For no reason in particular, Tico's recently popped into my head. I haven't thought about Tico's in ages. Even when I drive right past it on 17th Street I barely give it a thought.
I'm curious if this "out of mind" phenomenon is unique to me, or if Tico's -- by all rights a bit of a Lincoln landmark -- is really fading from the local consciousness. Have you eaten at Tico's lately? (I haven't.) Do you know anybody who has? (I don't.)
I loved Tico's when I was a kid. During my teenage years I liked to get the three- or four-item platter. The huge plate of food, combined with plenty of complimentary chips and salsa and a bowl of soup, was among the few things that could truly leave me stuffed. Oh, and the food tasted good, too. I suppose I should mention that. These days, though, my tastes for Mexican food have changed a bit. I'd just as soon have a torta from a mom and pop joint as a "fancy" (ahem) dinner at Tico's.
Anyway, back to the original question. I still believe Tico's has a role in Lincoln's dining scene. But who's keeping it going these days? Is it you?
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We formerly—ever since it opened—dined at Tico’s a few times each year. Then, about four years ago, we had several disappointments in a row regarding the quality/quantity of food. Greasy food, under-cooked food, and, once, a skimpy portion of an old favorite item all contributed to us scratching them off our list of go-to restaurants. It was sad…
Anyone go there when it was “Here’s Johnny’s” restaurant? Or, am I the only really old “Lincolnite” reader?
I just ate there - I think it was in 1987 or 1988. I guess that’s not very recent is it?
Sidenote: The sandwich place next door to Iguana’s closed down already.
Wait, there was a sandwich place next to Iguana’s? Since when? You mean where Billy Brown’s used to be? (I don’t remember what was there before BB’s.)
I’ve always thought Tico’s was highly overrated.
was balee 1 I think. Sign on the door said they were moving to north 27th, but nobody knows where yet.
I’m not certain, but I think Stacy’s talking about the place to the west of Iguana’s; Ba Lee was east of Lazzari’s, which is east of Iguana’s.
The place that used to be Taco Bueno, then d’Leons then it turned into a Vietnamese sandwich shop (I think it was Vietnamese).
Oh, ok then. Yes, Ba Lee packed up and left for lower-rent pastures. A wise fiscal move, but it means I won’t get to enjoy their awesomeness very often.
I thought you meant whatever’s going into the Billy Brown’s location, a few spots to the west. I didn’t think it—whatever “it” is—had even opened yet.
I remember Mr. Korbelik recently saying something nice about Tico’s.
He is the only person I have heard say anything at all about Tico’s in at least 5 years.
Maybe he is keeping it in business.
When I go to an event at Pershing, I will often meet friends or family at Tico’s either before or after. Tico’s usually has a pretty full house when there is a concert or show at Pershing. I wonder what will happen to them when the new arena is built.
Sorry, not very good at adding links.
http://journalstar.com/special-section/interactive/article_f84a62ca-a0b3-11df-bfc6-001cc4c03286.html
As a downtown denizen, I think it sucks that Ba Lee has moved to North 27th. I am glad they will go on to fight another day (in what will hopefully be a better location for them) but I will miss those catfish sandwiches for lunch.
Downtown LNK seriously needs a good Pho and Banh Mi place. I wonder - had Ba Lee offered Pho as well if they would still have their DT location?
I go to Tico’s probably once every few months. It was always a place I enjoyed as a kid. My brother still considers it his favorite restaurant and eats there probably once or twice per month.
We eat lunch at Ticos probably about every other month. I’ve always loved their chips and I also enjoy their chili rellenos. They make a great pork sauce.
We’ve also gone to Ticos prior to a couple of football games. They usually seem to have a goodly amount of business, so obviously they are holding their own in the downtown restaurant scene.
I think it’s great to have businesses that have weathered several decades.
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