Unearth The Voyage
If you crave coastal flavor in the heart of Lincoln, The Green Gateau has your name on it. Their crab cakes are the kind of Midwest miracle that turns a brunch into a memory and a date night into a tradition. You will taste crisp sear, sweet crab, and just enough citrus to make you swear you hear waves. Keep reading for exactly what to order, when to go, and how to make the most of every bite.
1. Signature Crab Cakes Appetizer
Your first bite hits with sweet blue crab, a delicate crunch, and lemon whispering over a creamy remoulade. The Green Gateau nails restraint, letting the crab shine without heavy breading. You will notice finely diced celery and herbs that keep each forkful bright and balanced.
Order this as a shareable starter or keep it all to yourself with a glass of crisp white wine. The plate arrives hot, edges caramelized, and the aroma pulls you in fast. Scoop a bit of sauce, add a squeeze of lemon, then chase it with a sip that cuts the richness just right.
It sets the tone for a coastal experience right on 10th Street. Ask for extra lemon if you love zing. You will be planning a repeat visit before your plate is cleared.
2. Brunch Crab Cake Benedict
This Benedict swaps English muffins for crab cakes, and it absolutely works. The cakes stay crisp under velvety hollandaise while the yolk runs like molten gold. Each bite layers savory crab, bright acidity, and buttery sauce for a brunch that feels celebratory without being fussy.
You will want to cut straight through to hear that gentle crunch. A side of breakfast potatoes adds a hearty counterpoint, seasoned and browned just enough. Ask for a dash of hot sauce if you enjoy heat, because the creamy hollandaise loves a little kick.
Brunch hours fill fast on weekends, so arrive early after they open at 8 AM. Pair with coffee or a mimosa to round things out. It is the kind of plate that makes you linger, chatting, and watching sunlight move across the bistro walls.
3. Lemon Herb Remoulade
The remoulade at The Green Gateau is not an afterthought. It is citrus bright, lightly garlicky, and herb speckled, designed to lift sweet crab without stealing the spotlight. Dip lightly first, then go generous to find your perfect balance.
You will taste lemon zest and a whisper of Dijon that adds backbone. The texture is silky, clinging to the cake without weighing it down. A hint of caper brine keeps things lively, the way sea air teases your senses on a breezy pier.
Ask for an extra ramekin if you are sharing or double dipping. The sauce also plays nice with fries or potatoes, a useful little secret. When the server asks about more lemon, say yes, and watch how each bite turns brighter, cleaner, and somehow more coastal.
4. Casually Elegant Dining Room
Step inside and you feel transported, not to a stuffy dining hall, but to a relaxed European bistro. Warm wood, white plates, and soft light set a mood where conversation and good food feel natural. The room hums at brunch and softens into an intimate glow at dinner.
You will notice thoughtful touches like polished glassware and framed art that never distract. Servers move with purpose, keeping plates flowing while you settle into your corner. It is refined without pressure, a sweet spot Lincoln locals return to often.
That atmosphere makes seafood feel right at home in the Midwest. You can dress up, or walk in cozy and be perfectly comfortable. Either way, the space wraps around your meal, making crab cakes taste even more like a small getaway.
5. Wine Pairings for Crab Cakes
A chilled Sauvignon Blanc is a classic partner here, slicing through richness and echoing lemon notes. If you prefer something rounder, a lightly oaked Chardonnay works, especially with hollandaise in the mix. The staff is helpful, so ask for a pairing that matches your style.
You will find by the glass options that stay friendly on the wallet. For a splurge, share a bottle and linger through dessert. The acidity in these wines keeps every bite of crab feeling fresh, no palate fatigue.
Non drinkers are not left out. Sparkling water with citrus or a tart lemonade can mimic that refreshing snap. Whatever you pour, keep it cold, take your time, and let the pairing turn a delicious plate into a polished, memorable meal.
6. Weekend Brunch Strategy
Weekend mornings get lively fast at The Green Gateau, and for good reason. If you want crab cake benedicts without a wait, arrive close to the 8 AM opening on Saturday or Sunday. Early birds snag the sunniest tables and first sips of fresh coffee.
You will appreciate the unhurried service even when the room hums. Skim the menu online first, then order decisively to beat the rush. If you are meeting friends, coordinate arrival times so plates land together.
Parking downtown can be busy, so give yourself a cushion. A short stroll helps you build an appetite and settle into brunch mode. When you leave, you will understand why locals line up, still chatting about crispy edges and bright lemon all the way to the door.
7. Lunch Crab Cake Salad
Midday cravings meet their match with a crab cake salad that feels light and satisfying. Mixed greens, citrus, and a clean vinaigrette keep the focus on sweet crab. You get crunch, freshness, and a little richness without feeling weighed down when you head back out.
You will like how the vinaigrette wakes up the herbs inside each cake. The textures play well together, soft crab, crisp leaves, and juicy bites of orange or grapefruit. It is a great choice for a work lunch or a catch up with a friend.
The portion is generous without going overboard. Ask for vinaigrette on the side if you like dialing flavors. One forkful in and it becomes clear why this kitchen treats seafood with care, from seasoning to sear to the final balanced toss.
8. Price and Value Sweet Spot
With a $$ price point, The Green Gateau strikes a fair balance of quality and cost. Crab cakes here taste premium without feeling precious, and portions fit real appetites. You spend for craft and consistency, not for gimmicks.
You will notice small value touches, like well seasoned sides and sauces that actually enhance the dish. Service is attentive, refills arrive on time, and plates look cared for. It all adds up, making the check feel justified when you are scraping the last crispy crumbs.
If you are budget watching, go for lunch or share an appetizer before a walk downtown. Date night calls for the Benedict or wine pairing, and a split dessert. Either way, you walk out satisfied, already planning the next time you will treat yourself.
9. Service That Feels Personal
Great crab cakes are even better with thoughtful service, and this team gets it right. Hosts greet warmly, servers guide you through decisions, and water glasses never feel forgotten. Questions about ingredients or wine are answered with clarity and kindness.
You will sense a rhythm that keeps the room calm, even when full. Courses arrive at a measured pace so you can savor the sear before it cools. Extra lemon, more sauce, a quick check back, it all happens with unobtrusive timing.
That consistency is part of the draw for regulars. When you visit again, faces look familiar and the welcome feels genuine. It is the kind of service that lets food be the star while you relax into the moment, feeling taken care of start to finish.
10. Takeout Tips for Crab Cakes
Crab cakes travel surprisingly well if you plan a little. Ask for sauce on the side, plenty of lemon, and vented packaging to keep the crust crisp. A quick reheat in a hot skillet at home restores the sear better than a microwave ever will.
You will want to plate them immediately to avoid steam softening the crust. Toss together a simple side salad while they warm and dinner feels restaurant level. Save a wedge of lemon for the final flourish, because citrus brings everything back to life.
Call ahead during lunch hours to avoid delays, especially on busy weekdays. Pickup is smooth, with friendly handoffs at the door. Once you taste that first reheated bite, you will understand why these cakes are becoming Lincoln’s favorite at home treat.
11. Dessert After Seafood
After a savory crab focused meal, dessert should be light yet satisfying. Think berry topped cake or a silk smooth mousse that cleanses the palate without overpowering. The Green Gateau’s pastry case often features rotating favorites with subtle European flair.
You will appreciate a dessert that lets citrus and herb notes linger instead of fighting them. Share a slice if you are full, or pair with coffee for a neat finish. The presentation is refined, and textures stay delicate, a graceful counterpoint to crispy seared crab.
Ask your server what is seasonal or house made that day. Picking one special treat can turn a great meal into a complete experience. You leave feeling balanced, refreshed, and just a little proud of your excellent taste in endings.
12. Weekday Lunch Window
On weekdays, the restaurant serves lunch from 11 AM to 2 PM, a tidy window that rewards punctual appetites. If crab cakes call your name between meetings, this is your moment. You get focused service, quieter rooms, and a quick kitchen cadence.
You will still find the full care in sear, seasoning, and plating. The difference is pace, a gentle hum instead of weekend buzz. Slide in at 11 for the freshest run, or just before 2 if you prefer a calm finish.
Call ahead if your schedule is tight, and ask what specials include seafood. Parking is easier midday, so you can be in and out smoothly. That window turns an ordinary weekday into a little coastal interlude, no vacation days required.
13. Ambiance for Date Night
Date night thrives on ambiance, and this dining room understands subtlety. Lighting is soft, voices stay pleasantly low, and details feel intentional. Order crab cakes to share and watch how conversation unfolds between bites.
You will appreciate comfortable pacing with no rush to flip the table. A bottle of wine, maybe a dessert to split, and time seems to slow. Servers read the room, appearing with refills and disappearing when you are lost in a story.
Reserve early on Saturdays if romance is the goal. Nabbing a corner table adds privacy without isolation. When you step back into Lincoln’s night air, you will feel like you visited a small European lane, carrying the warmth of lemon, butter, and laughter with you.
14. Neighborhood and Location Perks
Located at 330 S 10th St, The Green Gateau sits in a walkable pocket of downtown Lincoln. Before or after your meal, you can stretch your legs, browse nearby shops, and make an outing of it. The central spot makes last minute plans painless.
You will find the restaurant easily, and the welcoming facade sets a friendly tone. Inside, the bistro vibe continues what the street starts, cozy and approachable. It is a convenient stop whether you are headed to a show or wrapping up errands.
Bookmark the phone number for quick questions or to check the day’s pace. A neighborhood gem thrives because locals keep coming back. Once you make it a habit, those crab cakes become your anchor in a reliable downtown routine.
15. Why Locals Recommend It
A 4.5 star rating with well over a thousand reviews is not an accident. Locals praise crisp sears, bright flavors, and a staff that remembers faces. The Green Gateau earns trust by repeating small wins, plate after plate.
You will hear people talk about consistency like it is a love language. The crab cakes taste the same in the best way, with freshness and balance. Even when the room is full, service stays calm and gracious, never rushed or scattered.
Word of mouth carries power in Lincoln, and this spot benefits because it delivers. Invite a friend, then watch them become a regular. By the time dessert arrives, you will be part of the crowd that happily says, yes, get the crab cakes again.
