Lincoln resident opens new restaurant and bar in downtown

Capturing a dream that has been 15 years in the making, Priscilla Clinton officially opened the doors to Soli's Lounge in downtown Lincoln last month. Occupying the space The Foundry previously occupied in the historic brick building at 424 Lincoln Boulevard, Clinton transformed the space by adding a kitchen, a window wall which opens the space and eventually outdoor beer garden space. Clinton and her husband, a Coast Guard veteran, moved to the Lincoln area about five years ago seeking a better area to raise their children. Clinton has more than 15 years in the restaurant industry serving in a number of roles, from host, server, bartender, management and more for chain restaurants and a catering business. "It's been a dream of mine for the last 15 years," Clinton said. "I've been keeping notes in a notebook of what it would look like one day. Last year, my husband and I asked, 'Why are we waiting for one day?' " Clinton said her original idea was to create a traditional wine, beer and champagne bar but when she found "the location of my dreams," as she describes it, she knew she had to create a full service restaurant. There is special meaning in the name of the restaurant, too: Soli, a nickname given to her for her sunny disposition which she has had since she was a baby. "I have loved getting to see everything come to fruition," she said. "The best thing is getting to see people laughing and enjoying their time here. That is the biggest compliment I can receive." Soli's officially opened its doors on St. Patrick's Day, serving green beer and taking part in the city's festivities. Clinton said the establishment is a family friendly one, with a children's menu, launching just this week. The menu features American-style cuisine, including charcuterie, ahi tuna, Mediterranean bites, chicken wings, soups, salads, paninis and flatbreads. The bar features beer, wine, champagne, wine-infused cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages as well. Clinton said she wants to feature local wines, and her taps are from local breweries from Sacramento to Auburn. "We are comfortable classy yet unpretentious," Clinton said. "We are here for a good time. We truly just want people to come and enjoy themselves." The response to the restaurant opening has been very positive, Clinton said. "We have been overwhelmed by how much community support we have received," she said. She credited her staff for "knocking it out of the park" so far. Clinton said she knows Lincoln is a town of community events and she intends to be an active player in the community. "Our first large event is the Lincoln Wine Fest," she said. "We will be hosting Wise Villa and will be showcasing our vegetarian flatbread." She also said she is working on a collaboration with neighbor Rebel Hen Café to offer a wine and mini pastry tasting flight. Clinton is also working on booking live music acts once or twice a week. "I feel like I'm living the 'if you love what you do, you won't work a day in your life,' " she said. Soli's Lounge is open Wednesdays through Sundays. For more information, visit solislounge.com.