Blue Orchid Thai Restaurant — Restaurant in Lincoln

Blue Orchid use to be one of my favorite restaurants in Lincoln, notice I said “use to”. Last night I went there with my boyfriend for his birthday. The atmosphere was less than to be desired. Far different than it use to be. The host looked like she was wearing pajamas and the bartender was in a stocking cap and sweats. This however was not the major problem. Our server was pleasant, slow service but a friendly disposition. We order a $40.00 bottle of wine which is pretty typical, we’re avid wine drinkers. We tasted it and didn’t like it, the wine had turned or it was just a bad vintage. The server had poured our glasses after several visits up to the bar to receive help with opening it, also not a big deal you have to practice to get comfortable with opening wine bottles especially in front of others. I talked to the manager explaining our dislike for the bottle of wine and asked to order a different bottle instead. The bartender in his sweats and stocking cap came to our table this time to open it, he also struggled with opening the bottle. The second bottle was more expensive but much better and we enjoyed our dinner, ordered dessert and coffee. We tried to enjoy our evening despite the ultra casual/slobbish atomsphere the staff was creating. The manager however avoided us like the plague and all eye contact! I realized why once we received the bill. He charged us for both bottles of wine. Again we called him over to the table to address our concern for being charged for a bottle of wine we refused, isn’t that the point of tasting it?! He told us “That’s the risk you taking when ordering a bottle of wine.” My boyfriend then addressed the fact that him and the staff were now drinking it. He then agreed to give us 50% off the bottle we had four sips of. At this point we just wanted to leave! We had a very disappointing experience and especially disappointing when out celebrating a special occasion!! We paid our bill reluctantly and still tipped the server, trying to disregard her slow service. Then went to The Cellar for some good wine and much better service!!! We had to make the evening better after all we were...

We wanted to love it so much, but we just had an unfortunate experience. I wanted to go out for Thai in a nice place. I was recommended to go here, and was very excited. We were sat right away and brought drinks right away.

But we ordered and things went downhill. We waited 20 minutes to have our waters refilled, and our waiter kept rushing by us without looking at us. We had to ask a different waiter to refill our waters. Our waiter came out immediately, but our meal took over one hour to get to our table. I kept trying to get our waiters attention to ask him how much longer it would be, and he wouldn’t make eye contact with us and kept avoiding our whole area. I was not angry or anything, I just wanted to ask. Finally we asked a different waiter who finally tracked someone down.

During our hour of waiting for food, we watched many tables not even get greeted or served water. I was watching table after table get visibly upset. The food was delicious, and I was really pleased with that. But I have no idea why simple pad Thai took over one hour to arrive at our table, and I’m talking an hour after the appetizer. We ended up being there for two hours in total, arriving at 6:15 PM and leaving at about 820. Our plans for the night were ruined. And when we went to pay, their entire system went down. I understand that things happen, but it was like the straw that broke the camel’s back. There were about four waiters working the whole place at the time, and they were also hosting and giving takeout orders. It seemed very understaffed. I would’ve been much less upset if our waiter would’ve at least checked in on us and let us know what was going on, but he avoided us the entire time and didn’t even provide us water.

If you Eat here when it’s adequately staffed, I feel like it would be amazing. And I hope that...

Date Night

Although I adore Thai food, it was our first time at Blue Orchid (yeah, I know). Neither of us realized it's like hidden in an alley, we had been wondering why we'd never driven by it before. No reservation but they were only half full so we were seated right away.

My husband was immediately thrilled to find Hot Sake on the menu. We chose a couple of starters. He, the Chicken Satay, dude loves chicken on a stick...what can I say?! He barely touched the peanut sauce but was super happy with the marinade on the meat itself. Got a Spring Roll, it was kinda weird and gummy and confusing. Also the Veggie Tempura which was pretty lacking in the tempura coating but the Sweet & Sour sauce accompanying it was magical! It even made the Broccoli extra yummy, I ate everything but the Baby Corn cuz it is an abomination 😆. The sauce was nearly identical to the Cucumber Salad and I wished I would have brought a Vat of it home!

My husband adores soup and the Tom Kha was calling his name, added Chicken for protein. Absolutely delicious, he said he'd drive here just for that. I thought it looked amazing and I don't even do soup. He chose the Crying Tiger off the Signature menu. Steak and Edamame. Great flavors, great cook, so much meaty-ness!

When I saw the Masaman Curry I got excited! I fell in love with this flavor profile at Banhwich Cafe. I chose Tofu for my protein. Layers of flavors, yummy coconut, not enough veggies for me though so I may just go that route next time. Finished with a Pineapple Basil Cocktail. Had a bite to it, very good drink.

Our server Charty was so personable and did a Great job! The wonderful thing about Thai food is you can swap your proteins on most items. So many combo possibilities!

Originally posted to EAT IT in Lincoln,...