Just the Beginning

One of our favorite things to do is to go to an establishment and order several appetizers instead of a meal.  This gives us the opportunity to try several different flavors at once without spending a lot of time or money.

Top 5 Nebraska Appetizers:

Autumn's List:

1. Onion Rings, The Cellar, Kearney - I love these onion rings!  They are homemade deliciousness at its finest.
2. Spinach Artichoke Wontons, Jasper's Bar and Grill, Lincoln (Eagle) - When I saw these wontons on the menu, I had to order them.  What an interesting mix of flavors, unlike anything else around.
3. Chili Cheese Fries, The Bar, Unadilla (Friday's only) - I look forward to Friday nights when I can get these fries.  The blend of chili and cheese is perfect on top of the crinkle-cut fries.
4. Buffalo Chips, Chicken Coop, Grand Island - I love these spicy fried chips with ranch.  I also love that you can order them with anything at the Chicken Coop.
5. Southwest Egg Rolls, Lazlo's, Lincoln - I have tried several versions of southwest egg rolls and those at Lazlo's are by far the best.  It is even better if you are there on the right day and can order them with a bowl of beer-cheese soup.

Dustin's List:  Note - Dustin refused to follow the Top 5 Nebraska rules.  He has included two restaurants that are not based in Nebraska, though they do have locations in Lincoln.  Please feel free to leave him comments about following his own rules.  I've been arguing with him about this for a year now, and have obviously not succeeded. (Autumn)

1. Chicken Cheese Nachos, Bison Witches, Lincoln - I don't care that they have other locations in other states they are awesome!!!!
2. Irish Nachos, Patty's Pub, Lincoln - Waffle fries are so good
3. Chicken Nachos, Lazlo's, Lincoln - always a good bet
4. Chicken Nachos, Brewsky's, Lincoln - order it with extra salsa.
5. Armadillo Eggs, Buzzard Billys, Lincoln - Again, I don't care about the other locations - they are out of this world.

Join us on Facebook!

Like Top 5 Nebraska on Facebook! 
Complete surveys.
Leave comments.
Make suggestions.
Have conversations.

jtk

A few weeks ago we had the chance to sneak away for a date night.  This doesn't happen often anymore so we try to make the most of our "time off."  We had received a gift certificate to jtk for Christmas and finally found the time to use it. 
There is just one thing to say about this Lincoln Haymarket restaurant; WOW!  The service, atmosphere and food make this a must-try in Lincoln.  We made early reservations because it was Friday night, but the restaurant never seemed crowded.  jtk is located in the old Haymarket train station, which makes for a beautiful dining experience. 
We ordered from the "Date Night" menu, which is the best deal for the money.  It includes one appetizer, two entrees, a dessert and a bottle of wine for $50.  Every part of our meal was delicious.  We started with a bottle of Coastal Vines Pino Noir and the crab gratin, which was a rich blend of flavors and textures.  Dustin ordered the shoulder tenderloin with horseradish portabella pan sauce and I had the Parmesan crusted chicken.  Both dishes were served with perfectly cooked vegetables.  Dustin finished off his steak, but I had to get a box as I was only able to eat about half of my dish because the portions are generous.  For dessert we ordered bananas foster, and it too, was amazing. 
For the price and quality, you really won't find many restaurants like jtk in Nebraska.  This is a great place for a celebratory meal, a date night, or simply a place to have some appetizers and cocktails.

jtk made it in the Lincoln Journal Star in Jeff's Final Five as the number 3 restaurant in Lincoln.

Valentine's Day

Though we don't get out much for Valentine's Day anymore, here's 5 of our favorite romantic spots.

Top 5 Nebraska Valentine's Day destinations:

1. The Alley Rose - Kearney:  We went here while we were still dating.  The mood was beautiful and the food was decent.  The good people at the Alley Rose try hard to make your dining experience as elegant as you can get in the middle of Nebraska.
2. Slattery Vintage Estates and Tasting Room - Nehawka:  This was were we spent our Valentine's Day outing this year.  We experienced a nice sparkling and dessert wine tasting complete with chocolate covered strawberries.  They had romantic, vineyard inspired movies playing in the tasting room that was decorated with heart candles and roses for the holiday.
3. Corkscrew Wine and Cheese - Omaha:  This is one of our favorite places to go in Omaha.  It is somewhere between a bar and the best wine store ever.  You can do a wine tasting or pick out your favorite bottle to enjoy.  They also have a wide variety of cheeses to complement any type of wine you choose.
4. Vincenzo's Ristorante - Lincoln:  Dim lighting, candles, amazing food.  This is why we enjoy Vincenzo's for a romantic dinner. 
5. Tuscan Villa - Pierce:  One of our favorite bed and breakfasts makes this list because of the beautiful rooms, serene view and short distance to the Cuthills winery.  Although we have not been here in the middle of winter, I imagine the view is still beautiful covered in snow.  This is one romantic destination we highly recommend.

On the side:
The Lincoln 10 - website dedicated to top 10 lists of Lincoln businesses.