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Blue Orchid
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Classy
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
50 reviews for Blue Orchid
Review Highlights
"However, the Panang Curry with Salmon is phenomenal."
(in 9 reviews)
"I especially like the Pad Thai and the spring rolls."
(in 8 reviews)
"The chai iced tea was amazing."
(in 4 reviews)
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50 reviews in English
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Review from Betty H.
Lincoln, NE
11/15/2011
Finally found good Thai food in Lincoln. Bingo!
Their Thai iced tea was awesome. The pad thai with tofu was tasty, not the best ever, but at least it had all the typical ingredients and satisfied my cravings, unlike the sloppy imitation over at Thai Garden.
They get points for service, too: when I asked whether the pad thai was vegetarian, the waiter realized that fish sauce might not be okay and offered to have it made without. Hooray.
Classy decor but oddly dim lighting. -
Review from Stefanie N.
Omaha, NE
Been here twice, first time was for dinner a while ago but I remembered it being pretty good. Second time went for lunch and I can say that while it wasn't stellar, it wasn't bad.
Had the mussels as an appetizer and it was only ok. The dipping sauce that comes with it is supposed to be some sort of lemongrass garlic but honestly, all I can taste is a ton ton of fish sauce with a bit of lime. Definitely too overpowering for the mussels. The tom yum broth was a lot more clear then anywhere I've ever had it but doesn't lack in taste. Definitely a great soup. Had the chicken Pad Thai and maybe I caught them on a bad day? Seemed like it was tossed in the wok for a minute too long, the color was extremely dark. I remember the first time I had the Pad Thai here, it was good.
The service is good and so is the decor. I would come here again. -
Review from Wyn R.
Lincoln, NE
1/23/2012
I really don't know why people love this place. I think it's very mediocre. Small portions. Way overpriced. Snotty wait staff every single time I've been. Basically, I don't go any more.
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Review from Kate H.
Lincoln, NE
1/20/2012
Not your traditional Thai food, but a great American take on Thai! I love the thai rolls (small flash fried noodle and chicken stuffed spring rolls) and the perfect trio - a dish with beef, chicken and prok, pineapple, snow peas and peppers in a thick honeyed pepper sauce. Yum! The wine list is small and lacks variety, especially by the glass, but they make some really good cocktails to make up for it. I have only ever been for dinner, and find it to be a great date spot because you can hold a conversation without having to yell over the din. On a weekend, reservations can be key because they fill up fast but during the week you generally don't have to wait too long.
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Review from Cory O.
Lincoln, NE
8/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Last night a friend and I had a chance to sneak over to Blue Orchid for a nice lil' dinner, here's my review.
The Venue: Located in a tight spot between the old courthouse and some other large building it can be a little tough to spot if you're driving by. Once you enter the restaurant you'll notice it's clean, smells nice, and is pretty cozy and open. My friend mentioned that "it looks cute" and I'd say that about sums it up.
The Service: When we walked in I was greeted immediately and from that moment on we were well taken care of until leaving. Spot on, prompt, and good service.
The Food: My friend and I ended up splitting two orders, Thai basil chicken and (of course) beef pad thai. The dishes were presented well, tasted great, and were what I was expecting.
The Cost: It was cheap by all accounts, our bill was about $35.00 and some change (plus tip) for two entree's, a beer, and an appetizer. No sweat there.
The Bottom Line: The bottom line is I'd definitely come here again, the menu is a little "Americanized" but the food is good, the wait staff is on point, and the atmosphere is nice.
P.S. If you park in a lot about a block down the street your first hour is free :) -
Review from Robin S.
Lincoln, NE
11/6/2011
I went a couple of months ago, so this review is from memory. Excuse the hazy details.
I had the lunch special with Tom Ka Gai (chicken and mushroom soup with coconut milk) and green curry. My friend and I split an order of egg rolls.
The egg rolls are ridiculously overpriced - four for $4 or $5 (hazy memory). $1 each wouldn't have been bad but the egg rolls were only about two inches long.
The Tom Ka Gai was okay, but the spices didn't taste authentic. It kind of baffled me, I couldn't figure out what was missing, but something was definitely off. Then came the absolutely bizarre green curry. It was spicy as I'd asked, but carried the overwhelming taste of jalapenos. The curry also contained a lot of cabbage ... it just wasn't traditional Thai food and I can't bring myself to go back again, no matter how much I need Thai food. -
Review from Stephanie P.
8/2/2011
#199 So, after an eventful afternoon, we decided to hop onto Yelp to look for a decent dinner location. We were in the mood for Thai food and Blue Orchid immediately popped. Despite the fact that the entrance is in a sort of random driveway of the Grand Manse, the interior decor of the place was impressive. They were able to maintain the industrial architecture of the ceilings, while also creating a classy ambiance throughout the restaurant. I loved the spillover of their theme 'blue' to the table, with their blue goblets for water and blue plates - super cute. It didn't take too long before we figured out what we wanted since their menu is quite condensed, only showcasing the best options.
We ordered 6 entrees (Drunken Noodles, Rad Na, Pad Thai, Khao Soi, Silvernoodle Salad, and the Pacific Medley), as well as both of the soups on the menu (Tom Kha and Tom Yum). The soups came out in record time and I definitely enjoyed the Tom Yum. I'm really into sour soups and they did not hold back on this one. The tofu was actually a bit too bland for such strong flavor and I'm sure it would have gone better with chicken, but I still think it's incredible.
As for the entrees, I was only able to sample the Pacific Medley and Rad Na since they were the only vegetarian options. The Pacific Medley, though, was definitely on point and my favorite hands down. The shrimp were plump and juicy, while the scallops were deliciously buttery and melted in my mouth. The calamari were chewy and tender and paired well with the strong, spicy flavor of the sauce. I was also a fan of the gratuitous amounts of basil that were present as it balanced the entire dish by cooling it down.
The waitress was great at the beginning, but dropped the ball a bit towards the end of the night. Once the dishes were served, she was a bit aloof in terms of her presence. We clearly saw her rush through certain things, like refilling out water, only to then saunter back over to the bar to chat up the other waitresses - an unappreciated sight. So, a star was knocked. Overall, great experience, great Thai food, love the architecture and ambiance. -
Review from Nicole S.
Lincoln, NE
4/28/2011
I'm a big fan of thai food, and for Lincoln, this is the best. I try something different every time I go, and I still have yet to be dissapointed. I'm especially a sucker for drunken noodles, so I'll get them as take out a couple of times a month. Amazing.
Only complaint is the service is a little spotty..most of the times I've been there the wait staff can be a little snippy, but it's not horrible. I've had male server a couple of times though that is great and spot on. I can't remember his name, he's thin with longer hair and said he had worked there for four years. He carefully guided my fathers girlfriend through the menu as she was very bad with spicy things. Even when she thought her mild dish was too spicy, he ran and got her a thai iced tea on the house to help her enjoy her meal. Great service right there
Try and go for lunch, it's much cheaper and you get an appetizer and entree. -
Review from R. Jonathon J.
Denver, CO
5/25/2011
The staff was very friendly and accommodating; especially, considering I walked in at the last minute. The food looked great and tasted even better.
the decor was nice. I got lost trying to find it due to the alley entrance but it was worth the walk. -
Review from Jason S.
Kearney, NE
11/16/2011
The Spring rolls had no flavor, I had the trio, no meat, small portions, loud. Great decor. Had way better Thai
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Review from Mike P.
Phoenix, AZ
12/13/2010
What's going on here? The last two great Thai restaurant meals I've had were both in the state of Nebraska. I'm thankful my potentially snobby prejudices have been challenged in this seemingly Asia-distant area.
Since the restaurant is a little more upscale than your smaller, more typical neighborhood Thai place, you might wind up paying a couple bucks more per entree, but the expense is definitely worth it. I'm a big curry fan and the Panang was suggested by the hostess. I was kind of bored of curries at the moment, but glad I took the suggestion. It turned out being perfectly spicy and sweet. The flavors stood out from themselves and had at once a distinct familiar, yet unique taste, avoiding a simple bland coconut and curry paste sameness. The staff were nice though I got my order to go. Highly recommended if you are in the area. -
Review from Josh A.
Clifton Park, NY
12/24/2010
Yelp wins again. When the other place my in-laws suggested was closed I hopped on yelp and Blue Orchid popped up. A solid experience was had.
Food-
4 Stars. Nothing overwhelmingly awesome but solid Thai food. Drunken noodle I had I requested as hot as they would make it and it was appropriately spicy. Noodles were done well as were the veggies and the beef. Also had a thai spring roll for an appetizer, which was good although a little small.
Service-
5 Stars. Excellently helpful and patient waiter. My in-laws can be a little challenging and he was flawless. He was also friendly, timely, and explanatory.
Drinks-
4 Stars. Good thai iced teas and iced coffees.
Value-
5 Stars. Great deal for lunch at I think $9.25 for an appetizer and an entree (although very lunch sized).
Atmosphere-
5 Stars. Very nicely done inside, I was impressed. -
Review from Tanner H.
Lincoln, NE
4/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
After dining at this establishment for about the 10th time - I figured it was time to give this place a review. Blue Orchid is consistently heralded as Lincoln's premier Thai restaurant, and for good reason.
After my first dining experience went awry (a server recommendation gone terribly wrong and 20 minute wait on beverages that eventually came looking and tasting hastily and lifelessly made) - all other experiences have been pleasant and even quite memorable.
Food -
Very good, unique, and lively. Drunken noodles with tofu, Asian delight, yellow curry, and pad thai with chicken top my favorites. It seems everyone I dine with there has a different favorite dish - and thus I'm convinced that it's hard to go wrong with any of there entrees. Their appetizers tend to be very small and not worth the money, but besides that everything seems spot on.
Drinks -
They usually carry one of my favorite wines (Klinker Brick Zinfandel), but when this is not carried - I normally go with a Sapporo (which I find to be quite refreshing when served on tap). Their ginger mojitos are raved about by many of my peers, but I have never been overwhelmed by them. Their thai ices teas are also very delicious.
Service -
Usually very pleasant and attentive. I've had some very pretentious servers as well that tend to work to hard on their "cool" factor and less on their "serving" factor. During my one unfortunate experience, my food bill was removed from my ticket - though I would have appreciated a apology from the manager. They seem to strive for excellence.
Value -
For Lincoln, it's fairly high, but still manageable. My date and I usually get out of there for around $60 with drinks and dinner.
Atmosphere-
The high ceiling doesn't provide the most intimate setting, but still impressive and relaxing.
Overall it's a fantastic Lincoln version of Thai food. It is one of my favorite of Lincoln and tends to climb the ladder with every visit. -
Review from Wei Ming L.
Lincoln, NE
8/30/2011
One of the best Thai Restaurant in Lincoln, I love the Panang Curry, Tom Kha Gai, and sticky rice desert. Atmosphere is good too.
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Review from Ryan C.
Lincoln, NE
7/13/2011
Don't understand all the hype. Service is poor, atmosphere is crowded and loud, food is overpriced and the sauces seem to be extremely sweet. On a positive note, the decor is clean and trendy. This is another restaurant I want to like, but each experience is more underwhelming than the last.
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Review from Tom D.
Washington, DC
8/4/2011
Came here for lunch. I think the 2 course lunch menu is 9 or 9.50...a really great value, and more importantly, the food is very good. Nice atmosphere and solid service. I would eat here often if I lived in the area.
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Review from Nathan C.
Lincoln, NE
7/13/2011
One of our favorite places to eat in Lincoln. The service used to be slow but they seem to have figured out their processes to make things speedier.
The food has consistently been very good and the prices are reasonable for the portions you receive.
We love the spacious dining area and urban decor, but during our recent visit we noticed that they need to do some maintenance work. Some areas of drywall are very scuffed where chairs and tables have rubbed against them.
It's so bad in places that it really detracts from the otherwise pleasant atmosphere. Because of that, I'd hesitate to take anyone there for an important business meal or date. -
Review from Tam-Anh N.
San Jose, CA
7/27/2009
One of my top favorite restaurants in Lincoln. I've eaten at a lot of Thai places and it doesn't get much better than this, especially in the midwest. I'm very impressed with the food here. The pad thai and the yellow curry are... amazing. I switch back and forth between these two entrees all the time.
I've been going to blue orchid since it opened and I don't see myself stopping anytime soon. The food here is always amazing while the service fluctuates, but I think it's worth it for such lovely food at cheap prices. Just writing this review makes me want a huge plate of pad thai... with a side of yellow curry. :D
I constantly recommend this place mostly due to the food, but the restaurant itself is very nice. It's a good-sized place with tasteful decor, outside seating, downtown location, and a full bar. You can't go wrong here.
The only downside: parking is a pain. -
Review from Chaviva G.
Denver, CO
2/4/2009
When Blue Orchid opened, I was excited. I had a friend who was -- at the time -- on the wait staff, and he let a bunch of my friends and I know that the food was outstanding, so we got a group together to go. Talk about the worst decision ever!
Let me back up.
We arrived during the dinner hour, and knowing that the restaurant was fairly good sized, we figured the six or seven of us would have to wait, but no that long. Wrong. We waited more than an hour for a table, and we'd wanted to leave on many ocassions, but our wait-staff friend guaranteed us that although the service was shit, the food was divine. Well, he was right, but we all were weighing whether DELICIOUS food is worth HORRIBLE service.
To this day, after several more unfortunate dining experiences at Blue Orchid -- slow service, long waits, but delicious food -- I can say that I haven't had a desire to go back. From the reviews, it doesn't look like things have gotten much better, either. You can go elsewhere for cheaper food, probably not as delicious, but the service would definitely be faster.
Support the local business at your own risk! -
Review from Charles G.
Omaha, NE
Updated - 7/12/2010
I've eaten at Blue Orchid a couple of times since my first experience, and though I still adore some of what's on their menu, I have to knock the place a star for a few reasons:
1. I was quite drunk the first time I ate there. (Not their responsibility, of course, but it colored my judgment.)
2. Many of the items on the menu are simply too sweet for my taste. I don't recall this problem on my first visit, but considering "1" above, well...
3. The service is spotty. Sometimes they're on the ball, but oftentimes not. On my most recent visit (with a party of 8 for lunch), the food was poorly timed, and to add to that we had to ask for additional flatware, rice, etc.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/19/2008
Shortly after it opened I was visiting Nebraska from the East Coast. My friends were raving about… Read more »
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Review from Paxton F.
San Francisco, CA
5/20/2008
This is not family style thai food. If you want it hot, you do have to ask.
I don't need authenticity to have a great meal
The quality of food is outstanding, as well as the drink menu. There are plenty of creative cocktail concoctions that all my friends love. I however am a scotch drinker and the selection, although small is sufficient for someone with a little experience, they even have special ice if you are a rocks guy/gal.
If you eat beef, order the crying tiger and bring a new pair of pants because it is a constant tastegasm. Seriously I have to fight myself from ordering it every time I'm there. Otherwise the seafood is tops for the midwest and the menu is diverse. If you want something a little custom don't be afraid to do it, you won't get the scathing looks you do in some places. That brings up the wait staff which is knowledgeable and friendly.
I have to eat here at lest once every time I go to Lincoln.
Crryyyyyyying Tiiiiiiiger aaaahhhhhhhhh -
Review from J T.
Astoria, NY
10/25/2009
The food is pretty good.
Really slow service.
Over priced for the small portions.
Lunch is the best deal.
Great bathrooms.
Not great for kids. -
Review from Kate V.
Lincoln, NE
12/3/2010
I've lived in S.F. And Chicago and have been able to experience many wonderful thai restaurants. This place is the BOMB. Great waitstaff too! I love you, panang curry. Marry me.
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Review from Nancy C.
Lincoln, NE
2/28/2008
We ordered appetizers and dinners two weeks ago and were pleased with the entrees. Not enough rice, so had to ask for more and very disappointed in the spring rolls--wouldn't order them again.
Will try lunch there soon and skip the dinner prices in the future. When I called, they were kind enough to email a menu. Very lovely setting so maybe that's why they have such high dinner prices. -
Review from Brandon B.
Lincoln, NE
11/27/2010
Blue Orchid has good Thai food for Lincoln. The service is hit or miss, and you will need a reservation on a Friday or Saturday night, especially if there is a home football game. Get there early and you can still snag a seat at the bar. You'll get better service than at the tables and the same menu.
At our visit a couple of weeks ago, we had two vegetarian dishes (panang curry with tofu and green curry with tofu) and one seafood dish (although the name escapes us right now). Both of the tofu dishes were quite tasty, but we would have liked having more vegetables to contrast with the tofu. The seafood dish was delicious - Blue Orchid is one of the few places in Lincoln that we feel comfortable ordering fish. The desserts we ordered ranged from really great (the chocolate cake with coconut ice cream) or just ok (the strawberry cake).
The wine menu is quite extensive and nice; the beer selection is somewhat limited, but what they have is varied and generally craft-brewer focused. The night that we were there, we had a surprisingly tasty microbrew from Salt Lake City. The mixed cocktails are very good. In fact, it's worth going here just for drinks. -
Review from Luke M.
Lincoln, NE
4/1/2011
This place is AMAZING! I am in love with their Green Curry with tofu. It is literally the best curry in town!
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Review from Pukar R.
Dallas, TX
10/17/2010
Drunken noodles (beef) was really good. Very spicy actually which is the way I like it. Chicken tempura was also tasty. Service was friendly, drinks took a while to come out but nothing ridiculous. Definitely recommend this place.
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Review from Strong Island M.
Lincoln, NE
7/18/2007
The Blue Orchid restaurant is the best value for Thai cuisine in the city of Lincoln. I have frequented the restaurant many times now and have been satisfied every time. Their selection of seafood is especially good. I find myself looking forward to eating their to satisfy my craving for seafood. i particularly love their prawn cakes. Sometimes I stop by at lunch, sit at the bar and have a few orders - yes, I love them that much! I also enjoy the many wines they have available. I can always find the perfect match for both dinner and my mood.
One negative (despite the many positives) is their inconsistent service. In the many times i have been there, both on busy and slow nights, it seems the service can be up in the air. Entrees can come out fast one night when it is busy and then take forever on a relative calm evening. Most recently while dining I was told by a friend of mine who was serving my party that they were having issues with the kitchen staff which I'm sure will be corrected. In light of this the food was still top notch, which makes it more of a mystery. Above all, I have never had a bad lunch or dinner entree and I have practically had everything on their menu.
I highly recommend this restaurant for anyone who loves great Thai food and delicious wines. Check it out, the food will not disappoint! -
Review from Salmon P.
Lincoln, NE
12/10/2010
Would like to like them more. Conveniently located, nice atmosphere, excellent service. Unfortunately, they put cilantro in everything. I hate cilantro. Plus, they made my daughter cry when she ordered a root beer and they didn't have any.
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Review from Virlie B.
Portland, OR
1/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Expensive, but ambiance is nice. Food is good.
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Review from T S.
Seattle, WA
6/17/2010
You would likely be called crazy for saying some of the best thai food in US can be found in Lincoln, but it true. I've eaten here multiple times (on visits home) and the thai dishes are always home runs. The curries are excellent, nooddle dishes deliver, and the thai salads are good. The place is beautiful and the price point is excellent for what you get. Bravo lincoln for supporting such a great place.This would be a top thai restaurants in Seattle or San Francisco.
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Review from Yoko S.
Lincoln, NE
2/24/2011
The owner used to be our neighbor. Did you know the owner is a UNL Computer Science professor? Talking about a talented person!
The first time I went to Blue Orchid, I was very impressed with the decor. I used to live in Tokyo and was used to very upscale, high end restaurants and Blue Orchid reminded me of those restaurants.
Food is somewhat Americanized, and I am not sure if it is pure Thai, or as some people say here, fusion. There used to be a mom and pop kind of restaurant called "Four Sons (or Suns)" and that was really homey good Thai food.
Anyway, I love the food nevertheless. My husband loves EXTREMELY spicy food, and he was satisfied with Drunken Noodles. So if you are not fond of heat, you should definitely avoid that. Most recently, I had a Blue Crab Fried Rice. There was plenty of crab meats and there was more than I can eat.
Desserts are delicious too. A little pricey at $6.99 but definitely worth trying. I love the ice cream.
Service could improve a little (thus four stars), but Blue Orchid is definitely a restaurant that Lincolnites could be proud of. -
Review from Josh S.
Omaha, NE
7/12/2010
Had the Pad Thai and it was pretty tasty. Spring rolls were tiny, and not good. The chai iced tea was amazing! Service can be slow. A little too pricey though, in my opinion.
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Review from A L.
Omaha, NE
6/2/2010
The trendy Thai Fusion place of Lincoln. However, the Panang Curry with Salmon is phenomenal. Some items are hit or miss, but this was always my favorite thing on the menu. Spring rolls are decent if I remember correctly. Go for $10 lunch unless you want to spend around $16-20 per person for dinner.
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Review from Gail F.
Lincoln, NE
1/18/2010
Had a great dinner at Blue Orchid the other night. Ordered two appetizers- the spring rolls and the golden triangle (deep fried tofu with plum sauce.) Shared two wonderful entrees- Yellow Curry with Chicken and the Cognac Beef.
Also enjoyed a nice bottle of Henry Estate Pinot Grigio and topped off dinner with the restaurant's homemade coconut ice cream.
Had tremendous service from Michelle- very courteous and savvy about what to order. Great night of delicious eating and good service. -
Review from Mary M.
San Francisco, CA
8/6/2008
A surprisingly gorgeous and tasty addition to Lincoln's restaurant scene. I've been here a couple times now, so I know it's not just a fluke. Reasonable prices, a great variety on the menu, and a fabulous location (historic building downtown), with great decor. Service was attentive, and the food wasn't just "relatively good for Lincoln," it was actually really good Thai food!
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Review from Sarah A.
Carlsbad, CA
6/8/2011
Excellent! Had the Panang Curry and it was amazing. Asked them to adjust the spice level and it was perfect. Great service and ambiance. Don't know when I'll be in Lincoln again, but if I am, I'll eat here!
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Review from Heather B.
Lincoln, NE
4/12/2008
I don't get the people who said this is the best Thai in Lincoln... It's a very stylized place where you pay of the whimsy and artfulness of the little plates, little portions, etc. The food tastes good, but it's definitely not the best Thai in Lincoln... I think people are just saying that because they're trying to justify why it's the most expensive Thai in Lincoln. They do have really good ice cream from Ivana Cone there, though.
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Review from Brian K.
Rocklin, CA
9/2/2009
As mentioned, it's really more Asian than Thai. Being from California, it's not your classic Thai but still very tasty. It's more like a combo of Thai flavors and Chinese execution.
The lemongrass/chili martini is very tasty and interesting albeit it takes about ten minutes from ordering drink to actually tasting it. My main dish (Drunken Noodles with tofu) had good spice and heat.
Cool interior relative to most restaurants in the area. -
Review from Kari T.
Lincoln, NE
3/18/2010
Every time I'm home in Lincoln, I HAVE to stop at Blue Orchid. It is by far my favorite restaurant in Lincoln and has been since it has opened. I would say that lunch during the week is the best deal (you get an appetizer and a lunch portion of a main dish for $9.95), so I always try to go during the weekdays. Weekend evenings get a little busy, so be prepared to potentially wait a little while.
The food is delicous, I always order the Tom Kha soup and the yellow curry with chicken as my meal. However, the panang curry is also a favorite. My absolute favorite drink on the menu is the pineapple basil martini, although during the day I love the Thai iced tea!
Definitely stop by Blue Orchid, you won't regret it!
