Eat, Drink, & Breathe Easy: Lincoln’s Outdoor Dining Delights

by Tyler A. Thomas

Dine al fresco [al•fres•co]: also known as outdoor dining, is the act of eating a meal outside. The term comes from the Italian phrase al fresco, which means “in the fresh air” or “in the shade.”

After a recent trip to Spain, I’m obsessed with eating outdoors. I can’t get enough of the smell of the fresh air, the sounds of the city, and the views from the rooftops! There is something special about eating and drinking without walls that makes the conversation and connections so much stronger. Maybe it’s the familiarity of growing up eating on my back patio, around a fire pit, or on a picnic blanket. No matter why, rooftop views and sitting outside at some of Lincoln’s best restaurants and bars has become one of my family’s favorite pastimes.

Lincoln is making a name for itself with outdoor options spanning rooftops, patios, and outdoor dining stretching across the city. Here are some of my favorites:

The Rooftop Patio at Barry’s Bar and Grill, has been a classic since 1959 and is lovingly nicknamed The Nebraska Bar. Its rooftop features incredible views of Memorial Stadium, home of the Huskers. Sitting prominently on a major intersection in the historic Haymarket, Barry’s is perfect for Happy Hour, a pre- or post-game party, or that special private event. Featuring a full bar, with some of our favorite local beers on tap, you’ll have a chance to sip and hear the sounds of the Scarlet and Cream. Barry’s includes a restaurant and three other bars in the same location. So if the weather turns in typical Nebraska fashion, it’s easy to switch things up. The kitchen menu is expansive, and some of our favorites are the fry and bar plates, which are the perfect tapas to share and pair with your favorite drink. Or go to the bar and try the classic chicken wings (don’t sleep on the honey garlic BBQ) or one of their handcrafted burgers. The Barry’s Burger features provolone, bacon, caramelized onions, tomato, and Nebraska’s favorite condiment —ranch! With weekly drink and event specials, every day is game day at Barry’s!

Barred Owl at The Scarlet Hotel is a swanky hotel rooftop that features views of the Nebraska capital, Devaney Center (home of Nebraska Volleyball), and downtown Lincoln. Beautiful indoor seating provides a great view, but the real magic is on the rooftop patio. And while the view is nice, it’s a whole new level when paired with the Barred Owl’s classic cocktails. The Nebraska Huskers inspire our favorite! For Dear Old Nebraska U features mellow corn, Grand Marnier, and Angostura Bitters; The Sea of Red includes Tito’s Vodka, Lillet Blanc, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and fresh strawberry. Your view is complimented with great conversation at the high tops or couches and is made even better with the shared plates available from The Scarlet Hotel Restaurant, Well & Good. If you’re visiting Nebraska for the first time, you can’t get more Nebraska on a plate than the ‘Braska Buns,’ which include beer-braised Piedmontese beef, cabbage, and beer mustard. The short-rib tochos (you read that right) tater tot nachos are fried crispy tater tots with cheese, pico, avocado-chipotle crema and topped with green onions. There are other delectable bites, but these two stand out as uniquely Nebraskan. And if alcohol isn’t your thing, Barred Owl offers specialty mocktails on the menu and highly skilled bartenders who can shake something special for you!

The Rooftop at Bierhaus is Lincoln’s newest sky-high spot. Located above the Bierhaus German Bar, the rooftop features a shipping container bar, incredible views of the Haymarket, and an urban escape from the day-to-day. The most unique part of this rooftop is the extensive bar menu with haus biers, all brewed by Nebraska’s Kinkaider Brewing, cocktails and spirits from Lincoln’s Sideshow Distillery, and select wines from Germany. The rooftop is an excellent place to gather in small groups and have a truly German experience in the center of downtown. And if you’re interested in the German experience, sneak downstairs to the street-level bar and order a Yad Brezeln pretzel; it’s plenty to share.

If you’re afraid of heights and rooftops aren’t your jam, Lincoln has plenty of patios and outdoor seating spaces to keep your feet on the ground.

Kinkaider Brewing is perfect for Farmers Market mornings. Grab an orange beer or grapefruit Radler and enjoy the live music, the smell of fresh produce, and the sounds of the market going on around you. The patio is also a popular spot in the fall for tailgates and Husker watch parties. Not too far away in the Haymarket, Tipsy Tina’s taco flights taste better outside and Burger Special Wednesdays at Gate 25 are even better when you’re enjoying them under an umbrella.

Hub Cafe is quieter and overlooks a beautiful section of Lincoln’s extensive bike trails. The patio is quaint, and honestly, it’s one of our favorite brunch and lunch places. The food is fresh and funky, and the environment exudes that local small-town feel.

If you’re in South Lincoln, Catalyst is a great kitchen, brewery, and tap room with a huge outdoor patio. It’s perfect for unwinding while enjoying delicious food, house-brewed beers, and plenty of space for a group.

Toast restaurant is a neighborhood watering hole featuring incredible comfort food and a full bar if you’re north of downtown in the Fallbrook area. The patio seating is perfect for those fall nights or weekend mornings—did someone say brunch? Don’t miss their mimosa flights for your favorite human and pup cup lights for your favorite furry friend who can join you on the patio. If you’ve got a sweet tooth or are like us and every meal should end with ice cream, 402 Creamery is right around the corner from Toast. We love their monthly specials, and there’s nothing better than enjoying your ice cream while trying to beat the melting clock.

On your next visit to Lincoln, I hope you enjoy good food and drink, great conversation, and warm connections. I also hope you have a chance to take in the city views and fresh air while enjoying the sights and sounds, and then deepen your experience. I highly recommend it. Cheers!