Local Delights in the City 

by Sriyani Tidball

Whether you seek a mood booster, a dinner party delight, or a birthday surprise, Lincoln definitely offers an array of options for sweet treats. Here are some of my favorites.

I am a huge ice cream fan, who finds any excuse to get a bowl of ice cream in one of Lincoln’s great ice cream venues. Recently I discovered 402 Creamery, that offers delicious small batch, super premium, homemade ice cream. They have three locations, Village Gardens at 7101 Kentwell Lane, The Telegraph District and Fallbrook, at 570 Fallbrook Boulevard, Suite #102.

UNL Dairy Store is a dependable local favorite that offers premium handmade dairy products as part of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln since 1917. Their products include delicious ice creams, cheeses and meats, handmade by UNL students in their on-site plant. East Campus Dairy Store is open Mon-Sun: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM. 

Ivanna Cone is a Lincoln must-visit. For over two decades, they’ve been crafting hand-made ice cream in the Creamery Building in the Historic Haymarket. Ivanna Cone is a year-round Lincoln staple. 

Everyone loves Goldenrod Pastries. Established in 2014, this bakery is on 48th and Prescott near Union College. They cater to various diets, offering vegan, gluten-free, and more. Their desserts are not only delicious but also Instagram-worthy, featuring delectable bars, French macaroons, flower-adorned treats, the best cinnamon rolls, and fresh fruit cakes.

Famed for Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll’s world of small-batch baking and high-quality sweets beckons me. Luckily, Lincoln has its own Wonderland: The Rabbit Hole Bakery, nestled beneath the Haymarket at 8th & Q streets since 2016. This hidden gem offers heavenly scratch-made slices, cake pops, tarts, brownies, and cream puffs that change daily, enticing return visits. 

Another popular go-to spot is Butterfly Bakery on 33rd Street in central Lincoln. This bakery is a city favorite, offering more than just stunning occasion cakes. Try their bite-sized treats, including Lemon Curd Tarts, Mousse Cups, Truffles, and Chocolate Cigars.