Nighspots, Dayspots: Eating Drinking and the Nightlife in Lincoln, NE

One dayspot that I recommend is the Watering Hole located on O street right next to Walgreen's. It is a pleasant little pub that serves lunch daily during the week from 11 till 2. They will serve you soda, or your favorite spirit. They actually have a variety of beers, lagers, and ales on tap. If you haven't noticed I am a beer connoisseur. What to have for lunch? I highly recommend the Reuben and onion rings. of course you can have fries, but why when you can brush your teeth just before you clock back in to work. Now they are not a fancy restaurant, in fact you will get your tasty meal in a basket lined with newspaper. This quaint little quirk allows you to read yesterdays newspaper, all the while eating a glorious meal. The other thing I would recommend is the buffalo wings at the Watering Hole. They are a great appetizer for any occasion. Go there after work to wind down, and get to know your competition. Decent prices, good food, decent drinks, and good times what more can you ask for. You can also get your orders to go.

You need good coffee? and You work downtown? Then I recommend Scooter's Coffee. This little gem is the true competition for Starbuck's Coffee downtown. You can get your coffee, latte, or cappuccino, at a reasonable price with a variety flavors. You can even get tea. They are in the Gold's Building on the Corner of 11th and O Streets. They also serve a variety of pastries, muffins, and bagels. So go on, enjoy yourself.

Short on cash then head over to Burger King on 25th and O street. They have a meal of the day every day for only $3.99, and the meal is different every day. I usually go on Tuesdays and Fridays, because of the double cheeseburger and BK Stacker are served on those days. and for a King sized meal it's a measly $5.07. Your sides can include fries (default) and onion rings. There might be others, but I remember those because I exchange the former for the latter.

Like Mexican? Go to El Chapparro on 13th and F or at 2100 North 48th Street. This quaint little restaurant is also a little gem. You can get a variety of good Hispanic foods at a decent price. I highly recommend the fajitas mixtas or mixed fajitas. The spicy but good meats are a blend of beef, chicken and shrimp. It comes with a salad, beans and rice, along with five Corn or flour tortillas. Trust me you won't go away hungry. They have a variety of Pepsi products on tap, or bottled pop. It's the only restaurant where I have seen bottled Coke. Enjoy a little of Hispania today!

Jimmy John's is also located downtown on the corner of 14th and O.  Its good for lunch, dinner, and after the bars close.  They have a variety of subs, chips, drinks, pickles and cookies and all at a reasonable price.  They also deliver to your home, or office.

I will continue to add new restaurants as time goes on, but these are a good start.

Downtown Lincoln has a variety of clubs, bars, and pubs to enjoy. My favorite first night spot on Fridays is Iguana's Pub. They have $3.00 long islands, and for a quarter more you can have add a fruit flavor like apple, watermelon, cherry, strawberry, and others. I recommend if you don't like the hardcore citrus of the regular long island, then try the apple, and/or the watermelon. But watch out they can sneak up on you and bite you in the butt.

Next, is Duffy's and their famous fishbowls, for twenty dollars you can get this fishbowl full of alcohol that seems to glow a neon blue. I wouldn't drink it but, it is extremely popular. They also have a variety of beer, ale, and lager on tap.

If you are a college student, or a wannabe, then go to Woody's Pub. They serve long islands for $2.50, and they are decent. not great, but still decent. They used a ready made mix for long islands and T.G.I. Fridays they are not. Still a decent pub to meet your friends.

Across the street from Woody's, you have Brothers. I do not have the vaguest idea what the connotations of the name, but it is a decent sports bar. Their Jaegerbombs will probably get you into trouble if you drink too many.

To the west of Brothers, you can go to O'Rourke's Tavern. This quaint little pub is a good place to go after winding down at the Watering Hole which is a few doors down. or you can go to Cliff's for a variety of kamikazes of different flavors. Try the watermelon, because it tastes like a jolly rancher candy, only in liquid form.

To the east of Brothers, you have Sandy's. This bar used to be the favorite haunt of the Husker football team in the nineties, but not so much now. Next to Sandy's is Dillinger's, a dance club that I never seem to go to but my friends do.

Last but not least, Go to the Bricktop, next to Yia-Yia's Pizza. This Dance club is always happening around 11:00 or 11:30. I have to warn you though around this time the line to the bar is long, and you have to watch out for impatient people who try to cut in front of you. This bar also is the only one that has a truly free pool table in the downtown area. They play Dance, techno, every night of the week. On Sundays, its eighties night. So go down and listen or dance, your choice. They serve a variety of wine, beer, or spirits. But bring your money, because if you like a name-brand Liquor you will pay more, around $4.00 or more for a drink. Grey Goose on the rocks for example is $7.00. Their premier shot is the Maddachew. Its a jello shot for $2.00. I really don't like jello so it's not for me. On their anniversary, all of their drinks are half price, in celebration of continued business.

Or if you want to see half-naked women, there are two gentleman's clubs that I will recommend. One is the Night Before Located on 11th and M, and the other is the Viper Room, located at 640 West Prospector. The Viper Room used to be the Office. One of My best Friends, River works there. It has good drinks, and hot women, what more can you ask for. Both clubs charge a $3.00 cover, but they are both decent and clean. Remember if you have a camera cell phone, do not pull it out, as pictures are not allowed, and you will be asked to leave. Also dancers are only allowed to dance on the stage, not on the floor.

At the Night Before, watch out for Kat, a crazy but fun red-head, who tends to break her high heels. The last time I was there, she actually broke one on my ribs, and I had a bruise for a while, but you only live once.

Drinks at both clubs are expensive, but I do recommend the Liquid Cocaines. Drink these only if you like pineapple, otherwise drinks are a minimum of $5.50 at the Night Before, and $3.75 at the Viper Room.

Next door to the Night Before, is a karaoke bar, The Beacon Lounge. If you like to sing or think you can sing, head there to prove your crooning prowess. Drinks are reasonably priced with specials throughout the week.

Don't like to go out, but don't want to cook, then call Valentino's and ask for the Family pack #2, delivered to your home. You get lasagna, a salad, bread-sticks, a small one topping pizza, and a two liter Pepsi Product for $23.53. there Are larger Packs Like the Family Pack #1 which Is $23.99 plus tax and delivery charge and contains items similar to Pack #2 but in larger Portions. And they deliver on a busy Friday night within a half-hour. Perfect for a cozy night home with a loved one and a movie.