1. It’s Best To Agree With Anyone Shouting “Go Big Red!”
When you’re in Lincoln, you’re in Nebraska Cornhusker territory. This Big Ten team is a huge deal, so don’t be surprised if a Huskers fan tests your loyalty by shouting, “Go Big Red!” Shout it right back, and they’ll never guess you’re an out-of-towner.
2. Yeah, They Eat Cinnamon Rolls With Their Chili, So What?
Cinnamon rolls supposedly cut the spice of the chili, but that doesn’t make this local culinary tradition seem any less weird to out-of-towners. Just don’t knock it until you try it.
3. Lincolnites Are The Friendliest People On Earth
Lincoln is one of the most welcoming cities on Earth. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions or strike up a conversation at the local coffee shop.
4. You Haven’t Truly Been To Lincoln Until You’ve Tried A Runza Pocket Sandwich
Runza is the favorite local fast food joint. Their tasty pocket sandwiches are filled with meat, cheese… maybe cabbage. It’s kind of a mystery, but it’s definitely delicious.
5. The Cost Of Living Is Basically Stuck In 1995
Love Lincoln so much that you want to stay? Be prepared to be pleasantly surprised. You can rent an apartment in this city for less than $500 a month, making it far cheaper than most cities of a similar size.
6. If You Think Lincoln Isn’t Cool, Wait Until You See The Haymarket
Lincoln’s historic Haymarket District is full of local galleries, independent bookstores, antique shops, and the best food in the city. It’s the beating heart of Lincoln’s art scene.
7. Lincoln Residents’ Hearts Belong To Valentino
Valentino’s Pizza is, hands down, Lincoln’s favorite place to grab a slice. But just to be fair, try Yia Yia’s Pizza and Beer too. A growing number of Lincoln locals swear it’s actually the best pizza in town. Your out-of-towner unbiased opinion just might break the tie.
8. The Zoo Bar Has Nothing To Do With Animals And Everything To With Amazing Music
If you’re looking for live music in Lincoln, The Zoo Bar is the place to go. With acts big and small, you’re sure to find something that fits your taste.
9. You Can Thank The People From Lincoln For The Delicious McRib
The popular sandwich was invented in Lincoln at the University of Nebraska by Roger Mandigo. Thanks, Roger!
10. Nothing Beats Cooling Off With A Treat From Ivanna Cone
This family owned and operated ice cream shop is a local favorite, and it’s easy to see why. Their homemade waffle cones and delicious peanut butter banana ice cream is definitely worth a try.
11. Lincoln Has A Serious Sibling Rivalry With Omaha
Lincoln is just sick and tired of being the Jan Brady to Marsha’s Omaha. And who can blame them? They’ve got a unique art scene, culture, and attitude of their own. They don’t need to be compared to their big sister constantly.
12. In Lincoln, You Don’t Get A Beer Belly, You Get A LeadBelly
Drinks aren’t the only reason to stop by LeadBelly. Their elevated pub fare is what really makes the trip worthwhile.
13. Lincolnites Know Good Coffee
If you’re in Lincoln, don’t settle for a generic Starbucks drink. With local coffee shops like Mill, Crescent Moon, and CoHo, you’ll never run out of fantastic places to get your caffeine fix.
14. Yes, You Can Find Great Thai Food In Lincoln, Nebraska
When you think about really great Thai food, Nebraska isn’t the first place that springs to mind. But local favorite Blue Orchid will totally change the way you think.
15. Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill Is Where Lincoln Locals Take Out-Of-Towners To Impress Them
With house brewed beer and some of the best steak in town, you’re sure to be invited to this fancy Lincoln joint if you’re new to town.
16. Lincolnites Get Artsy On First Fridays
It’s not all about cornfields and football. Lincoln also has a fantastic art scene. On the first Friday of every month, local businesses and artists collaborate to show off the best of creative Lincoln.
17. Lincolnites Love Biking On Their Beautiful Trails
Nothing beats a ride on a nice spring day through Pioneers Park. Lincoln parks are full of awesome biking trails that out-of-towners who’ve caught the cycling bug should definitely check out.
18. Forget Chipotle—In Lincoln It’s All About Oso
If you ask a Lincolnite, Oso’s giant burritos beat Chipotle’s giant burritos any day. The best part? They deliver.
19. There’s No More Beautiful Place On Earth Than The Sunken Gardens
Lincoln’s Sunken Gardens feature over 30,000 individual annual plants. That’s a whole lot of beautiful nature to enjoy.
20. The Best Place To Get Fresh Local Food Is Old Cheney Road Farmers Market
If artisan cheeses, fresh local produce, and baked goods sound like your idea of a good time, you’re set in Lincoln. If that doesn’t sound like your idea of a good time… what’s wrong with you?
21. If You’re Not Looking Up, You’re Missing Half The Experience
Half of the beauty of Nebraska is that beautiful sky. Lincoln’s Hyde Memorial Observatory is the best place to stargaze.
22. Lincolnites Like Their Burgers Super Patriotic
Honest Abe’s Burgers & Freedom taste like exactly that—burgers and freedom. It’s the kind of establishment Ron Swanson would gladly visit.
23. The Sheldon Museum of Art Is The Best Place To Hang Out When You’re Bored And Broke
The Sheldon Museum of Art had starving artists in mind when they set their admission price to gloriously and absolutely free. If you’ve already spent too much money on all of Lincoln’s awesome food and beer, do what the locals do and have a cheap day at the museum.
24. bread&cup Is The Perfect Spot For A Fancy Brunch
Local bread&cup is the kind of hip, delicious café that makes you wonder why you don’t “do brunch” more often.
25. Tap Into Your Inner Cinephile At Homegrown Film Festival
Homegrown Film Festival is an annual exhibition of local short films and video art, which means about half of it is awesome and the other half is fantastically mock-able. Either way, it’s a good time.
26. Lincoln Is Catching Up To Omaha’s Music Scene
Lincoln Calling is a nearly weeklong music festival featuring awesome local and touring independent bands. It’s the kind of festival that says, “Watch out, Omaha. We’re coming for you.”
27. Lincolnites Love That Their City Still Has That Big Small Town Vibe
One of the reasons Lincolnites hate being compared to Omaha is that they’re just not trying to be another Omaha. They like visiting Omaha on the weekend, but they’re still totally comfortable living at a slightly slower pace.
Did we miss anything? Tell us what you have to explain to out-of-towners about Lincoln in the comments below! 
