Neon Lilly Eurasian-American Cuisine

I have been wanting to visit Neon Lilly since they opened their brick and mortar. Had their food once when they were operating out of their truck a couple years ago and enjoyed it, and so I was looking forward to trying more options in a more consistently accessible location. We visited for lunch Thursday of last week and had a pleasant time. The restaurant was very quiet when we walked in, but Terry greeted us promptly and got us seated. It's a fairly large space with lots of interesting decorations from all over Eastern Europe. Their menu is diverse, with everything from schnitzel to shawarma. My mom and I weren't super hungry, so we decided to split an entree of pierogi / vareniki and then blintzi for dessert. They asked we give them 20 minutes for food, which we obliged; it was made fresh and hot within that time frame. We both ordered sweet tea to drink. I liked it, but my mom really did not; I will say it's not especially sweet (at least not as sweet as most other sweet teas in Alabama, lol) and has a very floral flavor, almost rose-ish. I enjoyed the change of pace, but something to be noted if you're a purist. The vareniki were tasty! They came in an order of 8 (iirc) with slaw and sour cream. Soft, slightly chewy, pleasant onion-y flavor. I liked the cheese on the top, and dipped in sour cream, they were very yummy. Wish they'd been served a little hotter, but they weren't cold or anything. The slaw had nice texture and was a decent serving size, but we both felt lacked a little moisture for our preferences. It would be plenty for one person but I would order more if I chose to split it again and I was very hungry. Luckily, this time, I wasn't. The blintzi was my favorite part of the meal! A crepe-like dish stuffed with delicious cinnamon apples and three small scoops of vanilla ice cream. The apples were warm and the vanilla ice cream was super natural-vanilla tasting, and not too sweet. I do feel the price is fairly high - one entree, one dessert, and two sweet teas at lunch time ran us a shade over $40 before tip. Some sort of lunch special or something would be nice. That being said, I do feel it's ultimately worth the price for the uniqueness of the experience, the tasty food, and the friendly service. I'd happily go back to try new dishes or just for another order of blintzi! :)

The upshot: I want this place to succeed so badly, so I hope that more people will give it a try. When we were there for lunch a few Saturdays ago, it was nearly empty (unlike nearby joints) and they were out of several items due to lack of interest. These are very nice people trying very hard to serve the locals authentic food, so please give them a try. Huntsville *needs* more unique, locally owned restaurants! Deets: We tried the smoked salmon again, and it was fine. Salmon isn't my favorite, but what we wanted (a special pierogi, if I remember correctly) they were out of and I was starving. Presentation on those was impeccable. We also had some house-made fruit compote, which was exceptional. Mains were galabki and kielbasa. The galabki was good, though it could have been warmer. The kielbasa was quite good and ample in size. Both came with potatoes, which were dandy though I really need to ask if they can leave the cheddar off mine (I just don't think it meshes well with cabbage, it's a personal thing). Service: it was the server's first or second day I think he said, and he was trying really hard--and doing a good job! I think he had some issues keeping up with other tables, but I can see why he would be overwhelmed. Parking: it's Bridge Street; figure it out at your own peril.

Oh my WOW!! Turkish coffee, Lamb Shawarma, and Pelmeny Siberian. Everything was absolutely amazing and so fresh! The owner was also our waiter which we really liked. He was extremely knowledgeable and patient with us while we went over a menu that was new to us. We we definitely be back!

I stopped in with a twofold mission in mind. Lunch, and to give them a beautiful jacket made in Mongolia for their display. My lunch was again, excellent. I had the in house pulled pork sandwich with potato nachos. For an appetizer I had the Cheburek, that is some kind of delicious meat filled empanada. I took the recommendation of one of the owners to try the cardamom tea. I rarely drink hot tea but this was amazing! Back to the pulled pork. Lily's husband does all the meats and sausages. Being somewhat of a bbq snob, I was really taken by the smoked richness of the pulled pork. This man knows a thing or two about making delicious sausages, pastrami and of course, pulled pork. I would rank this among the best I've had or made myself! So far I've not been able to save room for a desert! Next Time!!

This is the second time my boyfriend and I have been to this restaurant and we plan on coming here once a month the food is amazing! You might have to wait a little bit for getting your food and drinks they only have a handful of people on staff but everyone is friendly the food is amazing I can't wait to go back!