HopCat Lincoln — Restaurant in Lincoln

I live in Lincoln, and I usually love going to HopCat, but I was immensely disappointed with my service last week. We arrived around 7 and were told that it would be about a 45-minute wait for a table inside, or we could be seated immediately outside.

We said outside would be perfect. When we were seated, we were given menus but no silverware. From what I saw, there was one server catering to 6 outdoor tables, so that server was very busy. Once in a while, another server would come out to assist, but rarely. We received water right away and were asked if we would like anything else to drink. After about 15 minutes, the server came back and took our food order. Our food came out around 40-45 minutes later. We were a party of seven, so we understood the wait, and it was a dinner rush.

One thing that didn’t come with our food, however, was silverware. Two of the girls received soup spoons, so they began eating their soup, and the girls who ordered sandwiches began eating theirs. I had ordered a bowl, and some of the other girls had ordered salads, so we just said, “Oh, we’ll wait until our server makes it back around.” We waited about 12–15 minutes before one of the girls said, “Hey, I’m just going to ask the hostess for some.” She went in to get some but came back with nothing. She said the hostess looked in their basket and told her, “We don’t have any. That’s something you’ll need to ask your server about.” My friend felt that by the hostess’s body language and tone, they were annoyed that she had even asked. I wasn't there in the moment, but that is what she expressed to us upon returning.

About 10 minutes later, our server came back around and asked if we needed anything. We said, “Yes, we really need some silverware.” The server said they’d go get some.

Around 15 minutes passed, and we still didn’t have any. The girls with salads began using the two soup spoons or poker sticks from sandwiches to eat, since most of the other girls were already done or almost done with their food.

Meanwhile, our server brought waters to another table, sat a table next to us WITH UTENSILS, went back inside, then came out with drinks for another table, went back inside again, and then took another table’s order. At this point, the people at our table who could eat were done, and it had been 30 minutes since we asked our server for silverware. Our server finally came back and said, “Yeah, we’re just out of silverware, but maybe we could get you a couple more soup spoons or something.” At that point, the girls who hadn’t touched their food just asked for boxes, since everyone else was already done eating. The server brought out boxes and our checks.

I was very frustrated. I had been at HopCat for two hours and still hadn’t eaten my food. When the server came back to take our cards, I asked for a manager and held onto my card. The manager came out and I explained what had happened. The manager apologized and said, “We’re just really busy.” As a customer, I understand that—but silverware? Cutlery is a basic necessity at a restaurant. If you can’t provide your customers with silverware, at least tell them when they sit down or when they order, so they can choose something they can eat without utensils.

The manager offered me a piece of cheesecake to make up for it, but still didn’t offer to comp my bowl. I told her I wasn’t going to pay for food I hadn’t been able to eat, and she agreed. She then asked if anyone else’s food needed to be comped. Honestly, the whole situation was handled poorly.

As someone who has worked in the service industry, I am extremely disappointed in HopCat. I love restaurants, and I always treat the staff well because I know how tough the job can be. I would have been happy with plastic silverware, or even just a soup spoon from the start. But the way the situation was handled from start to finish was unacceptable. Your customers are what keep you in business.

Please figure out a better system. I want others to enjoy HopCat and not to be...

We are there about three months ago. Was going to leave a review then but got busy then saw the pictures still on my computer so figured I would get this done.

It was for lunch on a Saturday, we were in town for a sorority parents weekend event. The place was hopping and everyone was having a good time. The atmosphere in this place is pretty fun and lots of wall decor to look at and a nicely stocked bar with a LOT of beer selections.

Service was pretty decent for as busy as they were but the food was less than stellar. The Rodeo Clown burger was good and so was the steak and cheese but my burger, the Stella Blue, that I specifically ordered to have NO LETTUCE, had lettuce on it anyway. My stomach does not agree with lettuce. Instead of sending it back for fear of what would happen to my food I just scraped off all the lettuce I could, which they would have probably done but when the lettuce is combined with sauce on a soggy bun you cannot get it all. The fourth order was a chicken sandwich and it was pretty dry. My daughter didn't finish it so I took a taste and realized why.

We finished eating and paid the check then went to go shopping around the Hay Market area. That's when the lettuce returned to haunt me. It was about 30-40 minutes after leaving and we were in an antique store that had no public restrooms so I returned to HopCat and spent what seemed like an eternity in their restroom. As any decent person would have done, I did several courtesy flushes to not upset other guests. Felt much better after that but kind of ruined our fun afternoon.

By the way, the bathrooms were very clean and were still clean when I left.

Had we just been there for drinks this place would have for sure gotten 5 stars.

UPDATE 07/23/2024: Got a response from HopCat on July 11, 2024. Sent email to the address they sent me for kmontgomery. Been over 10 days—no response. It was a cut/paste, I didn't type the sent email wrong.

UPDATE 07/26/2024: kmontgomery got back. We're going to give them another shot this fall when our daughter is...

It was our first time going here.   The place seems clean and tends to attract people, I'm guessing because of the food and drinks.  I saw quite a few doordash orders, and people were definitely coming in in groups after I had placed my order.  My order took longer than the 15-20 minutes I was told.   I figured it was worth the wait because our  food would be piping hot.  I was wrong..

Garlic parmesan wings  - Flavorless, cold, and still red on the inside.   Not even cooked all the way.  I'm hoping it doesn't hurt our stomachl because it was not properly cooked.

Loaded brisket fries - I liked that I was able to build it my way when we got to the room.  Negative the lady who put my or order together didn't give us utensils.  The brisket was tender, but once I had put it all together, my masterpiece was salty.. The fries were cold

Hangover burger - This was amazing, and all you really need.   It was a flavor explosion in your mouth with every bite.  Honestly, this was the only thing they got right.

Crème brûlée cheesecake  - This thing looked fake. When we bit into it, the cheesecake was hard and tasted funny.   It didn't taste like cheesecake or Crème brûlée. The caramel topping they give you just makes it worse.  It didn't taste like caramel.  The consistency of it all was just off.

Reese's Pie - It was decent, nothing special.  I'd compare it similar to a hershey's pie at Burger King.  I'd say the one at Burger King is better and worth every penny compared to paying double the price here.

This place was busy,  based on reviews, the way the food looks in pictures.  I expected way more.  The lady who took my order seemed nice, and she seemed all over my order.   What fell short was that there were no napkins or silverware to eat the loaded fries.  Maybe it was an off day, but I can't see myself coming back or recommending this...