Park & Go

The year was 1926.

At the time, America was first introduced to a curious bear by the name of Winnie the Pooh and the invention of aerosol cans blew the country away. On the home front, Lincoln and its 75,000 citizens were busy celebrating the city’s 70th year of existence while Husker sports teams enjoyed success as Ernest Bearg, head coach of the Husker football and basketball teams, led both groups to second place finishes in the Missouri Valley.

But this was also the year that an indelible mark was etched into Lincoln’s skyline as The Cornhusker Hotel first opened its doors.

Among one of the first few high rises in the city, the ten-story hotel opened at the corner of 13th and M with just under 300 rooms. After half a century of guest service and over a million guests later, the owners decided it was time for the stoic building to get an overhaul.

The hotel was closed for nearly two years and was completely rebuilt from the ground up, opening once again on December 16, 1983 as The Cornhusker, A Marriott Hotel. Among the additions to the revamped hotel was the Terrace Grille, a sumptuous restaurant located on the first floor, as well as The Five Reasons Lounge, a hybrid restaurant and nightspot located on the second floor of the hotel.

The Terrace Grill offers a variety of American food, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner 365 days a year from 6:30 am to 10:00 pm Monday thru Saturday, and 7:00 am to 2:00 pm on Sunday.

Bob Buehler, manager of the Terrace Grille, touches on what people can expect when they first walk into the restaurant.

“It has a relaxed, serendipitous feel to it,” he says. “When it was first built, artist John Russell Wullbrandt was commissioned to paint garden murals on the walls encompassing the room. These murals give the guest a sense of being on a terrace while overlooking botanical paradises from around the world. Hence the name: ‘Terrace Grille.’”

Buehler says that while a good amount of people that fill the restaurant are guests at the hotel, The Terrace Grill has proved to be a great option for downtown employees and visitors to meet with clients, constituents and friends. 

“You never know who is going to walk into our restaurant. Country music star Dierks Bentley, Boston Celtics Head Coach Doc Rivers and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas are just a few of the well known people that have recently visited our restaurant.”

Amidst the one-of-a-kind atmosphere, is the restaurant’s eclectic menu offerings.

“The lunch menu restores a fresh approach to American classic items,” he says. “Sandwiches, such as the Reuben, Philly Steak Hoagie, and Classic Club Sandwich do not disappoint.” 

Buehler vouches for the Smoked Turkey and Gouda, a sandwich made with lettuce, tomato, red onion, a spicy avocado sauce, and served on whole grain bread as well as the Strawberry Spinach Salad, the restaurant’s signature salad that’s made with baby spinach, a tangy poppy seed dressing, and tossed with fresh strawberries, mandarin orange segments and candied almonds.

As for dinner?

“The dinner menu is designed to satisfy those who are traveling for business or pleasure. It expounds upon our lunch menu by adding more choices for Starters and Entrees.”

Buehler’s favorite dinner entrée is the Blackened Chicken Linguini, which consists of linguini with tomatoes, mushrooms, a roasted red pepper sauce, and topped with a Cajun encrusted grilled chicken breast.

“The staff here at the Terrace Grille is dedicated to providing great food and service to ensure everyone has a pleasant experience.”

Terrace Grille Breakfast Menu
Terrace Grille Lunch Menu
Terrace Grille Dinner Menu

In addition to running things at the Terrace Grille, Buehler is also the manager of The Five Reasons Lounge.

“The Five Reasons Lounge is located on the second floor of the hotel. Here we provide a casual and unpretentious atmosphere to relax in. The name ‘Five Reasons’ comes from a short poem of the same name by 17th century poet Henry Aldrich in which he postulates that there are five reasons to have a drink.”

Five Reasons for Drinking

If all be true that I do think,
There are five reasons we should drink;
Good wine — a friend — or being dry —
Or lest we should be by and by —
Or any other reason why.

The lounge has a number of flat screen TVs and offers the same appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and entrees as the Terrace Grille. The restaurant/nightspot is open from 4:30 pm to 12:00 am Monday thru Thursday, from 4:30 pm until 12:30 am on Friday and Saturday, and from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Sunday. Food is served until 11:00 pm Monday thru Saturday and until 10:00 pm on Sunday.

Buehler says their bartenders are known for making great martinis as well as a variety of other popular drinks. The Five Reasons also boasts an impressive selection of small-batch bourbons, single-malt scotches and wines by the glass.

“Next time you are in the area stop by for a drink…after all you have ‘Five Reasons’ to do so.”

While The Terrace Grille and The Five Reasons Lounge may not be as visible as some of the other restaurants and bars downtown, there’s nothing unclear about the food, drinks, atmosphere and friendly service that have made them both Lincoln treasures for over 25 years.
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Click here to visit The Cornhusker Hotel’s Website.

The Terrace Grille
American
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Dress code: Casual
Phone:  1-402-479-8292
Facebook Page

The Five Reasons Lounge
Lounge Located on 2nd Floor of Hotel above the lobby
Open for lunch and dinner
Dress code: Casual
Phone:  1-402-474-7474