RESTAURANTS
Oso Burrito (1451 O St.)
Burritos are easily the best food ever. Protein, carbohydrates and veggies all wrapped into the most amazing invention since sliced bread: the tortilla. While a much similar format, Oso Burrito is much better than corporate counterparts Qdoba and Chipotle for many reasons. Notably, the choices are amazing. Buffalo, jerk seasonings, barbecue and Thai peanut are among the crazy flavors you might find in your burrito. Lunch specials include the awesome big nachos and fish tacos. For you vegans and vegetarians, there are plenty of options without animal products that are still just as filling as any with meat. And yes, they also serve alcohol, so the 21+ crowd can get their Corona on with salsa and chips. All you hipsters out there can sleep easy knowing your money is going local.
Highnooners (1414 O St.)
Seeing as we don't live in a perfect world, it would be impossible to find quality food close to campus that's also cheap. However, lucky UNL students will notice that Highnooners is located somewhere between our dimension and that of an amazing universe. A cheap breakfast and lunch is offered right downtown every day: sandwiches, salads and other quick and easy foods.
Yia Yia's (1423 O St,)
Yia Yia's won the 2011 Daily Nebraskan restaurant bracket, and for good reason. Yia Yia's makes pizza that puts Sbarro to shame. You can order by the slice or a full pizza, and the bar has one of the largest selections of beer in Lincoln. Slices are themed by geography, the American, the Southern and the Francais, to name a few. You'll find delicious cheese, meats and veggies on each slice, which come with a hunk of bread and butter. There are also vegan options that keep meals inclusive. The space itself offers a nice patio for warmer days and a spacious interior that includes pool tables and large booths. Yia Yia's is great for an all-in-one group experience.
Thai Garden (245 N. 13th St.)
Sure, it's no Blue Orchid (129 N. 10th St.), but it's still pretty fantastic. This little mom-and-pop hole-in-the-wall caters to college students looking for some ethnic cuisine on a very limited budget. Most meals are less than $10, and the portions are just right to take a little home with you. Sure, you're going to forget about it in your dorm room fridge until it starts to mold over, but it feels good putting something in there beyond Mountain Dew.
La Mexicana (1637 P St., Suite B)
Tucked in the back of a Mexican grocery store, La Mexicana has been hailed by many college students as the best Mexican food within walking distance of City Campus. The chips are warm, the salsa is spicy and, when you're old enough, the margaritas are stah-rong. What more could one ask for in a Mexican restaurant? The Morales family, which also owns other Mexican restaurants around Lincoln, have this process down to a science. They serve tasty food in a reasonable amount of time. And, there's no better way to try out the Spanish you learned in 101 than by talking with a native speaker.
MUSIC VENUES
Knickerbockers Bar & Grill (901 O St.)
Knickerbockers is a top choice among musicians to play in Lincoln, and for good reason. It is perfectly located between the downtown O Street strip and the Haymarket. Both national and local acts play every week. Early shows are all ages and start at 6 p.m., while 18+ shows start at 9 p.m. Cover charges range from $5 to $20, depending on the act. The space itself is deep, allowing for larger crowds, yet when the shows are smaller, it still creates an intimate feel. Every Thursday, tacos are served from 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. So come out for the best tacos 25 cents can buy.
Duffy's Tavern (1412 O St.)
Duffy's Tavern recently celebrated its 25th year of putting on shows. In this time, it has put on hundreds of great shows, including one of the few Nirvana appearances in Nebraska. The space is a bit cramped but offers a great view of the stage from the bar. For smokers, the beer garden located out back is a great place to hang out and catch some fresh air. Duffy's is famous for its fishbowl, a large drink perfectly suitable for 2-4 people. Duffy's often plays host to a comedy night, which like any other themed night in the Midwest, is hit or miss. Early shows are all ages; after 9 p.m., the bar becomes 19+.
Bourbon Theatre (1415 O St.)
Bourbon Theatre is one of the largest venues downtown that showcases many of the larger shows in Lincoln, such as New Found Glory, Senses Fail and the annual hip-hop showcase. Larger shows aside, the front house sports a nice bar and lounge area that is also used for smaller shows. What's great about the smaller shows is the house-show feeling and energy. Many of Bourbon's larger shows are all ages, however be advised that some are 18+ or 21+.
Zoo Bar (136 N. 14th St.)
Zoo Bar is downtown's most history-steeped venue. Walking in, you'll see posters plastered all over the walls from past events. Zoo Bar is best known for its blues and jazz bands, however, don't let that keep you from coming if you're not a fan. Zoo Bar offers an extremely intimate venue, boasting a narrow space with somewhat cramped seating. It's a perfect place to sit down and relax while listening to great music. Zoo Bar hosts open blues jam nights and plays host to the Academy of Rock's blues class. Early shows are all ages and later shows are 18+.
Duggan's Pub (440 S. 11th St.)
An easily forgotten gem, Duggan's Pub is located on the outskirts of downtown. Don't let the hole-in-the-wall exterior scare you: This place is actually a great venue for shows. The sound quality is easily one of the best in Lincoln. What the stage lacks in depth, it makes up for in width, being able to comfortably host the 11-member reggae roots band Ashanti. The bar itself has plenty of seating in the back, making it comfortable for the less dance-inclined public to enjoy a show while still having space for a decent dance floor. Shows range from free to $10 and are more often than not all ages. Both bands and show-goers need to give the derelict venue a chance, It will be more than worth the long walk.
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