May in Lincoln means one thing: fire cooking all month long. From the first spark to the final bite, this town turns up the heat for National Barbecue Month. Expect savory smoke sauces and community good times on every block. Read on for clever tips to nail your grill game, great places to taste Lincoln’s best, and a look at the local meat pros who make it all possible.
Fire Up for May
Every May, Lincoln grills big. Friends and families gather in backyards, parks, and patios, ready to flip chicken, ribs, brisket, and more. The aroma of hickory applewood or oak fills the air. Whether you’re a grill rookie or a smoke ring master, this is your chance to celebrate the art of meat and veggies over open flame.
Sizzle Smart With Grilling Tips
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Preheat your grill to the right heat. Aim for medium-high for steaks and burgers, and medium for chicken and veggies. A hot start locks in juices.
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Oil the grates before adding food. Brush a little oil on a paper towel and rub the bars to stop food sticking.
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Season early. Rubs or simple salt and pepper benefits from at least 30 minutes on meat before cooking.
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Keep the lid closed. Every time you open the grill, you lose the heat and smoke that build flavor.
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Use a meat thermometer. Pull steaks at 130°F for medium rare and chicken at 165°F for safe eating.
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Let meat rest. After cooking let it sit for five to ten minutes so juices redistribute and every bite stays moist.
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Add wood chips soaked in water. Place them on coals or in a smoker box on a gas grill to bring deep smoke flavor.
Local Smoke Stops
Here are some of Lincoln’s top spots for finger licking barbecue. Each place brings its own spin on classic smoke.
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The Butcher’s Cleaver offers tender sliced brisket sandwiches and loaded meat trays with sides like mac and cheese and coleslaw.
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JJ’s Smoke N BBQ slow cooks pork shoulder and beef ribs daily. Their house sauce mixes sweet and tangy with a hint of heat.
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Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ dishes out Texas style sliced beef and pulled pork plus grilled corn bread that soaks up every drop of sauce.
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Roundhouse Deli may be a deli but their smoked turkey and pulled pork sandwiches earn high praise for heaping portions and fresh bread.
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Sterling Café pairs breakfast friendly eats with barbecue nights featuring ribs slathered in sticky sauce alongside craft beers on tap.
Meet Your Meat Master
T-Bones Custom Meat Shop on Eighth Street in Lincoln is the go-to source for fresh local cuts and custom service. Here’s what makes it stand out.
Local Roots T-Bones sources meat from nearby ranchers. Every cut supports local farmers.
Custom Cuts Need thick ribeye or skirt steak sliced a special way. They’ll trim and cut to your specs.
Expert Advice The team shares cooking tips on seasoning and cook times so you nail every steak burger or kebab.
Variety Beyond beef, they carry fresh poultry, pork, lamb, and seasonal specialty items like game meats when available.
Keep the Grill Hot All Month
May is your chance to fire up Lincoln one sizzle at a time. Gather your friends, pick a barbecue spot, try new rubs, and learn from the local meat masters. With these tips and local flavors, you’ll fan the flames on your best grill season yet.
Sources: blog.goldbelly.com, google.com, napoleon.com
Header Image Source: Emerson Vieira on Unsplash
