When a simple craving for a great sandwich strikes, there’s no need to settle for limp lettuce or soggy bread. Lincoln is bursting with shops that serve up everything from smoky brisket to vegan banh mi, catering to every lunchtime mood and appetite.
Let’s get to it.
Canyon Joe’s Barbecue
When summer arrived last year, Canyon Joe’s Barbecue opened its doors in Lincoln’s Telegraph District, bringing that classic Texas smokehouse magic to town. The star of the show is the brisket, trimmed and smoked low and slow until it practically melts in your mouth. You can pile it high on thick-cut white bread or tuck it into a house-baked biscuit if you want a breakfast twist.
The menu also features pulled pork, in-house sausage, and smoked turkey lining up alongside the brisket. Don’t miss the kolaches stuffed with barbecue meat, and check out weekly specials like pastrami hatch ‘n’ cheddar on Thursdays or salmon burnt ends during Lent. Sides hold their own too—Canyon Mac carries the gentle heat of hatch chiles, while purple cabbage slaw and borracho beans round out hearty plates built for sharing.
With a casual vibe that feels part Texas, part Nebraska, the service is warm and sometimes even comes with acoustic music in the background. Most diners are here for lunch or a quick catering pick-up, and the place shuts down by mid-afternoon, so plan accordingly.
Sultan’s Kite
Stepping up to the counter at Sultan’s Kite, you’ll notice the vibrant Mediterranean flavors right away. Beef gyros and chicken shawarma spin slowly on the rotisserie, then get tucked into soft pita or house-made naan. Three scratch-made tzatziki sauces—white, red chili, and green chili—let you tweak each bite to your own taste.
Falafel takes center stage, too. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and just as satisfying whether you order it in a pita or on its own as a side. Portions lean generous, especially in the rice bowls and platters, making $9–$13 feel like a solid lunch deal. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are clearly labeled, and swapping proteins or sides is no trouble at all.
Inside seating is limited, but bursts of red and hand-painted murals keep the space lively. Since 2010, the downtown strip location has been buzzing, and a newer drive-thru out south handles quick lunches and late-night cravings. Sultan’s Kite strikes the perfect balance between fast service and fresh, bold Mediterranean dishes.
Banhwich Cafe
Tucked into Saigon Plaza, Banhwich Cafe doesn’t hold back when it comes to banh mi variety. With over 17 sandwich styles, there’s something for everyone—from lemongrass grilled pork and Korean bulgogi beef to the Ultimate Banhwich stacked with pork belly, pâté, and egg. The French-style bread is bubbly and crisp, though you can choose a croissant or lettuce wrap if you’re watching carbs or gluten.
Each sandwich is built to order, with meats marinated and sliced in-house. Non-meat eaters can enjoy a fried tofu and baby corn banh mi, and almost every option can be made vegan on request. Bubble tea in classic and inventive flavors pairs perfectly with chewy tapioca pearls, and you’ll find dairy-free and vegan milks available too.
Sides and desserts—think pandan or ube waffles—offer a playful finish without a high price tag. Most sandwiches run $4.75–$7.75, and hours suit both early and late lunch crowds. Whether you dine inside, on the patio, or pick up curbside, Banhwich Cafe serves up no-fuss, neighborhood comfort with loyal regulars to prove it.
CheeseSteak Grille
Hidden inside a gas station at 5640 S 16th, CheeseSteak Grille delivers an honest Philly cheesesteak experience. You walk in, order from the counter, and watch your steak or chicken get grilled right behind the register. Choose a 6-inch or 10-inch hoagie bun—both are toasted until just crisp outside and soft inside—then loaded with seasoned meat, sautéed peppers, onions, and plenty of Swiss cheese.
Extras like mushrooms or jalapeños are easy to add, and most folks grab the combo with fries or chips plus a fountain drink before heading back out. Lunch under eight dollars is a real possibility unless you pile on extra steak. There’s no third-party delivery here, but takeout orders flow steadily, and a catering option is available for tailgate parties with advance notice.
Open daily into the evening, CheeseSteak Grille has stayed true to its simple formula over the years: hot sandwiches, classic toppings, and zero fuss.
Engine House Cafe
Housed in the old Havelock Station #4, Engine House Cafe has been serving comfort food since 1995. The vintage brick walls and exposed wood beams set a cozy tone, and regulars fill the booths as soon as doors open at 6 a.m. Most come for hearty breakfast plates—eggs, pancakes, and skillets—then stick around for the sandwich menu.
On marble rye you’ll find a proper Nebraska-style Reuben, and freshly sliced roast beef, turkey, and ham star in piled-high sandwiches like the 3-Story Club or Cold Turkey Blues. Every sandwich comes with your choice of fries, tots, or cottage cheese, and includes a classic pickle spear. Prices hover under nine dollars, making it easy to grab lunch without breaking the bank.
Lunch also features breaded pork, grilled steak or chicken, and even a cod sandwich, but the grilled cheese is never off the menu. The chatter and clatter of regulars adds to the easygoing hometown charm that has kept this spot busy for decades. Whether you’re fueling up early or popping in for lunch, Engine House Cafe feels like a place that’s always glad to see you.
Piedmont Bistro by Venue
Nestled in a Cotner strip mall, Piedmont Bistro by Venue offers a sandwich lineup that never disappoints. Regulars rave about the Madame Piedmont, where layers of gruyere and cob-smoked ham nestle on crackling sourdough. It feels indulgent in the best way, just what a bistro sandwich should be. If you prefer something lighter, the cranberry pecan chicken salad on wheatberry bread balances tart, nutty, and creamy flavor in a way you won’t find in a typical grab-and-go lunch. The Red Reuben swaps corned beef for smoked beets, a smart vegetarian twist that still shines alongside house-baked Russian rye and a thick slice of gruyere.
Beyond sandwiches, there are straightforward entrees like local wagyu steak, apple-braised pork, and a bean & grain burger. Most plates are generous—leftovers are almost guaranteed—yet prices stay reasonable for this part of town. Enjoy full table service in the dining room or claim a seat on the patio by the fire pit. The bakery counter operates daily, so anyone with a bread weakness will find more than enough reasons to return. For a neighborhood bistro, they cover a lot of ground without breaking the bank.
The Green Gateau
Since opening more than 25 years ago, The Green Gateau feels like a little European inn right in downtown Lincoln. The dining room has just the right mix of coziness and polish, and the local chatter makes it especially welcoming. Sandwiches go beyond the ordinary, like the Chicken Monterey stacked with prosciutto, cheddar, and roasted red pepper mayo on soft brioche. The Croque Monsieur arrives dripping with mornay sauce on perfectly toasted bread. You’ll spot brioche, flaky croissants, rustic rye, and tomato-basil tortilla wraps—all sourced from local bakeries and farms.
Vegetarians get plenty of attention here. The Garden Party wrap combines grilled vegetables, brie, and avocado, while the Beyond Burger comes on gluten-free bread or brioche. On weekends, brunch fans arrive early for eggs Benedict and pancake sandwiches served until midafternoon. Sandwich prices range from $11 to $17, a sweet spot that highlights portion and detail. Full-service catering stays tucked in the background, but most folks come for the dining room—a touch of Europe with plenty of Lincoln charm.
Bison Witches Bar & Deli
Since 2000, Bison Witches Bar & Deli has stood at its downtown Lincoln corner, mixing a neighborhood bar vibe with a deli menu that’s big on flavor. Sandwiches arrive hot and generously stuffed. The Big Bison Baguette offers a full nine ounces of hand-layered meat, while the Green Turkey stacks turkey, bacon, avocado, and cream cheese, finished with house salsa and crunchy sprouts. The Hawaiian Chicken brings together pineapple, BBQ sauce, and provolone. You’ll also find old favorites like the classic Reuben and sturdy corned beef on pumpernickel rye.
Local bakeries supply the bread, from sandwich loaves to the bowls that cradle their soups. Sides run the gamut—mac and cheese, baked potato salad, or a variety of chips. Vegetarians aren’t limited to grilled cheese or PB&J; you can build a custom veggie sandwich with your choice of bread and toppings. The vibe is casual counter service, seven days a week, with a full bar that invites lingering. Bison Witches handles takeout and catering without fuss, and the roomy interior works just as well for a gathering or solo counter seat.
Bagels & Joe
For breakfast and lunch in Nebraska, Bagels & Joe skips the generic and focuses on fresh basics with a creative touch. Bagels are made on-site each morning, rotating through blueberry, asiago, jalapeño, everything, and even French toast for a cheerful change. Cream cheese spreads arrive hand-blended, with flavor choices most chains don’t bother to carry.
Breakfast sandwiches—bacon or sausage with egg and cheese—are warm and hearty. Burritos feature chorizo or vegetarian fillings, built on potatoes, peppers, hummus, and cheddar. Come lunchtime, fans flock to the turkey avocado deli sandwich and the chipotle turkey panini. Vegetarians also find a full deli lineup beyond the usual grilled cheese. The coffee roast is done in-house, ensuring a fresh cup every time. Whether you linger with a latte or grab a quick order to go, Bagels & Joe delivers on flavor and quality.
If you’re picking up a dozen bagels for friends or family, you’ll appreciate the fair pricing. And don’t miss the drive-thru on Pioneers Boulevard—if you zoom past it, you might regret not stopping in.
Lila Mae’s Southern Kitchen & Lounge
At Lila Mae’s Southern Kitchen & Lounge in Rathbone Village, Southern comfort takes center stage. Menu highlights include Shrimp Po’ Boys, Nashville hot chicken, and a proper maple-syrup waffle. From the parking lot to the dining room, the scent of house-breaded fried chicken and bacon makes it clear you’re in for a treat.
Seating accommodates about fifty people between the main dining room and the small bar upstairs. Motown and soul tunes set a relaxed mood. The kitchen sources local pork chops, fries its own shrimp, and even offers a spring salad or okra stew for anyone avoiding meat. Most orders revolve around hot, crispy handhelds. The Big Smooth and the Bacon Rancher both arrive loaded with smoked bacon and fried chicken, and taste as indulgent as they sound. Vegetarian sides include fried cauliflower and house pickles.
Sandwiches range from $10 to $16, while desserts hover around $7 a slice. Lila Mae’s handles private events and Sunday brunch, and its online ordering and pickup system works smoothly. Note that there are no gluten-free buns, so anyone avoiding wheat should double-check before ordering.
