Blue Orchid is the Thai restaurant Lincoln takes out-of-towners to. It’s set in the historic Grand Manse — a high-ceilinged dining room with flattering light that makes it a date-night default — and the kitchen backs up the room: the Orchid Chicken and the Crying Tiger steak are the signatures, the spring rolls with their tamarind note have a real following, and the Thai basil with jalapeño and mushroom is the order for people who like heat they can taste.
It’s also one of the more accommodating kitchens downtown: spice levels adjusted on request, gluten-free and vegan options handled without fuss, a full bar, and city-wide catering. The lunch service (Thursday and Friday) is the locals’ play for getting in without a wait.
Reservations are smart on weekends — the 6 p.m. slot beats the Friday rush. BYO wine is allowed if you’d rather bring your own bottle.