I was in Lincoln for a night and tried Tico's. The service was fast, friendly and efficient! Recommended.

First of all, I will mention the good things about this meal. - 1. My server was excellent. Very friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. - 2. My soft drink was great. - 3. The cheese dip was pretty good. Now for the bad. - 1. The menu said "beef taco" so I was expecting something that tasted at least something like beef. This tasted like the cooks opened up a can of Worthington Vegetarian Burger fake meat and put a couple of spoonfuls of it (without any seasonings) into a taco shell and then slightly warmed it up. (And if you don't know what Worthington Vegetarian Burger is, go over to the ABC next to Union College in the eastern part of town.) - 2. The menu said "chile relleno" so I was expecting a chile relleno. The correct way to make one is to take a good sized fresh green chile pepper (either a poblano or a Hatch/Anaheim is acceptable), roast and peel it, then remove the seeds and replace them by stuffing the chile with cheese or/and meat (and vegetables are even good in there--I had those twice in Texas), and then dip it in an egg batter and fry it. If the egg batter is too complicated, then make an omelet and fold it over the stuffed chile (this is how they're usually done where I lived in Arizona). Attention restaurant owner/manager: That's what a chile relleno is--a stuffed chile pepper. The garbage brought to my table was nothing even remotely like that. What they brought me was something that closely resembled a small, children's sized chimichanga with some cheese and a piece of a green chile pepper rolled up inside it. And while it looked a little like it might have been a small flour tortilla that it was rolled in and fried, the taste and texture were much closer to a large egg roll wrapper. That is NOT a chile relleno. - 3. The salsa that came with the chips was not very good. Actually kind of weird. - 4. The prices were ridiculous. For the quality of food I received, this food would still have been expensive at half the price they charged. For a create your own combo, those two items I just mentioned (along with a smaller than normal amount of rice and beans for a side) was $15. Yes, you read that right. Fifteen dollars!! I've had much better food at Taco Bell--which is not even close to being Mexican food. The next time I'm in Lincoln, the only way to get me to even consider returning to this restaurant would be to read "New management/owner, new cooks, new recipes, fresh and real ingredients, and more reasonable prices" in the description. read more

Went to dinner on a Saturday night and got right in. For a Saturday night I was surprised it wasn't more busy. Boyfriend and I each ordered a drink. I ordered the Tiaco Ninos. Asked for NO melted cheese and when I received my meal it had melted cheese. My boyfriend accidentally spilled his drink and I tried to get the managers attention when he walked by twice and he ignored me. Our server was MIA. I finally walked up towards the host station and asked the host for help. I saw him let the manager know, the manager did nothing. Host cleaned the spill, but did not wipe the now sticky table down. Our server was never informed. Our server even after we let her know the drink had been spilled never offered to have a new one made or see if he wanted anything else. We also had to ask for the table to be cleaned. Came time for the bill and I asked for the drink to be removed and the manager had a fit and would not remove the drink. I will never be back to this place. The food was not even that great. read more

Tico's - Pineapple Cosmo tasty! - Mexican Near Me - Lincoln, Nebraska

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My first visit to Tico's was for lunch. It's a much bigger place than it appears. Lots of comfortable seating. Hostess sat us under a skylight, which was cheery, and spacious. They have a nice ambience with huge chandeliers, and a beautiful bar with a large stained glass window behind. I ordered a Tiaco, a nice sized spiced beef, with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and sour cream, wrapped flour tortilla, heated to blend the flavors. It comes with a side and I chose the black beans and rice. Both were delicious. I also had tea, and this all came to about $10. I took some leftovers home. They have a parking lot, which is appreciated since downtown is a parking monster. They have gluten free menu items, a kid menu and to go options. I really liked everything about Tico's and recommend it. I will return again and again. read more

This review is for take out only and chile rellanos only. Every time I go here to get food to take back to Omaha the place is a ghost town. I have ate here once and was definitely not impressed with the restaurant or the food. The take out is always ready when promised. The people who work here are always friendly. Now, these are not the chile rellanos you have had at any other mexican restaurant but I must say the are delicious. This version is a sheet of dough that is filled with cheese and a strip of chile. They deep fry the whole thing and what you get is this great crispy shell that oozes cheese. The green chile pork sauce that comes with it is fabulous as well. read more

Ticos is a Lincoln cornerstone. Old fashioned, doesn't believe in updating but what they have works and I like it. When going to a Mexican sit down restaurant they are all pretty much the same. What sets them apart and makes it our first choice is the Tico bean dip. It's a layer of beans mixed with Mexican rice, a layer of sour cream and then a layer of white and green onion. It's so good. You have to try it!! The chips are thing and have paprika sprinkled on them which adds a nice flavor. Portions are great. The vegetarian potato casserole, isn't something I would normally order but it's epic and you roll it into little burritos. The side of corn is a bit over cooked and lacks texture, happened the 3 times I have had it. I would get a side of beans instead read more

Tico's - Mild and spicy salsa - Mexican Near Me - Lincoln, Nebraska

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TERRIBLE! The queso was yellow like velvetta and had a sheen on it like palstic wrap-YUK! The chile rellenos were bland and tasteless with this green stuff (I think it was suppose to be green chili) on it. The person I was with did not get what they had ordered (they had made changes to the menu item but did not change the menu; I'm guessing). The saving grace was our waitron. She never stopped smiling and steered us away from the shrimp (WARNING_ DO NOT EAT THE SHRIMP_). She was very professional and helpful and is the only reason I did not walk out. read more

Rellenos Royale (birthday treat since the 80s) and enchilada torte are personal favorites. Takeout was more convenient pre-pandemic through separate take out entrance. Waiting area crowded at times. read more

Tico's is a wonderful place. I made reservations for last night. I requested a quiet table. When our party of 6 arrived, the table was filled with several bowls of special chips and salsa. Our server was wonderful. I don't recall her name but she checked on us without hovering over us. Excellent customer service. She was awesome. I had my special Melon Margarita on the rocks, which no one makes better than Tico's. Not to be confused with a watermelon Margarita. The bartenders were superb. Our party of 6 have a variety of food and everyone was was happy. The food was fresh and portions were just right. The decor is their signature look. I love it don't change a local landmark! Thank you for our special evening! read more

Used to come here in the 80's. My how things have changed. Wife and I came in for lunch for nostalgia and were quite disappointed. Hostess didn't appreciate that we didn't want to sit in the location where she was placing us--by a table of noisy business men. Salad was good but the margaritas tasted like watered down lemonade. Don't think we'll be coming back. Tico's has changed TOO much and much for the worse. read more

The food is mediocre as well as the service. If you're looking for an overly cheesy poorly seasoned plate of food you found your spot.

Mexican food for old midwestern white people. Service was fine, drinks are okay, and there's nothing wrong with the quality of the ingredients. It's simply the blandest Mexican food I have ever had in my entire life, and there are countless other options in Lincoln which are better and cheaper. read more

i can't speak for all their food because i have only had the "ticorito" and the beef chimichanga. plus the frozen ice cream for dessert. the ticorito has a really good flavor. i order it without lettuce because it comes with shredded lettuce atop and the dish is extremely hot, out of the oven, and the shredded lettuce turns hot and mushy, so i can highly recommend the ticorito MINUS the shredded lettuce. the beef chimichanga is delicious. it looks kind of small, but it's very filling. i always get the green pork on top, which is supposed to be a spicy alternative and it is a bit spicy, but not too spicy, which i appreciate. i wish they would give a better size portion of rice and beans, particularly the rice. my daughter and her husband always get the chicken and cream cheese enchiladas and they both love them, so i would say those are a safe bet. they start the meal off with their complimentary homemade chips and salsa for your enjoyment while they are cooking your meal, and they are very good. i have also had the frozen ice cream for dessert and i like it. it does have a rather odd flavor to it that i can't quite place, but i still like it. it's a very generous portion. all in all, i'd say Tico's is a pretty good place to eat. read more

Regardless of whatever tradition may exist here, the food is absolutely horrible. First of all, it is not Mexican food. I don't even know what kind of food it is. Way overpriced, and I think I could pop something in the microwave that would have more flavor. Chips were so salty they were inedible. Bad service. Everything was just wrong, like three visits in a row. I will never return, and I will never stop trying to convince people to boycott this establishment. read more

We went there recently and I must confess that the food was probably the worst excuse for mexican food I have ever had. I have had eskimos cook better mexican food. Service was good. Our margaritas my wife and I had didn't have tequila at all. I saw our waitress, not a bartender made them and I assume she thought alcohol was already added to the mix. Won't be returning anytime soon. read more

I've been dining at Tico's sporadically for over 35 years. Sure, that dates me, but I offer that for perspective. When I was in high school, this place seemed authentic and slightly exotic. To my Midwestern palate at the time, the food was delicious and something that I craved while I lived in Europe. Although I've tried other items on the menu, I always order the same thing (the combination plate with the Cheese Enchilada, and Chile Rellenos.) The Tico's rendition of chile rellenos are constructed of green chile strips stuffed with cheese and rolled in a egg roll type of wrapper, deep fried and smothered with bland green chile pork sauce. I love the free spiced corn tortilla chips but the bland salsa, rice and refritos are just filler. Fast forward to 2013, and I've been to Central America and Mexico, lived in El Paso, TX, and sampled authentic Mexican, Cuban, Central, and South American food. Tico's is no longer top of mind when I think of Mexican food. While it is not authentic by any stretch of the imagination, if you love vintage Mexican restaurant decor, it might be your kind of place. When I want authentic food, I cook it myself or find it in the homes of my friends. Tico's, you're part of my history. A fond memory. Beer Cheese Soup, Cheese and Onion Enchiladas, Chile Rellenos, Mexican Chocolate Mint Pie, Sonitas, and Ponsonita Sundaes. I might visit when I have an overwhelming desire to take a walk down memory lane and eat in a pleasant atmosphere but there are too many options to dwell in the past. read more

Chips were good! Salsa was ...weird. ..tasted like ketchup and not very spicy. My chimichango had a TON of sour cream on it. I did enjoy the filling and how it was prepared otherwise though. Out waitress was knowledgable and friendly. Seemed like the food took a little longer than most other Mexican places in town. I'm sorry but I'll be going to Mazatlan or any of the other numerous Mexican places in Lincoln. read more

I think the food is just okay but my wife loves the heck out of this place. I am sure your wife will too lol.

Tico's continues to slip, unfortunately. Our service was great, but the food was mediocre at best. I ordered my chimi hot, but instead it came out plain. Not sure what is changing here, but I hope they figure it out soon. read more

Chips and salsa are despicable. They ruin a perfectly good chip with some horrendous sprinkle of flavor dust and salsa is bland. Most items on the menu contain an ingredient that does not belong in a Mexican restaurant: Swiss cheese, marinara, cream cheese. This place won't get you sick, service in nice, ambiance is fair, but man o man don't come here for an authentic Mexican meal. read more

Visited Rico's today, had the fish tacos, mediocre, my friend had the Chile rellenos and all it was 2 small chimichangas with peppers and cheese in them. The rice if mot mistaken tasted like rice-o-roni... the beans, we'll just dried beans... chips are tasty, salsa, nothing to write home about. Coronas, they're always good no matter where... read more

I've been going here since they opened. Favorites are chili rellenos, ticorito, enchilada torte. Consistently good every time. We came at 6pm with reservations (one of the few places near or downtown to take them on a weekend) and immediately were seated. They were busy and but the waitress was quick and efficient. We got our drinks in short order and she checked back often to refill water and chips, which I love. Our food also came quickly and was hot and as ordered. read more

This is the closest restaurant to my apartment building and as much as I want to like it for convenience sake, I just can't write that kind of review. Their margaritas are a bad store bought mix, the "shrimp" is actually just soggy bits of canned shrimp. Even the salsa is bad. The only thing I like here is the seasoning on the chips--and even that can be overwhelming. I've given Tico's more than enough chances to win me over--and no luck. If you have the choice, go El Potrero! read more

Went with a group of 5, waitress seemed miserable, it was obvious she didn't want to be there. Place was completely empty, but they sat us next to a table covered in dirty dishes. No one cleaned it until about 30 minutes into our meal. Chips and salsa were ok. I didn't really like the seasoning on the chips, but the salsa was fine. My friend's drink order was screwed up and one friend questioned whether there was actually any tequila in her margarita. That all being said, my meal was great. I got the chicken and cream cheese enchilada (maybe not the most traditional of Mexican dishes) and it was DELISH. So, to me, it made up for the less than friendly service and less than stellar atmosphere. Meal ended and waitress clearly wanted us to leave. She processed our checks and came back to take the receipts and informed us she wouldn't be coming back because she needed to go sit down because she had another 4 or 5 hours on her shift to go. It was an awkward way to end the meal. Probably in the future, I will get the food to go. Would definitely eat it again, but don't feel the need to stay. read more

THIS PLACE IS AMAZING! Our server Shelby was so helpful and friendly. At one point the Manager, Melissa, even stopped by our table to see how we were enjoying our meal. The food was absolutely what I needed, and the fried ice cream was to die for. Would recommend to friends and family, and plan to come back often. read more

Takeout is awesome. Enchilada torte casserole is amazing, chips are insane. We love to fight over the ones with the most spice!

Crappy Mexican food. The salsa sucks, maybe they followed a recipe online - but - it's loaded with onions and huge pieces of tomato. The chips are coated in some spices, but are so heavily coated that it's just gross. The food looked okay, but, tons of onions and so much cheese it was ridiculous. A nasty amount of cheese. Beans clearly from a can. I now remember why I don't go to Ticos. The inside is mostly pretty cool, some areas inside feel like a retirement home. There is better Mexican in town. read more

This was horrible. Grossly over priced. Horrible. I don't get what you people have for these chips! They were cold and overly seasoned with what tasted like the stuff of you put in beef when you're making tacos at home. Don't get me started on the salsa either! If i wanted a bowl full of chunky ketchup, I'd make it at home! The "fajita burrito" was full of sour cream. FULL of sour cream. They used sour cream for the "seasoning" instead of real Hispanic seasoning you come to expect at Mexican restaurants. One star. Zero Stars or negative one stars! Lincoln tradition my butt! Some places I want to like, but this place... this place, I don't even want to like this place. Go out of business, please! read more

I've found the food at Tico's always very good, decent portions, and we love the chips and spicy salsa. I'm not a fan of the mild salsa though, way too bland for me. The chili rellano's with pork chile have always been a favorite, as is the combo meals (tamale, cheese/onion enchilada/chile rellano) with a very good spicy split pea soup. They did bring back blue cheese dressing for the salad which was a very nice comeback. It's always been fresh and delicious. No, this isn't authentic mexican food, hey we're in Nebraska what do you expect. I like Tex/Mex or americanized mexican and I find Tico's pretty hard to beat. The service is usually pretty good, sometimes it's off a little bit, but overall a very good experience. I find the value for my money very good, 4 of us can easily dine for around $50 or less. Oh, and you have to try the ponsonita sundae with wine sauce! Wow, delicious! read more

Not authentic mexican food - but still the best in Lincoln by far. There is a reason they've been around for more than 30 years. Their nachitos are the tastiest nachos ever. Great kids menu also. I recommend the Ticorito and chili rellenos. (and the margaritas!) read more

Out of date décor for starters. Felt like my grandparents' house from 1975. The complementary salsa was TERRIBLE. Like Straight out of a giant metal can. Then the food was not good. French fries were good, though. Way better Mexican restaurant s in lincoln read more

Great service. Good food. I hadn't been there in years. It hasn't changed one bit. The place is very clean. The interior is a bit dated. The booths, chairs, and tables are clean and in good condition . The interior could use a fresh coat of paint and some new art work. read more

I would definitely say this is not a place for "authentic Mexican food". However, it is a great place for meeting up with friends and a nice quiet meal. I have been here several times and the service is consistently good. The food, while not overly great, is not bad but again not a selling point except for the chips/salsa which are always excellent. The ambiance is why I like coming most of all and why I will keep going back. read more

First let me say that Tico's is Tico's. There use to be one across from Nebraska Furniture Mart in Omaha. Those of us who have frequented Tico's love their food as it is. As with all restaurants, most are not authentic food sources. You need to go to the country of origin and even then foods vary from region to region. Most American restaurants gear their food to the taste of Americans. We all have our favorites. Long may Tico's be open. It is truely a gem in Lincoln! read more

I LOVE Tico's! Have been coming here for 30 years and it's my favorite Mexican restaurant. Their Chille Rellenos are the best!! Other favorites are the Quesadillas, Ticorito, and Nachitos. I can't believe all the negative reviews! read more

Had dinner here last night and it was wonderful all the way around. Great, friendly service and the food tasted fantastic. We reminded ourselves that we need to come here more often! We have always loved their food but last nights was even better than we remembered! We had the enchilada torte and the chicken cream cheese enchiladas. Thank you for a great night. read more

Love me some Tico's -- just love it after 40+ years of being a patron! Thank you Tico's!!

Tico's is my favorite restaurant in Lincoln. The service is always great, and the food is always ready very quickly and is ALWAYS delicious! Also, the prices are very reasonable. I would recommend Tico's to anyone looking for consistently good food and good service, at a more-than-fair price. read more

Group of 3 sat in the bar area. First round of drinks came in short order but everything else after that went poorly. It took 25 minutes for the food to arrive at the table once ordered. Had to ask for drink refills, and we waited almost 10 minutes after we asked for the check to get it. It was evident that the food had sat under a heat lamp for a long period of time, and the soda was almost fully flat. We were never asked if we wanted chips and salsa. The restaurant wasn't even 1/4 of the way full. Unfortunately it was a bad experience all around and we will not be returning any time soon. read more

My favorite Tex Mex, comfort food. My parents went here, then we came here as a family and now my husband and me frequent here. I crave the chips on a weekly basis! It is a staple in our families. read more