Lincoln City Council approves liquor licenses for restaurants, dining districts

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Lincoln City Council unanimously approved a slate of liquor licenses and related permits during its regular meeting Monday, advancing plans for several new dining establishments and a special outdoor event on O Street.

According to the city council agenda, all seven council members present voted to approve two new Class I liquor licenses for establishments seeking to serve beer and malt beverages. Good Life Community Development's Ybor restaurant at 1900 K Street and Pepperjax Development's Good Evans at 2820 Pine Lake Road both received approval, along with their respective manager applications from William Radtke and Chelsea Loparco.

A manager application for Fangrui Ma at Pioneer Health Foods Inc. dba China Inn, located at 2662 Cornhusker Highway, also passed unanimously.

The council also granted special designated licenses for an outdoor dining and entertainment event scheduled for April 30 from 6 to 10:30 p.m. on O Street between 14th Street and Centennial Mall. Eleven establishments received approval for the outdoor area, which covers approximately 400 feet by 95 feet, including the Brass Rail, Pita & Naan, The Junction, Iguana's Pub/Voda Lounge, Bodega's Alley, Duffy's Tavern, Itsumo Ramen, Bourbon Theatre, Fat Toad Pub, Sandy's, and Yia Yia's.

In related business, the council advanced three ordinances related to sidewalk cafes and outdoor dining regulations in Lincoln. The measures propose updating city code sections governing sidewalk cafes in public right-of-way areas, reflecting the city's emphasis on outdoor dining options.

The council also addressed planning matters, including a special permit for Bryan Medical Center East Campus to modify its site plan for an Emergency Department addition, a zoning change for the Turbine Flats Planned Unit Development, and an industrial permit application from Airgas for commercial gas storage.

The council approved the city's 2024-2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and accepted financial statements from Lincoln Electric for the first quarter of 2026. The meeting also included notices of Board of Equalization meetings scheduled for May 11 for six maintenance improvement districts throughout the city.