Blue Orchid
129 N 10th St, Lincoln, NE, 68508
Blue Orchid Menu
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Address :
129 N 10th St
Lincoln, NE, 68508 - Phone (402) 742-7250
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :10:00 am - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Classy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Michelle P.
Definitely my favorite Thai place in Lincoln. It is tucked inside the Grand Manse building, but definitely worth it. You'll have to park elsewhere and walk unless you get really lucky, but don't let that deter you. Great Pad Thai and curries. I've been for date nights and more casual dinners and lunches with friends or co-workers.
(5)David B.
Don't try to find this place at the address given. It is in fact inside the musty old Grand Manse building, though you wouldn't guess it until you get inside and start wandering the corridors and find a sign. The best way to get in is actually around the south side of the building, away from the street. Unlike the rest of the building, the restaurant is not musty, and the Thai food is decent though the servings are small.
(3)Weston J.
Tom Yum soup is good. Tofu, veggies, spicy shit. More like Nom Yum soup. Haiku review.
(5)Lincoln C.
One of our favorite places. The staff is awesome which always makes our visit more enjoyable. Been coming here for over three years on a regular basis. The food is wonderful and we have never had a bad experience. The food is always consistent. It's wise to make a reservation as they can be busy and hard to get a table walking in. Hands down our favorite restaurant. Period.
(5)Elisabeth E.
I've heard a lot about this place and was pleased to finally get to check it out a few weekends ago. I did try to stop by a couple months back and discovered they close after lunch for a few hours before opening for dinner again, so do keep that in mind. We went on a Friday night around 7:30 and were seated quickly. The atmosphere is calming with low lighting, a nice open dining room, and a subtle Thai ambiance in the decorations. The service was great and our order was taken quickly and food came out at a reasonable time. Nearly everything on the menu is gluten free so there are lots if options for those trying to avoid 'da glutensens My boyfriend had this amazing Thai iced tea that tasted like orange cream. We enjoyed the Chicken satay for an appetizer. The chicken was moist and tender and it came with a sweet and sour cucumber salsa and peanut sauce. The peanut sauce was amazing. I had the panang curry with scallops and he had the drunken noodles. I thought the panang was pretty good, decent scallop serving, and my boyfriend always loves the drunken noodles Price is pretty average and portion sizes are good, I took some home and they even sent extra rice with me. I'll definitely be going back.
(4)Raj T.
Excellent food excellent service. Jamie our waitress was superb and gave excellent customer service. Keep up the good work Jamie.
(5)Queen B.
It's the better of the two Thai within 5 block radius. The atmosphere is chill and a bit reserved but I ate here wearing my flannel and sneakers. Nbd. The portions are decent but it's about $20 a person. Water tastes horrible even with lime. The food isn't spicy at all so ask for the spice rack. This place is kinda pricey but it's nice.
(2)Tyra W.
Overall 3.25 stars. I found the staff a little awkward. Our first host muttered something and walked away which left us confused. Another hostess came over and wasn't sure where to seat us. The restaurant wasn't packed and there were plenty of open tables so I assumed it would get busy after our 7pm arrival. We were asked twice by each host if we had reservations to which we said no every time. So maybe they prefer reservations? Our server may have been new (who knows), seemed very nervous (almost flustered) I would say. It made our experience a bit awkward since he was stand by our table until we stopped eating to ask us something. Then he would awkwardly stand there after we answered his question. However, our cocktails were on point. He had the drunken monkey (banana infused Jameson) while I had the champagne with a twist. Besides the awkward staff flow, food I would call average and service was slow for the amount of business present in the establishment. I definitely wasn't blown away but did leave satisfied at the end of our visit.
(3)Sharon N.
This place is great. I got the Khao Soi, which tasted amazing and was the perfect level of spicy for me. It is a little pricy, about $15-$20 per person, but not anything unreasonable. Overall I was impressed and from now on I'll be coming here whenever I'm craving Thai food!
(4)Rumil B.
Like I said the last time, I just keep finding new reasons to love this place. I'm pretty sure I know half the wait staff by now, and they have never led me astray with their recommendations. New favorite meal as of late: Thai rolls, Thai tea, khao soi, and matcha cheesecake to top it off. And just in case you weren't sure, if you ask them for Thai spicy it actually means Thai spicy. Trust me.
(5)Kaley Z.
What a great little place tucked away hidden from the Main Street. So glad we found it because the food was really great. I admit I was nervous finding Thai place in the middle of the country but they did not disappoint at all. Food was super delicious and the staff was fantastic. My waitress even had the chef cook my dinner a second time since I made the mistake of ordering my spice level too high; definitely a difference from the east coast. The second dish prepares was delicious especially after my lips and mouth calmed down from tante previous fire. The dessert was awesome...chocolate coconut cake with homemade coconut ice cream with toasted coconut flakes. Would go again and probably will before I leave town.
(4)A C.
Superb service...thanks, Shawn. A bit cool temp inside during our visit midweek. Tofu Spring rolls as an appetizer met our hunger but we expected a thinner, wet, lighter wrapping. The Khoa Soi was divine with tofu, coconut cream, noodles, curry and a smoked chili side sauce; an unusual yet yum entree. The Drunken Noodles are, apparently, popular but not enough zing or bang for our tastes. Lots of jalapeños on the menu, rather than red chilies. The Ginger Flower with vodka, rather than gin, was a welcome, suggested, drink pairing. The martini was shaken, not stirred; perfect. All in all, Blue Orchid is a find around "O" and 10th.
(4)Kimberly M.
One of the best Thai restaurants I've been to in the Midwest. Every curry is delicious but make sure to request if you'd like a spicer version. Drinks are incredible, especially the lemongrass and Thai chili martini as well as the Ginger mojito. Save room for the creme brûlée!
(5)Rebecca F.
Went to Blue Orchid today and must say I thoroughly enjoyed my experience! The server Mickey was professional and knowledgeable about the menu. Mickey suggested the Thai rolls and they didn't disappoint! I then had the garlic dish with Chicken and enjoyed the sauce and veggies although I will say the chicken was a little rubbery. I can work with that though as the rest of it was suburb! I will definitely be back for the Thai rolls, and next time am looking forward to trying the desserts!
(4)Jenny D.
I sat and the bar and had great conversations with the bartenders. They make well executed cocktails and provide prompt service. The chicken satay appetizer could serve as a meal and is very delicious. The lamb massaman was fantastic. Highly recommend checking this place out if in Lincoln!
(5)Win K.
They made their signature dish: Orchid Chicken with tofu (instead of chicken) for me! The presentation of the food in a pineapple shell was fabulous! Perfect fine dining place! And dessert was amazing too!
(5)Aimee K.
Dear Blue Orchid, Thank you for changing your tune! Seriously, my last visit was so much better. I had a great Thai soup, and the yellow curry was out of this world good. Service was much better and it looks like they've made some positive changes. So glad my experience here was better this time around!
(4)M M.
Love their lunch special. Have had a major craving for their drunken noodles lately. Decent staff and pricing. Heads up...their Thai rolls are the crunchy ones, not the spring rolls. I was mildly disappointed the first time I order spring rolls when I was actually (apparently) wanting the spring rolls.
(5)Edward L.
I had lunch here right before I had to catch a flight to go home during a business trip. As soon as I walked in, I told the server that I was in a hurry and he did not disappoint me once. The service was fast and he was friendly the whole time. The food was so delicious. I am a asian man so for me to say that I was impressed by asian food is the highest form of praise. The location of Blue Orchid is in the heart of Lincoln and it's close to the airport. I got Thai food here that makes Thai food in Georgia just seem cruddy. If you are in the area and you crave Thai music, make sure you stop by here!
(4)Jon M.
Stopped by for lunch. It is hard to see the restaurant from the road but we managed to eventually find it. We went during lunch and it was not crowded at all. Te service was great and the good was excellent. We were a party of 6 and everyone lived their meals. I had the drunken noodles and they were delicious.
(4)Abigael N.
Their food is simply delicious. The Pad See Ew is some of the best i've ever had! The Tom Kha was also superb! A perfect amount of seasoning including just the right amount of acidity. Price was adequate, not too high for such a nice restaurant. Would come again!
(5)Christopher M.
Great Thai. All 3 entrees were delicious. A gem in Nebraska! I have a friend that went to Thailand for 7 weeks and I think he would like this place!
(5)Shimmy G.
It's been 2 years now. Go ahead and disregard my previous reviews. I Iove the food and service at Blue Orchid. The food is nothing like Lincoln, NE but the friendly service certainly is.
(4)Mike S.
I go to BO at least 3 times a month. Sometimes for dinner, but mostly for a great Saturday hangover lunch. The pick, Panang Curry w/ Tofu add veggies. It only costs $1 more and is worth every penny. The dinner portions are big, but I like the stable price of the lunch option and I always get the Thai rolls. The plum sauce is most likely store bought and it makes the appetizer so awesome. My wife loves the Tom Yum instead of the rolls, but I like to share. I had originally tried to go thru the menu and get something new each time. Since I hit the Panang Curry I feel there is no need to try something new. Spicy with a hint of sweet. Add a little red chili w/ garlic paste and it is phenomenal. Wash it down with a glass of Chang and you are good to go. If you have the chance try the Mango and Sticky Rice, which is seasonal, it completes the experience. Definitely the best Thai food in town, possibly the region. The staff knowledgeable, courteous, and polite.
(5)Joel H.
We love this place. The food is great, and the interior of the place is very nice. It's in a weird location in ally. It is easy to get to though. The last time we went they took a while to fill our water, but the food was excellent as always.
(4)Christina B.
I got the chicken pineapple stir fry. Not too impressed with the quality. Chicken is very dry and sparse. Sauce is very good however, love the veggies seems fresh. Price definitely does not match the quality. All I'm all not the greatest experience and will most likely not be returning.
(3)Steve S.
Been to the Blue Orchid several times, for both lunch and for dinner, but never by choice. It's always someone else's suggestion. I dunno. People I like and respect talk about this place as if Wolfgang Puck and Tom Colicchio had a super-baby that creates magical Tom Yum Gai, spring rolls and Yellow Curry. Really, I think it has a lot to do with the fact that when it came onto the local dining scene, it was simply the first-to-market in its particular restaurant niche in Lincoln. It gave self-proclaimed sophisticates a new place to see and be seen, and to talk about when they weren't there. In the first few years it definitely leveraged that word-of-mouth, building a loyal customer base that established it as the only place to get omigod omigod omigod Thai in the whole wide world. But I've never been there when something just hasn't been a little out of whack. And it leaves me, unfortunately, with a view of the place as disjointed and mediocre. Above all, the acoustics in the place are just plain bad -- it's like trying to have a dinner conversation in a school gymnasium. Other times, the wait service has been inconsistent, even a tinge of distracted and slightly dismissive. During our most recent visit -- a Tuesday night, in which I said I was giving the Blue Orchid one last chance for redemption -- we waited an hour and 15 minutes after ordering our entrees. The food is not worth that kind of wait. It's certainly not rave worthy, especially for the price. I'm always perplexed by the panting reviews of how it's the best Thai food ever on the planet, or maybe even the galaxy or the entire universe including Heaven Above. It's ... fine. Not ungood. Just not all that great. I often get the ginger and garlic stir fry with chicken; it's a serviceable dish but this too has morphed over the years to be more pepper-and-onion-heavy (yes, I know it's stir fry) with less and less chicken. I was still hungry following our last visit. It's weird. The Blue Orchid has assumed this almost legendary spot in the local dining pantheon. So it clearly must do something right -- or, it could be that there's no legitimate challenger to its particular niche in the local dining scene yet. Me, I've yet to have a visit to this restaurant since its inception that hasn't been underwhelming or frustrating or, let's face it, both. A final note: I don't know what's going on with the southwest corner, near the front of the restaurant, but during a visit in May 2013 it looked like someone pulled a string out of dry paint there, leaving a horizontal line of exposed wall and chipped paint all around one of the seating areas. If it's an intentional design element, it fails, unless it's trying to give off the vibe of "We're Upscale But Not Afraid to Look a Little Decrepit."
(1)Rose L.
I had the drunken noodles. It was good and semi spicy without them asking how spicy I wanted it. This place seems more pan Asian than Thai. The staff were friendly and the service was fast. I'd go back again.
(4)Steve F.
The Panang Curry, with vegetables & salmon was wonderful. Superb curry, very flavorful & delightful coconut base! The Drunken Noodles were recommended to us by a resident of the building the restaurant was located in and they were fantastic. Rich & complex flavor with just the right heat to really kick it up a notch. We ate here 2 out of 3 nights that we were in Lincoln!
(4)Pat Y.
Pretty good Thai restaurant but need better service Environment: Nice environment, I like their high ceiling. Food: Good food. I ordered a Tom Yum soup, green salad, Orchid Chicken and Thai ice tea. The task is good but small portion. I like the Orchid Chicken especially the way the put the whole disk in the pineapple. Service: When I walk in restaurant, there were two waiters by the door, but no one care the greet me. When the greeter came, she greeted me and led me to the table. Then waiter of that table came (not the two I meet at the door). She is very pleasant and professional. I assume the other two waiters who I meet earlier will do the same when they server the customer who was assigned to their tables. It is standard price for big cities like Los Angeles or New York, but may be fairly high for other places like Lincoln. I gave it three stars because of the services. Not the wait they served me but the other waits that I met. They should at least give the customer a smile or little greeting when the customer went into their place if they are standing next to them even though the customers may not be assigned to their tables.
(3)Sara O.
Great Pad Thai! 5 Stars, so good and yummy. I ate the whole thing. Had nice big pieces of tofu and meat! The Panko Chicken 3.5 stars Mint Julep - 3 stars- too sugary and sweet for my tastes. Service- 4 stars This is a surprisingly good Thai restaurant! I would def make a visit here again if I am ever in Lincoln. On par with thai that I have had in NYC, DC, Boston, and Baltimore. I still crave the pad thai from here even after leaving Lincoln a week ago.
(4)Jake Z.
The food was super tasty and the service was good. Me and my wife really love curries but sometimes are afraid to get them at new places. However I am so glad we did here. The red was super flavorful and had quite the kick to it. I went with the khao soi to change up from the traditional yellow curry with rice and it was fantastic. I highly recommend.
(4)Sudhansh C.
If your an Asian and like spicy recipes then you have to try this.The red curry and Thai basil fried rice are awesomely good
(4)Chancy B.
The food was edible, but not exactly up to par. The service was nice but poor. The menu was to simple, no beverage listed no desserts listed. Not some place I would visit again. Not by choice that is.
(2)Eve W.
Had the spring rolls and the silver noodle salad. Horrible. Returned it all. Usually love Thai food, but the ingredients were not balanced, the noodle salad was drenched in fish sauce and vinegar. Waitress was very nice.
(1)Dani W.
Came here with 10a group of eight for dinner on the Thursday after Christmas. First off, yes, it was busy. And it seemed they were understaffed, but our service was sub par. I'd say at least 10-15 minutes between ordering drinks, and then again after ordering apps, and then again before getting apps, and then again before ordering meals, and so on....Honestly the reason its a 3 and not a 4. We got appetizers of: prawns cake, thai rolls, spring rolls, papya salad, chicken satay. Two of everything except the cakes. We did not get the cakes until after our meals arrived and then we got two orders of the cakes even though we only wanted one. Plus they were so late coming out and not even an apology! Some of the meals we got at the table: drunken noodles, crying tiger, blue crab fried rice. The crying tiger is very good! I had the noodles and very good portion size and they were tasty. I'd probably try something else but I'd have them again. I'm not sure we were even offered dessert, but at that point we were so tired of just sitting that we wouldn't have gotten it anyway. Would I come back? Sure, but I would hope the service is better.
(3)Michael G.
Excellent Pad Thai and Thai Basil. Friendly and attentive staff even during the lunch rush. Also great for takeout.
(4)Lacey M.
Holy delicious. To vegetarian friends who need a suggestion: Drunken noodles. I skip tofu and go with all veggies, but you can get tofu if you like. I get it extra spicy with some extra spiciness on the side. Also the mini spring rolls on the side...spicy, of course. with the sweet sauce. AND a ginger mojito. You won't find a more delicious and lovingly prepared beverage.
(5)Angie P.
This restaurant is sadly just about the best Lincoln, Nebraska has to offer! Beautiful ambiance but amazingly mediocre food. The "spring roll" is not quite that. Has all of the right ingredients but reconstituted in the wrong order. The pad thai had stale peanuts and NO flavor, but the drunken noodles were acceptable and spicy. If you order the scallops, be prepared to order something else to eat as well! The reviewer that said this is on par with major city Thai is smoking Ka Prow leaf!
(2)Kenny N.
My one visit to Lincoln and this is where I'm taken. Excellent choice! They have a great lunch menu, offering two courses for $9.95. I ordered spring rolls and pad thai. The spring rolls came with a tasty sticky brown sauce. Be wary of those spicy jalapeno slices, though. The pad thai was also quite good. It was served with a healthy pile of crushed peanuts and lime slice. The sauce dominates the flavor profile, but it was less peanut flavor dominant which I appreciated. I definitely recommend this restaurant for visitors, especially for lunch.
(4)Peter S.
Good.
(4)Stefanie N.
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.
(3)Ingrid H.
This place is just okay. There aren't many options for Thai food in Lincoln, so it's good for that reason. However, the food is a bit bland / not spicy at all. The lunch deal is pretty reasonable ($10 for an entree and a side), but it does seem a bit overpriced if you go there for dinner. It also seems to get really busy on weekends, and the service suffers as a result. Go there if you're in the mood for Thai, but don't expect to be blown away.
(3)Purple Lotus M.
Pros: -Good food -Very Attractive Ambiance -Good location -Great service -Authentic Thai -Vegan & Gluten Free friendly -Best Thai of Nebraska Cons: -Parking is not that great -Lots of customers (as its popular) Bottom line: The best Thai in Nebraska says it all. Go there. Especially if you have special dietary needs. They are the best.
(4)Alexi A.
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.
(4)Colin S.
Hip modern atmosphere and great Thai. The food is extremely flavorful and the service has always been amazing. This is the perfect place for a business lunch.
(5)Randolph M.
Not crazy about Lincoln - its pretty ugly and rundown and full of Nebraskans - however I enjoyed my meal here. It wasn't particularly expensive and was way more upscale in atmosphere than Nebraska deserves. The food was better than anything else I've had in the state, but really, thats not saying much.
(4)Melany L.
JUST THE FOOD: The food is mediocre Thai food. If you have had really good Thai food in your life this restaurant will disappoint you. If you are stuck living here for a while well this is the best you will get. I've been here twice, had a shot at the pad thai, the drunken noodles, spring roll appetizers and summer roll appetizers, and of course THAI TEA!. The main dishes were a good sized portion, a little bit on the bland side but not bad by any means, It just wasn't great. The appetizers are teeny tiny. I mean microscopic, "LIKE THE SIZE OF MY THUMB", and I have tiny fingers!!! The thai tea didn't disappoint, but does it ever? As far as ambiance goes, this place is very cute and chic looking. There is a beautiful walkway and fountain leading up to the entrance, inside is very modern and organic looking with blues and greens throughout the place.
(3)Adrian B.
The only place in Lincoln to consume quality Thai food. The building is very impressive as it's the converted original court house for the city. The lovely big high ceilings and spacious seating gives the place a true feeling of relaxation and civility. The menu is beginner friendly with their version of Sweet and Sour Chicken (Orchid Chicken), the soups are great too. The only grip I have about the place is the service which has been slow to disastrous since day one. I guess you can claim them as consistent in that way... There's a server gentleman with long dreadlocks who looks lost and has worked their for years. Do not go for lunch from the office if you only have an hour as it will exceed your time limit. Improve the service and it's 5 stars!
(4)Dave V.
Food was excellent. The spring rolls were awesome, drunken noodles were out of this world. Wife had the pink gimlet cocktail and I had the mojito. Both excellent. This would have been a five star experience if our waiter had been at all attentive. Atmosphere is great and off-street parking is available.
(4)Bob B.
Went based on the reviews here, since there were many more good than bad. After eating I was wondering about the people who complained about the portion sizes, they seemed quite ample. Had the Chicken Satay appetizer and for those who complained about small sizes on the appetizers, they didn't try that one. 5 good size marinated and grilled tenderloins with a good dipping sauce. The cucumber and onion salad was good, with a little kick thanks to the chili oil and jalapeno pepper. The waiter told me the red curry was a 7 on the 1-10 scale for heat. I beg to differ, closer to a 4. However I tend to like hot, so that may be why. The flavor was great, enough heat you knew you were eating curry, but plenty of sweet at the front end from the coconut milk. I would definitely stop back in. The only reason they got a 3 instead of a 4 was somehow they were out of Thai Iced Tea at 5:30. On the upside, the Thai Iced Coffee might be my new favorite drink. The bitter from the coffee was a great compliment to the sweet coconut milk.
(3)Cory O.
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 :)
(4)Teeg S.
Great stop before the Leid Center!
(4)Daniel T.
I read some of the reviews on the site. Overall they were excellent. So I ate there. Service was excellent, the saketini was perfect and the panang salmon was exquisite!!! Don't miss this eatery if you are in Lincoln or anywhere near Lincoln!
(5)Supat R.
The Best Thai and Asian Restaurant ever... Love the foods, drinks, services, place. Strongly recommend :)
(5)David B.
Love this place. They have some of the best thai food I've tasted. Would definitely recommend this as a necessary place to eat when in Lincoln. Khao Soi is my favorite dish.
(5)Mike P.
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.
(4)Tanner H.
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.
(4)R. Jonathon J.
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.
(4)Shaun S.
Overhyped! The food was average. Pad Thai and the pineapple shrimp dish were ok. The hostess strutted around with her nose in the air. Food is pricey. I dunno, for me a made from scratch Indian curry is way better.
(3)Wyn R.
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.
(2)Robin S.
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.
(1)Stephanie P.
#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.
(4)Laura P.
This is one of those places where once you find one thing you like on the menu you'll keep coming back for it. I really like the ambience of this restaurant; it works for a semi-casual dinner date or business lunch. The service is generally friendly and helpful but when it's very busy service can be quite slow. Heed the spice warnings on the menu. I've never had a bad cocktail here. The soups are great but the rest of the starters are a disappointment. All the vegetarian entrees are outstanding.
(4)Jennifer B.
Enjoyed my trip to Blue Orchid thoroughly. Our waiter was knowledgeable and helpful. Service was prompt. The lettuce wraps were a punchy way to start off dinner, and I found the butter-cream chicken delightful. You don't have to like Thai food particularly to find something on the menu you'll be happy with. Don't miss the jackfruit-infused vodka!
(4)Ali L.
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.
(3)John L.
Was a little difficult to find and the city brochure was not helpful because it stated the wrong address. Eventually got there and was well worth eat. The food was very good. Never would have thought to get good Thai food in Nebraska.
(4)Jules T.
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.
(2)Kari T.
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!
(5)Charles G.
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.
(4)Tam-Anh N.
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.
(5)Kate H.
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.
(4)Joel G.
I can't believe I forgot to write a review for this place! I guess it is because I come all the time! One of the top three restaurants in Lincoln. My favorite dish is the Rama Garden, followed by Panang Curry. Great ambience and service. Upscale, it's not so much traditional Thai cuisine as Thai Nouveau.
(5)Rick M.
Drunk noodles. And Tom kha soup were wonderful. Excellent server. Ordered the heat I wanted (8) and got it. Recommend butter chicken if you prefer not hot.
(5)Chaviva G.
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!
(2)Ryan C.
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.
(2)Kate K.
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.
(5)Wei Ming L.
One of the best Thai Restaurant in Lincoln, I love the Panang Curry, Tom Kha Gai, and sticky rice desert. Atmosphere is good too.
(4)Pukar R.
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.
(4)T S.
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.
(5)Teresa B.
Have always had good wait staff... However, host/hostess often snobby & reservation protocol odd. Why can't I get a reservation at my requested time when the restaurant is half empty when we arrive? Taste & quality of entrees have become inconsistent... Panang curry is regularly good as are pad thai noodles, most appetizers are satisfying if a little pricey, and the Thai basil stir fry use to be outstanding. Unfortunately, my last two visits were awful. A few months ago, a friend ordered the Thai basil stir fry at my recommendation- and so did I. Her dish was over the top spicy while mine was very good... She couldn't eat hers & when I tasted it I could understand why. No help from the wait staff to correct the problem... Her husband had to refuse to pay for the dish to get satisfaction. We waited a while to ho back after that ... But our recent visit had similar problems. My husband ordered the Cognac Beef... it was inedible! Beef undercooked & the sauce was like soy sauce laced with some sort of cheap spirits-the alcohol did not cook off & the dish was just a tad warmer than cold. Horrible! My husband didn't eat it & the server did agree to take it off the bill. I also had a beef dish which was not seasoned with anything it seemed & served just a few degrees warmer than cold. However, the meat was cooked to medium rare & it seemed to be a quality cut. What a shame! We did have a couple of lovely cocktails & a delicious chicken satay as an appetizer. Good thing the chicken was tasty but we went home hungry, unsatisfied and a bit tipsy! Also had that funny reservation thing happen... We arrived a bit ahead of our reservation to a half empty restaurant & they still made us wait before seating us. My husband had to insist... Strange. We won't go back unless invited by friends & then we'll offer an alternative or stick to the curry!
(2)Joseph P.
So far the best thai food my brother and I have found in Lincoln. Limited menu, but good food. Spacious comfortable environment. Parking a bit of a problem. But worth it.
(4)Tom D.
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.
(4)Brandon B.
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.
(4)Paxton F.
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
(5)Rosy M.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Lincoln. The wait can sometimes be a little long, and a couple of the waiters aren't the always the friendliest, but the food is amazing. I'm a huge fan of the Salmon Pangang and Tom Kha soup!
(5)Nathan C.
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.
(4)Salmon P.
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.
(3)Gail F.
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.
(5)Josh S.
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.
(3)Tina L.
I wish they had more depth instead of some of the the weird Americanized Thai 'specialties' they offer. All of the dishes I've had are legit good so far though. Service can be quite slow. Would rate 3.5 but since I really love the food I've ordered so far, I'll round it up to 4.
(4)Lelay P.
Expensive, but ambiance is nice. Food is good.
(5)Yoko S.
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.
(4)Luke M.
This place is AMAZING! I am in love with their Green Curry with tofu. It is literally the best curry in town!
(5)Roger F.
A low key place, very nice food. We've lived in Asia and have traveled in Southeast Asia. The food is pleasantly authentic but tailored nicely to the realities of Nebraska tastes. Nice atmosphere, very unpretentious. Very adaptable for those of us who don't eat meat, which is a rare thing in Lincoln. Holds its own against similar eateries in Honolulu or San Francisco.
(4)J C.
I ate here with some out of town visitors last week as my husband will not take me here. He has been here for business meetings and has said it was just not very good. I had thought it was because he does not really dig on Thai but I learned why last week. It was very busy and the service, although very friendly and knowledgable was painfully slow. It also seemed like the restaurant was just not well run. The food was decent but as my visitors have a rocking Thai restaurant down the street from them that we frequent when I visit, we were all a little let down. The meal I had originally ordered was not available (again poor management as the server did not know this) and I ended up getting the beef stew dish. This ended up being the best dish served that night. It would have been great except it had like one carrot and two pieces of potato, oh and very little beef. One of my visitors ordered the orange roughy that showed up so over cooked that it was crispy. The flavors were all there they just didn't come up out as very well executed. I would try this place again if I hear that they get there restaurant running more efficiently. I am still surprised this place was so busy when it was just average.
(3)Nancy C.
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.
(2)Brian K.
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.
(4)Jason S.
The Spring rolls had no flavor, I had the trio, no meat, small portions, loud. Great decor. Had way better Thai
(2)Undercova A.
Beautiful interior with far apart tables and soothing colors. The food is thoughtfully presented, not greasy at all. Don't expect huge portions; do expect attentive service. Have the Frei Brothers Shiraz 2007 and tell "Matt" I suggested it. He's a great sommelier.
(5)Ken K.
Blue Orchid is always a good bet, and Lincoln's only Thai option if you're for a bit more upscale atmosphere. After a half-dozen visits over the past couple of years my observations are: Food is always solid. It's reasonably authentic, especially in that they don't tone down the heat. I'm a spicy food lover and I can say that you don't want to order "extra spicy"---as I tend to do in many "Americanized" ethnic restaurants---or you may find it inedible. My wife loves pad thai and on our first visit she ordered extra heat in her pad thai, and literally couldn't eat it. Would've been nice if the server had discouraged her. Atmosphere is nice, though it can be a bit loud when crowded, as the tables are pretty closely packed. Decor is nicely clean and modern, well done, pleasantly lit, etc---it would hold it's own in a bigger metropolitan city anywhere in the U.S. Service has always been good-to-excellent, though there are some inconsistencies. I've found it generally friendly, with wait staff that appear to take pride in their knowledge of the menu, wines, etc. On the downside (as was the case this evening) they can seem a bit rushed to get away from you and on to other tables needing their attention. Tonight, we had to "reel" our waiter back a couple of times to ask for something. Further, one of our party asked for beef and got chicken, but the mistake was corrected pleasantly and quickly. Prices are quite reasonable for the quality and portion size, and we like that they don't serve too big a portion---it's really just right. The menu is diverse and does a good job of pleasing all tastes. There's traditional curry (the green is especially delicious), spring rolls etc but you can also get some interesting "fusion"-style dishes if you're inclined. If anything, the menu tries to do a bit too much but in our experience it's doesn't detract, though they've been out of certain items several times that we've tried to order them. If you can manage dessert, the coconut ice cream---a favorite of mine---is just awesome. They also have a nice range of drinks and wine, and do them well. I tend to stick with beer with my Thai food but tonight my wife ordered a spicy vodka martini-style drink with lemongrass and a touch of chili. Not my thing but after a sip I have to say that it really was a spectacular concoction. There are several very good Thai places in Lincoln but if you're looking for a bit more special evening/setting, I highly recommend Blue Orchid.
(4)Strong Island M.
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!
(4)Stacey B.
One year later, I'm still dreaming of the Panang curry! My friend and I met in Lincoln for vacation and sought out vegetarian food at this Thai place. I ordered a dish I'd never heard of before, which was a big plate of flavorful and fresh vegetables. Mmm. But then I tried a bite of my friend's Panang Curry, and I was in love! The flavors were excellent, and it wasn't too spicy. I've sought out Panang where I live in California ever since, but usually it's too spicy and doesn't have quite the same perfection in flavor. If I ever end up visiting Lincoln again, I'm going back to Blue Orchid, and this time _I'M_ getting the Panang Curry!
(5)Heather B.
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.
(3)Sarah A.
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!
(5)Richard M.
Let me see....my taste fluctuates between BBQ, Thai and southern comfort food. In this particular case I was fortuneate enough to let the Thai child in me take over. Staying in Lincoln for a couple of days I was on the hunt for Thai food for lunch. Just 1 1/2 blocks from the Embassy Suites I found the Blue Orchid. The lunch menu (they also have an a la carte) presents two courses for $10.00. The appetizer course (you can pick from soup, salads and spring rolls of different flavors) and the main course which pretty much lists the top 10 Thai dishes. I picked coconut soup and Panang Curry with beef. My lunch partner had the spring rolls and the Pad Thai. Everything was presented very tastefully and was delicious. My panang curry was spicy and the rice was a little sticky just the way it should be. My soup was minimalist with just a few pieces of bamboo shoots and a couple of snow peas in the bowl. For me, Thai food is either good or its not. I don't find much in between. This Thai restaurant has found the magic mix of presentation, great tasting food and a comfortable atmosphere. It would be one of my favorites if I lived in Lincoln......
(4)Joel L.
If you want to try Blue Orchid, go at lunch. They have well priced lunch specials that include appetizer and a main dish. The evening meals are larger, and pricier. I'm a poor student, and it costs enough that I would never go there on a whim. I haven't ever had anything bad tasting. I will say that the first time I went and asked for 'extra spicey' they included a handful of amazing tiny little nuclear peppers. Now, when I ask for extra spicy they just throw in a bunch of red pepper flakes. I will say the last time I ate at Blue Orchid I asked for 'extra spicy' (as usual) and it was totally inedible, but this might have been a fluke. I also like the thai iced coffee. I've also had better thai soup. Try the dessert! Pros: Tasty, nice decor in a Lincoln eatery, high quality ingredients. Cons: Price at dinner isn't 'cheap.' Service can be hit/miss. Red pepper flakes? Parking can be rare.
(4)Mary M.
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!
(5)Beth B.
Best Thai in Lincoln. Service could be better here, but continues to improve each time I visit. This restaurant opened in 2006 in downtown Lincoln. The location is in the old Federal building; nice decor. Food is fabulous. I especially like the Pad Thai and the spring rolls. Great lunch package--soup, appetizer and entree for under $10.
(4)