Date Night in Downtown Lincoln Part 3: Romantic

Click here to view a list of all the restaurants downtown

This is part three of three of DLA’s “Date Night” series. To read part 1 click here and part 2 click here. Downtown Lincoln has a variety of date spots to impress that person you like, you just have to look for them. With the “Date Night” series, DLA unveils these unique places and really helps you get a feel for all the fun things you may not have done before downtown. And because we love to help people explore downtown a little easier, we’ve conveniently grouped these date night spots close together so you don’t have to worry about driving.

Well, this is it. The final installment of our date night series, and as the final installment, one would think it should be the best of them all. The crème de le crème. The big kahuna. The GREAT BAMBINO. You sure have lofty expectations of us, don’t you?

We’ve done the fun/casual date and the lunch date, and have proved to you that there are some great date spots in downtown Lincoln. Now let’s try for something a little more serious. In part three of three, DLA takes you out for an evening of romance and grandeur. We’ve selected three spots downtown that are sure to set the perfect mood for you to impress your date, and leave you both feeling exuberant.

Your date is dressed up and is most certainly excited to see you. This is the date that matters the most, and you want to make sure everything goes well. It’s important to be yourself; don’t try and be someone you’re not.

This romantic night out calls for a restaurant downtown that compliments the importance of the evening. Located on the corner of 11th and O Streets, DISH offers an elegant dining experience that will do just that.

Click for a 360 view of DISH

Manager Emerson Trupp details some of the things that make DISH a great “Date Night” spot.

“The bottom line is the service, menu, presentation and atmosphere. The intimate seating, dedicated personable service and the elegant ambience are what make DISH a go-to place for a date. The hand crafted cocktails and modern cuisine speak for themselves. We’ve had numerous marriage proposals in the restaurant, which speaks volumes for a date night destination.”

Emerson says he likes to call DISH an “upscale-casual” restaurant.

“The modern art deco design gives the restaurant a classy and stylish big city vibe. The suspended lighting elegantly floats across the room and beautiful artwork adorns the walls. Overall, the restaurant is very chic and inviting. It certainly has panache.”

The only thing that upstages the décor at DISH is the food itself. The restaurant offers a variety of continental appetizers, entrées, sandwiches and desserts carefully crafted by their innovative chefs.

“The Scallop Bruschetta appetizer is definitely a must have item. Pan roasted scallops on grilled sourdough bread with a caramelized onion spread. Popular entrées include the Asian Sea-Grill and the Crispy Mango Duck. DISH prides itself on using fresh seafood and the highest quality ingredients. We also have two nightly dinner features to keep it interesting. Everything is made in house by our fabulous kitchen staff. Also, our weekly featured cocktails are delicious examples of ‘Liquid Technology’,” Emerson says.

It takes fervor and persistence to start and run a restaurant, but it’s the affable people who work there that make it successful.

“Our staff is comprised of passionate, dedicated, hardworking individuals who strive to provide the best service possible. There is a tremendous sense of pride they take in their duties. ‘Serve like you want to be served’ is one of the core values instilled in our staff. We’ve all been on dates (good and bad ones) and we know how to go that extra mile to make a couple’s night not just a dinner, but a memorable experience. I’m pretty sure we have something to do with Lincoln’s population growth. The staff interaction with customers plays a pivotal role in repeat business, especially remembering names of patrons, preferred tables and drinks.”

DISH recently started its bi-monthly “Supper Club.” On Supper Club evenings, diners get to enjoy a themed, multiple-course dinner while listening to live entertainment. Last month, DISH had a 1960’s throwback dinner with a vintage vocalist, and on July 22, they will be having a Spanish-themed dinner with a flamenco guitarist. In August, the restaurant will unveil a new wine list as well as a menu change.

Your date can’t help but rave about how good the food was at DISH, and they tell you that they’re excited for what you have planned for the rest of the evening.

A few blocks down the street from DISH on 13th and Q Streets is The Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center, a two-screen theatre that shows mostly independent and foreign films. The hospitable atmosphere and unique movie selection is sure to provide an evening of entertainment your date won’t forget.

“Offering concessions, two screens, and state-of-the-art sound and projection, the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center is one of the finest venues for independent and foreign film in the country. Take advantage of this Lincoln treasure and see the films the rest of the country is talking about,” director Danny Lee Ladely says.

The contemporary theatre opened in December of 2003 and acts as an alternative to commercial cinema and high-budget Hollywood blockbusters.

Ladely describes the theatre as “modern, upscale, clean, comfortable and friendly.”

You and your date can enjoy some popcorn which Ladely boasts is the best popcorn in town. “It smells wonderful,” he says.

The theatre tries to push forward the idea that film is art, and even though many of the films shown there are low budget, they conjure up new ideas, open your mind and help you learn about the world around you.

Ladely says they even have special student discount nights during the school year.

“During the fall, winter and spring we have Student Appreciation Nights once each month. Students are admitted for $1 and can purchase a soda and popcorn for $1 each.”

The theatre is currently showing Midnight in Paris, a romantic comedy by Woody Allen starring Owen Wilson, Marion Cotillard, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, and Carla Bruni. The Ross’ website gives a synopsis:

“As a young couple engaged to be married experiences a profound transformation during their visit to Paris, an idealistic man with a romanticized view of the city finds that there’s plenty of truth to that old adage about the grass being greener on the other side.”

If you’re looking for something to do on a romantic date, Midnight in Paris at the Ross is a great way to see something different and in a unique setting. The movie will be shown at the Ross through July 14.

It’s been a great night so far, your date is swooning, and you’re secretly doing your happy dance. You’ve had a romantic dinner, seen a romantic movie and now you’re looking to top off the evening at one last place that the two of you have always wanted to go to.   

Just a few blocks down the street is Zen’s Lounge on 11th and O Streets. The enamored nightspot offers fine cocktails, beer and wine along with an environment that couples elegance with relaxedness.

Click for a 360 view of Zen’s Lounge

Owner Kent Schreiner encourages those out on a romantic date to stop by Zen’s for some drinks and hospitality.

“Upon walking in the door, you can see lots of different areas to spend time with your date. We have lots of comfortable couches and smaller tables. The bar has warm cozy lighting that lends to being very comfortable and relaxed. The general feel of the bar is a modern interpretation of a classic cocktail lounge. Whether you are 21 or 81, or dressed casual or to ‘the nines’, you’ll feel just right,” Kent says.

Zen’s has been around for over eight years, but Kent and fellow co-owner Connor Boucher took over the nightspot last October.

Along with its alluring décor and social atmosphere, Zen’s has a menu chock full of enticing cocktails.

“Zen’s has recently revamped its menu, incorporating some of the old favorites with classic cocktails and a few new creations,” Kent says. “Some of the old favorites include: the Snicker’s Martini, and cocktails like the Blood Orange. Classics are the drinks that are tried and true, including the Corpse Reviver #2 and one of the best Manhattans in town. A few modern creations include the Lavender Luxe and the Hanging Garden. Also, we have an ever changing (seasonal) selection of infused spirits.”

Be sure to stop by Zen’s on Tap Tuesdays and Wine Down Wednesdays. On Tap Tuesdays, Zen’s invites people in to celebrate the tapping of a new craft beer and on Wine Down Wednesdays, they offer their unbelievable wines at a discounted price (25% off all bottles and 50% off all open bottles). Kent also recommends getting the homemade sangria that they offer for $4.

Zen’s is more than alive on the weekends too.

“On weekend nights we provide table service, so that you can enjoy your company and not have to worry about getting up to go to the bar. The bartenders are well rounded at their crafts, and can provide you with something special for your occasion.”

DISH, The Ross and Zen’s Lounge are places downtown that have a style and grace about them that emanates romance, and their locally owned personas and down-to-earth vibes are what keep people coming back. If you want to experience a distinct and enlivening evening, these three places offer a refreshing feel to the traditional restaurant, movie theater and bar. Whether you want to take your date out on a fun/casual date, a lunch date, or a romantic date, downtown Lincoln has plenty of restaurants, entertainment and night spots for you and your date to enjoy!

We know at DLA we’re a little different, but we hope you’ve enjoyed reading our date night series, because we’ve enjoyed writing it. Be sure to ‘like’ our Facebook page to keep up with all of the exciting things happening in downtown Lincoln!

Thanks for reading.
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For more information on these downtown businesses, visit:

DISH’s Website
The Ross’ Website
Zen’s Lounge on Facebook