It’s been a while since I’ve gone to an actual in-person preview for a new restaurant, so last night at OZ Tacos & Tequila in Lincoln (in the plaza where Harry’s Burgers used to be) was a welcome change up from my usual Tuesday night of laundry, scrolling my news feeds, and watching vintage episodes of The Mary Tyler Moore Show.

Brianna and I motored over for our 5:30 reservation, and I will tell you that traffic looks to be back to the time before (before last year, that is) levels. 

Once we were seated out front, adjacent to their cute patio space complete with picket fence, green “grass” and string lights, I realized there were esteemed food writes (including the ProJo’s Gail Ciampa) as well as a few other big cheeses from the local scene in attendance, so this was certainly something major.

We started with two margaritas, with B. going for the classic and yours truly opting for their Twister Margarita which involves a pour over some cotton candy. (Still kicking myself that I didn’t record that part on my phone!) All in all, a treat for the eyes AND the taste buds. 

Of course if you’ve been following me for a while, you already know I’m NOT one of those bloggers who only eats for photo ops. That being said, I went to town on the hand-cut tortilla chips and salsa that they brought us as a starter. 

Next we decided on taco platters featuring their cauliflower ones (perfect for any plant based eaters out there) as well as two seafood versions featuring shrimp and cod. Our two faves were definitely the cauli and the shrimp. The rice and beans were quite good (the rice had a subtle lime flavor which I applaud) and there was another side with Mexican corn, cheese and (I think?) quinoa that we both were wild for.

B. also sampled another signature cocktail called the Emerald City, made with matcha and featuring a glow-y green ice cube. I mean, how great is that? The verdict? Pretty and tasty, everything you want in the age of living online.

And we couldn’t leave without sampling their version of a Dos Leches Cake. Theirs is made with a chocolate base that has been soaked in a house made witches brew coffee. Like the cocktails, it is lovely to behold, the textured look of the toppings fascinated us. I really liked that it tasted just sweet enough and oh-so-light, no eaters remorse for this bloggah! 

Before we wrapped up our night, we took a look inside the restaurant (again we dined al fresco) and it was stunning: The whimsical spin on various elements and color stories (emerald green in particular) from the Wizard of Oz movie is sure to enchant even the most jaded person in your circle. There are also plenty of Instagram worthy walls including the one above for your next IG Story arc.

OZ Tacos & Tequila opens officially on April 29th and is located at 200 Front Street in Lincoln.

As always, if you go after reading this, please do let them know you found out about them via Patty J and PattyJ.com.