Real Forks and Knives: A review of restaurants within walking distance of Union College
This year has been a strange one, to say the least! Between masking, closed dining rooms and solo eating, it may have been a while since many of us have eaten a meal served on a real plate, using real forks and knives, and that didn’t require washing in a dorm room sink!
There are several restaurants within walking distance of Union College that could scratch that itch for you. As an added bonus, the restaurants listed here aren’t part of national chains. Giving one or more of these restaurants some of your business could help keep Lincoln’s economy going strong!
Penelope’s Lil’ Café – 4724 Pioneers Blvd.
Located just south of the Casey’s, by the giant praying mantis sculpture, this little gem is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This is one of only a handful of restaurants that offers an egg, hash browns and toast breakfast option where you don’t have to pay more for meat you don’t intend to eat. Breakfast prices include a hot beverage for no extra fee.
This restaurant features its own delicious, homemade black bean veggie burger. It has many choices for vegetarians and vegans, as well as several chicken and beef choices. The sweet potato fries and homemade potato chips are fabulous! Breakfast ranges in price from $5 to $10 and lunch/dinner ranges from $6.50 to $10.
The Eatery – 2548 South 48th St.
The Eatery is one of my personal favorite Lincoln restaurants. Located just north of McDonald’s, it serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The salad bar is small but exceptional, their portabella mushroom sandwich is amazing, the homemade veggie burger is just lovely, and they even have a haystack! The fruited French toast is made from challah bread – quite unique. They have a variety of flatbread pizzas, burgers and sandwiches. For a unique appetizer experience, try the breaded portabella sticks. Whether you are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, paleo or have a more varied palate, this restaurant has multiple delicious options for everyone. Breakfast runs from $7 to $15 and lunch/dinner runs from $8.50 to $19.
El Toro – 2600 South 48th St.
This Mexican place can be found right next to the Subway restaurant in the Van Dorn Plaza. The menu has a substantial vegetarian section, which includes chili relleno, veggie fajitas and one gigantic bean tostada. For the non-vegetarians, try the pollo en mole or the fish tacos. Lunches run from $7.50 to $10 and dinners run from $6 to $15. Portions are all large. Need a full plate on a budget? Just ask for the beans and rice! It’s filling, delicious and only $3.25!
Lesa Kean is an associate professor in the division of Science and Mathematics