Is there a bigger sin than overcooking a filet mignon, ordered medium? Perhaps doing it to two steaks? My girlfriend had fond memories of this restaurant, so on a recent trip to Lincoln we decided to splurge and treat ourselves to a couple of steaks. We would have been far more satisfied eating at the Culver's next door. When you're dropping $100 on a meal (it would have been more if the waitress had ever asked if we wanted another cocktail), regret should not be the first emotion you feel when you walk out the door. I shoud mention the pros: the drinks were great (again, the one drink we were served, as our glasses sat empty through our entire meal). The appetizer -- the crab rangoon dip -- was pretty stellar as well. Ideally, we should have just enjoyed a few drinks and an appetizer and gone somewhere else for dinner. But, back to those steak dinners: it is CRAZY easy to cook a steak that is, at worst, passable. Our filets were brown all the way through... the difference between a steak ordered medium and a steak ordered well done is not something that happens within seconds on a grill. These steaks were essentially ruined. My side, the asiago crusted sweet potatoes, were okay, but basically just tasted like pumpkin pie filling with rice krispies on top. My girlfriend was far more unlucky, with her risotto cake just coming out bland and sticky. Disappointing. Forgettable. A shame because we loved the look of the restaurant, especially since it's part of a much longer strip mall setting. It was just a bummer walking out and glancing to our right, knowing that we could have paid 1/6th the price for a meal at a burger joint that would have at least had the decency not to ruin a piece of red meat.
(2)
Lilly C.
Husband and I decided to try Venue because we had heard a lot of good things about this place. Me being from California, my friends thought I might like Venue.................they were right. I thought the lounge looked super cool, like a fun place to go have cocktails. We didn't eat in the lounge, but I will definitely go back for some cocktails and bar food. Our server was Rachel; she was very pleasant. We had the chicken spring rolls, which very good. They were served with a sweet asian chile sauce and a peanut sauce; the chile sauce was both of our favorite. We both had ribeyes with risotto cakes and asparagus. My steak was cooked to perfection, and my husband seemed to enjoy his. We had a really nice bottle of wine. After dinner we were stuffed, so no room for desert. All in all, it was a very good experience.
(5)
Justin T.
My wife and I went to Venue for the first time on our anniversary. We split one if their 10 inch pizzas. It was called white and we added potatoes. It was amazing! We have been craving it ever since and are determined to go back to get it again soon. I would have rated the experience higher, but our waitress was kind of snooty. She wasn't mean, but she could have been a little nicer. I'd still recommend that pizza.
(3)
Cynthia L.
Decided to dine at this establishment, since an Italian restaurant fell short of my craving for Gnocchi. Parking was plentiful, since it was in a public lot. Decor was modern and chic. Hostess was friendly and was seated immediately upon entering. I expected to wait or possibly be turned away, especially since it was a Friday evening. Ambiance was moderately loud and at times, it was difficult to carry a conversation. Service was mediocre, and took more than ten minutes before she arrived. She did tell me that she would be with me in a few minutes, which did linger on; but it was a given, since it was pretty busy. For an appetizer, I tried the Ahi Tuna which was cooked to perfection and had the Tuscan Gnocchi for a main entree. Although the Gnocchi was tasty, I was disheartened that it was pan fried, compared to the regular version in boiled salted water. It was not bad at all, just not what I expected and craved for. The wine menu was plentiful and when I requested the Prosecco, I received a confused look from the waitress. She stated that she wasn't sure that she had that, especially because she noticed that I didn't have a wine menu. I reassured her that it was on the wine menu, since I had done my research ahead of time and checked their website. She returned a few minutes later and notified me that it was only sold by the bottle, which I had no problem with and complied. My overall experience was above average, but not superior. Pricing is moderate and fair. If in the general vicinity, I would most certainly entertain the idea of dining here again, and recommend this restaurant to others.
(4)
Brent G.
Amaze-balls. Driving by you'd have NO IDEA...YEP ALL CAPS YELLING. THIS.PLACE.ROCKS Had the duck and pear ginger mojito. Girlfriend had the salmon and drunken gummy bear martini (vodka infused gummy bears) waiter was nice attentive and made great recommendations. just do it.
(5)
Natalie M.
The food here is very good. It is upscale dining with a casual feel. The service was horrible, however. We literally watched our waiter wander around the restaurant instead of checking on his tables. Both times I ate at this place it took the server at least 15 minutes to take our drink order.
(3)
Norman K.
I visited the Venue last night with my family. We went based on the recommendation of a friend. The place was great. We were able to get right in with no wait. The people working the host stand were very friendly. We got great service at the table. The waiter did a great job leading us with recommendations on drinks and dinner. I had the Ahi Tuna based on his recommendation, it was AWESOME. Try. Good wine list, a little basic but what I would expect in Lincoln.
(4)
Nikki B.
I'd like to build myself a house out of Venue's risotto & eat my way out. YUM! I've never NOT enjoyed my food here. Service has been satisfactory. UPDATE: I'm not changing my 4-star rating, but here's a tip: Order the salmon. Do not order the salmon salad.
(4)
Leena T.
Came here a few weeks ago for a friend's birthday and forgot to post. My friend made reservations beforehand and it was also my first time. I loved the atmosphere of the restaurant. The two servers we had were constantly attending to us, superior job girls, especially for our table with over 20 guests! For my meal, I ordered the Venue steak with crispy onion straws with a side of grilled asparagus and yukon gold mashed potatoes. I also ordered the crispy Rhode Island calamari for an appetizer and used my yelp's free dessert for the dessert I conveniently forgot the name of. (The one with a warm cookie & ice cream) and I forgot to mention the amazing bread with their three sauces! My favorite to dip/spread was the sweet pecan one. My meal was $35 and I would definitely recommend this restaurant as a place to try with a group of friends and/or family or simply for a nice date. Disclaimer - All my photos I post are slightly edited for these reviews.
(4)
Nancy S.
I was pleasantly surprised to find a restaurant of this caliber in Nebraska while passing through. It could rival any restaurant in Manhattan or San Francisco. Clearly the chef has a passion for food and exudes professionalism. Everything is house made. Pasta, charcuterie, brilliant sauces and locally sourced vegetables. I simply love this place!
Perfect date night location. I've eaten in the restaurant several times and have always enjoyed the service and drink menu! I've also have had the luxury of experiencing their catering on several occasions. The guys and gals that run that are some of the sweetest people. Some people complain about the prices but I think they forget good quality, made from scratch food cost actual money to produce, this isn't a chain people! They truly care about the dishes they are sending out and I have never been anything but ecstatic about what has been placed in front of me. And besides the portions aren't skimpy like at some restaurants around town that are trying to charge the same prices. It's a great place, great for date night, special occasions, and catering. Great people great food!
(5)
Billy F.
I have eaten many meals in my life. However anytime I go to Lincoln I look forward to dining at the Venue for one of their many great meals. I love their salmon, but their fillet is the best I have ever eaten. I'm one of those that prefer my fillet prepared med well. I still amazed that they can cook this fillet perfectly without butterflying and it melts in your mouth!
(5)
Cory S.
A great place to eat where you wouldn't expect it. I wasn't in the mood for a huge steak or anything, but they had some veggie options that were great. I had some spicy noodle something or another. it was great, just the right amount of spice and flavor. Everyone else loved their meals, not a complaint around. They also have a nice selection of local beers which is tough to find in nicer places. overall a good experience, we will be back.
(4)
Sam K.
When my girlfriend and I have a little extra jingle in our pockets and want to eat at a nicer place, the Venue is certainly our favorite. I'd have to say my favorite selection is the strip steak, with white cheddar macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes. The prices are a little high but if that's what I pay for this kind of quality then I don't mind. The staff is very attentive and you can tell that the cooks pay close attention to every single meal that goes out. A+!
(5)
Liz K.
This restaurant has really changed and not for the better. Slow service, they ran out of the special after two people ordered it! The wine glasses were spotty and 3 glasses/dishes were dropped and broken while we were there. Food has become mediocre and fairly expensive with an a la carte approach.
(3)
Natalie H.
My friend rented the private room for NYE well in advance and to our surprise "private" included two other large parties. I ordered food immediately, that within the two hours I was there never came, but I was still charged for. I had to dispute the bill with a waitstaff that treated me like it was my fault they were understaffed and incompetent. The process of having this charge removed from my bill took nearly a half hour and we ended up missing the countdown and subsequently, having a bad New Year's. Luckily my friend did get her meal so I did not go hungry the rest of the night, but unluckily the reason she shared it was because it was terrible. It was an asian noodle dish that had clearly been overcooked, over seasoned, and left sitting out long enough for the noodles to stick together into one clump, though there was no way of returning the dish because there was no waitstaff present until the end when they expected us to pay for food and drinks we did not order. This place was a disaster that clearly needs better management. I will not be returning.
(1)
Kelly W.
We chose this spot for an intimate retirement dinner for my Mom on Saturday, and Venue didn't let us down. The waitress was eager to hear about our occasion, and accommodated all of our special needs throughout the meal. The food was all pretty darn good, but the stand-outs were the Lobster Rangoon, Papardelle Pasta, Spinach Mascarpone Risotto, and Hungarian Mushroom Soup. I'd skip the Art/Spin Dip next time though- not bad, just not amazing! The atmosphere is in this place is unique, some of the seating is in the round but you still feel cozy at your table itself. Black tablecloths and napkins give it a classy edge, and the service is top-notch!
(4)
Erik Y.
Nice place for lunch or dinner. Its not the best place in Lincoln, but it is probably in the top 5. Its got a decent selection of dinner options and wine. Good date night place, or good place for a special occasion. Usually the food is good, but a few times in the past I have had a little inconsistent prepared steak/seafood. The servers are very accommodating and have always been willing to go the extra mile. Also of note: They have 2 private dining rooms for large private parties. They have a very large projection TV/Screen in one of the rooms for presentations. This is great for business meetings or to celebrate a special event in private and show pictures/videos.
(4)
Jerad D.
Overpriced mediocre food and crappy service. (They are understaffed, our server was nice, I blame the management) The decor here sucks too. Sorry for the short review. I don't want to waste anymore time here.
(2)
Laurie A.
I've been to four catered events in the past month. Two were outstanding- dishes were presented well and labeled. Servers were attentive. The other two events were disappointing. Dishes were not presented well and labels were missing at one event.. we were guessing at what they were- one contained shellfish and definitely should have been labeled as such. The last event was dismal.. one serving line for over 300 people and they ran out of food. Servers were not attentive and people in line had to alert them that food was low or simply gone. The response from the servers was that they had run out of food. Instead of removing those dishes, they left them sitting empty. The last 50 people in line did not get salad or salsa or chips.
(2)
Lori C.
Had the cod special. It was absolutely delicious! The made from scratch tartar sauce was a wonderful addition.
(5)
Suren K.
Got the roasted duck breast. Was soft, juicy and had a perfect texture. Jam complements duck really well, and the combination of potatoes and snap peas gives a variety of textures that blend together really well.
(4)
Helen P.
The food was good, but expensive. It made for a nice date night, but not one that we'll be doing on a regular basis due to price. Definitely leave the kids at home! I will say I was pleasantly surprised by the tiramisu. I don't usually like fruit in my tiramisu, but it really worked here.
(3)
Robin R.
I love this place. The food is great and they have a huge selection of gluten free options which I have to have. The staff has always been friendly and the atmosphere is calm.
(5)
David S.
I've always considered Venue one of the best if not the best restaurant in Lincoln. Took some family members there this Tuesday evening but found myself apologizing for hyping it up a little too much to them. The atmosphere is always great and a beautiful night allowed for outdoor dining. But, most of the courses of food left something to be desired. We had appetizers of Lavosh and Escargot, neither were exceptionally good. The heavy cheese sauce on the Escargot was too overpowering, would have preferred them in just butter sauce and the Marinara Lavosh was kind of bland. I had a 6 ounce filet for the main course with a side of mashed potatoes and mac & cheese. The filet was very thin for a filet which led to it being more well done that the medium rare I ordered. I didn't care for either of the sides as well, the mac and cheese was very salty and the potatoes overly seasoned. Since I did have a free desert (thank you Yelp) for checking in, I tried the chocolate cake with salted caramel. No complaints here, that was delicious. The rest of the members of my party had similar experiences to mine. One noodle dish was fairly under-cooked and the quality of the filets was not up to standard on everyone who tried it. I wouldn't go as far as not recommending Venue to someone wanting to try a nice restaurant in Lincoln, but for the price you pay here, I feel you should have had a little better experience. My biggest complaint would be on the filet. We're in Nebraska folks, we should be getting the best cuts of meat available!
(2)
Kinga W.
One of the best restaurants on town. Always good quality food @ the best Moscow Mules too!
(5)
Katie S.
Went here tonight, not impressed at all. They were not that busy they are clearly understaffed in waiters/waitresses and on the line. First off, the house made frocaccia bread was not even close to true frocaccia bread. Plating of the food was horrible, if it's not pretty I don't want to eat it. I've ate burgers plated better. Spinach and mushroom risotto under cooked, steak over cooked and "hand cut" is bogus, the sear was impressive though. Four pieces of over cooked shrimp with undercooked crunchy noodles. The fingerings were dry, no flavor, no salt, no pepper, over oiled, and cut into too big of pieces. Overall not impressed and was confused with the menu I didn't know of it was American contemporary or the cheesecake factory with the weird selection and choices. $9 FOR ABOUT 4 OUNCES OF WINE that was room temp slash attempted to be chilled. The dessert menu is a waste of space. I can go on about this and I was highly unimpressed with the lack of quality here.
(1)
Cyndy P.
All I can say right now, as I eat at this fabulous place, is YUMM OMG YUM OK Update: After eating all my food, I cleaned my plate which is very unusual. I had the Crab cakes - the best I have ever had... I could eat these all day every day. Then I had the Salmon and the hubby had the Chicken Marsala. The salmon was cooked perfectly and the flavors of the ratitouille and the potatoes went with the salmon beautifully. The hubby said the marsala was awesome, so I tried his and he is right, their Chicken Marsala is awesome. For dessert I went with Creme Brulee and he went with the bread pudding. The creme brulee was awesome! it was so creamy and not too sweet. The hubby's bread pudding was so yummy as well. It was a blueberry pecan bread pudding with whipped cream (real) and a berry sauce. I of course had to try this as well and it was so frickin good. So, I of course asked him when we could come back and what we would celebrate next to have an excuse :)
(4)
Avery M.
Great food and atmosphere. Wonderful facilities for a business meal with excellent facilities (projector, conference phone) and excellent service. My companions had a range of appetizers and cuts of quality beef. I had the delmonico and wished it had been augmented by available sauce/seasoning combos which I did not select. I did request the bacon scallop which was cooked perfectly. Our wine was selected by or server who did a fantastic job pairing a wine with the numerous beef selections. I thought the wine had an appropriate level of depth and tart to cut the juice from the steak. It has been some time since I've been here but it was pleasant and would encourage my return.
(4)
David M.
Returned to the Venue for restaurant week. The food was great. A creative and different take on crab cakes, but vey good. The Chicken Marsala was delectable. The atmosphere is great, very well decorated. The waitress did not know the dessert menu well, told us the seasonal cheesecake was chocolate when it was not. Dessert was decent, but not the best.
(4)
Amanda K.
I liked the decor, though it was a little dark. The nice white tablecloths made me and my fiance feel a little underdressed. I started with a delicious ginger mojito and he had a Sam Adams seasonal draft that we both enjoyed and are still talking about. We had the appetizer that was on special that night; a spicy tuna roll. It was average. I ordered the pecan bleu salad and it was awesome. I was in the mood for something light and fresh. He had the special that night which was halibut. The tastes were there but the fish could have been a little warmer. Overall, solid place. We will be returning.
(4)
John S.
We are from out of town (Massachusetts). We discovered Venue and decided to give it a try. We were pleasantly surprised at the ambiance, presentation, and quality. The outside of the restaurant throws you off a little. It seems like the restaurant would be somewhat mediocre, however when you walk inside it is a different story. Music is at the perfect volume, and the selection is very good. I asked for something special on Open Table for my wife and I, so they made things special. I wouldn't expect that from a lot of restaurants but they delivered. Quality- nice job. I had the Chilean sea bass and my wife had the special. We were duly impressed with our service professional Andrea as well. She wasn't pushy and allowed us time, while also providing privacy. Overall, we come to Lincoln on a monthly basis and will be visiting Venue on every visit. Thank you John Shultz
(4)
Shawn G.
A mediocre restaurant in a less-than-mediocre town. Some things that were great: - Duck tacos. - Lobster Rangoon - Creme Brulee Some things that were not so great: - Every entree I tried. - The drinks. - The server's knowledge of the menu (he was very friendly and eager to help, though). Some things that were downright bad: - The strawberry shortcake. - The decor: An elegant and modern design completely ruined by the fact that whatever fixture was in the center of the dining room (fountain?) was partially removed and covered with a tarp. -The price for the quality of food.
(3)
Dani W.
Came in for lunch on a time budget and service was good and we were out on time, plus in my book! I had the black and bleu burger and it was very good! My dining companions had the pecan wrap and the special sandwich of the day. They also both enjoyed them, except the special sandwich was a bit over toasted and caused some mouth injuries but he still enjoyed it. One of them had the mac and cheese and she said it was very good! I will return!
(4)
Shaun S.
The crab cakes are heavily breaded and not tasty. The caper sauce that comes with them is not edible. The salmon was heavily coated with a anise flavored salty spicy masala that was not good. The tuna was also over salted and it would have been nice to have some lemon or lime wedges provided with that dish. The steaks were very good. The service was good initially but tapered off throughout the dinner. It would be helpful if the chef focused more on the actual ingredients verses the spicing of the ingredients. I did enjoy the high class atmosphere of the place but if Im going to fork out $150 for a meal I expect better.
(2)
Karla P.
I just moved to Lincoln from California with two friends and we were looking for a great meal for our first night. We were directed to The Venue by a friend of ours so we decided to give it a go. Upon entering, we were greeted by two younger looking hosts, one of which was obviously unimpressed by our appearance/ and demeanor due to the snide comments she muttered under her breath about our casual appearance. We were seated promptly and given menus to peruse. Upon scanning the room a couple things were brought to my attention. One, the head chef was eating on the cooking line in plain site for the all the guests to see, a big no no being from the service industry myself. Two, the main dining floor had a hotel lobby restaurant vibe that almost sterilized the entire experience. Three, the ambiance that was trying to be set was trumped by the cafeteria like clamor of the guests' conversation. After were seated, a server approaches us and takes our drink order, not two minutes later, another server approaches us and greets us again to take our drink order. Once the staff figured out who was going to serve us, we proceeded to order our starter. We started out with the crab rangoon dip, which was pretty tasty. For our entrees, we decided to split the baja fish tacos with a cashew cilantro rice, the chicken lavouche pizza (cheese, chicken, artichokes), and a flank steak with Bearnaise sauce and bersain cheese and chive mashed potatoes. Much to our dismay, almost every dish fell short of our expectations and the hype that seemed to be generated about this restaurant and its "well rounded" menu. The fish tacos and rice were room temperature at best, and upon returning to the table, we were unimpressed with the tacos bland flavor and overall lackluster appeal. So we pushed the tacos aside and moved on to the pizza that was served with a garlic dipping sauce. When the pizza hit the table, you could tell it had been sitting for a while before it was served as the cheese was already starting to solidify again, and in the first couple of bites, my friend found a large bone in the chicken. The third dish that we order was a steak that was actually really tasty, however, its nearly impossible to screw up a steak in Lincoln, NE so that dish seemed to be a no-brainer. Our server Dayton was more than helpful and hospitable to us and our every request, but unfortunately, the venue is not an establishment i care to return to again.
(1)
M B.
Love Venue - great food and wonderful atmosphere. This was our first time going to one of the special occasion buffets. It did not disappoint. Can't wait to go back!
(4)
Kaitlynn K.
My boyfriend and I went to the Venue for my birthday and for Valentine's Day. Each time was amazing. They have a great wine selection and the menu is to die for. Each time he had steak while I enjoyed seafood. The waitresses were always great and explained any questions we had in detail. Their suggestions were equally as great. The atmosphere is great, dimly lit but just enough. You're never too close to another party and it's still a private dinner.
(5)
L B.
Started with the Asiago dip. This dip had a lot of artichoke hearts in it for the artichoke lover out there. The dip came with hot slices of baguette and tortilla chips..pretty good but pricey($9.50)..I had the Angus burger and added grilled onions..yum, but......the bottom bun was a bit over grilled and hard as a rock(too bad) great taste if the cardboard bottom didn't ruin it for me..the entree came with very good fries though! The turkey club looked good and probably would be my first pick next time(if I come back)..waiter was very nice,helpful, but absent for most of my dining experience. No comp on the cardboard bun though:-)..oh well.. total bill $31.14
(3)
Gabby A.
For the price, it's nothing to shout about. There are much better places than this in Lincoln. The best part of the meal I had here was the appetizer. It was crab rangoon dip and it was very delicious. I'd go back for that, but only that. The rest of my over priced meal I could care less about (pizza and salad which I split with a friend). The decor is ridiculous and borderline cheesy. They are trying WAY too hard to be urban chic. Seriously, tone it down a bit. You don't have to try that hard to be a classy, relaxed place. Honestly, go somewhere else if you want a nice, pricey meal. Try the Bread and Cup, Blue Orchid, or the Parthenon.
(2)
Lori R.
I have eaten at Venue a number of times, lunches, dinners and special holiday buffets. Have NEVER been disappointed. However, I SHOULD take them down a star for calling their Noise Level "Quiet"...maybe if everyone shut their mouths, wait staff walked on tiptoe and no one dropped anything. The extraordinarily high ceiling makes for a very loud and echoey dining experience.
(5)
Davenport E.
Very good. American/French.
(4)
Michael C. B.
Venue is a solid, reliable choice for New American fine dining in Lincoln. The room is well-designed, around a central water feature, with additional tables at the periphery. The bar is very attractive, and there are numerous attractive elements, including a nice display of wine. There is a partial view into an open kitchen. We go often and enjoy our meals there. The menu offers a wide range of styles and prices, from flatbread pizzas and wraps to fully-realized main courses emphasizing steak, duck, and fish. (The duck breast dishes are my favorite.) Good range of appetizers and desserts. Service is very friendly and competent (occasionally a server has an off-day) and servers are attentive but do not hover or overly upsell the food or wine. The wine list is extensive and well-chosen, with a markup from retail that seems average for this class of restaurant. As for the prices, well, that's what a nice dinner costs these days. Venue has decided to price in line with similar restaurants in Omaha, KC, and elsewhere in the region. Obviously this is not the place for you if you are looking for cheap, plain food and a TV in the background with a game on. To me, it's in the top tier of Lincoln restaurants along with The Oven, Blue Orchid, and Dish.
(4)
Jay K.
Venue is one of those restaurants that has had a rollercoaster history. From being the hottest place in town to, used to be good and now right back to one of the best in town. The restaurant has an energetic vibe without being loud and out of control. The service is always friendly and attentive. This has become a regular Firday Happy Hour place for me with great specials and a comfortable bar/lounge area. On my most recent visit I had the Seafood Bisque and Shrimp Po'Boy. The bisque has always been a favorite and I'm glad it has a place on the new menu. It's creamy and has a little kick. The Po'Boy has become a new favorite. The shrimp are lightly breaded (nothing ruins a good shrimp po'boy like overbreading) with a tasty southwestern flavor. There is also a revamped dessert menu which has a fantastic bread pudding on it. The desserts are made in-house and I have yet to try them all but so far the breading pudding stands out. Tips: The Sandwich Special of the Day is ALWAYS good. If doing Friday Happy Hour get there before 5pm, gets packed fast......and try the Mule.
(4)
Keely H.
Before I had lived on the east coast and traveled to the west, I thought the Venue stood up to my idea of what four and five-star restaurants would be in bigger cities. The Venue is still a great restaurant, but great for Lincoln. Put it in a place like LA, Chicago or NYC and I don't think it would be as fabulous. That being said, I do love the Venue. I agree with Neelie's statement that it's a huge restaurant with a great deal of ambition. They have a nice menu, with a few selections that change seasonally, as well as a pretty large wine list. I could do without the fountain you could easily trip into that is placed in the middle of the room, but aside from the decor I really have nothing to criticize. The last time I went was with some family that had come into town. We were a big party, loud, obnoxious and the kind that likes to order many bottles of wine however our waiter wasn't flustered in any way. There was a NY Strip, a Black & Bleu and three of the Three By Sea (scallops, shrimp and salmon) ordered and I had the Grilled Scallops. The steaks were cooked fantastically and the threes looked delicious and they don't skimp on portion sizes. In the past I've tried their lavosh and flat bread pizzas and those don't disappoint either. Prices seem decent for the food and drinks, the employees are all very nice so all in all the Venue is a fine place to go for a good steak and decent seafood in the middle of the country.
(4)
Dan B.
My first stop at Venue several years ago wasn't that great, but my most recent experience was excellent. This time we weren't ordering from the regular menu, though. Instead, we went for one of the specialty dinners that feature a set menu and that are regularly offered at Venue. The food was really good. I think the chef showed a lot of skill and creativity in the dishes that he cooked (including a plantain encrusted red snapper and a fantastic banana curry). He also came out on several occasions to explain a particular dish or the concept behind the dish, which I enjoyed. I think they could move some of those specialty dishes over to the regular menu without any trouble at all. The atmosphere and decor were very nice, in my opinion, and all of the wait staff were friendly. I will go again!
(4)
Jules T.
My duck was delicious. Calamari was a little sad because of the small portion, but it was still very tasty. A bit pricey for Lincoln, but it was worth it. The service was great, food was good. They have a children's menu.
(3)
Ryan C.
I delayed writing this in order to give a fair review. I've been to Venue several times, and as much as I want to like this place because of its great location and menu - its just really failed to impress me on any level. I've ordered a steak on each visit, and every time its over cooked. Presentation of the food is uninspired, and the flavor is nothing to write home about. The atmosphere is ok - the water display in the middle seems cheesy though. And for some reason the noise level really bothers me there - its as if I can hear every conversation going in the restaurant. Greet & wait staff has always been great, but there are too many drawbacks to rate this higher than 2 stars.
(2)
Raymond M.
Immediately upon entering, you are greeted by a large flat water wall embedded with colorful Murano glass object d'arte which also serves as the backdrop for the receptionist. Although common on both coasts, Venue is an interesting and unique restaurant for Lincoln. Lincoln, Nebraska is a sleepy little football town enriched by little else than their unnatural distraction for Husker Red. The interior of Venue is loungesque separated into casual and hip areas. The owners spared little expense and their interesting and delicious menu selections have paved the way for 2 more locations which are being constructed beyond the limits of Lincoln. The entrees are relatively expensive for Lincoln proper, but they are offering residents a new and unique option. The location is also in the area of the Lincoln well to dos. With everything from Roma style crab pizzas to Tex-Mex rib-eyes, Venue provides Lincoln with an alternative perspective to run of the mill menu items. If you are in town on business, it is a great lunch or dinner alternative and if you live here it is a must try, especially if you are looking for a taste of what you might find in the swankier parts of NY and CA.
(4)
Raymond W.
We ate there twice on our last business trip. The first night we fell in love with their crab cake and venue dip. The dip was so huge it could have served as an entree by itself if you weren't famished. The ribeye was a beautiful steak but I thought there was too much salt in the seasoning. The next night we again had the crab cake but I opted for the venues signature soup which was terrific. The flatiron steak was how it was described - lean and flavorful. I should have translated lean to mean tough and again I thought the chipotle was heavily slanted to be more salt than necessary and ditto for my risotto. My partner had the ahi tuna and the risotto was too heavily seasoned with chunks of black pepper; so much so that her mouth burning.
(2)
Undercova A.
A huge restaurant with a great deal of ambition. The menu has many option ranging from fresh fish, beef and pasta to "small plates," pizza and dinner salads. A varied wine list which fits every budget. I loved the bar. Rather than having patrons on bar stools, customers sit on regular club chairs and the bartender is below the bar in something that resembles an orchestra pit.
(4)
janet c.
I usually order the salmon or crab cake salad. My husband will also order seafood. The food is good, but it's a bit more expensive and more eclectic than we prefer for a casual weekend dinner so we only go on special occasions. We like the atmosphere and bar at Venue. It's a good place to meet friends for drinks.
(3)
Kenton D.
This was my first time for dinner at Venue...no hosts were there ..and we had to wait literally for ten minutes...I really loved their Wild mushroom soup with chips...The food was ok..and I would say better than most of the restaurant in Lincoln... Their Three Sea, I guess, is over hyped and way expensive! Chicken Roulade was just ok..Service was good and the ambiance is great...They had offer on yelp; free dessert for an entree..The free dessert was great.. Bottom line, food is great...but it comes with some price!
(3)
Eric H.
I've been here twice and both experiences were good. The first time I had a filet, which was excellent, and the second time was over lunch and I had a philly steak sandwich. I wasn't quite as impressed with the latter but the atmosphere is great and the evening menu has many good options. One other note: I think this restaurant would be better suited in the Haymarket. But, perhaps I am being nit-picky.
(4)
Sarah G.
Ditto what Raymond said + excellent wine selection and duck pizza!
(5)
Lee S.
I had to write when I saw a local write a disappointing review of Venue. This is one of a handful of restaurants I ALWAYS recommend to visitors. They have the best steak in town and a number of other very good dishes. It is very hard to go wrong here. You can either eat in a nice/fun dining room or in the bar, where, if you are interested you can keep track of whatever sporting event is on that night (without the noise usually, which keeps my wife happy). They mix a number of good drinks and the staff is friendly and attentive. Also try their new Sunday brunch, as it is overlooked and you can get in, as opposed to some other more traditional Lincoln spots.
(4)
Alexis A.
I actually ate at the Venue in Kearney, Nebraska while visiting my parents. The food was pretty good, though it's hard for a Nebraska restaurant to mess up a medium-rare steak. The waitress enjoyed flirting with my boyfriend, but at least she was friendly... I would probably go here again, as the food was good. It was a little pricey and for the same service, quality and experience, I would have a much better time at The Oven or Blue Orchid.
(3)
J C.
Pretty decent food. I had a black and bleu steak dish when I was there last. The steak was very good and I'm down anytime with mashed potatoes and am fond of gorngonzola, I would have again. I think Ive had a duck dish there that was tastey, and I remeber having asparagus that was was also very good. I like the bar and the whole setting. There is a lot of roundy curves and edges which overall has created a pretty cool atmosphere. The bar is cool, some of the patrons can be a little annoying but I become less judgemental after I loosen up with a couple drinks.
(3)
Leslie B.
Well...I've been hearing about this place for quite some time. We finally decided to check it out, and I must say I am very disappointed. We sat in the Lounge and ordered a couple of happy hour drink and the asiago dip for an appetizer. The dip was pretty good, but they served it with 2 pieces of bread and the rest of the plate was filled with tortilla chips. I believe if you are going to put bread for that much dip, there should be more than two pieces. Next, I ordered the baja fish tacos and my boyfriend ordered the sea grill. The appetizer took about 20 minutes to get and the meal came a few minutes later. Needless to say my plate and food was cold. Not even warm. The food...terrible. There was absolutely no flavor. Everything needed some salt or seasoning. My side was supposed to be broccolini with some garlic something or other and there was absolutely no garlic flavor or salt. Very bland. As for my boyfriend's meal, it was also cold. A little warmer than mine. The salmon was okay, but the shrimp were cold. The seafood was supposed to have a mango cilantro salsa, but the cilantro was absent. In general, the asiago dip was the best thing on the menu. For the price and lack of flavor, we won't be returning. Our waitress was very good, but everything else makes one forget about that. Also, the lady two tables over specifically asked that her salmon be cooked well done. Later when they were taking her plate away I heard here say that the salmon was not fully cooked.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Juke Box Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Dylan G.
Is there a bigger sin than overcooking a filet mignon, ordered medium? Perhaps doing it to two steaks? My girlfriend had fond memories of this restaurant, so on a recent trip to Lincoln we decided to splurge and treat ourselves to a couple of steaks. We would have been far more satisfied eating at the Culver's next door. When you're dropping $100 on a meal (it would have been more if the waitress had ever asked if we wanted another cocktail), regret should not be the first emotion you feel when you walk out the door. I shoud mention the pros: the drinks were great (again, the one drink we were served, as our glasses sat empty through our entire meal). The appetizer -- the crab rangoon dip -- was pretty stellar as well. Ideally, we should have just enjoyed a few drinks and an appetizer and gone somewhere else for dinner. But, back to those steak dinners: it is CRAZY easy to cook a steak that is, at worst, passable. Our filets were brown all the way through... the difference between a steak ordered medium and a steak ordered well done is not something that happens within seconds on a grill. These steaks were essentially ruined. My side, the asiago crusted sweet potatoes, were okay, but basically just tasted like pumpkin pie filling with rice krispies on top. My girlfriend was far more unlucky, with her risotto cake just coming out bland and sticky. Disappointing. Forgettable. A shame because we loved the look of the restaurant, especially since it's part of a much longer strip mall setting. It was just a bummer walking out and glancing to our right, knowing that we could have paid 1/6th the price for a meal at a burger joint that would have at least had the decency not to ruin a piece of red meat.
(2)Lilly C.
Husband and I decided to try Venue because we had heard a lot of good things about this place. Me being from California, my friends thought I might like Venue.................they were right. I thought the lounge looked super cool, like a fun place to go have cocktails. We didn't eat in the lounge, but I will definitely go back for some cocktails and bar food. Our server was Rachel; she was very pleasant. We had the chicken spring rolls, which very good. They were served with a sweet asian chile sauce and a peanut sauce; the chile sauce was both of our favorite. We both had ribeyes with risotto cakes and asparagus. My steak was cooked to perfection, and my husband seemed to enjoy his. We had a really nice bottle of wine. After dinner we were stuffed, so no room for desert. All in all, it was a very good experience.
(5)Justin T.
My wife and I went to Venue for the first time on our anniversary. We split one if their 10 inch pizzas. It was called white and we added potatoes. It was amazing! We have been craving it ever since and are determined to go back to get it again soon. I would have rated the experience higher, but our waitress was kind of snooty. She wasn't mean, but she could have been a little nicer. I'd still recommend that pizza.
(3)Cynthia L.
Decided to dine at this establishment, since an Italian restaurant fell short of my craving for Gnocchi. Parking was plentiful, since it was in a public lot. Decor was modern and chic. Hostess was friendly and was seated immediately upon entering. I expected to wait or possibly be turned away, especially since it was a Friday evening. Ambiance was moderately loud and at times, it was difficult to carry a conversation. Service was mediocre, and took more than ten minutes before she arrived. She did tell me that she would be with me in a few minutes, which did linger on; but it was a given, since it was pretty busy. For an appetizer, I tried the Ahi Tuna which was cooked to perfection and had the Tuscan Gnocchi for a main entree. Although the Gnocchi was tasty, I was disheartened that it was pan fried, compared to the regular version in boiled salted water. It was not bad at all, just not what I expected and craved for. The wine menu was plentiful and when I requested the Prosecco, I received a confused look from the waitress. She stated that she wasn't sure that she had that, especially because she noticed that I didn't have a wine menu. I reassured her that it was on the wine menu, since I had done my research ahead of time and checked their website. She returned a few minutes later and notified me that it was only sold by the bottle, which I had no problem with and complied. My overall experience was above average, but not superior. Pricing is moderate and fair. If in the general vicinity, I would most certainly entertain the idea of dining here again, and recommend this restaurant to others.
(4)Brent G.
Amaze-balls. Driving by you'd have NO IDEA...YEP ALL CAPS YELLING. THIS.PLACE.ROCKS Had the duck and pear ginger mojito. Girlfriend had the salmon and drunken gummy bear martini (vodka infused gummy bears) waiter was nice attentive and made great recommendations. just do it.
(5)Natalie M.
The food here is very good. It is upscale dining with a casual feel. The service was horrible, however. We literally watched our waiter wander around the restaurant instead of checking on his tables. Both times I ate at this place it took the server at least 15 minutes to take our drink order.
(3)Norman K.
I visited the Venue last night with my family. We went based on the recommendation of a friend. The place was great. We were able to get right in with no wait. The people working the host stand were very friendly. We got great service at the table. The waiter did a great job leading us with recommendations on drinks and dinner. I had the Ahi Tuna based on his recommendation, it was AWESOME. Try. Good wine list, a little basic but what I would expect in Lincoln.
(4)Nikki B.
I'd like to build myself a house out of Venue's risotto & eat my way out. YUM! I've never NOT enjoyed my food here. Service has been satisfactory. UPDATE: I'm not changing my 4-star rating, but here's a tip: Order the salmon. Do not order the salmon salad.
(4)Leena T.
Came here a few weeks ago for a friend's birthday and forgot to post. My friend made reservations beforehand and it was also my first time. I loved the atmosphere of the restaurant. The two servers we had were constantly attending to us, superior job girls, especially for our table with over 20 guests! For my meal, I ordered the Venue steak with crispy onion straws with a side of grilled asparagus and yukon gold mashed potatoes. I also ordered the crispy Rhode Island calamari for an appetizer and used my yelp's free dessert for the dessert I conveniently forgot the name of. (The one with a warm cookie & ice cream) and I forgot to mention the amazing bread with their three sauces! My favorite to dip/spread was the sweet pecan one. My meal was $35 and I would definitely recommend this restaurant as a place to try with a group of friends and/or family or simply for a nice date. Disclaimer - All my photos I post are slightly edited for these reviews.
(4)Nancy S.
I was pleasantly surprised to find a restaurant of this caliber in Nebraska while passing through. It could rival any restaurant in Manhattan or San Francisco. Clearly the chef has a passion for food and exudes professionalism. Everything is house made. Pasta, charcuterie, brilliant sauces and locally sourced vegetables. I simply love this place!
(5)Elisabeth E.
I'm updating this review after dining here a handful of times and every time it's excellent. The service has been consistently great, the quality of the food superb, the taste combinations and freshness of the ingredients wonderful. I dined here for restaurant week one night and I was so impressed at their generous tasting menu. They only had a 20.00 menu which included a fillet option! Excellent appetizer and dessert choices as well. Portions were exactly as when I dine here on regular days. Classy restaurant week presentation you guys, I was impressed. Below you will find my original review. This place has been recommended to me a couple of times and I now that I've finally made it in I can see why. A friend and I came in for dinner last weekend and we were seated quickly. The restaurant is elegantly decorated with low lighting and seating in a circular arrangement with a beautiful sculpture in the center. The menu is clearly labeled for gluten free which made ordering simple. There are a lot of great options to choose from and I was super excited by all the gf noming potential. We decided to share the crab cakes which were truly amazing. My friend enjoyed a beautiful salad presented with a cucumber slice wrap. We each had the house cut steak with asparagus and the spinach risotto. I had a side diver scallop. We finished with creme brûlée. I was continuously impressed with the flavor and quality of each course. Portion sizes were good and we left very satisfied. Our server was pleasant and knowledgeable about the gluten free menu options. Food came out in perfect timing and all the courses were spot on. It is a little pricey, it was 100.00 for the two of us with only one alcoholic drink and the dessert was free with the yelp check in. Overall, great dining experience and I definitely will be back for more.
(5)Jill S.
Perfect date night location. I've eaten in the restaurant several times and have always enjoyed the service and drink menu! I've also have had the luxury of experiencing their catering on several occasions. The guys and gals that run that are some of the sweetest people. Some people complain about the prices but I think they forget good quality, made from scratch food cost actual money to produce, this isn't a chain people! They truly care about the dishes they are sending out and I have never been anything but ecstatic about what has been placed in front of me. And besides the portions aren't skimpy like at some restaurants around town that are trying to charge the same prices. It's a great place, great for date night, special occasions, and catering. Great people great food!
(5)Billy F.
I have eaten many meals in my life. However anytime I go to Lincoln I look forward to dining at the Venue for one of their many great meals. I love their salmon, but their fillet is the best I have ever eaten. I'm one of those that prefer my fillet prepared med well. I still amazed that they can cook this fillet perfectly without butterflying and it melts in your mouth!
(5)Cory S.
A great place to eat where you wouldn't expect it. I wasn't in the mood for a huge steak or anything, but they had some veggie options that were great. I had some spicy noodle something or another. it was great, just the right amount of spice and flavor. Everyone else loved their meals, not a complaint around. They also have a nice selection of local beers which is tough to find in nicer places. overall a good experience, we will be back.
(4)Sam K.
When my girlfriend and I have a little extra jingle in our pockets and want to eat at a nicer place, the Venue is certainly our favorite. I'd have to say my favorite selection is the strip steak, with white cheddar macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes. The prices are a little high but if that's what I pay for this kind of quality then I don't mind. The staff is very attentive and you can tell that the cooks pay close attention to every single meal that goes out. A+!
(5)Liz K.
This restaurant has really changed and not for the better. Slow service, they ran out of the special after two people ordered it! The wine glasses were spotty and 3 glasses/dishes were dropped and broken while we were there. Food has become mediocre and fairly expensive with an a la carte approach.
(3)Natalie H.
My friend rented the private room for NYE well in advance and to our surprise "private" included two other large parties. I ordered food immediately, that within the two hours I was there never came, but I was still charged for. I had to dispute the bill with a waitstaff that treated me like it was my fault they were understaffed and incompetent. The process of having this charge removed from my bill took nearly a half hour and we ended up missing the countdown and subsequently, having a bad New Year's. Luckily my friend did get her meal so I did not go hungry the rest of the night, but unluckily the reason she shared it was because it was terrible. It was an asian noodle dish that had clearly been overcooked, over seasoned, and left sitting out long enough for the noodles to stick together into one clump, though there was no way of returning the dish because there was no waitstaff present until the end when they expected us to pay for food and drinks we did not order. This place was a disaster that clearly needs better management. I will not be returning.
(1)Kelly W.
We chose this spot for an intimate retirement dinner for my Mom on Saturday, and Venue didn't let us down. The waitress was eager to hear about our occasion, and accommodated all of our special needs throughout the meal. The food was all pretty darn good, but the stand-outs were the Lobster Rangoon, Papardelle Pasta, Spinach Mascarpone Risotto, and Hungarian Mushroom Soup. I'd skip the Art/Spin Dip next time though- not bad, just not amazing! The atmosphere is in this place is unique, some of the seating is in the round but you still feel cozy at your table itself. Black tablecloths and napkins give it a classy edge, and the service is top-notch!
(4)Erik Y.
Nice place for lunch or dinner. Its not the best place in Lincoln, but it is probably in the top 5. Its got a decent selection of dinner options and wine. Good date night place, or good place for a special occasion. Usually the food is good, but a few times in the past I have had a little inconsistent prepared steak/seafood. The servers are very accommodating and have always been willing to go the extra mile. Also of note: They have 2 private dining rooms for large private parties. They have a very large projection TV/Screen in one of the rooms for presentations. This is great for business meetings or to celebrate a special event in private and show pictures/videos.
(4)Jerad D.
Overpriced mediocre food and crappy service. (They are understaffed, our server was nice, I blame the management) The decor here sucks too. Sorry for the short review. I don't want to waste anymore time here.
(2)Laurie A.
I've been to four catered events in the past month. Two were outstanding- dishes were presented well and labeled. Servers were attentive. The other two events were disappointing. Dishes were not presented well and labels were missing at one event.. we were guessing at what they were- one contained shellfish and definitely should have been labeled as such. The last event was dismal.. one serving line for over 300 people and they ran out of food. Servers were not attentive and people in line had to alert them that food was low or simply gone. The response from the servers was that they had run out of food. Instead of removing those dishes, they left them sitting empty. The last 50 people in line did not get salad or salsa or chips.
(2)Lori C.
Had the cod special. It was absolutely delicious! The made from scratch tartar sauce was a wonderful addition.
(5)Suren K.
Got the roasted duck breast. Was soft, juicy and had a perfect texture. Jam complements duck really well, and the combination of potatoes and snap peas gives a variety of textures that blend together really well.
(4)Helen P.
The food was good, but expensive. It made for a nice date night, but not one that we'll be doing on a regular basis due to price. Definitely leave the kids at home! I will say I was pleasantly surprised by the tiramisu. I don't usually like fruit in my tiramisu, but it really worked here.
(3)Robin R.
I love this place. The food is great and they have a huge selection of gluten free options which I have to have. The staff has always been friendly and the atmosphere is calm.
(5)David S.
I've always considered Venue one of the best if not the best restaurant in Lincoln. Took some family members there this Tuesday evening but found myself apologizing for hyping it up a little too much to them. The atmosphere is always great and a beautiful night allowed for outdoor dining. But, most of the courses of food left something to be desired. We had appetizers of Lavosh and Escargot, neither were exceptionally good. The heavy cheese sauce on the Escargot was too overpowering, would have preferred them in just butter sauce and the Marinara Lavosh was kind of bland. I had a 6 ounce filet for the main course with a side of mashed potatoes and mac & cheese. The filet was very thin for a filet which led to it being more well done that the medium rare I ordered. I didn't care for either of the sides as well, the mac and cheese was very salty and the potatoes overly seasoned. Since I did have a free desert (thank you Yelp) for checking in, I tried the chocolate cake with salted caramel. No complaints here, that was delicious. The rest of the members of my party had similar experiences to mine. One noodle dish was fairly under-cooked and the quality of the filets was not up to standard on everyone who tried it. I wouldn't go as far as not recommending Venue to someone wanting to try a nice restaurant in Lincoln, but for the price you pay here, I feel you should have had a little better experience. My biggest complaint would be on the filet. We're in Nebraska folks, we should be getting the best cuts of meat available!
(2)Kinga W.
One of the best restaurants on town. Always good quality food @ the best Moscow Mules too!
(5)Katie S.
Went here tonight, not impressed at all. They were not that busy they are clearly understaffed in waiters/waitresses and on the line. First off, the house made frocaccia bread was not even close to true frocaccia bread. Plating of the food was horrible, if it's not pretty I don't want to eat it. I've ate burgers plated better. Spinach and mushroom risotto under cooked, steak over cooked and "hand cut" is bogus, the sear was impressive though. Four pieces of over cooked shrimp with undercooked crunchy noodles. The fingerings were dry, no flavor, no salt, no pepper, over oiled, and cut into too big of pieces. Overall not impressed and was confused with the menu I didn't know of it was American contemporary or the cheesecake factory with the weird selection and choices. $9 FOR ABOUT 4 OUNCES OF WINE that was room temp slash attempted to be chilled. The dessert menu is a waste of space. I can go on about this and I was highly unimpressed with the lack of quality here.
(1)Cyndy P.
All I can say right now, as I eat at this fabulous place, is YUMM OMG YUM OK Update: After eating all my food, I cleaned my plate which is very unusual. I had the Crab cakes - the best I have ever had... I could eat these all day every day. Then I had the Salmon and the hubby had the Chicken Marsala. The salmon was cooked perfectly and the flavors of the ratitouille and the potatoes went with the salmon beautifully. The hubby said the marsala was awesome, so I tried his and he is right, their Chicken Marsala is awesome. For dessert I went with Creme Brulee and he went with the bread pudding. The creme brulee was awesome! it was so creamy and not too sweet. The hubby's bread pudding was so yummy as well. It was a blueberry pecan bread pudding with whipped cream (real) and a berry sauce. I of course had to try this as well and it was so frickin good. So, I of course asked him when we could come back and what we would celebrate next to have an excuse :)
(4)Avery M.
Great food and atmosphere. Wonderful facilities for a business meal with excellent facilities (projector, conference phone) and excellent service. My companions had a range of appetizers and cuts of quality beef. I had the delmonico and wished it had been augmented by available sauce/seasoning combos which I did not select. I did request the bacon scallop which was cooked perfectly. Our wine was selected by or server who did a fantastic job pairing a wine with the numerous beef selections. I thought the wine had an appropriate level of depth and tart to cut the juice from the steak. It has been some time since I've been here but it was pleasant and would encourage my return.
(4)David M.
Returned to the Venue for restaurant week. The food was great. A creative and different take on crab cakes, but vey good. The Chicken Marsala was delectable. The atmosphere is great, very well decorated. The waitress did not know the dessert menu well, told us the seasonal cheesecake was chocolate when it was not. Dessert was decent, but not the best.
(4)Amanda K.
I liked the decor, though it was a little dark. The nice white tablecloths made me and my fiance feel a little underdressed. I started with a delicious ginger mojito and he had a Sam Adams seasonal draft that we both enjoyed and are still talking about. We had the appetizer that was on special that night; a spicy tuna roll. It was average. I ordered the pecan bleu salad and it was awesome. I was in the mood for something light and fresh. He had the special that night which was halibut. The tastes were there but the fish could have been a little warmer. Overall, solid place. We will be returning.
(4)John S.
We are from out of town (Massachusetts). We discovered Venue and decided to give it a try. We were pleasantly surprised at the ambiance, presentation, and quality. The outside of the restaurant throws you off a little. It seems like the restaurant would be somewhat mediocre, however when you walk inside it is a different story. Music is at the perfect volume, and the selection is very good. I asked for something special on Open Table for my wife and I, so they made things special. I wouldn't expect that from a lot of restaurants but they delivered. Quality- nice job. I had the Chilean sea bass and my wife had the special. We were duly impressed with our service professional Andrea as well. She wasn't pushy and allowed us time, while also providing privacy. Overall, we come to Lincoln on a monthly basis and will be visiting Venue on every visit. Thank you John Shultz
(4)Shawn G.
A mediocre restaurant in a less-than-mediocre town. Some things that were great: - Duck tacos. - Lobster Rangoon - Creme Brulee Some things that were not so great: - Every entree I tried. - The drinks. - The server's knowledge of the menu (he was very friendly and eager to help, though). Some things that were downright bad: - The strawberry shortcake. - The decor: An elegant and modern design completely ruined by the fact that whatever fixture was in the center of the dining room (fountain?) was partially removed and covered with a tarp. -The price for the quality of food.
(3)Dani W.
Came in for lunch on a time budget and service was good and we were out on time, plus in my book! I had the black and bleu burger and it was very good! My dining companions had the pecan wrap and the special sandwich of the day. They also both enjoyed them, except the special sandwich was a bit over toasted and caused some mouth injuries but he still enjoyed it. One of them had the mac and cheese and she said it was very good! I will return!
(4)Shaun S.
The crab cakes are heavily breaded and not tasty. The caper sauce that comes with them is not edible. The salmon was heavily coated with a anise flavored salty spicy masala that was not good. The tuna was also over salted and it would have been nice to have some lemon or lime wedges provided with that dish. The steaks were very good. The service was good initially but tapered off throughout the dinner. It would be helpful if the chef focused more on the actual ingredients verses the spicing of the ingredients. I did enjoy the high class atmosphere of the place but if Im going to fork out $150 for a meal I expect better.
(2)Karla P.
I just moved to Lincoln from California with two friends and we were looking for a great meal for our first night. We were directed to The Venue by a friend of ours so we decided to give it a go. Upon entering, we were greeted by two younger looking hosts, one of which was obviously unimpressed by our appearance/ and demeanor due to the snide comments she muttered under her breath about our casual appearance. We were seated promptly and given menus to peruse. Upon scanning the room a couple things were brought to my attention. One, the head chef was eating on the cooking line in plain site for the all the guests to see, a big no no being from the service industry myself. Two, the main dining floor had a hotel lobby restaurant vibe that almost sterilized the entire experience. Three, the ambiance that was trying to be set was trumped by the cafeteria like clamor of the guests' conversation. After were seated, a server approaches us and takes our drink order, not two minutes later, another server approaches us and greets us again to take our drink order. Once the staff figured out who was going to serve us, we proceeded to order our starter. We started out with the crab rangoon dip, which was pretty tasty. For our entrees, we decided to split the baja fish tacos with a cashew cilantro rice, the chicken lavouche pizza (cheese, chicken, artichokes), and a flank steak with Bearnaise sauce and bersain cheese and chive mashed potatoes. Much to our dismay, almost every dish fell short of our expectations and the hype that seemed to be generated about this restaurant and its "well rounded" menu. The fish tacos and rice were room temperature at best, and upon returning to the table, we were unimpressed with the tacos bland flavor and overall lackluster appeal. So we pushed the tacos aside and moved on to the pizza that was served with a garlic dipping sauce. When the pizza hit the table, you could tell it had been sitting for a while before it was served as the cheese was already starting to solidify again, and in the first couple of bites, my friend found a large bone in the chicken. The third dish that we order was a steak that was actually really tasty, however, its nearly impossible to screw up a steak in Lincoln, NE so that dish seemed to be a no-brainer. Our server Dayton was more than helpful and hospitable to us and our every request, but unfortunately, the venue is not an establishment i care to return to again.
(1)M B.
Love Venue - great food and wonderful atmosphere. This was our first time going to one of the special occasion buffets. It did not disappoint. Can't wait to go back!
(4)Kaitlynn K.
My boyfriend and I went to the Venue for my birthday and for Valentine's Day. Each time was amazing. They have a great wine selection and the menu is to die for. Each time he had steak while I enjoyed seafood. The waitresses were always great and explained any questions we had in detail. Their suggestions were equally as great. The atmosphere is great, dimly lit but just enough. You're never too close to another party and it's still a private dinner.
(5)L B.
Started with the Asiago dip. This dip had a lot of artichoke hearts in it for the artichoke lover out there. The dip came with hot slices of baguette and tortilla chips..pretty good but pricey($9.50)..I had the Angus burger and added grilled onions..yum, but......the bottom bun was a bit over grilled and hard as a rock(too bad) great taste if the cardboard bottom didn't ruin it for me..the entree came with very good fries though! The turkey club looked good and probably would be my first pick next time(if I come back)..waiter was very nice,helpful, but absent for most of my dining experience. No comp on the cardboard bun though:-)..oh well.. total bill $31.14
(3)Gabby A.
For the price, it's nothing to shout about. There are much better places than this in Lincoln. The best part of the meal I had here was the appetizer. It was crab rangoon dip and it was very delicious. I'd go back for that, but only that. The rest of my over priced meal I could care less about (pizza and salad which I split with a friend). The decor is ridiculous and borderline cheesy. They are trying WAY too hard to be urban chic. Seriously, tone it down a bit. You don't have to try that hard to be a classy, relaxed place. Honestly, go somewhere else if you want a nice, pricey meal. Try the Bread and Cup, Blue Orchid, or the Parthenon.
(2)Lori R.
I have eaten at Venue a number of times, lunches, dinners and special holiday buffets. Have NEVER been disappointed. However, I SHOULD take them down a star for calling their Noise Level "Quiet"...maybe if everyone shut their mouths, wait staff walked on tiptoe and no one dropped anything. The extraordinarily high ceiling makes for a very loud and echoey dining experience.
(5)Davenport E.
Very good. American/French.
(4)Michael C. B.
Venue is a solid, reliable choice for New American fine dining in Lincoln. The room is well-designed, around a central water feature, with additional tables at the periphery. The bar is very attractive, and there are numerous attractive elements, including a nice display of wine. There is a partial view into an open kitchen. We go often and enjoy our meals there. The menu offers a wide range of styles and prices, from flatbread pizzas and wraps to fully-realized main courses emphasizing steak, duck, and fish. (The duck breast dishes are my favorite.) Good range of appetizers and desserts. Service is very friendly and competent (occasionally a server has an off-day) and servers are attentive but do not hover or overly upsell the food or wine. The wine list is extensive and well-chosen, with a markup from retail that seems average for this class of restaurant. As for the prices, well, that's what a nice dinner costs these days. Venue has decided to price in line with similar restaurants in Omaha, KC, and elsewhere in the region. Obviously this is not the place for you if you are looking for cheap, plain food and a TV in the background with a game on. To me, it's in the top tier of Lincoln restaurants along with The Oven, Blue Orchid, and Dish.
(4)Jay K.
Venue is one of those restaurants that has had a rollercoaster history. From being the hottest place in town to, used to be good and now right back to one of the best in town. The restaurant has an energetic vibe without being loud and out of control. The service is always friendly and attentive. This has become a regular Firday Happy Hour place for me with great specials and a comfortable bar/lounge area. On my most recent visit I had the Seafood Bisque and Shrimp Po'Boy. The bisque has always been a favorite and I'm glad it has a place on the new menu. It's creamy and has a little kick. The Po'Boy has become a new favorite. The shrimp are lightly breaded (nothing ruins a good shrimp po'boy like overbreading) with a tasty southwestern flavor. There is also a revamped dessert menu which has a fantastic bread pudding on it. The desserts are made in-house and I have yet to try them all but so far the breading pudding stands out. Tips: The Sandwich Special of the Day is ALWAYS good. If doing Friday Happy Hour get there before 5pm, gets packed fast......and try the Mule.
(4)Keely H.
Before I had lived on the east coast and traveled to the west, I thought the Venue stood up to my idea of what four and five-star restaurants would be in bigger cities. The Venue is still a great restaurant, but great for Lincoln. Put it in a place like LA, Chicago or NYC and I don't think it would be as fabulous. That being said, I do love the Venue. I agree with Neelie's statement that it's a huge restaurant with a great deal of ambition. They have a nice menu, with a few selections that change seasonally, as well as a pretty large wine list. I could do without the fountain you could easily trip into that is placed in the middle of the room, but aside from the decor I really have nothing to criticize. The last time I went was with some family that had come into town. We were a big party, loud, obnoxious and the kind that likes to order many bottles of wine however our waiter wasn't flustered in any way. There was a NY Strip, a Black & Bleu and three of the Three By Sea (scallops, shrimp and salmon) ordered and I had the Grilled Scallops. The steaks were cooked fantastically and the threes looked delicious and they don't skimp on portion sizes. In the past I've tried their lavosh and flat bread pizzas and those don't disappoint either. Prices seem decent for the food and drinks, the employees are all very nice so all in all the Venue is a fine place to go for a good steak and decent seafood in the middle of the country.
(4)Dan B.
My first stop at Venue several years ago wasn't that great, but my most recent experience was excellent. This time we weren't ordering from the regular menu, though. Instead, we went for one of the specialty dinners that feature a set menu and that are regularly offered at Venue. The food was really good. I think the chef showed a lot of skill and creativity in the dishes that he cooked (including a plantain encrusted red snapper and a fantastic banana curry). He also came out on several occasions to explain a particular dish or the concept behind the dish, which I enjoyed. I think they could move some of those specialty dishes over to the regular menu without any trouble at all. The atmosphere and decor were very nice, in my opinion, and all of the wait staff were friendly. I will go again!
(4)Jules T.
My duck was delicious. Calamari was a little sad because of the small portion, but it was still very tasty. A bit pricey for Lincoln, but it was worth it. The service was great, food was good. They have a children's menu.
(3)Ryan C.
I delayed writing this in order to give a fair review. I've been to Venue several times, and as much as I want to like this place because of its great location and menu - its just really failed to impress me on any level. I've ordered a steak on each visit, and every time its over cooked. Presentation of the food is uninspired, and the flavor is nothing to write home about. The atmosphere is ok - the water display in the middle seems cheesy though. And for some reason the noise level really bothers me there - its as if I can hear every conversation going in the restaurant. Greet & wait staff has always been great, but there are too many drawbacks to rate this higher than 2 stars.
(2)Raymond M.
Immediately upon entering, you are greeted by a large flat water wall embedded with colorful Murano glass object d'arte which also serves as the backdrop for the receptionist. Although common on both coasts, Venue is an interesting and unique restaurant for Lincoln. Lincoln, Nebraska is a sleepy little football town enriched by little else than their unnatural distraction for Husker Red. The interior of Venue is loungesque separated into casual and hip areas. The owners spared little expense and their interesting and delicious menu selections have paved the way for 2 more locations which are being constructed beyond the limits of Lincoln. The entrees are relatively expensive for Lincoln proper, but they are offering residents a new and unique option. The location is also in the area of the Lincoln well to dos. With everything from Roma style crab pizzas to Tex-Mex rib-eyes, Venue provides Lincoln with an alternative perspective to run of the mill menu items. If you are in town on business, it is a great lunch or dinner alternative and if you live here it is a must try, especially if you are looking for a taste of what you might find in the swankier parts of NY and CA.
(4)Raymond W.
We ate there twice on our last business trip. The first night we fell in love with their crab cake and venue dip. The dip was so huge it could have served as an entree by itself if you weren't famished. The ribeye was a beautiful steak but I thought there was too much salt in the seasoning. The next night we again had the crab cake but I opted for the venues signature soup which was terrific. The flatiron steak was how it was described - lean and flavorful. I should have translated lean to mean tough and again I thought the chipotle was heavily slanted to be more salt than necessary and ditto for my risotto. My partner had the ahi tuna and the risotto was too heavily seasoned with chunks of black pepper; so much so that her mouth burning.
(2)Undercova A.
A huge restaurant with a great deal of ambition. The menu has many option ranging from fresh fish, beef and pasta to "small plates," pizza and dinner salads. A varied wine list which fits every budget. I loved the bar. Rather than having patrons on bar stools, customers sit on regular club chairs and the bartender is below the bar in something that resembles an orchestra pit.
(4)janet c.
I usually order the salmon or crab cake salad. My husband will also order seafood. The food is good, but it's a bit more expensive and more eclectic than we prefer for a casual weekend dinner so we only go on special occasions. We like the atmosphere and bar at Venue. It's a good place to meet friends for drinks.
(3)Kenton D.
This was my first time for dinner at Venue...no hosts were there ..and we had to wait literally for ten minutes...I really loved their Wild mushroom soup with chips...The food was ok..and I would say better than most of the restaurant in Lincoln... Their Three Sea, I guess, is over hyped and way expensive! Chicken Roulade was just ok..Service was good and the ambiance is great...They had offer on yelp; free dessert for an entree..The free dessert was great.. Bottom line, food is great...but it comes with some price!
(3)Eric H.
I've been here twice and both experiences were good. The first time I had a filet, which was excellent, and the second time was over lunch and I had a philly steak sandwich. I wasn't quite as impressed with the latter but the atmosphere is great and the evening menu has many good options. One other note: I think this restaurant would be better suited in the Haymarket. But, perhaps I am being nit-picky.
(4)Sarah G.
Ditto what Raymond said + excellent wine selection and duck pizza!
(5)Lee S.
I had to write when I saw a local write a disappointing review of Venue. This is one of a handful of restaurants I ALWAYS recommend to visitors. They have the best steak in town and a number of other very good dishes. It is very hard to go wrong here. You can either eat in a nice/fun dining room or in the bar, where, if you are interested you can keep track of whatever sporting event is on that night (without the noise usually, which keeps my wife happy). They mix a number of good drinks and the staff is friendly and attentive. Also try their new Sunday brunch, as it is overlooked and you can get in, as opposed to some other more traditional Lincoln spots.
(4)Alexis A.
I actually ate at the Venue in Kearney, Nebraska while visiting my parents. The food was pretty good, though it's hard for a Nebraska restaurant to mess up a medium-rare steak. The waitress enjoyed flirting with my boyfriend, but at least she was friendly... I would probably go here again, as the food was good. It was a little pricey and for the same service, quality and experience, I would have a much better time at The Oven or Blue Orchid.
(3)J C.
Pretty decent food. I had a black and bleu steak dish when I was there last. The steak was very good and I'm down anytime with mashed potatoes and am fond of gorngonzola, I would have again. I think Ive had a duck dish there that was tastey, and I remeber having asparagus that was was also very good. I like the bar and the whole setting. There is a lot of roundy curves and edges which overall has created a pretty cool atmosphere. The bar is cool, some of the patrons can be a little annoying but I become less judgemental after I loosen up with a couple drinks.
(3)Leslie B.
Well...I've been hearing about this place for quite some time. We finally decided to check it out, and I must say I am very disappointed. We sat in the Lounge and ordered a couple of happy hour drink and the asiago dip for an appetizer. The dip was pretty good, but they served it with 2 pieces of bread and the rest of the plate was filled with tortilla chips. I believe if you are going to put bread for that much dip, there should be more than two pieces. Next, I ordered the baja fish tacos and my boyfriend ordered the sea grill. The appetizer took about 20 minutes to get and the meal came a few minutes later. Needless to say my plate and food was cold. Not even warm. The food...terrible. There was absolutely no flavor. Everything needed some salt or seasoning. My side was supposed to be broccolini with some garlic something or other and there was absolutely no garlic flavor or salt. Very bland. As for my boyfriend's meal, it was also cold. A little warmer than mine. The salmon was okay, but the shrimp were cold. The seafood was supposed to have a mango cilantro salsa, but the cilantro was absent. In general, the asiago dip was the best thing on the menu. For the price and lack of flavor, we won't be returning. Our waitress was very good, but everything else makes one forget about that. Also, the lady two tables over specifically asked that her salmon be cooked well done. Later when they were taking her plate away I heard here say that the salmon was not fully cooked.
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