Copal — Restaurant in Lincoln

Disclosure, we arrived late after a rush on a Friday night. Things were spinning down when we came in, and the place was nearly empty by the time we left, but service continued and we were seldom left waiting.

Copal is hiding a secret. On the surface it seems like so many other Mexican/Central American restaurants taking up residence in your local strip mall or small business hub. What greets you upon entering are bright colors and a wall of aromatic fireworks that draws you in before you realize your feet are moving.

The decoration is spartan and modern, with some cultural pizzazz in a few key display items and a mural. It has the covid-ubiquitous QR code on the table for the website, but paper menus were also provided. For our meal we chose the Duck Tamales, and the Molcajete dinner. I am a robust Nebraska man and these two items were more than enough for my dining partner and I. I made a whole lunch from leftovers the next workday.

My first impression was that this was a fusion restaurant, but some small amount of research showed that the menu items are all solidly authentic, if they do have a bit of a twist. The Duck Tamales for example were wonderful. The texture of the meat and the spices were akin to a pulled pork or even beef tamale, but the duck still came through with its wonderful protein twang. The Molcajete I was sure was some wild new concoction, but I found multiple photos and recipes all down through Mexico. They looked identical to the bubbling stone bowl delivered to our table. Imagine if you will a rocket hot stone bowl (like you should be using to make your Guac at home) filled to the brim with shrimp, chicken, pork, beef, tomato, and pineapple. With roasted green chiles and a potent Borracha salsa. Served with all the cold accoutrements and tortillas to scoop it all into.

It was a superb meal, and we will be returning. If you have been, then you know the secret. And if you...

Came here for dinner with some friends my fiance and brother after suddenly changing plans to get Mexican instead of classic American.

The chips and Salsa they brought at the beginning was so fresh! I really love that Salsa and it was hard to stop myself from reaching for that bowl over an over.

I ordered the Fish and Shrimp tacos, but with only the grilled Mahi Mahi. I loved the fish by itself and that pineapple mango pico de gallo on top was really good too. I wasn't too big a fan of the whole taco as a whole though. The tortilla probably put things off for me. I also opted for some vegetables and mix of guacamole and some extra salsas on the side instead of the rice and beans that came with. I tried the beans from my fiance's bowl and they were actually really good.

Fiancé got the Pastor tacos and those were freaking amazing! Perfectly cooked meat and everything went amazing together. Tortillas were definitely great there. My brother got the Mole Enchiladas and really loved them. That depth of flavor actually came through. Not pretty to look at but very good to eat!

The rest of the table got some fajitas and carne asada and everyone enjoyed their food.

There was also some Passionfruit Margarita and Strawberry Margarita ordered. I tried the strawberry and the flavor was really good as well. Not too strong and I could have totally sipped on it all myself.

Cut off a point because I felt sick after going home and actually...

I have lived in Lincoln just over two years. This was one of my favorite locations w food. Not with staff. About a year ago I ordered the mole enchilada dish. I was on a very strict diet and this was my cheat meal. I asked for extremely light cheese… When the meal arrived it was full cheese. I told the server and he said to me instantly well the mole sauce is very expensive so I don’t know what to tell you… The manager came over and tried to apologize with offering me a free dessert which is comical given that this was my cheat meal on a strict diet. Thank goodness that manager is now gone it has been a year I’ve been avoiding this place… I go back in today and I order extremely light cheese and I am very clear to the waitress understanding that the restaurant is very cautious about their mole sauce. When she delivers it she says the kitchen said “they tried”… Pictures are included… It is just so unfortunate that now my family and I don’t want to come back, it’s always awkward… She saw me using my fingers to remove half of the cheese and it was disgusting and she offered to remake it after my husband was defending the situation. she should not have said “well they tried”. The customer service here is so hit and miss. It’s frustrating. I do understand it’s hard to find employees these days, but this problem has gone on much longer than the...