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    Penelope's Lil Cafe

    3.9 (133 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 2:00 pm

    Penelope's Lil Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    PENELOPE'S LIL CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Penelope's Lil Cafe

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    Regine A.

    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!

    Ham eggs and wheat toast with hash
    Grace T.

    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!

    Bacon and cheese omelette with hash browns and white toast

    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.

    #3 Combo Meal - 2 eggs, 3 sausage links (one already eaten...oops), hashbrowns, toast
    Tianna F.

    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.

    Jane S.

    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!

    Pancake Combo
    Kyle R.

    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!

    Pancakes, bacon, and eggs
    Krystle K.

    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.

    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.

    Cornbeef hash
    Tope B.

    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!

    Front signage facing parking lot
    Jose A.

    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.

    the menu
    Kent M.

    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.

    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.

    The dining room
    Johnnie S.

    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.

    Funnel cake French toast

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    22 days ago

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

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

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    2 years ago

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

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    2 years ago

    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.

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    3 years ago

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

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    Page 1 of 4

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    The Mettle Grill - BBQ Waffle Nachos - limited time special

    The Mettle Grill

    4.2(40 reviews)
    1.0 mi

    There were parking spots outside. It was pretty empty when we arrived- just a couple of tables…read moreoccupied. They do have a full bar and tables and booths for seating. And you can choose to seat by the bar as well. We took a table seat. They gave us a while and came back for our orders. I ordered Garden City and bourbon salmon for lunch (that was the lunch special) - not on the menu. Drinks took about 10 minutes to come. My drink was wrong when it came. I thought it strange the drink I ordered listed empress gin but it was colourless. So when our food came, I asked what I ordered just to ensure that they delivered the correct drink. Our server just went sorry my colleague made this let me check. And eventually came back with the correct drink. Garden City was pretty but a little strong in terms of alcohol. It was a pleasant surprise when our food came. The sides were brocccolini and yellow coconut rice together woth the bourbon salmon. I would say this is the most delicious salmon I've had in Lincoln. Hubby wasn't feeling well but thought his chicken wrap was delicious. I sneaked his fries and it was the way I liked it. Very crispy. Overall, a good experience. We will be back. Especially if salmon is the special of the day

    I stumbled upon this place trying to find a place to watch a volleyball game and have good food and…read moreI was shocked that this place was empty because the food was to die for!! This place could serve someone with any craving: bar food, full meal, apps and drinks! I got their wings but we also split the waffle fry nachos which are a MUST!! Their staff was also super helpful on what drink to pick from their fancy cocktail menu!

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    The Mettle Grill - Bourbon salmon with coconut rice and broccolini

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    Garden City

    Lazlo's Brewery & Grill - Certified Angus Beef grilled to order over a live hickory fire.

    Lazlo's Brewery & Grill

    3.6(253 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    For starters, the onion rings here are insane. Insanely good that is. We ordered a strawberry…read morelemonade which paired perfectly with it too. The onion rings are huge, definitely enough to go around for everyone. The breading is what got me. They were cooked perfectly, but tasty and crunchy at the same time. I ordered salmon for my main dish, with a side of mashed potatoes. My toddler had grilled jumbo shrimp with green beans. My husband got the breakfast enchiladas. Everything was great. The portions are generously sized. Service was quick, all the employees are welcoming. The ambiance feels quaint and cozy. I'm excited to come back here to try more items off of the menu!

    Went in alone sat at bar 3pm not crowded. Ignored because bartender was busy eating her lunch…read moreopenly by the register and inputting something into it. Finally said hello I ordered an IPA (very good beer but visit went down from there) there were dirty glasses amassed on the end of the bar a gentleman asked her why and she said her drain is clogged she can't wash them. He put on a glove reached in the drain and pulled out piles of limes lemons garnish and told her "it's clogged because you put all that shit in there" she came back with "to be fair it's not just me." Glasses remained. I then ordered a club sandwich (California style which is added avocado) while waiting I took a pic of the beer taps go share with my husband because we love beer. Because of hos questions I (waited for her eating and typing again) and asked if they sold cans or crowlers to go. She had to ask someone if they still have cans (no) and had no idea what a crowler was. I'm visiting so a growler wasn't practical. Food comes. No detectable avocado. I swear she was going to reach over and spread apart my sandwich but she was annoyed and told me "well I rang it up right!" Like that matters. Eating decent sandwich and i notice a nitro tap. Ask her about it she explained it 1000% incorrectly but i got a splash anyway. It was very good and I ordered one. Check comes oops needs to take off avocado upgrade (didn't leave it long enough for me to look harder. 2nd attempt realize she didn't charge me happy hour price for the beers huffs away to change that. While she was occupied a manager type person was near me and said "how's it going" my answer was "beers good but she's dumb as a rock" ok not the best word choice but I was beyond frustrated at that point. He snaps at me about how horrible it is to call people names )I didn't call her anything just an observation) he starts to madly comp my check (I had asked for nothing) she asks why and he told HER what I said then She address me "well that's a mean thing to say" I now have 3/4 of a beer left and I'm sitting at a bar with a pissed off bartender. He won't let me explain or in anyway tell him what happened so I went and sat at a small table with 2 empty beers on it so I don't have to stare at her. He comes over and loudly busses the table without a word just a dirty look. So I finished my beer and left. PS glasses still not washed woman still picking at food and playing with the register. Don't live there so won't have the chance to check it out again but as a beer lover.. very nice beers. service gets an F

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    Lazlo's Brewery & Grill - Private Dining available in the Library Room.

    Private Dining available in the Library Room.

    Lazlo's Brewery & Grill - Naked Nachos -- one of many favorite appetizers.

    Naked Nachos -- one of many favorite appetizers.

    Lazlo's Brewery & Grill - Side salad lazlo with chicken breast and creamy garlic and honey mustard! A MUST!

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    Ollie & Hobbes Craft Kitchen - Buttermilk fried chicken burger with truffle fries

    Ollie & Hobbes Craft Kitchen

    3.7(60 reviews)
    2.2 mi

    We called & asked if they accommodate large groups & Jay said yes & he was so helpful in making…read moresure our group was well taken care of! Thank you Jay! Your customer service skills are the best, & we really enjoyed our experience! Thanks!

    I strongly advise yelp to add the option to review a place at zero stars. I have never ever…read morecomplained about a restaurant experience because I, myself, am a server. I understand thoroughly how restaurants are supposed to operate. For any management, or possibly the owner who reads this review, take into consideration that the way you are operating this business is appalling, ignornant, frustrating, and utterly disappointing. Hopefully there is no word limit, because if there was my experience as a whole is sure to exceed it. I entered the establishment around 12:30. I waited approximately 30 minutes to be sat, I understood the wait--it was peak lunch rush and we had a party of 8. At 1:00pm we were all sat. We were waiting for a server to acknowledge us for approximately 20 minutes. Eventually, a server began helping us, but she said she was unsure who are server was suppose to be, given that, she was not treating us like one of her tables. By the time she got to us we immediately put in all are orders: drinks, appetizers, meals, and alcoholic beverages. I had to walk to the bar myself and pick up the drinks that were prepped but never dropped off because of the failure to assign us a server. That in itself should make the management and owner very ashamed that a customer had to do the serving! I do not blame any of the servers at all for this absolute circus. I could tell how stressed each and every server was, and environment like this is very reportable to HR. I hope management is extremely well aware of that. Continuing, our food was an hour wait. By the time the food did come out, it was not even fresh or worth the waiting. I ended up never getting my food. According to "our" server, the kitchen was short staffed and one singular manager was back there keeping it running. I'm not sure what the servers were doing or what caused them to be a mess as well, but clearly the whole place needed to begin denying service. The 8 of us watched one by one as multiple people began to leave. Not one single person was warned of how long the wait would be for the food. If they were, all these bad experiences could have been avoided entirely. At the end, we negotiated getting some of our food taken off our tickets, but we stil had to pay some money that I would argue was not worth it at all. We were given a $50 giftcard for next time, which that in itself was extremely arrogant--after THAT why would we ever want to come back? DO NOT GO HERE. If you want to experience the absolute worst dining establishment, choose here. Other than that, do not ever waste your time here. I was reading some other reviews that gave this place a one star, and it seemed management tried to reach out to smooth things over. To make one thing very clear, there is nothing, NOTHING you can do to smooth over this situation. Instead of trying to play nice and quiet the bad reviews, take time to consider and fix what all these horrible reviews are discussing. If you cannot properly run a business, do not attempt to. You have completely broken the bonds between your employees, you have caused them stress, emotional damage through multiple unhappy customers, and on top of that you are ripping servers of their main income which is tips! I guarantee you in total those servers earned no more than $15 for the day--and on a typical Saturday that number should be in the HUNDREDS. I sincerely apologize to anyone who works here. Save yourself the stress and physical/emotional distress and apply somewhere else. Apparently, some other servers were being incredibly rude. So, if you match the audacity of the management, maybe this is the perfect place for you to work. TLDR; This place is appalling--service is slow, negligent, and an overall circus. The management are the clowns. DO NOT EAT HERE.

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    Ollie & Hobbes Craft Kitchen
    Ollie & Hobbes Craft Kitchen - Chicken sandwich

    Chicken sandwich

    Ollie & Hobbes Craft Kitchen - Christmas cosmopolitan

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    Christmas cosmopolitan

    Texas Roadhouse

    Texas Roadhouse

    3.5(113 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$

    We had such an amazing experience celebrating my daughter's birthday at Texas Roadhouse! From the…read moremoment we walked in, the atmosphere was fun, lively, and perfect for a special night out. The food was absolutely outstanding--everything came out fresh, hot, and full of flavor. The steaks were cooked perfectly, the sides were delicious, and of course those warm rolls with cinnamon butter were a huge hit Even though we ate way to many of them. The staff truly made the night special. Shout out to Destiny are server. She was so friendly, attentive, and went out of her way to make my daughter feel celebrated. One of thee best if bot the best server we have ever had at any restaurant.

    The parking situation like all Texas road house outlets on a weekend is bad…read more Hubby chose to come on like graduation weekend with Mothers' Day. That's on us! We were lucky as we did get a good spot along the road to the restaurant. Tip: they allow parking along the roads alongside the restaurant. That said. The waitlist feature is great! We got in with maybe less than 10 minutes of waitng. Our servers were hustling around making sure everybody was happy Free flow of bread- nice and warm and soft. With cinnamon butter Peanuts in a little metal bucket - salted. We ordered dragonfruit sparkler. - delicious and refreshing (sweet) And i ordered salmon with vegetables and a sweet potato plain Salmon was just done right. Not overly dry- just cooked till done. The vegetables were broccoli and carrots. These were delicious. Usually in chain reataurants, these would already be much. Mine pretty much tested fresh- just out of water with the right texture- like home made! Despite being busy, our server cane by seveal times to check on us. At some point, a gentleman popped by to say how pleased that we were there and thanked us - possibly a manager We soaked up the music and the upbeat vibes. It was a good night! I finally understand why this outlet is always busy every time we pas it by. We will be back!

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    Texas Roadhouse
    Texas Roadhouse - Grilled Salmon*

    Grilled Salmon*

    Texas Roadhouse

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    Penelope's Lil Cafe - tradamerican - Updated May 2026

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