Impromptu brunch with mom as the original plans didn't happen. Arrived to the restaurant that was busy as always and even more so on mother's day. The house was bustling but everything happened like clockwork. Out waitress was very busy but fabulous. Took our order everything was perfect and never let a glass or cup go empty. I had the pancake combo with link sausage and eggs up. Delicious. Never a bad idea to go to Penelope's but you may wait read more

Penelope's Lil Cafe - Pancake combo - American Near Me - Lincoln, Nebraska

Penelope's is a true hole-in-the-wall hidden gem. Our first (and definitely not our last) visit was thanks to a friend who told me how yummy Penelope's is. I can confidently say that I agree with my friend! Our amazing server, Ramona was a rockstar. She served us coffee right away, explained and sold us on the day's specials. She described these meals so well with enthusiasm, we had to get both specials. My husband and I indulged in the chicken fried steak skillet for $12.99 and the stuffed very berry French toast. Both meals did not disappoint and I would strongly recommend. Our food came out quickly. I can see why this restaurant has won many awards! I just wish they had more parking to accommodate their customers. Our meal came out to $37. This included my toddler's kids meal as well. I highly recommend this place for breakfast! read more

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If I could give this place 100 stars I would. First of all Chrissy was the brightest most friend server I've ever experienced in my 39 years of life. We came here based on a Google search for gluten free. The food was divine. I fully trusted that there would be no cross contamination and I'd be safe. The toast was hands down the best gluten free bread i have had since being diagnosed celiac. Next time in here in town I'll be stopping again. Plus that Penelope mimosa was EPIC read more

Penelope's Lil Cafe - Penelope's Mimosa - American Near Me - Lincoln, Nebraska

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Came for a brunch with my mom km law and sis in law . Homely little place They move briskly. Had to wait about 5 minutes Coffee poured immediately and its free flow. They top it up very quickly too. Food took some time to come but good old brekkie. Delicious right to the end. Simple non fussy breakfast place Closes 2pm. Just FYI Love this! read more

Penelope's Lil Cafe - Ham eggs and wheat toast with hash - American Near Me - Lincoln, Nebraska

Food was amazing. 10/10 would recommend. Not a fan of hash browns but these hash browns stole the show. The funnel cake was sweet but not too sweet, very soft. Mimosa was lovely and smooth. Omelette was fluffy and crunchy. Toast was crunchy. Overall experience was amazing. read more

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Very good food, very quick service, and very cheap! 2 meals for $22. Been wanting to try this spot for awhile and was thoroughly impressed. read more

Penelope's Lil Cafe - #3 Combo Meal - 2 eggs, 3 sausage links (one already eaten...oops), hashbrowns, toast - American Near Me - Lincoln, Nebraska

Our server was Kristy, she was amazing! We loved our food and will definitely be back soon!

Penelope's is the place to go if you're looking for good food and fast service. I've been there several times and have never been disappointed. read more

Delicious hot beef in a hurry! We stopped after getting our taxes done on a busy Sunday morning. Chaos of people but friendly, fast service sitting at the counter. Awesome job! read more

Penelope's Lil Cafe - American Near Me - Lincoln, Nebraska

Mother's Day breakfast at Penelope's! Cute small venue with close seating, but it was also packed Sunday morning as expected. But the food was great and service was super nice and fast for the rush! Pancakes are good and traditionally dense, I added blueberries which made them an easy favorite! Table service was frequent and for the prices, this is a great meal deal! read more

Penelope's Lil Cafe - Pancake Combo - American Near Me - Lincoln, Nebraska

Penelope's was awesome. We tried for brunch the other Sunday. It's a small place, and it was a full house on a Sunday. Despite that, service was as fast as ever and our server couldn't have been more sweet and pleasant. Immediately bringing us coffee, immediately refilling it before our cups were even half gone. I ordered my usual measuring stick at a brunch place I haven't tried--chicken fried steak and eggs, and it didn't disappoint. Generous portions for all, the steak, eggs, crispy hash browns, and buttered toast. I also had to try the funnel cake French toast, which was good. Food came out extremely fast for them being a full house. We will be back. read more

This little cafe is small. Ambiance was nice. They have specials everyday and I ordered the chicken Philly sandwich with a side salad. It was very flavorful and one of the best ones I have had. We ordered and shortly after received our food. Overall service was good. read more

Penelope's Lil Cafe - Pancakes, bacon, and eggs - American Near Me - Lincoln, Nebraska

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One of best home style fried chicken places in town. Period. Gotta get there, been a while. read more

Honestly it was fine. There was nothing wrong. It just wasn't anything special. Normal diner ambiance, normal diner fare, but fancy restaurant prices. Also, fake butter and fake maple syrup?!? And burn my charged-extra-but-given-the-wrong-kind toast? Passing on a future visit. The owner scowling all over wasn't particularly helpful either but at least the rest of the staff was pleasant. read more

Great food. Service was quick. Staff were amazing. Great place for Sunday lunch or any time.

Loved it. Cute diner feel with the friendliest staff. They had a whole gluten free menu. All food was delicious, good old fashion cooking. Would 100% go again! We had gluten free French toast, the best hashbrowns, eggs, sausage, bacon, a Ruben (the special that day!), and a bbq sandwich on gf bread. read more

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Grabbed brunch with a friend and we both couldn't believe how affordable our meals were! Typical breakfast options made fresh and hot. We did not have to wait long for our food and the coffee was good. We both got staples and they didn't disappoint. The servers were nice and attentive and the restaurant is nice and cozy on a rainy day. I could see the wait time being a little long at the peak of breakfast so plan accordingly. read more

Cute and cozy little diner in Lincoln nebraska. We came on a Sunday afternoon and it was busy but we were seated within 10 minutes. I started with a bloody Mary (extra spicy) and it was perfect! Exactly what I was looking for. We next got the funnel cake French toast to share and it was very enjoyable. It was a great texture that was soft with a slight crunch on the outside and not overwhelmingly sweet but still took care of your sweet tooth. I order the corned beef hash for my main meal and it was good. Nothing special but something I would still order again. Overall it was a good amount of food for the cost. If you're looking for something gourmet, unique or fancy this isn't the place but if you're looking for a causal nice diner spot, I would definitely recommend! read more

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Went here with a group of 7 for a work lunch. Most of us got the Reuben which was the daily special while a couple ordered the buffalo chicken wrap. Everything about the Reuben sandwiches was perfect. Russian dressing was some of the best I've ever had. Cute little place with great staff. read more

Located on the corner of Pioneers Blvd and S 48th St in Lincoln, this home style restaurant offers Breakfast and Lunch style meals for dine-in and Takeout. While the exterior is plain looking, the inside has a comfortable wooden-style diner decor and although more dimly lit on the day I visited, there are large windows surrounding the seating area which kept the place bright on this particular sunny day. There is also an outside patio seating. The inside was fairly clean and organized, and the tables were bussed in a timely fashion. Although there place was almost full of customers at the 1:00 pm hour, we were seated almost immediately and water was on the table. However, because of a large group of ten people sitting next to our table, the noise level was loud until they finally finished and left. As first time patrons, we tried the following: 1. Drinks: Lemonade and Iced Tea, both were served in large 33 oz (?) glasses. Both tasted fine (though I do not prefer Lemonade). 2. Appetizer: Sweet Potato Fries. Nice and crisp in the outside, more soft on the inside. A little plain, and could have used either more salt or seasoned salt. But perhaps that was customers choice. 3. Veggie Omelette with a side of Hash Brown and 4 - triangle slices of white toast. Very generous portion size although I regret not ordering it with salsa afterwards. But otherwise very nice. 4. #1 Combo plate: two eggs (sunny side up) with a side of Hash Browns and 2 - triangle slices of Gluten-free toast. Everything was fine. 5. 1 - slice of Deep Fried French Toast with syrup. (Not going to lie, not my favorite way to have French Toast, but I could see how some might enjoy it) We left the restaurant very full. Support your local businesses. read more

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Really good find as we're in area waiting for another thing. High ratings and busy this morning. Bread pudding ok. Didn't see pineapple upside down cake on list. Will do that next time. I had eggs and hash browns. B had pancake. Was real good both. read more

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Very good food. They really did a good job of working with the gluten free options. A bit noisy but we were there during a busy time. I would recommend. read more

Penelope's Lil Cafe - American Near Me - Lincoln, Nebraska

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We went for brunch at about 1130 on a Saturday, the wait was not long at all. We waited maybe 15 minute or less. I got the funnel cake French toast combo with bacon. Bacon was cooked to perfection, it was my favorite part of the combo. The funnel cake French toast was not my favorite, I thought it was too oily. Every time I cut into it, oil just spilled out, I know it's deep fried but that's just my preference. Eggs were good, and the mimosa was delicious. read more

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Visiting from Montana Found this place on Tri . Decided to give it a try. Atmosphere is friendly, food was good ( one had omelet one had burger). Homemade potato chips were fresh and crispy!!! The place was full at about noon on a Sunday but we only had to wait about 10 minutes to get seated. read more

Penelope's Lil Cafe - The dining room - American Near Me - Lincoln, Nebraska

Stopped for breakfast during the Corona scare. They were open and limiting their seating to 10 customers. Ordered eggs over medium, bacon, toast, and coffee. Everything was great. Eggs were properly cooked and the bacon crisp. Someone was constantly cleaning while I was there. I enjoyed it and came back a day later for the same order. read more

Penelope's Lil Cafe - Coffee - American Near Me - Lincoln, Nebraska

Great service, very friendly. Nice little cafe, clean and fast service. Great hot beef sandwich. Best in town. Great breakfast to & served all day. read more

We have been here several times and there is a reason you have to wait to be seated! This place never disappoints and the wait staff are always courteous and they get your food out fast!! We had the kielbasa skillet special and for 10.99, which included coffee, it was a great deal!! We will see you again, Penelope's!!! read more

Food was on point and came out fast. Everything except the funnel cake French toast was good. We sat for 15-20min with no service because we were in the corner on Father's Day, but after that it was good. read more

Ate breakfast on Christmas eve morning. Great food, a lot of it,and price os right. I have found my sunday morning place

Amazing service and amazing food. A great place for breakfast. We didn't have any of the lunch food so I can't comment on that.

Delicious breakfast and friendly efficient service! Just had a simple breakfast - eggs and bacon-, but everything was prepared to my liking! Over easy and crispy hash browns and bacon! Yum!!! read more

My oh my! What a treat to eat at such a nostalgic place. Make sure to add the green and red salsa to your order!! read more

Penelope's Lil Cafe - Sorry, we were so hungry! Lol - American Near Me - Lincoln, Nebraska

Chocolate milk tasted like it had water in it. The chicken fried steak breakfast was the worst I have ever had. Eggs where sent back because they where not cooked they put them in the microwave and returned the same eggs. The coffee was cold. The pancakes where pretty good and the waitress was really good. 1 star for food 5 stars for service. Hint get NEW COOKS read more

Penelope's has horrible pancakes & eggs ,gross and runny the service sucks the Hardly came around to see if we need anything else and I think that they need to improve their quality of their service in their food or they're going to be losing a lot of customers We won't go there for a while until we hear that maybe it's getting better disgusting bit dirty also Also the soda tasted like water I got one cup of coffee and she never came back around again so very sad we used to go alot but not no more Boooo Ok ok read more

This is a hidden gem and neighborhood favorite. It is small and breakfast time is busy unless you get here early.

First visit was for breakfast, and I'll be back to try the rest of the menu. Best hash browns in town! I could stop there but that would not do justice to the delightful meals we enjoyed. My friends and I selected different omelets. Each came stuffed full of fresh, delicious ingredients. House made salsas in both red and green added a bright spot to the plates. Never empty coffee mugs were greatly appreciated! Shout out for having GF toast available. Will definitely be back to try other offerings. read more

Does breakfast (pancakes, eggs, various breakfast meats) and lunch. Vegetarian options are marked with an asterisk. Actually a step up from "American (Traditional)": they fry their own potato chips, make their own salsa and make their own veggie burgers, though the bread was commercial. And they have a liquor license (mimosa? bloody mary? Something to end your night after working the night shift?). Service was friendly; we shared the cheese dip; had the pulled pork sandwich; chicken fingers/fries; eggs/toast; soup of the day; and the veggie burger. The people having the pulled pork and the traditional breakfast weren't that impressed; the person having soup was thoroughly charmed; and while the veggie burger was flavorless, the salsa was excellent. As a vegetarian looking for brunch options, I'd return; it's nice to be able to have a wrap OR soup OR something else (or an omelet!) instead of just one option. But I can't recommend the veggie burger. The mashed potatoes with it were fine (dried chives added; nice); the cheese dip was OK. Couldn't taste the blue cheese in it, but the homemade chips were nice. read more

My daughter and I were wanting some breakfast, and Penelope's lil cafe popped up on my search. We both had Omelets that were really good!! The atmosphere is cozy and reminds me of HOW lil cafes used to be like!! Good service and food. Will deff come back when in Lincoln again. read more

I've been going to Penelope's intermittently for several years. I have never had a bad experience. I have seen no flies. it is a very reputable place. fridays are very busy because on that day they make their own fried chicken, very moist!, either eat in or to go. many order a whole chicken to go after eating in. the hamburger, side, and drink are the same price as fast food joint but so much better and a choice of sides, not just French fries. if you like to buy local, this is an excellent place. Good old fashioned basic food. vegetarian options for a few items. read more

For Sunday brunch I decided to try Penelope's. The cafe had a full house, so me and my boyfriend signed in and had a short wait, which we didn't mind because I consider it to be a good sign. Once we got seated, I ordered the B & G Combo with a side of bacon and my boyfriend got the Pancake Combo with orange juice for $23.50. Best thing about this place is the huge plate of food you get, me and my boyfriend could not even finish our meal because of it. My favorite part was the side of hash-browns! The atmosphere of the cafe was humming with activity; customers and staff bumping into each other to reach their seats, to bus tables, and serve food. Overall, I just felt quite uncomfortable and congested there. I witnessed the staff do some unsanitary and questionable things while I was waiting to be seated. (Wiping the table tops with a rag that was dropped on the floor, etc.) They also messed up on my boyfriend's order and served another table first that actually came after us. I'm not sure if I should have ordered something different, but I was disappointed with my visit here. The sausage gravy was warm and made nicely, but the biscuits tasted as if they were just taken out of the fridge and were days old. And the rest of my meal was just alright. I am a big supporter of local businesses and exploring new places, so I would recommend it as a place to try and to order something different from me, however, I probably won't be coming back again. Disclaimer - The photo I posted is slightly edited! read more

Penelope's Lil Cafe - B&G Combo w/ bacon & Pancake Combo w/ some OJ! - American Near Me - Lincoln, Nebraska