Remember That Mexican Place Downtown?
For no reason in particular, Tico’s recently popped into my head. I haven’t thought about Tico’s in ages. Even when I drive right past it on 17th Street I barely give it a thought.
I’m curious if this “out of mind” phenomenon is unique to me, or if Tico’s—by all rights a bit of a Lincoln landmark—is really fading from the local consciousness. Have you eaten at Tico’s lately? (I haven’t.) Do you know anybody who has? (I don’t.)
I loved Tico’s when I was a kid. During my teenage years I liked to get the three- or four-item platter. The huge plate of food, combined with plenty of complimentary chips and salsa and a bowl of soup, was among the few things that could truly leave me stuffed. Oh, and the food tasted good, too. I suppose I should mention that. These days, though, my tastes for Mexican food have changed a bit. I’d just as soon have a torta from a mom and pop joint as a “fancy” (ahem) dinner at Tico’s.
Anyway, back to the original question. I still believe Tico’s has a role in Lincoln’s dining scene. But who’s keeping it going these days? Is it you?
The Comments
D. L. Whitehead says Not Lately... August 6, 2010 at 8:44am
We formerly--ever since it opened--dined at Tico’s a few times each year. Then, about four years ago, we had several disappointments in a row regarding the quality/quantity of food. Greasy food, under-cooked food, and, once, a skimpy portion of an old favorite item all contributed to us scratching them off our list of go-to restaurants. It was sad…
Anyone go there when it was “Here’s Johnny’s” restaurant? Or, am I the only really old “Lincolnite” reader?
Fletch says I just ate there - August 6, 2010 at 9:04am
I just ate there - I think it was in 1987 or 1988. I guess that’s not very recent is it?
Stacy says Sidenote: The sandwich place August 6, 2010 at 9:05am
Sidenote: The sandwich place next door to Iguana’s closed down already.
Mr. Wilson says RE: Sidenote: The sandwich place August 6, 2010 at 9:15am
Wait, there was a sandwich place next to Iguana’s? Since when? You mean where Billy Brown’s used to be? (I don’t remember what was there before BB’s.)
Stacy says RE: Sidenote: The sandwich place August 6, 2010 at 12:34pm
The place that used to be Taco Bueno, then d’Leons then it turned into a Vietnamese sandwich shop (I think it was Vietnamese).
Mr. Wilson says RE: Sidenote: The sandwich place August 6, 2010 at 12:40pm
Oh, ok then. Yes, Ba Lee packed up and left for lower-rent pastures. A wise fiscal move, but it means I won’t get to enjoy their awesomeness very often.
I thought you meant whatever’s going into the Billy Brown’s location, a few spots to the west. I didn’t think it—whatever “it” is—had even opened yet.
Mr. T says RE: Sidenote: The sandwich place August 6, 2010 at 5:42pm
As a downtown denizen, I think it sucks that Ba Lee has moved to North 27th. I am glad they will go on to fight another day (in what will hopefully be a better location for them) but I will miss those catfish sandwiches for lunch.
Downtown LNK seriously needs a good Pho and Banh Mi place. I wonder - had Ba Lee offered Pho as well if they would still have their DT location?
beerorkid says RE: Sidenote: The sandwich place August 6, 2010 at 10:09am
was balee 1 I think. Sign on the door said they were moving to north 27th, but nobody knows where yet.
Mr. Wilson says RE: Sidenote: The sandwich place August 6, 2010 at 11:56am
I’m not certain, but I think Stacy’s talking about the place to the west of Iguana’s; Ba Lee was east of Lazzari’s, which is east of Iguana’s.
meatball says I've always thought Tico's was August 6, 2010 at 9:20am
I’ve always thought Tico’s was highly overrated.
Moses says Probably Jeff Korbelik August 6, 2010 at 12:54pm
I remember Mr. Korbelik recently saying something nice about Tico’s.
He is the only person I have heard say anything at all about Tico’s in at least 5 years.
Maybe he is keeping it in business.
holy hannah says When I go to an August 6, 2010 at 12:54pm
When I go to an event at Pershing, I will often meet friends or family at Tico’s either before or after. Tico’s usually has a pretty full house when there is a concert or show at Pershing. I wonder what will happen to them when the new arena is built.
Moses says Let's try this link again August 6, 2010 at 12:57pm
Sorry, not very good at adding links.
http://journalstar.com/special-section/interactive/article_f84a62ca-a0b3-11df-bfc6-001cc4c03286.html
wish0922 says I go to Tico's probably August 9, 2010 at 9:02am
I go to Tico’s probably once every few months. It was always a place I enjoyed as a kid. My brother still considers it his favorite restaurant and eats there probably once or twice per month.
Laurie says Ticos August 9, 2010 at 8:13pm
We eat lunch at Ticos probably about every other month. I’ve always loved their chips and I also enjoy their chili rellenos. They make a great pork sauce.
We’ve also gone to Ticos prior to a couple of football games. They usually seem to have a goodly amount of business, so obviously they are holding their own in the downtown restaurant scene.
I think it’s great to have businesses that have weathered several decades.