Taste of Lincoln

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!!!

Thanks to the crew over at Lincolnite for blogging about this DN article.  I too remember George’s and Knickerbockers for cheap taco’s.  I need to hit this up again.

http://www.dailynebraskan.com/features/lincoln-bars-offer-varying-quality-and-price-for-tacos-1.1735806

It’s not worth restating that the city of Lincoln has plenty of “authentic” Mexican restaurants these days.  So when I had the opportunity to give Las Herraduras (1st and O Street) a try, I wasn’t expecting much.  I never went to the place that was there before, but it looks like they did a lot to the inside of the place to make it nice.  For what it’s worth, here is my take on the place:

The Good

• Probably the best salsa I’ve ever had.  Depending on your style, this is more on the saucy side instead of the chunky style some people prefer.  The chips were not stale and just the right amount of salt.
• The menu is huge.  I wanted to try something new, but ended up with the #21: Burrito La Herradura.  Basically it was a steak burrito with beans and rice in it.
• Service.  I was in a hurry and there only appeared to be one server over the lunch hour.  It wasn’t packed, but they were busy.  He did a great job taking care of us.
• American options on the kids menu.  My kids just don’t care for Mexican so it was nice to have the option.

Suggestions

• For the quality, I don’t mind paying a little more.  This is not fast food Mexican.  With that said, the markup on Italian and Mexican food is HUGE.  Even with the lunch specials, it was a little more than I want to spend.
• Along the same lines, the kids meals at $5.99 is well above average.  With my two kids, that means I’m $12 in the hole before I even order.
• Alcohol, or lack there of.  They are in the process of getting the applications submitted, but to get me there for dinner, I need a beer.

I’ve been to La Mexicana Market (1637 P St.) several times (It’s a must for the chorizo in my breakfast burritos), but I have never made to the restaurant in back.  My wife and I are a fan of El Toro, mostly because of the half-priced margaritas on Thursdays, but we think the food is good.

I went over a lunch hour by myself when I needed to catch up on some reading.  I figured since this was the place I got my chorizo from, I’d give their eggs and chorizo lunch special a try.  It wasn’t the most neutral review since I’ve had it before at El Toro.  This time however it wasn’t what I expected.  It was LOADED with onions and tomatoes (something that was not on the menu and never included at El Toro).

I’m not a huge onion guy, but as I’ve gotten older I realize they are just everywhere and I have to deal with it.  But in this case, there were entirely too many.  It really ruined the meal for me and I will definitely regret seeing that $9.00 lunch on my bank statement.

I will be back, but it’s a pet peeve of mine when the menu doesn’t designate what’s included.  Especially when the menu’s are the exact same as El Toro and Mazatlan, I didn’t think I needed to think too hard.