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Remember in high school studying about prohibition and the Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution that banned all alcoholic beverages from 1920 until it was repealed back in 1933? This Act of Congress sparked many things, including "speakeasies," which were illegal, but well attended clandestine bars where you could enjoy alcoholic drinks, by "speaking easy." Thankfully, alcoholic beverages have been very legal for over 90 years, and period "speakeasies" are just something relegated to the history books. But, "speakeasy" nostalgia is alive and well in Placer County at Lincoln Speakeasy Taproom, located on Lincoln Blvd., in downtown Lincoln, CA. As with all of reviews that I publish, I have no affiliation with the restaurant reviewed, and there is no monetary gain on my part, as I am simply a person who likes to eat, and I love to write-up, and publish my dining experiences.
Photo: It's just past noon on Friday, October 25, 2024, and I'm ready to enjoy a delicious lunch at Lincoln Speakeasy Taproom, in Lincoln, CA. The restaurant is located on the second floor of the "Lincoln Brand Feeds Mall," a historic brick building that occupies the entire 400 block of Lincoln Blvd. There are a variety of shops, attractions, restaurants and even a parking garage located in the building. When you're interested in a bodega-style breakfast or lunch, check out Rebel Hen Cafe. For delicious diner-style breakfasts and lunches, Waffle Shop is located at the extreme end of the building, which borders 5th Street. I've enjoyed breakfast at both restaurants; write-ups are with the hyperlinks.
Photo: As you enter the "460" center address of the building, a sign points you to the second floor, where the restaurant is located. "Lincoln Brand Feeds" is a historic warehouse that has been converted to a multi-purpose mall and adds to the charm of downtown Lincoln.
Photo: During busy times, the entrance features a greater who will welcome you, but on this early Friday afternoon, the restaurant was very lightly seated, so I simply walked up to the bar, introduced myself and placed my order. The restaurant/bar opens at noon on Friday through Sunday, it's closed on Monday and Tuesday and opens at four on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.
Photo: The focus is around the long bar, with 21 stools - I think I counted correctly - and offers beer on tap, wine and any mixed drink you can imagine, along with "house special" drinks. Ask your bartender or check the drink menu. Besides bar stools, tables and chairs, the bar/dining room also offers "speakeasy" type seating, with couches and padded chairs, all centered around low tables, which make for the perfect gathering spot for a group of friends. The bar/dining room is separated by a partition from another room, that includes tables, chairs, pool tables and a small stage, as live music happens often at this fine restaurant/bar.
Photo: Monthly events, live music and the latest news are posted on an ever-changing board, at the back of the main dining room. Since today was the Friday before Halloween, the restaurant was decorated for the occasion. All orders, for food or drinks are placed at the bar. Food and drink menus are provided, or simply ask the bartender and he or she will be happy to answer all of your questions. You place your order, seat yourself at the bar, or a table of your choice and when your order is ready, it will be brought to you with a smile. Lincoln Speakeasy Taproom is a full-service restaurant, and offers friendly and efficient service, both at the restaurant and at the bar.
Photo: This is about half of the food menu, showing some of the "pub grub" the restaurant has to offer. My eyes focused at the top of the "Big Plates" section, and landed on "The Monster," and I never looked back.
Photo: The full-service bar offers a wide array of beer on tap, including domestic, imported and local craft. Wine and mixed drinks are offered... this is a speakeasy for cryin' out loud!
Photo: Clara brings burgers to a couple of local gentlemen who were enjoying early afternoon dining at the bar.
Photo: Meet Clara, my amazingly friendly hostess and bartender, who brought my burger and onion rings to me with a smile.
Photo: I toast Clara, the talented chef, and the friendly staff at Lincoln Speakeasy Taproom, as I prepare to enjoy one of the mose delicious burgers and onion rings served in our area.
Photo: From the "Big Plates" section of the menu, I went with "The Mobster," along with "Onion Rings" as my side of choice. Unlike many restaurants, you can choose between onion rings or fries - as your side dish - or, for an nominal additional charge, you can upgrade your side to premium options. It was a pleasure to enjoy an order of onion rings at no extra charge! The burger was so large that it had to be held together with a large toothpick, complete with small onion rings on top, that added to the stunning presentation. The menu describes "The Mobster" as, "This monster burger has two Angus beef patties, topped with pastrami, Swiss and provolone cheese, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato and housemade sauce." My description in a single word: Delicious. The burger was quite complex, as it was assembled in layers of veggies, grilled onions, cheese, and a generous slab of grilled pastrami, which added a unique, smoky flavor to this delicious burger. The burger began with two large - a quarter pound each - tender, premium Angus beef patties, cooked to medium, full of taste and very juicy. The patties were separated by a layer of thin, grilled onions and cheese, and topped with the slab of pastrami, sliced, fresh red onion, lettuce, tomato along with more melted cheese. The meat, cheese and veggies were sandwiched between the amazingly fresh, toasted brioche bun, which was lightly buttered, and coated with the "housemade sauce," which had a truly "old school" taste and topped off this delicious burger. Before biting into "The Mobster," I had to remove the toothpick, and since the burger was so HUGE, I could only bite into a little bit of it at a time, but "one small bite at a time," simply made the experience more enjoyable! With each small bite, I was rewarded with a burger sensation, as the bun, meat, cheese and veggies all worked together to create a taste sensation. The juicy Angus beef, the smoky pastrami, the mild Swiss and slightly tangy provolone, the grilled onions and the fresh veggies... imagine it all in one bite! "The Mobster" truly ranks as one of the best burgers in Placer County! The "Onion Rings" made for a truly delicious side, and made for a welcome break from the usual side of fries. They were cut from sweet, juicy white onion, battered, and deep fried to a beautiful golden brown. The batter was deep fried perfectly, slightly crispy, with a rich, robust taste, and it really complimented the sweet onion. I noted the onion to batter ratio was spot-on, which is important for a superior onion ring. Like the burger, these onion rings were superb. A small cup of ranch dressing was provided for dipping, but was simply an enhancement, as the onion rings were standalone delicious.
Photo: The "Mobster Burger" is a large, delicious burger, and will truly make for a filling lunch or dinner. Try biting into this monster size burger with just one bite! Look at all that melted cheese and the slab of grilled pastrami. This is an amazing burger, that will bring a smile to the face of all "foodies" and burger connoisseurs! The burger looks delicious in the photo, but tastes even better than it looks... Doesn't the photo make you hungry? "The Mobster Burger," along with the side of "Onion Rings" made for a simply delicious lunch! This fine burger heads the "Big Plates" section of the menu and is the top selling selection on the menu. After enjoying this delicious burger, I can see why it's so popular, and a favorite of Lincoln locals, and all "foodies" who appreciate a superior burger. You'll simply love the 1920's atmosphere, the delicious food, the friendly hospitality, the full service bar, along with all of the charm that downtown Lincoln has to offer. For outstanding food, served by friendly staff, enjoy "speaking easy" at Lincoln Speakeasy Taproom, located in downtown Lincoln, CA. Lincoln Speakeasy Taproom Copyright(c) 2024 eRench Productions. All rights reserved. We've been on the web since December 22, 2002.
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