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Best of Lincoln

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THE PEOPLE’S LOCAL FAVORITES

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A starting point for exploring Lincoln

Explore a shortlist from our researched local directory. Each group explains how its places were selected. These suggestions are separate from the community votes above and do not represent a citywide award.

Each profile links to its sources. Ratings, where available, can change. Use the heart on a photo to save a place for later.

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Local restaurants to get to know

Independent kitchens, neighborhood cafes and places for your next meal.

An alphabetical selection of researched local places. This is not a rating or popularity ranking.

Japanese restaurant

Akita Hibachi Express

Japanese restaurant · 5940 Havelock Ave

Akita Hibachi Express is a family-owned and operated Japanese restaurant located in the heart of Lincoln, Nebraska, at 5940 Havelock Avenue. The restaurant serves Japanese hibachi cuisine and believes that great food brings people together. The menu features freshly grilled hibachi dishes made to order with a choice of steak, chicken, shrimp, or vegetables, served with fried rice, noodles, and signature sauces. The restaurant also offers a variety of appetizers, including Takoyaki, Fried Gyoza, and Shrimp Tempura, as well as a range of sushi options, such as the Samurai Roll and the Caterpillar Roll. Akita Hibachi Express offers a range of services, including drive-thru, dine-in, takeout, and delivery. The restaurant also provides catering services and has a happy hour menu. Customers can order online or contact the restaurant directly to place an order or inquire about catering options. The restaurant is committed to providing delicious, high-quality hibachi meals at affordable prices, with a focus on friendly service and consistent quality. Akita Hibachi Express is proud to be part of the Lincoln community and supports the people who support them.

Bar

Alchemy Aqua Vitae

Bar · 140 N 8th St

Alchemy Aqua Vitae is a bar located in the heart of Lincoln's Historic Haymarket District, offering a unique experience with its elegant take on mid-18th century Gothic design. The bar boasts an extensive selection of over 100 whiskies, including notable brands such as Macallan, Glenlivet, and Johnnie Walker, as well as a variety of wines and other drinks. Alchemy provides a sophisticated atmosphere, complete with stained glass, Red Mahogany, and dark tufted lounge chairs, making it an ideal venue for private events, including wedding receptions, business meetings, and birthday celebrations. The bar offers custom-tailored options for private events, including custom cocktails, flower arrangements, and food menus, as well as amenities such as a 4k HD projector and screen, music playlists, and full-service cocktail wait staff. Located at 140 N. 8th Street, Suite 150, Lincoln, NE 68508, Alchemy is situated in the historic Apothecary Building, with patio seating overlooking the main streets of the Haymarket, perfect for people watching.

Salvadoran restaurant

Anna’s Pupusas

Salvadoran restaurant · 5925 Adams St

Anna's Pupusa Truck is a Salvadoran restaurant located in Lincoln, Nebraska, specializing in pupusas. The business is owned by Anna, who was born in El Salvador and moved to the United States at 17. Her story is one of resilience and passion, and her food truck is a culmination of her journey. The restaurant focuses on making pupusas with precision and dedication, using hand-kneaded masa and top-quality, locally sourced ingredients. They offer a variety of pupusas, including classic bean-and-cheese and new twists like the Spicy Honey Chicken. Every pupusa is made to order and served hot. Anna's Pupusa Truck is more than just a food truck - it's a way for Anna to connect with her Salvadorian roots and share her story with the community. The truck is available for events, including weddings, graduations, and parties. They also offer a menu item called Agua de Jamaica. The truck is located at 5925 Adams St. in Lincoln, Nebraska, and can be contacted at 402-217-7696 or Anna.pupusatruck@gmail.com. Customers have praised the restaurant for its delicious food and friendly staff.

Beer bar

Arbor Axe House

Beer bar · 1821 N St

Arbor Axe House is a local bar and axe throwing venue in Lincoln, Nebraska, where axe throwing is fun and easy. The venue offers the best craft beers around, and axe coaches are available to show customers the ropes. The business has various deals and discounts, including Half-Price Wednesday, where throwing is 50% off, and Thirsty Thursdays, where domestic beers are $3 all day long. The venue is located at 1821 N Street, Lincoln, NE 68508, on the Southeast corner of N Street and Antelope Valley Parkway. Customers can contact the business by calling (402) 802-9696 or emailing contact@arboraxe.com. The business also has a mobile axe throwing trailer, Benny's Battle Barge, which can be reserved for company events, birthday parties, or get-togethers. Arbor Axe House is committed to uplifting the city of Lincoln, the sport of axe throwing, and the wider community. The business has partnered with local businesses and non-profits in the Telegraph District, Downtown Lincoln, and the greater Lincoln area to build a local community of support.

Cafe

Art & Soul

Cafe · 5740 Hidcote Dr

Art & Soul is a cafe and bar in Lincoln, Nebraska, established by the Slattery Family. The business aims to provide a welcoming place for people to gather, create, and be inspired. The cafe operates a made-from-scratch menu, and the business also offers cooking and art classes. Additionally, Art & Soul hosts private events, providing a unique space for various occasions. The story of Art & Soul began with Jim and Marilyn Slattery, who raised their children in Lincoln. Marilyn taught art to students of all ages from her home studio, instilling a rich blend of artistic and entrepreneurial spirit in their children. The success of Art & Soul can be attributed to the dedication of its employees and the support of its valued guests. The business remains family-involved, with all the Slatterys still participating in its operations. Art & Soul can be contacted through phone or email for inquiries and bookings. The business is located at 5740 Hidcote Dr A, Lincoln, NE 68516, USA, and offers a range of activities, including classes and events, such as the upcoming art and cooking classes.

Thai restaurant

Asian Taste Thai Restaurant

Thai restaurant · 501 W A St

Asian Taste Thai Restaurant is located in Lincoln, Nebraska. The restaurant can be contacted by phone at (402) 904-6648 or by email at asiantaste@gmail.com. It is situated at 501 West A Street, Suite 102, Lincoln, NE 68522. Customers have the option to order online from the restaurant's menu. The restaurant also partners with food delivery services such as GrubHub and Doordash.

Independent shops worth exploring

Browse locally rooted shops and find something beyond the usual chains.

An alphabetical selection of researched local places. This is not a rating or popularity ranking.

Womens clothing store

3 Daughters Boutique

Womens clothing store · 311 N 8th St #102

3 Daughters Boutique is a women's clothing store located in Lincoln, Nebraska, offering a curated collection of chic apparel, accessories, and unique gifts. The boutique features a diverse selection of clothing and accessories, including tops, bottoms, and game day gear, with a variety of prices, fits, and brands to choose from. At 3 Daughters Boutique, the mission is to help women of all ages recognize their beauty and feel confident and fabulous, one outfit at a time. The boutique aims to create a space that embraces community and empowerment, where generations of women can connect, support, and shop together. Located at 311 N 8th St, Suite 102 in Lincoln, customers can visit the store or get in touch by phone at 531.289.1411, and can also follow the boutique on social media to stay updated on special offers and events.

Fashion boutique

555 Boutique

Fashion boutique · 643 Fallbrook Blvd Ste 105

555 Boutique is a fashion boutique located in Lincoln, Nebraska, with two convenient storefront locations, one in South Lincoln and the other in North Lincoln in the Fallbrook Town Square. The boutique carries a wide range of clothing brands and styles for women of all ages and sizes, with each piece hand-selected by the team to ensure the latest fashion trends are available. In addition to clothing, 555 Boutique also offers a full spa connected to the boutique, providing a one-stop shop for pampering, as well as permanent jewelry by appointment only at the Fallbrook location. The boutique is owned by Melanie and offers a variety of products, including tops, bottoms, dresses, and accessories, with the goal of providing customers with the latest fashion trends and a great shopping experience. Customers can stay up to date on sales and events by signing up for the boutique's email newsletter, and can also contact the boutique through email or by visiting one of the storefront locations.

Antique store

Aardvark Antique Mall

Antique store · 5800 Arbor Rd

The Aardvark Antique Mall in Lincoln, Nebraska, is a unique shopping destination with an ever-changing inventory of antiques, collectibles, vintage items, and more. The mall features 600 booths and cases from 250 vendors, offering a wide range of products including furniture, decor, toys, signs, coins, jewelry, and much more. Located at 5800 Arbor Road, the mall is easily accessible from I-80 and Exit 405, making it a convenient stop for those looking to spend the day treasure hunting or browsing through the various booths and cases. The Aardvark Antique Mall is a great resource for those planning a wedding, repurposing, up-cycling, or furnishing and decorating a home or apartment, with friendly and helpful staff available to assist customers.

Brewing supply store

Alpha Brewing Operations

Brewing supply store · 5401 Alvo Rd

Alpha Brewing Operations is a business located in Lincoln, Nebraska, that specializes in equipment and canning systems for beer brewers and beverage makers. The company offers a range of products, including beverage systems, pilot systems, fermenters, brite tanks, serving tanks, foeders, keg washers, and canning equipment. Alpha Brewing Operations also provides services such as technical support, brewery consultation and design, project management, and commissioning and training. The company's product offerings include brewing systems, brewhouses and brewing systems, clean in place systems, glycol chillers, grist mills and grain handling, and steam boilers. Alpha Brewing Operations can be contacted by phone at 402-474-BREW (2739) or by email at support@alphabevops.com, and is located at 5401 Alvo Road in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Antique store

Antique Anthology

Antique store · 6030 Havelock Ave

Antique Anthology is a unique shop located in Lincoln, Nebraska, offering a wide range of products to beautify one's life and home decor. The shop features antiques, textiles, gifts, apothecary items, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind items. The shop is situated at 6030 Havelock Ave, Lincoln, NE 68507, and can be contacted at 402-782-4247. Customers have the option to shop online or visit the store in person. Antique Anthology also hosts events, and customers can book their own events at the shop. The shop's design and products are showcased on their Instagram page, where customers can follow them for updates. In addition to shopping, Antique Anthology provides information on shipping and returns for online purchases. Customers can also sign up for the shop's newsletter to stay informed about upcoming events and new products.

Building supply store

Arbor Industries

Building supply store · 6600 Fletcher Ave

Arbor Industries, Inc. is located in Lincoln, Nebraska, and is the largest pallet and crate manufacturer and remanufacturer in the Lincoln area. The company has over 55,000 square feet of manufacturing space to accommodate any order. Arbor Industries, Inc. offers custom pallet and crate design, as well as heat treatment stamping for international shipping. They provide hardwood or softwood, domestic or international pallets, and can design a crate according to a customer's specifications or build it according to their specs. The company has a strong focus on customer service, with a mission to form long-lasting relationships by working alongside customers to provide the best solution for their pallet and crate needs. Their values include being an accountable partner, having a relentless commitment to safety, working together with customers, and being operationally innovative. Arbor Industries, Inc. is a member of the Western Pallet Association and the National Wood Pallet and Container Association, giving them access to the NWPCA's Pallet Design System. This allows them to design a pallet specifically to meet a customer's packaging needs. The company is located off Interstate 80 at Exit #405 in Lincoln, Nebraska, and can be contacted through their website or by phone at 402-464-5021. They have a contact form on their website for customers to submit questions or requests for quotes.

Make a day of it

Museums, galleries and cultural stops from our city directory.

An alphabetical selection of researched local places. This is not a rating or popularity ranking.

Music venue

Abendmusik Lincoln

Music venue · 2000 D St

Abendmusik Lincoln is a nonprofit corporation located at 2000 D Street, Lincoln, NE 68502. It presents and produces innovative and meaningful music programming of the highest artistic quality. Abendmusik was founded by Jack Levick, who had a vision of First-Plymouth Church becoming a gathering place for the community to experience music that inspires. The organization has been producing concerts for five decades, featuring a wide range of choral, instrumental, and organ music. The organization has a diverse repertoire, including works by renowned composers such as Beethoven, Brahms, and Mozart. Abendmusik has also commissioned and performed many new works, particularly those by Nebraska composers. The organization has hosted many acclaimed national and international touring ensembles, including the Cambridge Singers and the Vienna Boys Choir. Abendmusik's concerts are held at First-Plymouth Church, which provides an ideal environment for experiencing music. The organization has a strong connection to the community and has been recognized for its contributions to the arts. Abendmusik is operated in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and provides accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Abendmusik offers a variety of concerts and events throughout the year, including the annual Last Blast on New Year's Eve and the Youth Masterworks Festival. The organization also provides opportunities for local musicians to perform and collaborate with other artists. Abendmusik's mission is to provide music that inspires and enriches the community.

Art gallery

Art Chapel

Art gallery · 1302 F St

The Art Chapel is a community art center located in Lincoln, Nebraska, offering low to no-cost classes for all ages and skill levels. The center strives to engage, inspire, and foster creativity while sharing the love of Christ through art, and aims to build connections, learning new skills, and embracing the beauty of community. The Art Chapel provides various events and programs, including Autumn Woodland Painting, Open Studio, Fall Leaf Quilling Workshop, and Art Chapel Makers Market, which bring together local artists, makers, and creatives to share and sell their work. The center is open for unguided personal creation time during Open Studio sessions, where participants can bring their own project or art to work on, and a selection of materials and projects are available. The Art Chapel is located at 1302 F Street, Lincoln, NE 68508, and can be contacted through their website, where visitors can also sign up for classes, book a studio, or donate to support the center.

Museum

AVDude

Museum · 1200 Eldon Dr

AVDude LLC is a business located in Lincoln, Nebraska, listed under the category of Arts & culture, specifically as a museum. However, based on the provided text, it appears that AVDude LLC is actually a photography and videography service. Michael Reinmiller, also known as AVDude, is the person behind the business, and he has been working in digital photography and videography since 2000. His work includes capturing various events such as weddings, theatre, and corporate media production, as well as portrait and event photography. Michael's services also include drone work, and he has a passion for people, which is reflected in his work. He is able to adapt to technological changes, making his shoots up-to-date and professional. The business has a presence on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, where Michael shares his recent work and updates. He also provides links to download his photos and videos, and he gives credits to his clients and collaborators.

Arts and culture

Backyard Farmer Garden

Arts and culture · 3850 Center St

Backyard Farmer Garden is located in Lincoln, Nebraska, and is categorized under Arts & culture. It is associated with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. The Backyard Farmer team is composed of extension educators and field experts who provide practical gardening advice. They have a wealth of knowledge in horticulture, lawn care, landscapes, pest management, and sustainable practices. Backyard Farmer serves as a trusted source for helping individuals grow healthier lawns and plants, maintain beautiful gardens, and enjoy their landscape more fully. The team assists with gardening needs, including topics such as insects, turf, weeds, rots, spots, landscapes, fruits, vegetables, wildlife management, and landscape design. The team can be reached through a live show every Thursday night from April to September, where they answer gardening and landscape questions. They can also be contacted via email or phone. Additionally, Backyard Farmer has a podcast and merchandise available. Backyard Farmer is affiliated with various departments, including the Department of Agronomy & Horticulture, Department of Entomology, Department of Pesticide Education, and Department of Plant Pathology, among others. They can be contacted through the University of Nebraska–Lincoln website or by phone.

Music venue

Bodega's Alley

Music venue · 1418 O St

Bodega's Alley is a music venue located in the heart of O Street in Lincoln, Nebraska. It hosts local and touring acts, offering a space for live music and entertainment. The venue is known for its specialty cocktails, including the Back Alley Burner, Bodega Berry, Coconut Freight Train, O Street Sunset, Strawberry Lemon, and Sunshine Daydream. Each drink has a unique combination of ingredients and garnishes. In addition to its drink menu, Bodega's Alley also offers signature shots, such as the Kodak Shot, Stella Blue, Smoke & Mirrors, Bodega Blaze, and Bodega Bomb. The venue aims to provide a fun and energetic atmosphere, describing itself as a 'late-night hideaway' with 'basement party vibes'. Bodega's Alley can be found at 1418 O Street in Lincoln, and it can be contacted through email at bodegasalleylnk@gmail.com or by phone at (402) 413-1615. The venue encourages visitors to come for the music and stay for the chaos. The space is designed to keep the energy loud and unapologetically fun, making it a unique spot in Lincoln's entertainment scene.

Music venue

Bourbon Theatre

Music venue · 1415 O St

Bourbon Theatre is a music venue located at 1415 O St. in Lincoln, Nebraska. It was originally a turn-of-the-century movie theater and has undergone renovations to become a premier music venue in the Midwest. The theatre hosts a diverse range of events, including rock, country, rap, blues, and other genres. Notable artists who have performed at the venue include Twenty One Pilots, Nas, Morgan Wallen, and many more. Bourbon Theatre is situated in downtown Lincoln, near the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and is a part of the city's vibrant entertainment scene. The venue's unique and intimate space makes it a popular destination for live music fans. Visitors can book tickets online or in person, and the venue offers a mailing list for those who want to stay up-to-date on upcoming events.

Want a different neighborhood or cuisine? Search all 377 places in our directory →. These selections are not paid placements.