If you go to Lee's Chicken, you'll be going to a Lincoln landmark and taking a step back in time in the process.
The plywood entryway/enclosure hasn't changed in decades and neither has the interior. There's a reason that the restaurant feels like taking a step back 30-plus years, it's because little has changed. The booths are the same and the decor is basically the same. Just look at the photos at each booth. The 1950's-era photos look strikingly similar to today.
They even have live music in the evenings. Such standards as the A Train, Pennsylvania 6500 or Mac the Knife are played each night at the keyboard in the middle of the restaurant.
I go to Lee's because I'm a sucker for a locally-owned business. Without fail I prefer to support the locally owned business over the national franchise. And Lee's has been locally owned since the 1940s.
But the food is the best reason to go to Lee's. I always order the Chicken Fried Chicken when I go. It's a succulent chicken breast that is breaded and served with potato, salad and dinner roll. Often the meal includes homemade chicken noodle soup. It's impossible to leave hungry.
Order the baked potato and be sure to request Lee's signature sour cream. I'm not sure how it's made but it's delicious.
I'm not a fan of the fried chicken. The restaurant made a name for itself with its southern fried chicken but it's not my favorite. Obviously, I'm in the minority because most people seem to like it. The Chicken Fried Chicken is a nice alternative to the southern fried chicken.
My son thinks Lee's has the best burger in town. I trust him on this one because the burger lasts about 30 seconds and he's done.
While your at Lee's, sneak across to the C&L Dairy Sweet -- another throwback to a bygone time. It's a roadside ice cream stand that's closes for the winter every year. Park in the semi-circle drive and walk up to the stand to place your order. You can eat the ice cream in your car or at the picnic tables on the grounds. The ice cream is fantastic, especially on Tuesday which is Lemon Custard day.
My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
more