Taste of Lincoln

A co-worker and I were having a conversation about a place he went to over the weekend.  He lives in the area, but had never been there before.  After hearing about the older lady at the counter and her son behind the counter, I interrupted him (hopefully kindly) and asked if it was Greg’s Drive-In (1202 N Cotner Blvd).  We both got a kick out of the fact that we have lived here well over 10 years and never heard anyone talk about the place.

My first experience was a few months ago with my entire family.  We had a bad experience with service and another restaurant in the area and just needed a place to get something for the kids.  I saw Greg’s Drive-In across the street and we gave it a try.  Despite being empty at noon on a Saturday, we had a fantastic hamburger and fries.  I have nothing but positive words for the service we received from Greg and his mom.  The interior is decorated with model airplanes and interesting aviation pictures.

Can anyone else comment on Greg’s?  How long has it been there?  Why has it been empty the times we have been by it?

My wife and I made it there for opening day, and then my kids and I made a return trip the next day for a quick dinner.

The Burgers
There are two sizes, the regular (which has two hamburger patties) and the little (which has one).   In both cases, I stuck with the little bacon cheeseburger, ketchup and mustard only.  It’s good, but not great like I was hoping.  PO Pears (R.I.P) and Red Robin still have a better burger in my opinion.

The Fries
The best advice I got from the helpful employee was to share even the regular size of fries.  Not only do they fill the container full, they dump an extra helping in your bag for good measure.  The fries are fresh cut from potatoes (that are stored in the dining area).  Opening day, I got the cajun seasoning, but I actually liked the plain that I had on day two better.

The Hot Dog
My 3 year old isn’t much for burgers, so she got the cheese hot dog.  I snuck a bite, and if you want a hidden gem here, get one of these!!!  With all the talk about the arena, 5 Guys Hot Dogs should be considered on the vendor list.

My Verdict
I’m very pleased that we have burger and fries option downtown again.  As you wait for your food (and over the next few weeks it will be a long one) you can grab a dish of peanuts on the way in.  My only real gripe is the price.  I’m often criticized for liking Reb Robin which has $10+ hamburgers.  But at 5 Guys, the burger is $4.50, the fries are $3.00 and a regular soda is $2. I’m not sure if I’ll be a regular, but I know I’ll be there often.

I live on the north side of town, so I’m allowed to complain.  After going to an appointment this morning, I passed North Star High School.  On the east side by the gas station, there is a new Amigos/Kings/Kopeli going in.  This is in the old Fox Den pizza location.

I hope it doesn’t kill Taco Inn traffic, but it makes sense to be across from a high school.  It just pisses me off that we can’t sustain a decent restaurant north of O street.  Maybe a cool little Italian place.  I’d go for a little take-out something or other.  Just something aside from another fast food joint…Way to go North Lincoln!!!

Still don’t have any information on the exact location downtown, but I was at Panera today and there was a woman with a Five Guys shirt interviewing someone.  They must be getting close if they are starting to hire…I don’t have any experience with this chain, but a burger is a welcome addition to the coffee shop / sandwich overload around my office.

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