Toast (Lincoln, NE)

Located in the Fallbrook area of Lincoln, Toast (570 Fallbrook Blvd. #105) is a coffee house, neighborhood deli and watering hole inspired by elements of the European cafe bar. An intoxicating blend of espresso, delicatessen finds (with a twist such as the hashpuppies or the smoked salmon quesadilla) and a first class selection of fine wine, aged spirits and premium ales, Toast is at once homey and hip, not overdoing it on either fronts. Their Happy Hour runs weekdays from 3:30p to 6:30p offering $1 off the price of any draft beer or bottle, glass of wine, cocktail or martini. Daily specials run all night and as I was there on a Wednesday, I got to see what Wine & Wings! Night was all about (50 cent wings, min. order of 6, 25% off bottles of wine in addition to the $1 off a glass).

I arrived at Toast relatively early as I was doing my review in conjunction to a work ladies night so not many people were there yet. As the night went on more people trickled in for drinks or to have dinner, including a few families. Toast works in that weird way, you can have one table throwing back beers (ours) and a family with small children enjoying mini corndogs in harmony. The waitstaff is attentive and genuinely seem to love the people who come in, from first timers to regulars from the surrounding neighborhoods. Though the HH specials focus more on the drinks, their actual menu is an amazing hodge podge of traditional and intriguing items (I didn’t include actual reviews of the apps we tried outside of the wings since they weren't on special but as a protip: try the hashpuppies).

After much deliberation I tried the Bourbonade ($5.25: Maker’s, triple sec, lemonade, 7up). I enjoyed that it wasn’t too lemony nor did it have an overwhelming pop taste. Very mellow and the right amounts of everything to wash down any of the delicious bites on the menu. The mellowness did have the effect of making the drink seem watered down, but as my table concluded this could mean one of two things; I’m coming up on a drinking problem, or it’s a sneaky drink, one that catches up to you after two and now you're drunk in the bathroom telling girls how much you love their shoes (ok if you’re a girl, not so much if you’re a guy..in case you were wondering).

Next up (and pretty much the most important part of this article) are the wings. 50 cent wings! Will these wings take up the void that is the day after/before BWW’s special days. With so many flavor choices (buffalo hot or hotter than hot, honey mustard, espresso bbq, and sweet & spicy Asian chili) you certainly feel like a kid in the candy store, thoroughly satisfied with your OG flavors (like buffalo hot) and fun new kids on the block(honey mustard anyone). My table tried both the Asian chili and the espresso bbq (because we are at a hybrid coffeehouse so yes get everything with espresso in it) both different experiences. I really love Asian chili sauce especially when they get the kick level right (insert martial arts joke here) which Toast has achieved on all counts. I always have a quarrel with the fact that restaurants don’t seem to season their chicken wings anymore if there is a sauce slathered on it, but that’s never going to change. The wings were hot and fresh and enjoyed by all anyway.

The espresso bbq wings were another story. I wasn’t quite sure what I was expecting. Certainly not for them to taste like a cup of coffee sauce (which they didn’t) but would they be bbq-ey at all? Would I need the accompanying ranch or bleu cheese? The chicken was hot and fresh and quality wings. I couldn't discern a real coffee flavor, just a mild bbq so I felt slightly shafted. I expected these to be in your face (so yeah maybe I lied about the cup of coffee sauce comment) but maybe they are better this way. Just a faint reminder that you can also get a great cup of coffee here, if you’re into that sort of thing.

I also tried the Smith & Forge Hard Cider they had on tap partly because you shouldn’t get wasted in front of your co-workers at your FIRST ladies night (duh) but also because the waitress talked it up so much. First impression was it would be better with a shot of Jameson (I know, I know) but the more lasting impression was that I like this more than Redd’s and Woodchuck. Everyone go get a Smith & Forge if you are into a hard cider now and then, post haste (plus it’s made from apples and those things keep the doctor away).

I give Toast 4.5 smiles. I like going there, I like the variety, and I like the people. Slightly dislike that their HH doesn’t have any appetizer specials other than Wine & Wings Night. We could have had it all Toast.

Vega (Lincoln, NE)

Located on the second level of Lincoln's Railyard District, Vega (350 Canopy Street, Suite 220) is a gem among Nebraska’s live music venues. With ample space for local, national and international talent as well as a full service bar and restaurant focusing on high quality locally sourced food and drink Vega is also recognized as one of the best spaces for showcases and private events/fundraisers. Multiple screens let you watch sports on game days and an expansive stage and open layout makes it great for live music (I’ve even taken an early morning yoga class here). They have a daily Happy Hour from 5p - 8p as well as Reverse Happy Hour following every show. The special is a standard $1 off every drink. Vega also has daily specials on their menu items Monday - Thursday and other drink specials all day Friday and Saturday.

I visited Vega on a Monday before MNF had a chance to kick off so it was just me and the staff for a while. They were pretty attentive from the start even after two other patrons arrived about 45 mins into my stay. As there were no shows that night they even had “A Year Without Santa Claus” on the big screen on stage (I love Christmas movies). I decided to take advantage of their Monday special while I was there (½ off their gourmet burgers with a side) and ordered The Fleetwood Mac ($5: mac’ n’ cheese, parmesan, smokey bacon & fresh basil) with a side of fries. I was very excited as Vega uses organic grass fed local beef and other locally sourced ingredients. The burger and fries were presented very well. The fries were hot and crispy, but I do wish they would have had a bit more sea salt. The burger was a bit dry which I attribute to it being well done (I rarely order burgers anything but medium well but wasn’t asked or given that option) and the actual beef didn’t seem to be seasoned. I was disappointed that the mac and cheese wasn’t “gourmet” but more Kraft boxed. I could barely taste the bacon which was another let down. As basil isn’t the strongest flavor in the pantry it didn’t do much to save The Fleetwood either.

I also ordered a Jamie & Ginger ($4.59: Jameson whiskey & ginger ale) which is nearly impossible to mess up. I did appreciate that Vega had actual ginger ale and that it was a tall. I also appreciated that the HH special includes everything, not just rails or beers.

Overall I give Vega 2 smiles. I would definitely come back to catch a live show or for a private event. The drink specials would probably peak my interest again but I’m not sure how many other menu items I would be apt to try after my burger experience. I did thoroughly enjoy the venue however.

National HH Day spotlight: The Starlite Lounge (Lincoln, NE)

One of my favorite parts of Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket: The Starlite Lounge (247 N. 8th Street, Ste. 101, Lincoln) is basically the basement of Buzzard Billy’s (same owners). It’s definitely a blast from the past evoking visions of the Rat Pack and Marilyn Monroe. This “hidden” gem offers classic lounge music, top shelf hooch and a quirky atmosphere. Reverse Happy Hour is Tuesday and Wednesday from 10p-midnight with $2 domestic draws, $3 micro brews, $2.50 premium rails and $2 off all martinis. They also offer a Friday Happy Hour from 4p-7p with the same drink specials (Friday bonus: free appetizers from 5p-7p).

I absolutely LOVE Starlite. Whether it’s the fact that it’s a basement so phone service is iffy at best, forcing you to interact with your friends or the loners at the bar; the fact that they stay true to their 50’s/60’s theme (I love me a good themed anything) from the decor, music and waitstaff uniform (all black dress shirt and pants, cool colored ties for men and women); or their amazing (and strong) cocktails this is the perfect place for a midweek late night date or to catch up with friends at the end of the work week. Friday’s HH is definitely their busy time but you can normally still snag a table or spot at the bar. I like to go on Fridays to blow off a bit of steam and to get free apps! And while they aren’t much to write home about (think freezer aisle bites you can cook in your oven) they are 1) free and 2) great at offsetting the super strong drinks Starlite serves. Trust me, you should eat the apps.

I always start and recommend getting an Audrey Hepburn ($4.50: Pama Pomegranate Liqueur, Rangpur & St. Germaine. And ALWAYS get it with champagne) one of Starlite’s most popular martinis. I have recently converted to the “martinis shouldn’t be flavored” camp but I can’t give these up. I don’t know if its the champagne or just my lingering love for “Breakfast At Tiffany’s” and “Roman Holiday” but an Audrey is always a winner. You can’t talk Starlite without talking about this drink. It is also the strongest “flavored” martini I’ve ever had.

The second reason I gravitate towards Starlite are their premium wells and the fact that they stock ginger ale! (If I have to drink another Jameson/Jack/Bulleit and Sierra Mist/Sprite/7-Up I will scream.) I can get a strong Beam and Ginger for just $2.50. If you don’t think that’s a deal well I need to come hang where you hang. Thank you Starlite for not making me drink bottom shelf bourbon/whiskey just to get HH pricing.

I can’t give Starlite Lounge anything but 5 smiles. This is the place you take someone on their first visit to Lincoln. This is where you get the best HH prices for the quality drinks they serve. This is where you can admit you like the little tacos from the freezer aisle that you warm up in the oven. This is the best Haymarket HH I’ve been to since moving here in 2009 (although I couldn't "legally" drink until 2011).

*Note: While it isn’t “technically” a HH Starlite also has Throwback Thursday with drink specials ($2 domestic draws, $3 micro brews, $3 premium rails, $3 margaritas and $3 drink specials), free appetizers beginning at 8p, and Retro 50’s and 60’s trivia at 9p.

Longwell's '76 (Lincoln)

Located in The Railyard, Lincoln’s new(ish) addition to the Historic Haymarket, Longwell’s ‘76 (350 Canopy St., Ste. 100, Lincoln) offers a variety of slow smoked bbq dishes, burgers, sliders and sandwiches as well as over 190 varieties of beer. Everyday is Happy Hour at Longwell’s from 4p-6p offering $1 off appetizers (from loaded fries to pretzel braids) and sliders, as well as all beers on tap.

Longwell’s is the perfect place to catch your favorite team playing. With multiple big screens throughout the bar and restaurant area, you won’t have to miss out on anything. If it’s a (relatively) nice day you can sit outside and catch the game on the Railyard’s Cube (a 14x40 feet behemoth that can be seen throughout the Railyard’s open pavillion). Dependent on how busy they are or what team is playing seating can get a bit cramped, but the outdoor seating option seems to still be viable, at least till the first snowfall. The interior is what most people have come to expect from a modern bar/restaurant of this elk; a dual bar, one with seating that gives you a front row glimpse at the many many beers on tap, (surprisingly, Longwell’s doesn’t actually brew its own beer, instead opting to provide many Lincoln staples like Empryean and ZipLine), lots of high tops and a glass encased party room. I was a bit disappointed that they play music instead of audio from the game on the big screen but it only slightly affected the experience.

I started out with the Wasatch Pumpkin Ale (pumpkin ale, Utah Brewers Cooperative, ABV 4%) as it’s October and I felt like being seasonal. Liked that there wasn’t an overpowering pumpkin flavor, the ale was very mellow. Would get this over many of the Oktoberfest brews I’ve tried lately.

My friend and I decided on three items to share: a half order of the Fries Rule add pulled pork, Spinach and Artichoke Dip and the BBQ Bacon Cheddar Sliders. The Fries Rule w/ pulled pork ($6: natural cut fries layered and topped with green onions, bacon & cheddar cheese over and over again) are Longwell’s super delicious version of loaded fries/potato skins. The half order was so big that even after splitting it with my friend there was leftovers for my lunch the next day. At first I liked that the pulled pork didn’t come pre sauced, but as with most loaded fries it needed a little bit of moisture so I ended up topping it with bbq sauce. The fries were super crispy, although I do wish they were lightly seasoned.

The spinach and artichoke dip ($6: served with tortilla chips) was really creamy and didn’t separate into an oily mess when it got cold. Would have liked more spinach or artichokes in the actual dip but that’s my complaint with most restaurants dip. Would have also liked 1) handmade and 2) warm tortilla chips as the side. Overall pretty decent but you should definitely eat this first unless you want to battle with a top layer of cheese to get to the dip underneath when it does cool off.

The last thing I tried and certainly my favorite of the night were the BBQ bacon cheddar sliders ($7.5: Angus beef, crispy bacon, melted cheddar and Longwell’s BBQ sauce). We got three nice sized sliders on pretzel buns, not too much sauce, not super small burgers patties in comparison to the bun and shredded cheddar which I like a bit more on sliders (no worries about cutting a slice of cheese to fit). Also no bacon skimping which was a plus. Would order these little guys again.

The last two beers I got were an old fav and a dare. I love the Stella Cidre they have on tap (Belgian recipe cider with apples, Stella Artois, ABV 4.5%) which is super crisp and refreshing. Not hoppy at all and a good neutral drink compared to the other two I had that day.

The Lugene Chocolate Milk Stout (milk stout brewed with milk sugar and milk chocolate, Odell Brewing Co, Fort Collins, ABV 8.5%)  was basically a dare because I have yet to reach a level where stouts are things I want to drink. Also not a huge fan of chocolate anything (except me…. never mind). I did enjoy that it was similar to a glass of milk chocolate. I full glass of this would have been too much however so I opted for a 5 oz pour. A nice little finish to the night, like dessert.

Longwell’s ‘76 gets 4 smiles. I can see myself returning to watch a Broncos, Bulls or JayHawks game this season and trying more beers and menu items. Nice staff and atmosphere and it’s not too far from where I work. Would like to see them switch over to game audio but other than that Longwell’s is a great place for sports and beer fans.