Malone isn’t just one of Lincoln’s most storied neighborhoods—it's also a thriving hotspot for diverse eats and culinary creativity. Whether you’re a longtime local, a recent transplant, or just passing through, the Malone food scene serves up something for every palate and occasion. From soulful Southern kitchens and old-school bakeries to hip coffee haunts and hidden gems serving global eats, Malone stands out as Lincoln’s best-kept secret for foodies.
The Heart and Soul of Malone’s Food Scene
Nestled north of downtown, Malone is bordered by 27th Street to the east, 14th Street to the west, and stretches roughly from O Street north to Vine Street. The neighborhood’s mix of cultures and old-meets-new sensibilities is reflected in its restaurant landscape, with laid-back comfort food joints sitting next to trendy spots drawing University students and locals alike.
If you’re looking to build your own culinary “Malone food tour,” start at the bustling intersection of 24th and O Streets. This crossroads is a microcosm of Malone’s food scene, with longstanding diners, new international flavors, and everything in between.
Southern Comfort and Soul Food Staples
- The Hub Cafe (250 N 21st St): Hugged by the Antelope Valley Parkway and bike trail, The Hub Cafe is a sun-filled spot leaning into farm-to-table Southern hospitality. Expect delicious biscuits with house-made jam, smoky sausage scrambles, and rotating seasonal specials—brunch is a must. This is one of those rare places where coffee, service, and biscuits are all equally excellent.
- Hickman’s BBQ Shack (Food Truck – usually found at 22nd & Vine St): For a true neighborhood tradition, don’t miss Hickman’s BBQ. What started as a backyard smoker is now a mobile institution beloved for its tender smoked brisket, spicy hot links, and melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork sandwiches. Most plates hover around $10-$12, making it a budget-friendly feast. Locals recommend grabbing a “three meat combo,” a side of tangy slaw, and classic cornbread.
- Sweets & Soul Café (1918 N 24th St): Tucked on 24th, this no-frills café is prized for homestyle chicken & waffles, catfish Fridays, and housemade peach cobbler that will have you coming back for seconds. It’s the kind of place where the kitchen feels like an extension of someone’s home—warm, welcoming, and always busy at lunchtime.
International Eats and Unexpected Flavors
Malone’s diversity is on full display when it comes to global flavors. Whether you crave Vietnamese pho, Mexican street food, or Caribbean curries, your taste buds are in for a treat.
- Pho Nguyenn (233 N 27th St): This family-run gem on the border of Malone and Clinton is famous for steaming bowls of deeply fragrant pho, spring rolls packed with fresh herbs, and bún vermicelli bowls loaded with grilled pork or tofu. The affordable menu (most entrees $9-$14) and quick service make this a lunchtime staple for students and workers from nearby offices.
- Taqueria Monterrey (Mobile Taco Truck – evenings at 23rd & O St): If you’re wandering the neighborhood late, follow your nose to this taco truck that gathers a cult following on warm nights. Their al pastor and barbacoa tacos (just $2.50 each) are must-tries, paired with traditional horchata. Regulars swear by the carne asada burrito with extra salsa verde.
- Island Spice Caribbean Cuisine (1824 N 27th St): One of Malone’s hidden gems, Island Spice offers a rotating menu of jerk chicken, curry goat, and plantains. Owner Marsha, who grew up in Jamaica, brings soul and spice to every plate. Try the rich oxtail stew or jerk wings for something unforgettable.
Baked Goods and Neighborhood Treats
- Le Quartier Bakery (220 N 27th St): This tiny, fragrant French bakery turns out the city’s finest croissants, sourdough loaves, and impossibly flaky pastries. The almond croissant and pain au chocolat are musts, especially with a cup of their strong coffee. Saturday mornings get lively here, with locals stopping by for fresh bread and treats.
- Sweet Minou Chocolates (Inside Turbine Flats, 2124 Y St): If you have a sweet tooth, make a beeline to this boutique chocolatier in the creative hub of Turbine Flats. Here, chef Minou crafts small-batch truffles, chocolate bark, and seasonal confections. The flavors range from classic dark chocolate to inventive bonbons with Nebraska honey and lavender.
Cozy Cafés and Cool Coffee Spots
No Malone neighborhood roundup is complete without celebrating its café scene—a mix of cozy hideaways and artsy community gathering spaces.
- Common Press Coffee (2008 O St): This quirky, sun-dappled café pours top-tier coffee and espresso, with signature lattes inspired by local landmarks. There’s fantastic people-watching, free WiFi, and pastries on the counter from nearby bakeries. Prices are similar to national chains ($3-6 for most drinks), but the vibe is uniquely Malone.
- Indigo Bridge Café (701 P St, inside The Foundry): A little south of Malone’s border, this arts–café–bookshop deserves a shout-out for its support of local artists, poetry nights, and vegan treats. Their toasts and espresso drinks are perfect for a mid-afternoon break or creative inspiration.
Don’t Miss These Neighborhood Traditions
- Annual Malone Food Fest: Every August, Malone’s community center (20th & U St) hosts a food fair featuring soul food, multicultural cooking demos, and youth-run lemonade stands. It’s a true cross-section of the neighborhood’s food cultures—and a great way to sample (and support) multiple spots at once.
- Pop-Up Dinners at Union Plaza: Seasonal community dinners showcase guest chefs and highlight new vendors, offering everything from Ethiopian to Italian street food. Keep an eye on flyers and neighborhood social media accounts for dates.
Local Tips for the Best Experience
- Try visiting around lunch or early dinner for the freshest picks and shortest waits, especially at smaller spots and food trucks.
- Most bakeries and cafés offer rotating specials—ask staff what’s just out of the oven!
- Support local by following neighborhood restaurants on Instagram or Facebook; many announce specials, pop-up hours, and community deals online.
Whether you’re sampling smoky brisket from a sidewalk smoker, sipping Vietnamese iced coffee, or taking home pastries for brunch, Malone’s food scene is all about quality, community, and a spirit of welcome. Hungry yet? Come see what’s cooking in one of Lincoln’s tastiest neighborhoods.