In every town, there seems to be one welcoming little eatery that acts as the very nexus of that community. It’s where people gather to linger over lunch and catch up, forge friendly business deals and get a dose of warm neighborliness that seems to be lacking in our day-to-day life. In Lincoln, that place would be the Persimmon Cafe. Roomy, bright and colorful, the Persimmon Cafe is built on the belief that, if you provide folks with fresh, tasty food items prepared from locally sourced products, the community will be happier and healthier. And if you look at the smiles and relaxed attitudes of the Cafe’s patrons, you might too become a believer. Housemade pie plays a central role at the cafe, featuring whatever happens to be in season, and customers can buy it whole or by the slice. The ever-changing menu always has a nice selection of soups and salads (don’t miss the delicious, simple black bean salad, punctuated with tiny-diced bell peppers), and sandwiches and panini (the fresh Albacore tuna melt and the homemade meatloaf sandwich are especially popular). The kitchen also kindly offers pre-baked, take-out items perfect for a hastily put-together dinner party, including items like the prosciutto-wrapped chicken breast; slices of pork loin stuffed with fennel and chard; and pretty saffron risotto cakes. Pastries are all baked in-house and range from big chocolate chip cookies and strawberry scones to ultra-rich brownies. — Kira O'Donnell

Insider tip: Visit Persimmon Cafe on a Friday and you’ll get the extra treat of shopping at the Lincoln Farmers market, situated in the Cafe’s parking lot. Farmers market hours are 8 a.m.– noon, and the market runs from May 2 through December 19.

Reservations: Recommended for parties of five or more

Payment methods: MasterCard, Visa

Alcohol: Not available (but patrons can bring a bottle of wine in with them)

Corkage fee: None

Hours: Tuesday through Friday: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Closed Sunday and Monday