Koen Japanese BBQ & Sushi

Came here for a small group get together. Waitress was very nice and attentive. Most of us ordered sushi and we all enjoyed our food. I forgot to take pictures of everything, but here are photos of just some of the foods we had. Lobster and crab Rangoons were so delicious 😋 I forgot to take photos of all the sushi rolls we got. And we ordered the lava cake and fried cheese cake for dessert- both were such a treat!

We had reservations on a friday night, when we arrived we had to wait about....2 minutes for the table to be cleaned. So no complaints there! My wife ordered two sushi rolls and thought they were really good. The Texas roll was very rich, so she could only eat a little of that one. I ordered the Koen Kirin, it came with soup, salad, vegetables, gyoza, rice and different meats. This is one of the meals that you cook your own food. Really neat concept but I got flustered trying to watch the food cooking, eat the food I had cooked, keep my raw meat utensils separate from cooked meat utensils. But, everything had good flavor. Our waiter was super friendly and helpful, he definitely did a good job and helped answer any questions we had. I will definitely come back, but I'll probably order food that they cook so I can just sit back and relax.

Such AMAZING food it was SOOO good!! The service was really good and the food was excellent!! We had meats that we grilled, pork belly, sirloin, kalbi and toro. Not only was the meat delicious but it's so fun to grill them yourself! We also ordered ramen, which was very good as well. Then the best part was the sushi!! My husband ordered The flaming tuna roll and the angry wife roll, he said both of them were really good but he preferred the flaming tuna roll. I don't like seafood or anything to do with the sea including seaweed, so I was thrilled to find out they had soy paper as well as non seafood sushi rolls! I got a tempura sweet potato roll with avocado and cream cheese with a sliced tomato on top 👌 it was so freaking good that i ordered another one to go!! The other roll is got had asparagus and avocado. That one was also delicious! Highly recommend going here, incredibly nice people and amazing food!!

TERRIBLE. One word perfectly describes our Valentine’s Day experience at this restaurant. I normally don’t leave reviews, but this time I feel people deserve to know what they might experience here. I made a reservation two weeks in advance for 7:15 PM on Valentine’s Day. We arrived on time and were told it would be an hour and a half wait — despite having a reservation. Some couples left immediately, but we chose to stay because we understand how busy holidays can be. I worked at a family-owned restaurant for two years. I know firsthand how chaotic special nights can get. I’ve covered 15 tables alone on busy football weekends and still did my best to provide good service. I respect the service industry deeply. That’s why this review isn’t about being impatient — it’s about being treated with basic respect. While waiting, we sat at the sushi bar where there were empty seats. For over 20 minutes, no one acknowledged us — no water, no drink menu, nothing. I had to ask for the menu myself, and it took another 20 minutes before someone came back to take our drink order. We stayed positive because it was supposed to be a special date night. We noticed other well-dressed couples in the same situation — waiting long past their reservation times. After about 50 minutes, we moved to open bar seats and informed the host so they wouldn’t lose track of us. Shortly after, we saw a couple who arrived after us (with the same 7:15 reservation) get seated before us. When I questioned this, instead of apologizing, the host asked me to point out who I was referring to — as if I was making it up. They told us we were “next.” Less than a minute later, another couple was seated ahead of us. We were finally seated around 8:30 PM — over an hour past our reservation time. At that point, the issue wasn’t the wait. It was the complete lack of organization and accountability. What is the purpose of a reservation if it isn’t honored? The food was good — credit to the kitchen staff. They were the only team holding the quality together that night. However, service continued to disappoint. We waited another 20 minutes for ice cream dessert, which we ended up taking to go because we were no longer in the mood. During dinner, we even witnessed a server spill hot soup on a guest next to us. Mistakes happen. Overbooking happens. But accountability and basic courtesy matter. Despite everything, we still left a 20% tip because I understand how servers earn their income. Our bill was around $160 for two people. It was absolutely not worth being treated as invisible and having our time disrespected. If the restaurant truly cared, a simple apology, complimentary water, or even a small gesture while guests waited would have shown effort. This review is not about waiting. It’s about respect. I’ve been here multiple times before, but after this experience, I will not return unless serious improvements are made. If you’re still reading — my advice is to think twice before choosing this place for a special occasion.

Came in on a slow Wednesday around 5. Our server Erica was amazing! She was very sweet and offered good menu recommendations. This was our first time using the grill, and she was more than happy to show us how to use it. Food tasted phenomenal, was fun to grill ourselves, and great appetizers. I would recommend trying the Happy Hour Grill preset menu order for first timers. A little bit of everything to figure out what you like. Great experience!

We arrived on time for our 7:15 reservation, and we were told it would be an hour plus before we were seated. We did not get seated until 8:30. What was the point of making a reservation? Not only that but a couple who arrived after us with the same reservation time was seated before us. This shows poor management, communication and no respect for our time. Our server was great, the bar staff and the food are good, but I’m dissatisfied with the level of forethought and lack of preparation for a busy holiday. Clearly this is a problem that needs to be addressed. I will most likely not ever return for a holiday and will consider not returning at all.

The food was good 👍🏻, really yummy! the beef and sauces they use also yum. We each had different single bbq portions. The portion wasnt alot as i was expecting but we were able to get leftover for home. Total for two was around $80, pretty pricey id say

Great place for dinner. The server was very attentive and helped with the gluten allergy. She was very aware of the menu and was able to help us order food that was safe to eat with thr allergy. We were there after hours due to the meat we ordered was still cooking and they never made us feel rushed. We appreciated that since it was our 1st time there.

This was my third time at Koen Japanese BBQ, and honestly, it never disappoints. Every time I bring friends or family visiting Lincoln, they leave impressed. It's easily one of the best spots I've been to in the city. The quality of the food, the attention from the staff, even during rush hour when the place is packed, they always make an effort to make your experience pleasant. The appetizers, the drinks, the combo options, everything feels well thought out. Also, shoutout to Kyle, who went out of his way to make the wait more enjoyable while the restaurant was full. That kind of service really makes a difference. I've heard people say it's fancy or expensive, but I think that's just perception. Coming from New York, I actually find the prices very reasonable for the quality and amount of food you get. A family of four can easily have dinner here, with drinks and tip included, for under $200 and that's not bad at all. Great food, great service, and always a good time.

This is an update review. As usual food is excellent. Service is also excellent I just have to add something... There is a secret menu and tako yaki is on it!! Tako yaki was deliciously crispy outside. But mine was still a touch cool inside. Might be better to keep it on the grill just a little longer. Next up is the fish bowl- I ordered blue lagoon. There was more syrup than alcohol in that. They should probably work on the proportions. Overall wonderful experience. We will be back.

Koen is as good as any Asian BBQ restaurant I've been to. The meats were high quality and well marinated, the atmosphere was nice, and our server, Dawson, was super friendly. We got the Koen Premium set and it was a great combination of meats - would definitely recommend that. I'll 100% be going back!

We got engaged an hour prior and my fiancé (20) and I (22) were sitting at our table for 45 minutes and we did not get waited on in that time frame. Extremely disappointed.

Went for a target run out in Lincoln and was looking for a restaurant near by to grab before heading back to Omaha. What I liked about the setting was how it was divided. One one side you had your regular dining, and on the other side you had your fancy dining for Japanese BBQ. I unfortunately was not able to try their Japanese BBQ, since there was wait time, but I really enjoyed their sushi and the unique names they had for them. My husband and I had their "Angry Wife," "Sugar Baby Roll," and their "Sugar Daddy Roll." Our server was amazing as well, each time he'd bring our food to the table we'd have a mini conversation. Overall experience was 10/10 and would definitely drive an 1 hour out to taste the food again.

The food was good the meat selection was plentiful I like the food bar they had as well a lot of selections

Pro tip, get a reservation, this place is popular. And it is the only Japanese BBQ grill at your table restaurant I know of in NE. I was just driving through Lincoln on a Saturday, 5 pm, with no reservation, and the restaurant was one table shy of being at full capacity. Luckily that table had 30 min before the 6 pm reservation, so they sat me and I enjoyed my meal! . I got a mixed grill plate and an add-on galbi (marinated short ribs). The mixed grill came with gyoza, rice, soup and salad. This mixed grill meats had bulgogi, spicy pork, sirloin steak, and marinated chicken thigh. This in itself is more food than I could eat for dinner, and I feel it is well worth the $25 price tag. I did take home 1/2 and had a whole 2nd dinner the next day. . I really enjoyed my meal and kind service.

Love the food here and the service has always been great. We are big fans of going here for celebrations (mainly birthdays) and our eyes are always bigger than our stomachs! If you like to cook your own meats over a table centered grill, then you have come to the right place. The atmosphere is electric, especially when it's someone's birthday. Check it out, you won't regret it!

Food is great. We only did the sushi side, not the BBQ. Sushi rolls and appetizers are great. Very friendly staff that makes good recommendations.

Food and services were terrific . Easy to make reservations. Ambiance was very nice for any occasion.

This is easily one of the best sushi places in Lincoln! I cannot wait to try the BBQ next time! The waiter was so polite and helpful with a great atmosphere, I will definitely be visiting again soon!

This type of Japanese BBQ is rare to find in NE. The flavors are delicious and I like that you can grill your meats to your liking! I've never had a bad experience so far but we are a little disappointed with the change to their menu and removing the beef tongue. But overall, service was great and we'll be back!

On our road trip through Lincoln, my husband wanted steak for our anniversary dinner. But I wanted something fun and different since most steakhouses feel formal and stuffy which wasn't my road trip mood. So we ended up here to satisfy what we were both looking for. My husband got the beef platter, with so much meat, which included: Yaki - Shabu Beef, Filet Mignon and Kalbi Short Rib. And I got the Koen Kirin which included: Gyoza (3 pcs), Hanger Steak, Top Sirloin, Spicy Pork Belly, Chicken Bulgogi and Sweet Potato. Each table has a grill to cook your meats how you like and had 3 dipping sauces to add that tasty final touch. This was the perfect spot for our anniversary dinner.

A definite decline in quality. The service was good, and food is good. But the environment! It was uncomfortably warm and so humid the floors were slick with condensation.

Formerly great establishment seems to be in a slump right now -- mediocre or undertrained service, issues with building/environment unsolved (broken restroom paper towel dispensers and no hand dryer), items listed on menus that were no longer available (in addition to multiple crossed out by marker). Hope they can put in the elbow grease to get back to their former shine.

What an experience! We spent about 20 minutes of our drive home talking about how great this place was! If you're looking for a unique date night eating experience, this is the place. We went during happy hour (all day Sunday) and got one of their Koen Happy Hour beef courses. It came with a house salad to share, miso soup for each, gyoza and tempura dipping sauce, and edamame beans. Then came the plate of 5 meats and one vegetable all marinated differently. They teach you how to grill the food, and viola: you are cooking your own food to your liking! It all ended with a scoop of ice cream! The price was perfect for two! Martin, our server was incredible. He was knowledgeable, nice, and dropped a funny joke here and there. 10/10 would recommend!

The highlight of my meal was the 10 oz wagyu--tender, flavorful, and nicely marbled Every cut was fresh and expertly prepared, making for a delightful and authentic BBQ experience. Highly recommended

Horrible service, won't be coming back. Unfortunately only spot in Lincoln for kbbq but for sushi there's grey whale and blue sushi that are 100x better

This is one of my family's go to restaurants! My kids also choose Koen for their birthday dinners. Although, we have been here on too many occasions to count, we have never had a bad experience. First of all, the servers are always great. I don't know how this happens but they have always been so enthusiastic and friendly. I'm Korean by background and grew up in Hawaii. My standards are very high for anything that resembles Korean BBQ. Koen's BBQ is not your standard Korean BBQ but it is a great variation of it. And somehow it won't break you wallet! We are such fans of Koen. I would also suggest going here for your birthday! If you want a whole restaurant singing "Happy Birthday" in a BTS-esque song version, this is your place!

i had only been to koen once prior and in the previous visit only got sushi. this time tried the grill and would highly recommend. fun experience cooking the different meats and veggies. service was great - attentive, kind, and helpful. you have the option of inside or outside reservations. the inside is very cute and evenly spaced.

This is honestly, one of the most fun restaurants in towns The option to grill your own food at your table is a fun experience, that both my husband and I enjoyed - as well as the kids Every time we've been the servers have been so attentive, and have explained everything to everyone in the group. I've never had to ask for a refill here and the food all came out quickly. The meat is also so tasty, I love the marinades that they use. But, what I don't think is talked about enough is the sushi. This has got to be some of the best sushi in town. It literally melts in my mouth, especially the scallops.

Good food. Meat quality for the BBQ was nice, although it does make one wish that there was an all you can eat Korean BBQ restaurant around here. Can be unreasonably pricey if you order something that you aren't pleased with - we had this experience with the Flaming Panda. There wasn't anything necessarily wrong with it, it just wasn't right for us. Be aware that there are epileptic risks present. Flashing lights do appear for birthday celebrations, with little warning beforehand. Our waiter was friendly and helpful, he did well explaining how to use the in-table grill.

The food is Amazing! Loved the Rice that came with our meal. The minute you walk into this restaurant; you get the feeling that you are walking into a VERY "classy" restaurant. The food was amazing! The quality tasted fantastic and fresh! If it isn't cooked correctly; that's on you as you do your own cooking. Service was excellent and we DEFINITELY will be back!!!

Quick update on review, went back the other night and our waiter Trey was amazing probably some of the best service we have ever had at a restaurant. Bump review to 5 stars just because of this guy.

Had a wonderful time at Koen for our friends birthday. We got the Koen premium. Definitely worth every penny. Was enough for three of us! So happy a place like this is in the area. Worth the drive from Omaha! This restaurant is so clean! They have a bbq side and also just a dining side if you just want to order from the menu and not do Japanese bbq. Parking was easy and restrooms are available. Their birthday song is an experience. I won't give a spoiler! The sauce they have for their crab Rangoon is amazing. This is pretty similar to KBBQ, but for kbbq experienced peeps, keep in mind this isn't a thing in the area, so just remember that before setting an expectation. We will definitely be back!

Koen is a great newer restaurant in an area that doesn't have too many Asian BBQ restaurants. The vibe is great - great natural lighting during the day time. The food quality was great - I'd say it's worth the price. We ordered the Koen Premium from the BBQ course menu for a party of three and it was a good amount of food! The sweet/fruity sauce for the lobster & crab rangoon was a great addition in place of a traditional sweet & sour sauce. Restrooms were nice and clean, but I can only speak for the men's restroom. Parking was plentiful. Excited to try more items on our next visit!

I'm sure this is a 5* experience for most places in the country...but well I'm from Hawai'i and well we have REALLY good Sushi. This would be a 4* there...but hey we are in Lincoln so....5 it is. It's a beautiful restaurant, the staff were terrific, and the sushi was delicious. I actually like the smaller than usual rice blobs that make the fish slices seem massive. However, I prefer my nigiri sushi to be prepared with wasabi... which is usually the standard. The tiny 3 compartment dish (with wasabi and shoga) leaves little room to lightly dip your sushi in shoyu. I had the Salmon, Salmon belly, Hamachi, Hamachi Belly, and Albacore nigiri and a Spicy Tuna roll. It was beautifully prepared and tasted very good...but there was one unchewable bit in the Hamachi belly. Anyway...it was a beautifully presented meal, reasonably priced in a nice atmosphere. Not trying to be a snobby jerk face but servers in a Japanese restaurant should probably know what shoyu is....at a minimum. Anyway...thanks!

Just like any other BBQ experience. You can never go wrong. The sushi here are unique with fruity infused and sauces. The mixed drinks are absolutely great, they taste like juice!

I thought this place was great. It's really fun to use the grill option and the sushi A+. Our server Trey was excellent. He couldn't have done a better job. Trey was very attentive and did a great job of explaining how everything works. I highly recommend this place and the waiter Trey. But if you have epilepsy and someone has a birthday, you run the risk of seizure because they dim the lights, and then they turn on strobe lights, so be mindful of that. But this place is truly great with great vibes and great food.

I like this spot a lot! The only reason why i didn't give it five stars is because one of our smoking sushi rolls that came was super bitter and I'm guessing it's from the butane they use to light it up.. it really kills the sushi roll and make it inedible. It was interesting to see a fired up sushi roll but taste wise I don't recommend. Service was good and nice clean restaurant.

This was such a good sushi place! We got takeout and waited at the bar. Super fast service! Way better than other places downtown. We'll definitely be back!

This place does not do Japanese food. Never have I ever had romaine lettuce in my roll. The udon soup base was too salty and had too much of whatever it was. They would not substitute the tempura shrimp for anything. The woman who served me was a delight. She was so kind and apologetic. The atmosphere is great. I just wanted a taste of my beloved Japan, and it was not here.

Truly a fun experience and the meats selection is good. Go with an open mind to order a wide variety of the cuts of beef. A carnivore's dream dinner.

It's a little on the pricey side but food was good. I would have liked a slightly bigger/wider tuna tower + more tuna, but it was tasty (you can probably get a small or medium poke bowl for the same price if more fish is desired). My friends did the grill. Was definitely pricey and it says the platter is for 3 people but I think I could eat the whole thing myself, but the platter comes with miso soups, rice, and a large tempura fried ice cream. There are types of dipping sauces and the appetizers come with different tasty sauces too. Kinda disappointing that the chicken teriyaki is only made with chicken breast, because chicken thigh teriyaki is much better, it would be satisfactory to have a mix as well (but honestly I travel to Omaha to get the chicken teriyaki at the Oakview mall or teriyaki express if I want it spicy)

I loved the energy that this place brought! The moment we walked in it just felt like a fun place which is exactly what your looking for In Japanese bbq. Our server was fantastic and very helpful making sure we understood the menu and what we had to do. She also made some amazing sushi recommendations that were good enough to have alone.

Not going to go back here, which sucks because I really liked this place. Our treatment tonight settled it for us It's my birthday and we have a newborn and wanted to find a place to eat to enjoy a night out as those are futile. Getting a newborn ready and working around a breastfeeding schedule is not easy. We live on the opposite side of town so we called and made a reservation tonight for 5:40pm. The gentleman on the phone took our name and ok'd our arrival time. We get there to be told that they're completely booked until 8:30pm and do not have our reservation. We are told "they'll see what they can do for us." Then they come back to say they can give us a table but only for 40 minutes. That's ridiculous. We spent that amount of time driving here practically. We turned down their "generous offer" and left devastated as most other places are booked tonight and I am now left with nothing to do on my birthday. Disappointing and unprofessional.

I almost gave Koen Japanese BBQ & Sushi five stars, but I just can't after one visit. I'll be back to Lincoln next week and plan to return. Maybe my next visit will elevate my review to five stars. I ordered the Sashimi Combo, 18 pieces of sashimi. The fish was very fresh and ooooh so tasty! I won't go into a piece by piece review. Instead I will mention this is the first time I've been offered fresh wasabi! It was nothing like I expected. It was not hot, rather mild and quite flavorful. Fresh wasabi has ruined the green horseradish mound of 'wasabi' for me forever! If you stop by Koen for sashimi or sushi... get it! A friend got a selection of beef to cook on the little grill thingy in the middle of the table. He said it was very good and, while it didn't seem like a lot of food when it arrived, the portion was completely satisfying. The waitress was super nice and attentive. The plum wine was perfect. I seriously can't wait to get back here next week!

This is an awesome date night choice. Interactive, yummy, huge variety. You can do the preselected dinner options that includes variety of meat and sides or do ala carte ordering, but be careful it's really easy to have eyes bigger than your stomach here! You cook your meal yourself at the table, order sushi, or some traditional Asian cuisine. You really can't miss here honestly

This was a new and unique experience. You have a grill on the table and cook the meat you order to order! Want it rare you're the chef! Medium? You're the chef! The amount of food was overwhelming. If you leave hungry not sure what to say to that. Our server Trey was a rockstar. Attentive, fun and good help pointing us in the right direction. Delicious and fun. Recommend coming here.

i love koen! the food is great, the service is great and the ambiance is SO nice. great experience overall.

We went here as a change from my favorite Asian restaurant. It was not very busy Our server seemed okay and brought us our order quickly Then we never saw him again. There were two servers at the hostess stand but they studiously avoided looking at us, (in case they had to do something) Finally, one of the sushi chefs told one of the servers to find our guy. I am on my 2nd day back from the UK and I am off by 6 hr., so I am cranky. I probably won't go back to Koen because of this treatment or lack thereof My daughter after working at an Applebee's as a server told me the worst service is always when it is not busy. Our server fitted that description If you want to piss off customers, ignore them. It works every time. This was my 3rd visit to Koen. I live a mile away. I will continue to go to my favorite Asian restaurant. Koen is not my favorite.

Went for dinner and the waitress didn't greet us for 20 minutes, then routinely didn't come to check on our waters throughout the night. In top of that, the restaurant plays LOUD birthday music over the speakers and turns on strobe lights for birthday celebrations. This happened 4 times during the 1 hour we were there. Ridiculous and ruin the date night atmosphere. We thought it was a nice place, but good lord we won't be returning for a meal there. The music was so loud I couldn't hear my husband talking from across the table even if he yelled.

Never had an issue here. Good for a meal with friends or small parties. Servers are good about giving suggestions if you've never been there before.

This restaurant not only have great food, but it's an experience too. You get to choose your own sauce and grill your Japanese barbecue right in front of you. They have great options for group ordering that includes a variety of meats and sauces, sides, and appetizers that I highly recommend. Unfortunately, the heat from all the grills does make it a bit warm in the restaurant!

Phenomenal sushi, excellent BBQ, good bang for your buck if you visit during happy hour. Everything about this restaurant is impeccable, from hospitality, service, space, ambience, food. A gem of Lincoln. Trust me, you won't regret coming here. 5/5, would obviously return.

Go for the boxes! Excellent selection and variety. Drinks take a bit so order early and often. Food shows up quickly.

Service was awesome. Trey our server showed us the ropes and made great suggestions. We had the Koen Premium BBQ Course which was split between 3 people. It was fantastic. The meats were marinated perfectly, tender and juicy. The starters we also great. Lobster crab Rangoon, a meaty spring roll and soup plus salad. Lots of food! Tempura ice cream for dessert was also great. We also decided to spurge a bit on a sushi roll as well as some wagyu ribeye for the grill...no regrets. We loved Koen, it wasn't cheep, but everything was perfect and we definitely felt it was worth the price. My wife even declared it her new favorite restaurant.

Wonderful experience! The host was a little weird, but the food was phenomenal and the waiter was great. Looking forward to coming back to this restaurant again whenever I am in town!

Koen BBQ's Premium platter was incredible. A combination of different cuts of steak prepared in different Asian marinades, each offering was tender a different flavor experience. If you've never tried a restaurant where you BBQ the food yourself over the grill, you're in for a fun treat of an activity during your meal. Remember to use the tongs to put the meat on the grill/flip and your chopsticks or fork to remove so you don't contaminate your eating utensil with raw food. My only note was the the service was a bit slow. Having been to Japan and eaten some great Japanese BBQ all over the world, we left happily surprised with how good the experience was right here in Lincoln. We will be back!