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Koen Japanese BBQ & Sushi

Koen Japanese BBQ & Sushi, 2601 Jamie Ln, Lincoln

4.7
RESTAURANT RATING: 
WONDERFUL
4.7 out of 5 (49 Ratings)
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5.0 miles Lincoln Berean Church
About Koen Japanese BBQ & Sushi
The Spotlight on Koen Japanese BBQ & Sushi

Grill, Chill, and Roll Before the Show

Located just a short drive from Lincoln’s popular concert venues, Koen Japanese BBQ & Sushi delivers a bold and interactive dining experience with a modern twist. Known for its table-top grilling, premium cuts of meat, and beautifully crafted sushi, this sleek and contemporary spot brings Tokyo-style barbecue to Nebraska. With its laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere, Koen strikes the perfect balance between casual and upscale—ideal for a night out before the music begins.

Why Concert-goers love it

Concert-goers appreciate Koen's quick, attentive service and the option to customize their meal with grill-it-yourself BBQ. The restaurant’s upbeat vibe makes it a great place to get energized before a show, while the sushi bar offers lighter, faster options for those on a tighter schedule. It’s close enough to major venues to avoid a stressful commute but far enough to keep noise and traffic to a minimum.

Who this Restaurant is great for

  • Groups of friends – Shareable platters and grill stations make it a social dining experience.
  • Solo travelers – Sit at the sushi bar for a quick, high-quality bite before heading to the show.
  • Couples – The immersive grilling and sleek decor make it a fun, unique date night spot.
  • Fans wanting a lively pre-show space – The energy here ramps up the excitement before curtain call.
  • Budget-conscious music fans – With combo deals and generous portions, it’s possible to fill up without emptying your wallet.

What People Say

Guests rave about the high-quality meats, fresh sushi, and fun DIY grilling. Many highlight the helpful staff who guide newcomers through the BBQ process and ensure a seamless dining experience. The modern interiors and clean, stylish decor also get frequent praise, creating a dining space that feels special without being stuffy.

Areas for Improvement

Some reviewers note that the grill smoke can build up during busy hours—though most say it adds to the authenticity. A few mentioned the menu could be more descriptive for first-timers, especially those unfamiliar with Japanese barbecue. Reservations are a smart move on weekends, as it can get crowded fast.

The Bottom Line

Koen Japanese BBQ & Sushi is a flavorful, interactive dining spot that’s perfect for kicking off a concert night with friends, fun, and fantastic food.

Average Price
$30 and under
Cuisine
Japanese
Opening Hours
Lunch
Sat, Sun 11:30 am-2:00 pm
Happy Hour
Mon-Fri 4:00 pm-6:00 pm
Sat 2:00 pm-6:00 pm
Sun 11:30 am-9:00 pm
Dinner
Mon-Sat 4:00 pm-9:00 pm
Sat 2:00 pm-10:00 pm
Sun 2:00 pm-9:00 pm

Koen Japanese BBQ & Sushi Customer Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Koen Japanese BBQ and Sushi is #96 of 749 things to do in Lincoln

5 of 5 stars5 out of 5
By: bensonw988, Brooklyn, New York
Sun 26 Jun, 2022
l They call it Japanese BBQ, but it’s actually Korean BBQ. Got seated immediately, waitress was very friendly and helpful. We order the meat platter, premium platter and a bunch of a la carte meat...

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4 of 5 stars4 out of 5
By: BenEClone, Lincoln, Nebraska
Fri 30 Jul, 2021
l Unique experience - meats brought to table raw and patron cooks on grill built into table top. Waiter works very hard to assist. Excellent food and service. About $300 for large meal and drinks...

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5 of 5 stars5 out of 5
By: Kyle C, Munster, Indiana
Tue 1 Sep, 2020
l On a recent road trip my wife found this little gem. Who knew Lincoln had such a good food scene? First thing to remember, this is Japanese barbecue, so you cook your own meats. That may be...

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Koen Japanese BBQ & Sushi 2601 Jamie Ln, Lincoln