

Should also mention the El Chapparo on 13th and F. Unless you are taking out, go early as its always packed for lunch and they have a small dining area.

I’ve heard good things about El Chapparo but haven’t been there yet.

Its really good. On a few of their dishes they put freshly sliced avocado on things. They also use some of that crumbly white cheese on some of their dishes too (i.e. the “real” Mexican cheese). But it is a tiny establishment so if you hope to get a table go before the usual lunch crowd shows up. Very reasonable prices too. I consider it a real gem.

Mr. T - 07 September 2007 12:36 PM

Its really good. On a few of their dishes they put freshly sliced avocado on things. They also use some of that crumbly white cheese on some of their dishes too (i.e. the “real” Mexican cheese). But it is a tiny establishment so if you hope to get a table go before the usual lunch crowd shows up. Very reasonable prices too. I consider it a real gem.

I’ve never eaten there either, maybe it’s time to give it a try.

Foxspit - Being as its close to your workplace, I definitely suggest you hit it some day. Go early! The dining area is smaller than a pinhead, so it fills up quick. Maybe we can get a group together someday.

Mr. T - 17 September 2007 07:27 PM

Foxspit - Being as its close to your workplace, I definitely suggest you hit it some day. Go early! The dining area is smaller than a pinhead, so it fills up quick. Maybe we can get a group together someday.

Heck yeah! That’s a great idea!