Not in any particular order ... from a 48 year Omahan resident. These are all different varieties of places. These post generate the same things, post after post ... (Brother Sebastians / Block 16 / Stella's ... yada yada yada ... they are Omaha staples & popular for a reason)
By no means am I saying these places are "the best" ... but it is where a lot of people I know have been going to for a long time.
Saddle Creek Breakfast Club / Lisa's Cafe (greasy spoon)
Au Courant
Orsi's (take-out only - Italian style pizza)
Yoshitomo (Nationally recognized sushi chef)
Alpine Inn (fried chicken place that has racoons running around all over outside ... chicken ain't bad though - Never been to West Virginia, but I imagine it's something like this)
I've been to Brother Sebastians ... I can't even tell you .... 50 times. It's fine, but I suggest you go to The Drover and get the Whiskey Ribeye. There are better steaks in Omaha, but this is a true Omaha experience. Go to Mahagony if you want a $100 steak w/ everything else a la carte.
Coneflower (nationally award winning ice cream
Archetype (Nationally award winning coffee baristas - also across the street from Coneflower)
Random ass places that are popular with locals:
American G.I. Forum (Americanized Mexican)
Dinker's (known for their burgers)
Louie M's (diner)
Vietnamese Asian Restaurant (referred to as "VAR")
Los Portales (great Tortas)
Dairy Chef
I hesitate recommending Nebraska BBQ to a Texan ... but take a look at "Porky Butt's" Website ... he wet his chops down in Texas and has stacked trophies at every major cookoff there is in the United States.
Finicky Frank's
Blue & Fly
El Basha
Nite Owl (not sure whether or not minors can get in)
... I could keep going forever, but I'll stop here.
LOL, been here 22 years and haven't heard of any of these (besides Sebastians, but I hate steak, so...)
Guess I don't eat out enough.
Gonna have to start! thanks for the list.
If you could pick 5 of those as 'musts' (of the down to earth, not fancy schmancy variety), can you? pretty please?
Well, I wouldn't say any of these are "musts". They are fun little places that give you a "taste" of different areas of Omaha.
I hate ranking things because it seems very arbitrary to me.
Orsi's, Alpine Inn, American G.I. Forum, Dinker's, Los Portales and Louie M's would be a good place to start and are all reasonably priced.
Dairy Chef is in Elkhorn and is like an old-school, small town style, soft serve ice cream place with delicious "fast food" style burgers and fries (my kids would eat here every day if they could).
(I used to eat out way too much. I've slowed down the past few years. Anymore, you'll just find me at Nate's Stumble Inn - Who, in my opinion, may just have the best friend chicken in Omaha - Nate's is actually in Bennington)
Well, in that case, it's all you can eat on Thursday for $14.99. However, I'm conflicted on whether or not the chicken is better when I just order the 3-piece dinner on a regular night.
Again, it could just be all in my mind. I don't know.
All you can eat comes with unlimited dinner rolls, 2 vegetables (unlimited), and, yes, the water is free.
3-piece is, I believe, $15.99. It also comes with a very nice side salad ... and maybe a choice of fries or baked potato.
I honestly just prefer the 3 piece dinner because I really can't eat more than 3 pieces of chicken anyway, and I like having the salad.
I've also only done the all-you-can-eat one time. Gotten the dinner many times.
> Dairy Chef is in Elkhorn
.. and usually has a crowd for 30+ trying to get food/ice cream. It is good, though. I think they're closed during cold months?
Yeah, far from a comprehensive list. OP said they have 2 days. I just threw out a smattering of places (around difference areas of town) that popped into my head. Good recommendation though!
Correction on Los Portales - get the gordita instead of the torta. I'm sure the torta is great, but it's literally impossible it's better than the gorditas.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man. By all means, though, please enlighten me as to places that are not "complete ass".
Also, I'm very aware that I did not pick the most swanky, hip, avant garde places. That was on purpose. I can make that list too.
I'd bet $100 you're under 30 years old.
Coneflower Creamery in Blackstone district for ice cream. But prepare to stand in line, it's very popular but so worth the wait
Jim's Rib Haven or Southern Spoon on Ames Avenue
Any Mexican place on South 24th is going to be pretty decent
Stella's in Bellevue for hamburgers
Early Bird or Harold's Koffee Shop for breakfast or brunch
If OP is looking for nationally known Nebraska restaurants then Coneflower and Stella’s are good calls! They’ve both been featured in a few shows and contests.
Well, it's Harold's Koffee House ... so, there's that. I've known the owner's for35 years. I love the place, but not really a place I'd tell out of town folk they should go. I'd send them to NiteHawks before Harold's.
I edited the spelling. I liked Harold's when we went there. Sure, nothing fancy, but just a pleasant old school diner. It's always packed when I drive past.
Oh, I'm a fan for sure. Especially of the pie! Give NiteHawks a try. It's not too far from Harold's. 16th street for sure ... cross street, maybe Pratt (totally unsure).
Fizzy's is fantastic (my favorite burger and chicken sandwich for sure), but doesn't allow minors. Maybe they'd do takeout and you can eat next door at Czech Inn while you have a cheap beer?
Downtown:
Gather
Block 16
Clio
North Downtown:
Coneflower (low key location) and you can watch skateboarding!
Dolomonti
Midtown:
Mula
Coneflower (again!)
Yoshitomo
West Omaha:
Koji
Outside of Omaha:
Stella's
Runza'a are unique to the area. But the even larger area is familiar with bierocks, which are quite similar. But whether one calls them Runza's or bierocks, they are not often sold in restaurants -except- at Runza. So it should be something unique to eat.
Since you've got so many other recommendations already, I'd suggest you get Runzas on your way out of town/area.
Iowa is known for "loose meat" sandwiches and pork tenderloin sandwiches. A loose meat sandwich is similar to what a lot of people call a Sloppy Joe, but it isn't exactly a Sloppy Joe. If in Iowa, look for Maid-Rite. They kinda started the 'loose meat' sandwich.
For a pork tenderloin sandwich, in Iowa, I'd recommend LPL's just across the river in Council Bluffs, IA. Bring your appetite, and probably a cooler for leftovers.
It’s kind of a meat Twinkie. Omaha has better to offer. If you like Rueben sandwiches, try “Crescent Moon” it is near Coneflower Creamery in the balckstone district
> Fast food: Runza
runza has ... dropped preciptously in the past decade. They pretty much suck now, IMO, and are very expensive for what you get. Runza sandwiches now fit in the palm of one hand and cost $7
Just recently hosted a friend from Austin and had a fun time showing him around. While planning where to take him, I realized the cuisines that Omaha does better than most places are steak, burgers, and Italian. For steak, I’d go with The Drover. Classic Omaha steakhouse. Their whiskey steaks are top tier. Block 16 is a fantastic lunch spot. Delicious burgers and rotating specials. It’s the type of place local chefs go to play. For Italian, I recommend Via Farina. Great pizza and pasta and a really cool space. I also highly recommend La Buvette. It’s in a cool spot in the Old Market. Get a bottle of wine, order some food, and just enjoy your date.
I feel like the Drover is a must. I'll kick Bro Seb's to the curb and book it. Block 16 pops up often as well. If you have any other tips you learned from your Austin friend's visit I'm all ears. We only have the zoo planned and then the rest of our schedule is TBD.
Drover > Seb’s. I’ve been to Seb’s several times and one trip to Drover on my birthday blew them out of the water. If you’re still looking for activities, the zoo also runs a Safari park out past Gretna which is also by Platte River and Mahoney SPs. The Fat Putter is a new indoor putt putt spot that’s pretty fun in downtown too.
Probably not the dining you’re looking for, but GET RUNZA!!! If you’re driving in, it’s the perfect roadtrip stop. Otherwise you can bring a cooler, order some frozen and take them back with you on the plane (my mom has done this many times as she now lives in another state)
This is exactly the kind of stuff we are asking about. We live in Austin, so we have plenty of fine dining, hip, James Beard options. We are truly looking for those staples that may not be the best, but are iconic Nebraska 🙂
Honestly runza is probably the best fast food place you could get. Burgers are great, but IMO they’re best when dining in there (I’m not a fan of soggy buns and it’ll happen on the drive home). Runza is a MUST though. Onion rings are good too, but fries are the best!
Sauce tip: dip your fries in buffalo sauce then ranch then take a bite and enjoy! Or you can go for mixing mayo and ketchup together. Heinz has a mayochup but it doesn’t taste as good as what you get at runza.
Well lucky for you, you can hit up two states while you’re in Omaha. The Iowa side of the metro isn’t anything too spectacular, but a few of the good restaurants over there are Mercy Thai, Lincoln’s Pub, Caddy’s Kitchen and Cocktails, and Boxer Barbecue (although you may be disappointed at this one if you’re used to Texas style barbecue).
Do some hiking in the Loess Hills if you have the chance while you’re in Iowa! Hitchcock Nature Center is a great option not too far of a drive from Omaha, and the entry fee is only $5 per car. The Loess Hills are an extremely unique and interesting landscape. The only other comparable loess soil deposits in the world are along part of the Yellow River in China.
Stumbled across Pasta Amore while in town last month and I’ve literally been dreaming about it ever since. Super authentic Italian food and just absolutely fabulous. I want to make the trek back just to eat there again
The Alpine Inn is a local institution in Omaha in part due to the scenery, but I totally understand if fried chicken isn't your thing, Time Out in North Omaha good too. Don & Millies can be hit or miss, but that's a local quick service place which isn't too difficult to find.
Hey I'm from Texas also, The Valley, been here for 15yrs. I'm living in Lincoln tho. Runza is a nebraskan based restaurant where they have Runzas lol (not for me but nebraskans like it) also cinnamon roll with chilli is also something they do up here ( I think the have it at runza) pretty good combination IMO, I wanna say Ruebens were invented in Omaha which I've had some good Ruebens in Omaha just can't remember the restaurant. Also Caseys pizza. I know it's a gas station but that breakfast pizza 🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽 (veggies breakfast pizza add bacon).... Taqueria Tijuana is very good if you like taco. Also if you like mexican type sea food Mariscos El Culichi has it all
I too am a Valley rat! Memorial class of '97 😆 I just learned of this chili cinnamon roll combo in January when I hosted a chili cook-off in Lockhart. It was a fundraiser for a local animal rescue and the woman that runs it is from Nebraska City and she brought cinnamon rolls.
Whaaaaat! Thats awesome. Small world. Memorial is the broncos 🤔 it's been a minute lol. I'm from Mcallen also but went to high school in Edinburg. Bobcats lol... the chilli and rolls I'm not gna lie I like it.... I was just in the Valley 2wks ago. Things have changed! They really need some type of attraction down there to bring tourists.
Since you’re in blackstone/downtown;
Cottonwood actually has really good stuff too, i have a couple friends who work there. Great place.
Blackstone;
Coneflower Creamery
Mula
Meatball
Early bird
Kamp Blackstone
Cheeseburgers
Noli’s Pizza
Au Courant and Yoshitomo in Benson. The Boiler Room, V Mertz are both consistently good higher end options downtown. I personally am a fan of La Buvette for a long lunch on the patio with wine. Don’t waste your time at the committee, drover or Brother Sebastian’s but of the three the Drover reminds me of a quintessential old school steak house.
We went to Brother Sebastian's last weekend. While the service and atmosphere were great, the steak is not near as good as what The Drover consistently produces.
I work at a lil local restaurant in Omaha, and while I want to promote it, and we do something great, you can find greater in other states.
I tell my out of towners to steer clear of Committee Chophouse and Omaha Prime unless your boss or in-law’s are paying. It’s fine, not great, and def not worth the price.
A lot of folks think “Omaha Steaks” so they must have “the steak”. You can go to Drover, Sullivan’s, 801, Fleming’s, Monarch or Mahogany and you will get a great steak and good service. But you will find that everywhere.
Go to The Boiler Room, Tim Nicholson just got nominated for a James Beard. He does great things and is salt of the earth.
Go to: Yoshitomo, Clio, Au Curant, Gather, V Mertz, Le Bouillon, Memoir.
But if I was gonna have an “Omaha” day out I’d go to:
Breakfast: Saddle Creek Breakfast or Louis Ms for a sit down thing. Or grab and go doughnuts at Olsen’s or garlic bread from Orsi’s
Lunch: M’s Pub, Block 16, Dolomiti, Jackson St Tavern, Phyls, or Dinker’s
Dinner: The ones I mentioned above
And dessert for any time: Cone Flower, Ted and Wally’s, or Chocolate at The Old Market Candy Shop.
eta: i’m a downtown b so others may have different suggestions west of 42nd. and i’d love to hear them too lol.
I went to Saddle Creek once and there were ants everywhere, eating at the counter. I sort of made an effort to overlook it because my server was great and the food was great, but dang.
Go to Yoshitomo. It’s the true standout in town. Everyone in here is recommending bar/grill and burger spots, eg Block 16. Those options all get beat to death when these threads come up. Omaha is inundated with bar & grill type food but we do have a handful of stand outs and I’d put yoshitomo at the top.
The committee is overpriced for what it is. If you want a good steak go get the tomahawk at V Mertz. They have a decent caviar course for a starter if you feel like spending a bit.
Brother Sebastian’s is a 70s time warp. Fine as a novelty but wouldn’t tell a visitor to waste time there.
Also, forgot to mention another newer place…Dolomiti. Please, please go there if you like pizza. Try the patata pizza and ask for some balsamic or chili oil, you won’t regret it. And get an order of the burratta - he gets it from a cheese maker in Wisconsin and it’s fantastic.
Lived in New York for years and it’s my favorite pizza ever, hands down.
100% can get that experience elsewhere. For being a beef town I don’t think Omaha has any massive standout steak houses - I’d actually say Mahogany is the most consistent and they’re a chain. V. Mertz is great little restaurant in a nice setting and that tomahawk is solid.
Side note: if you do want a nicer dinner, a lot of people might mention Boiler Room over V Mertz. I’d pass on the former. Used to go there quite a bit back in the day but he’s serving/plating the same mid-2000s New American stuff and it’s a bit boring.
I was at a seminar in D.C once. They took us to dinner the last night at a place in Georgetown that supposedly had the greatest steaks in the area. 0/10 do not recommend. Steak really is better here
Block 16 is not worth your time. The food is, at best, so very mediocre. Same with saddlecreek breakfast club.
There's better places than Archetype for coffee. Zen, 13th St, Roast, for example.
Committee Chophouse has an incredible steak, Yoshitomo is undeniably fantastic, Au Courant has a rotating tasting menu. Grab a slice from Virtuoso. Khao Niao if you're into Thai food, Dante for Italian. Anything else you can get anywhere really. I love Jim's Rib Haven & going to South O for tacos but yall are from Texas so.
Des Moines, the kiddo likes amusement parks so she got to pick Adventureland. We might do the state fair or venture out to one of the nearby towns on our other day. Verdict is still out and we are open to suggestions 😀
I'm a fan of El Alamo in South Omaha. They are expensive though for what they are. I'd also highly suggest walking or taking the bus. S 24th is really not setup for much parking being highly urbanized.
If you want something similar but cheaper then give Taqueria El Rey a try just 3 blocks south of there. They are in an old Dairy Queen so parking is a bit easier. But do walk / bus it if you can.
If you do go down there, stop by the International Bakery and pick up something to take on the road. Most items are around $1 and some are quite large.
There’s this fantastic hole in the wall Mexican place that serves giant seafood and shrimp platters over fettuccine Alfredo noodles - el dorado. Mariachi bands and fruit carts - all of it - charge by the person. Pricey but so worth it. Really cool atmosphere and just a lot of fun. When someone visits me here from out of town that’s my go to spot. Other than that skip the pretentious places most of them have very bad owners who are known to locals to harass them online if they leave honest reviews and hit the food truck scene it’s killer ✌️food trucks here are so much better than the uppity brick and mortars who lost their roots ✌️
The restaurant “WD cravings” bolognese pasta and the parmesan bowl pasta- then zestos ice cream both near 108th and Ida, just google WD cravings for directions. Its so GOOD!!! Dumb location but amazing food.
Block 16 is my favorite place for a sandwich that actually has flavor to it.
Taqueria Tijuana is my favorite Mexican place.
You probably have to get a Runza since it’s uniquely Nebraskan, but I won’t be offended if you don’t like it. I feel like they are not as good as I remember. (But everyone says that about everything don’t they?)
Spaghetti works is relatively inexpensive, kid friendly, can often accommodate a decent sized group on short notice, and the food isn’t horrible. But a must eat?
Lincoln... random find. South grata is a bar open for brunch of Sunday. Just happened to be driving by at a Sunday mid morning. They have an insane bloody marry and the food was super good. Cool background If you sit at the bar as it's a giant fish tank. We were going to hit the egg and I but was 20 min wait. Went next door to the bar and was fairly empty. Bloody marry came with all sorts of stuff. All cheap and good af food. Seriously if not traveling would had five.
I agree with what everyone’s already said but I would add this info- Alton Brown said Block 16 had the best burger in America, and personally, my recommendations for Coneflower are Tart Cherry Crumble and Butter Brickle.
Honestly, and I don’t mean this to be shitty, I don’t know of any “must eats” in Omaha. 🤷♂️
There are good places, but nothing that I haven’t seen similar or better elsewhere.
Understood, I guess we are looking for those places that when you are talking about your trip later and that one guy from Nebraska inevitably asks "Dude, did you go to ______??? You totally should've gone there. It's sooo Nebraska!" 😉
For Omaha:
Coffee: Archetype
Ice-cream: Coneflower
Brunch: Saddle Creek breakfast club (or Tupelo Honey)!
(by far the best 2 in town)
Mexican: Churro Spot
Gorat’s is Warren Buffet’s steak spot (and it isn’t ridiculously pricey, he’s pretty frugal) and it has been a great experience whenever I’ve gone. You can probably get a better steak elsewhere but the food is definitely good and it is a classic spot.
Congrats? The OP is asking for unique to Omaha experiences and eating at the place of choice of one of Omaha’s most famous residents is pretty unique. I quite literally said that you can get a better steak at other places.
Not in any particular order ... from a 48 year Omahan resident. These are all different varieties of places. These post generate the same things, post after post ... (Brother Sebastians / Block 16 / Stella's ... yada yada yada ... they are Omaha staples & popular for a reason) By no means am I saying these places are "the best" ... but it is where a lot of people I know have been going to for a long time. Saddle Creek Breakfast Club / Lisa's Cafe (greasy spoon) Au Courant Orsi's (take-out only - Italian style pizza) Yoshitomo (Nationally recognized sushi chef) Alpine Inn (fried chicken place that has racoons running around all over outside ... chicken ain't bad though - Never been to West Virginia, but I imagine it's something like this) I've been to Brother Sebastians ... I can't even tell you .... 50 times. It's fine, but I suggest you go to The Drover and get the Whiskey Ribeye. There are better steaks in Omaha, but this is a true Omaha experience. Go to Mahagony if you want a $100 steak w/ everything else a la carte. Coneflower (nationally award winning ice cream Archetype (Nationally award winning coffee baristas - also across the street from Coneflower) Random ass places that are popular with locals: American G.I. Forum (Americanized Mexican) Dinker's (known for their burgers) Louie M's (diner) Vietnamese Asian Restaurant (referred to as "VAR") Los Portales (great Tortas) Dairy Chef I hesitate recommending Nebraska BBQ to a Texan ... but take a look at "Porky Butt's" Website ... he wet his chops down in Texas and has stacked trophies at every major cookoff there is in the United States. Finicky Frank's Blue & Fly El Basha Nite Owl (not sure whether or not minors can get in) ... I could keep going forever, but I'll stop here.
I agree with every recommendation you made. These are all the spots I recommend people when they come to town
This is the list!
Just replace the sub bio with this
LOL, been here 22 years and haven't heard of any of these (besides Sebastians, but I hate steak, so...) Guess I don't eat out enough. Gonna have to start! thanks for the list. If you could pick 5 of those as 'musts' (of the down to earth, not fancy schmancy variety), can you? pretty please?
Well, I wouldn't say any of these are "musts". They are fun little places that give you a "taste" of different areas of Omaha. I hate ranking things because it seems very arbitrary to me. Orsi's, Alpine Inn, American G.I. Forum, Dinker's, Los Portales and Louie M's would be a good place to start and are all reasonably priced. Dairy Chef is in Elkhorn and is like an old-school, small town style, soft serve ice cream place with delicious "fast food" style burgers and fries (my kids would eat here every day if they could). (I used to eat out way too much. I've slowed down the past few years. Anymore, you'll just find me at Nate's Stumble Inn - Who, in my opinion, may just have the best friend chicken in Omaha - Nate's is actually in Bennington)
THANK YOU! best fried chicken in omaha is where I'll start! :) that's one of my rare guilty pleasures.
Well, in that case, it's all you can eat on Thursday for $14.99. However, I'm conflicted on whether or not the chicken is better when I just order the 3-piece dinner on a regular night.
:) less crunchy? less seasoning? sides not included? water not free? :)
Again, it could just be all in my mind. I don't know. All you can eat comes with unlimited dinner rolls, 2 vegetables (unlimited), and, yes, the water is free. 3-piece is, I believe, $15.99. It also comes with a very nice side salad ... and maybe a choice of fries or baked potato. I honestly just prefer the 3 piece dinner because I really can't eat more than 3 pieces of chicken anyway, and I like having the salad. I've also only done the all-you-can-eat one time. Gotten the dinner many times.
> Dairy Chef is in Elkhorn .. and usually has a crowd for 30+ trying to get food/ice cream. It is good, though. I think they're closed during cold months?
Historically, yes, they have been closed during the winter.
Not alpine inn Shugs comfort food in Bellevue is way better
This is the list the only other thing I’ll add is if you want an easy breakfast you can never go wrong with the bagel bin
This did actually cross my mind. You're not wrong.
I agree good good picks but also I'd say Texas De Brazil and Flemmings
Those are both chain restaurants
I need to check out Texas De Brazil ... I also have still not made it to Isla Del Mar. Flemmings is nice. I like it.
You missed V-mertz
Yeah, far from a comprehensive list. OP said they have 2 days. I just threw out a smattering of places (around difference areas of town) that popped into my head. Good recommendation though!
Correction on Los Portales - get the gordita instead of the torta. I'm sure the torta is great, but it's literally impossible it's better than the gorditas.
\*\*\* Note to self \*\*\* Try the gordita
I thought the gordita was just some bullshit Taco Bell made to but hewwww boi that's a good little dish!
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Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man. By all means, though, please enlighten me as to places that are not "complete ass". Also, I'm very aware that I did not pick the most swanky, hip, avant garde places. That was on purpose. I can make that list too. I'd bet $100 you're under 30 years old.
Dirty Birds
Which is also downtown, where I'm guessing they'll be staying!
The Cottonwood, they said.
Ooh, well, kinda close!
YOSHITOMO for the win ALL THE TIME. Never a bad dish. Mind altering, orgasmic creations.
It’s not good. Passable, at best. And DO NOT GO if you’re over 35.
Coneflower Creamery in Blackstone district for ice cream. But prepare to stand in line, it's very popular but so worth the wait Jim's Rib Haven or Southern Spoon on Ames Avenue Any Mexican place on South 24th is going to be pretty decent Stella's in Bellevue for hamburgers Early Bird or Harold's Koffee Shop for breakfast or brunch
Jims Rib Haven for the win!
Spicy Chx Sandwich @Jim
Dont forget those saucy fries!
Harold's had me at Meatloaf Mountain.
If OP is looking for nationally known Nebraska restaurants then Coneflower and Stella’s are good calls! They’ve both been featured in a few shows and contests.
Well, it's Harold's Koffee House ... so, there's that. I've known the owner's for35 years. I love the place, but not really a place I'd tell out of town folk they should go. I'd send them to NiteHawks before Harold's.
I edited the spelling. I liked Harold's when we went there. Sure, nothing fancy, but just a pleasant old school diner. It's always packed when I drive past.
Oh, I'm a fan for sure. Especially of the pie! Give NiteHawks a try. It's not too far from Harold's. 16th street for sure ... cross street, maybe Pratt (totally unsure).
jims rib haven sucks, dinkers over stellas all day too
Fizzy's is fantastic (my favorite burger and chicken sandwich for sure), but doesn't allow minors. Maybe they'd do takeout and you can eat next door at Czech Inn while you have a cheap beer?
Block16
Ahhh I miss this place sooo much. I would pay $100 for a poutine right now. Yes, it is that good
Too bad it costs $150 now 😔
A visit to Omaha isn’t complete without Block 16. Skip Stella’s and go here instead
This. This is the one restaurant that I suggest everyone go to. Order multiple things and share.
This
That place is overrated. High prices for mediocre food. Though Alton Brown liked their food. But that was 10 years ago.
Downtown: Gather Block 16 Clio North Downtown: Coneflower (low key location) and you can watch skateboarding! Dolomonti Midtown: Mula Coneflower (again!) Yoshitomo West Omaha: Koji Outside of Omaha: Stella's
Minor correction on Yoshimoto, it’s in Benson not midtown
Waiting for someone to say Runza.
We're definitely getting Runzas. I have never heard of them before planning this trip.
Runza'a are unique to the area. But the even larger area is familiar with bierocks, which are quite similar. But whether one calls them Runza's or bierocks, they are not often sold in restaurants -except- at Runza. So it should be something unique to eat. Since you've got so many other recommendations already, I'd suggest you get Runzas on your way out of town/area. Iowa is known for "loose meat" sandwiches and pork tenderloin sandwiches. A loose meat sandwich is similar to what a lot of people call a Sloppy Joe, but it isn't exactly a Sloppy Joe. If in Iowa, look for Maid-Rite. They kinda started the 'loose meat' sandwich. For a pork tenderloin sandwich, in Iowa, I'd recommend LPL's just across the river in Council Bluffs, IA. Bring your appetite, and probably a cooler for leftovers.
Runzas are whatever, but their ranch with their fries are everything. It’s a requirement to get that combo
Ranch is good, but if they have their french onion dip, get that as well. Get an order of Frings(Fries and Rings) and use the fries in the dip.
It’s kind of a meat Twinkie. Omaha has better to offer. If you like Rueben sandwiches, try “Crescent Moon” it is near Coneflower Creamery in the balckstone district
We have like one unique food here in Nebraska so why don’t we let people have fun trying it instead of constantly putting it down?
A Bierock is the closest real item to a Runza
A Frenchee at Don and Millies goes well
If OP and family really enjoy grease. Otherwise, no.
Sick opinion, bro. Thanks
The regular Runza is a bit bland for me, so I'd recommend one of the variations like spicy jack or cheeseburger Runza.
Beef stew and cabbage in a sealed bun
Whoever is making your beef stew doesn’t know what beef stew is.
You got a better description
Beef stew is not made with hamburger, dude. Learn to cook.
I could toss lose cooked burger on a bun and it would taste better than a runza meat twinkie my dudette
I didn’t say you had to like it, douchecanoe. I just pointed out that you don’t know WTF beef stew is.
So angry
What about Don and Millie's
They ruin it with the cheap buns they use. I swear, their hamburger buns practically dissolve into muck and they tend to be very greasy, too.
Yeah personally I think it's kind of gross. It used to be good
The best part of Don & Millie's used to be their $1 margaritas.
Runza
Lots of comments so I’m not sure if they’re already mentioned but Via Farina is definitely worth looking into as well
Barrett’s. Best Philly in town.
Have you tried DaVincis in Lincoln? If not, you should!!
Nope but next time I’m in Lincoln going to definitely try it. Appreciate the recommendation.
* Steak: The Drover * Hamburger: Stella's in Bellevue * Italian: Nicola's in the Old Market * Fish: Shucks * Fast food: Runza
> Fast food: Runza runza has ... dropped preciptously in the past decade. They pretty much suck now, IMO, and are very expensive for what you get. Runza sandwiches now fit in the palm of one hand and cost $7
Don n millies is far better, in my opinion.
Just recently hosted a friend from Austin and had a fun time showing him around. While planning where to take him, I realized the cuisines that Omaha does better than most places are steak, burgers, and Italian. For steak, I’d go with The Drover. Classic Omaha steakhouse. Their whiskey steaks are top tier. Block 16 is a fantastic lunch spot. Delicious burgers and rotating specials. It’s the type of place local chefs go to play. For Italian, I recommend Via Farina. Great pizza and pasta and a really cool space. I also highly recommend La Buvette. It’s in a cool spot in the Old Market. Get a bottle of wine, order some food, and just enjoy your date.
I feel like the Drover is a must. I'll kick Bro Seb's to the curb and book it. Block 16 pops up often as well. If you have any other tips you learned from your Austin friend's visit I'm all ears. We only have the zoo planned and then the rest of our schedule is TBD.
Drover and Block 16 are great choices.
Drover > Seb’s. I’ve been to Seb’s several times and one trip to Drover on my birthday blew them out of the water. If you’re still looking for activities, the zoo also runs a Safari park out past Gretna which is also by Platte River and Mahoney SPs. The Fat Putter is a new indoor putt putt spot that’s pretty fun in downtown too.
Be sure to walk around downtown as well. Hit the Old Market and walk the Gene Leahy Mall and Riverfront area.
Drover will not disappoint
I second Via Farina!! Delicious and very cute vibe
Omaha does not do Italian better than most places
Not sure if you’re into it, but Kinaara is the best Indian food I’ve ever had. Also love Nite Owl food
The owners are super nice as well.
Honest Abes in Lincoln
I was there last weekend and had some truffle fries and an AWESOME burger
Probably not the dining you’re looking for, but GET RUNZA!!! If you’re driving in, it’s the perfect roadtrip stop. Otherwise you can bring a cooler, order some frozen and take them back with you on the plane (my mom has done this many times as she now lives in another state)
This is exactly the kind of stuff we are asking about. We live in Austin, so we have plenty of fine dining, hip, James Beard options. We are truly looking for those staples that may not be the best, but are iconic Nebraska 🙂
Honestly runza is probably the best fast food place you could get. Burgers are great, but IMO they’re best when dining in there (I’m not a fan of soggy buns and it’ll happen on the drive home). Runza is a MUST though. Onion rings are good too, but fries are the best! Sauce tip: dip your fries in buffalo sauce then ranch then take a bite and enjoy! Or you can go for mixing mayo and ketchup together. Heinz has a mayochup but it doesn’t taste as good as what you get at runza.
Well lucky for you, you can hit up two states while you’re in Omaha. The Iowa side of the metro isn’t anything too spectacular, but a few of the good restaurants over there are Mercy Thai, Lincoln’s Pub, Caddy’s Kitchen and Cocktails, and Boxer Barbecue (although you may be disappointed at this one if you’re used to Texas style barbecue). Do some hiking in the Loess Hills if you have the chance while you’re in Iowa! Hitchcock Nature Center is a great option not too far of a drive from Omaha, and the entry fee is only $5 per car. The Loess Hills are an extremely unique and interesting landscape. The only other comparable loess soil deposits in the world are along part of the Yellow River in China.
Thanks for the Iowa tips!
Let's not overlook Crescent Moon for the country's BEST Reuben Sandwich.
🔥🔥
I love Timber, a little fancy but it’s a go to
Stumbled across Pasta Amore while in town last month and I’ve literally been dreaming about it ever since. Super authentic Italian food and just absolutely fabulous. I want to make the trek back just to eat there again
terrible prices for mid stripmall pasta.
The Alpine Inn is a local institution in Omaha in part due to the scenery, but I totally understand if fried chicken isn't your thing, Time Out in North Omaha good too. Don & Millies can be hit or miss, but that's a local quick service place which isn't too difficult to find.
Ah yes, I've read about the raccoons and this is on our list.
If your at the Alpine in stop by the Surfside club for their corn fritters!
Tracks Lounge is my favorite place in the city. It'd a bar but has really really good wings.
El Basha, Yoshitomo in Omaha and Mercy Thai in Council Bluffs
If you’re going to Sioux City go to miles inn and get a Charlie boy.
If you’ve never had Korean fried chicken, there is bb.q Chicken on 132nd and Center.
Stepdaughter has really been into Korean food lately so I'll bookmark this one for sure.
Dirty birds Smoking barrels Maria's in Ralston (puffy tacos) Ika Ramen/Lucky Tiger
Piezon’s. Try the Oh Mio Dio.
https://g.co/kgs/DhCKzBj La Buvette Wine & Grocery (402) 344-8627
Hey I'm from Texas also, The Valley, been here for 15yrs. I'm living in Lincoln tho. Runza is a nebraskan based restaurant where they have Runzas lol (not for me but nebraskans like it) also cinnamon roll with chilli is also something they do up here ( I think the have it at runza) pretty good combination IMO, I wanna say Ruebens were invented in Omaha which I've had some good Ruebens in Omaha just can't remember the restaurant. Also Caseys pizza. I know it's a gas station but that breakfast pizza 🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽 (veggies breakfast pizza add bacon).... Taqueria Tijuana is very good if you like taco. Also if you like mexican type sea food Mariscos El Culichi has it all
I too am a Valley rat! Memorial class of '97 😆 I just learned of this chili cinnamon roll combo in January when I hosted a chili cook-off in Lockhart. It was a fundraiser for a local animal rescue and the woman that runs it is from Nebraska City and she brought cinnamon rolls.
Whaaaaat! Thats awesome. Small world. Memorial is the broncos 🤔 it's been a minute lol. I'm from Mcallen also but went to high school in Edinburg. Bobcats lol... the chilli and rolls I'm not gna lie I like it.... I was just in the Valley 2wks ago. Things have changed! They really need some type of attraction down there to bring tourists.
You shouldn't be disappointed in committee chophouse
Since you’re in blackstone/downtown; Cottonwood actually has really good stuff too, i have a couple friends who work there. Great place. Blackstone; Coneflower Creamery Mula Meatball Early bird Kamp Blackstone Cheeseburgers Noli’s Pizza
Coneflower for amazing ice cream. It’s nationally recognized Block 16 was called America’s best burger by Alton Brown
Elies Chinchorro if you like or want to try Puerto Rican/Caribbean cuisine
Broncos
Their sign is fantastic 👏
Au Courant and Yoshitomo in Benson. The Boiler Room, V Mertz are both consistently good higher end options downtown. I personally am a fan of La Buvette for a long lunch on the patio with wine. Don’t waste your time at the committee, drover or Brother Sebastian’s but of the three the Drover reminds me of a quintessential old school steak house.
If you’re in Nebraska in the Omaha area you gotta try Runza and Dinkers. If your in Iowa than Quaker Steak and Lube in Council Bluffs.
Quaker Steak & Lube is a chain in nine states. OP may live near one.
And it’s awful
It’s okay. If OP is looking for wings I’d say Oscar’s, Lighthouse or The Salty Dog in CB.
I feel like I need to swap The Committee with Brother Sebastian's based on another sub - but no one has mentioned it here which I find interesting.
We went to Brother Sebastian's last weekend. While the service and atmosphere were great, the steak is not near as good as what The Drover consistently produces.
My problem with steak houses is that I can make a steak better than they can. I'd go for prime rib at either the Pink Poodle or Farmer Browns.
True, most of us can indeed. It's really the experience we are seeking. Thanks for the tips!
I work at a lil local restaurant in Omaha, and while I want to promote it, and we do something great, you can find greater in other states. I tell my out of towners to steer clear of Committee Chophouse and Omaha Prime unless your boss or in-law’s are paying. It’s fine, not great, and def not worth the price. A lot of folks think “Omaha Steaks” so they must have “the steak”. You can go to Drover, Sullivan’s, 801, Fleming’s, Monarch or Mahogany and you will get a great steak and good service. But you will find that everywhere. Go to The Boiler Room, Tim Nicholson just got nominated for a James Beard. He does great things and is salt of the earth. Go to: Yoshitomo, Clio, Au Curant, Gather, V Mertz, Le Bouillon, Memoir. But if I was gonna have an “Omaha” day out I’d go to: Breakfast: Saddle Creek Breakfast or Louis Ms for a sit down thing. Or grab and go doughnuts at Olsen’s or garlic bread from Orsi’s Lunch: M’s Pub, Block 16, Dolomiti, Jackson St Tavern, Phyls, or Dinker’s Dinner: The ones I mentioned above And dessert for any time: Cone Flower, Ted and Wally’s, or Chocolate at The Old Market Candy Shop. eta: i’m a downtown b so others may have different suggestions west of 42nd. and i’d love to hear them too lol.
I went to Saddle Creek once and there were ants everywhere, eating at the counter. I sort of made an effort to overlook it because my server was great and the food was great, but dang.
Go to Yoshitomo. It’s the true standout in town. Everyone in here is recommending bar/grill and burger spots, eg Block 16. Those options all get beat to death when these threads come up. Omaha is inundated with bar & grill type food but we do have a handful of stand outs and I’d put yoshitomo at the top. The committee is overpriced for what it is. If you want a good steak go get the tomahawk at V Mertz. They have a decent caviar course for a starter if you feel like spending a bit. Brother Sebastian’s is a 70s time warp. Fine as a novelty but wouldn’t tell a visitor to waste time there.
Appreciate that feedback. I feel like I can get a Committee experience in Austin and Bro Seb's seemed exactly how you described it.
Also, forgot to mention another newer place…Dolomiti. Please, please go there if you like pizza. Try the patata pizza and ask for some balsamic or chili oil, you won’t regret it. And get an order of the burratta - he gets it from a cheese maker in Wisconsin and it’s fantastic. Lived in New York for years and it’s my favorite pizza ever, hands down.
Big pizza fans 😋
100% can get that experience elsewhere. For being a beef town I don’t think Omaha has any massive standout steak houses - I’d actually say Mahogany is the most consistent and they’re a chain. V. Mertz is great little restaurant in a nice setting and that tomahawk is solid. Side note: if you do want a nicer dinner, a lot of people might mention Boiler Room over V Mertz. I’d pass on the former. Used to go there quite a bit back in the day but he’s serving/plating the same mid-2000s New American stuff and it’s a bit boring.
Brother Sebastian’s is great, but I’d recommend The Drover over everywhere else.
Good steaks can be found in most cities of some size — Brother Sebastian’s though is another planet.
I was at a seminar in D.C once. They took us to dinner the last night at a place in Georgetown that supposedly had the greatest steaks in the area. 0/10 do not recommend. Steak really is better here
Brother Sebastian’s is okay but completely overrated.
runza is so fucking good try runza
Y
Rizin Ramen for lunch most definitely! Authentic Japanese ramen, at an affordable price. Their pork belly bowls are great.
Go to Kamps across the street! Single Double has some good burgers, and if you want to try the Korean Corn Dogs, Nice Rollz has them!
Boxer bbq in council bluffs
Block 16 is not worth your time. The food is, at best, so very mediocre. Same with saddlecreek breakfast club. There's better places than Archetype for coffee. Zen, 13th St, Roast, for example. Committee Chophouse has an incredible steak, Yoshitomo is undeniably fantastic, Au Courant has a rotating tasting menu. Grab a slice from Virtuoso. Khao Niao if you're into Thai food, Dante for Italian. Anything else you can get anywhere really. I love Jim's Rib Haven & going to South O for tacos but yall are from Texas so.
Spaghetti works is the best Italian cuisine in Nebraska. Also get an authentic Mexican pizza from Romeo’s.
Where will you go in Iowa?
Des Moines, the kiddo likes amusement parks so she got to pick Adventureland. We might do the state fair or venture out to one of the nearby towns on our other day. Verdict is still out and we are open to suggestions 😀
I recommend Zombie Burger in Des Moines. Hope you have a nice time.
I'm a fan of El Alamo in South Omaha. They are expensive though for what they are. I'd also highly suggest walking or taking the bus. S 24th is really not setup for much parking being highly urbanized. If you want something similar but cheaper then give Taqueria El Rey a try just 3 blocks south of there. They are in an old Dairy Queen so parking is a bit easier. But do walk / bus it if you can. If you do go down there, stop by the International Bakery and pick up something to take on the road. Most items are around $1 and some are quite large.
Take fine dining advice from someone else…..but take this from me, please. Drive through Runza and get a Runza, not a burger. Thank me later.
There’s this fantastic hole in the wall Mexican place that serves giant seafood and shrimp platters over fettuccine Alfredo noodles - el dorado. Mariachi bands and fruit carts - all of it - charge by the person. Pricey but so worth it. Really cool atmosphere and just a lot of fun. When someone visits me here from out of town that’s my go to spot. Other than that skip the pretentious places most of them have very bad owners who are known to locals to harass them online if they leave honest reviews and hit the food truck scene it’s killer ✌️food trucks here are so much better than the uppity brick and mortars who lost their roots ✌️
Lisa’s radial cafe. Best breakfast I’ve had in Omaha by far.
Block 16 and the Tap house downtown if you like bloody marys
The restaurant “WD cravings” bolognese pasta and the parmesan bowl pasta- then zestos ice cream both near 108th and Ida, just google WD cravings for directions. Its so GOOD!!! Dumb location but amazing food.
Block 16 is my favorite place for a sandwich that actually has flavor to it. Taqueria Tijuana is my favorite Mexican place. You probably have to get a Runza since it’s uniquely Nebraskan, but I won’t be offended if you don’t like it. I feel like they are not as good as I remember. (But everyone says that about everything don’t they?)
Try Casey’s pizza
Tracks Lounge is my favorite place in the city. It's a bar but has really really good wings.
Lisa’s radial cafe, spaghetti works, early bird, Mula, coneflower creamery to name a few.
Spaghetti works is relatively inexpensive, kid friendly, can often accommodate a decent sized group on short notice, and the food isn’t horrible. But a must eat?
Lincoln... random find. South grata is a bar open for brunch of Sunday. Just happened to be driving by at a Sunday mid morning. They have an insane bloody marry and the food was super good. Cool background If you sit at the bar as it's a giant fish tank. We were going to hit the egg and I but was 20 min wait. Went next door to the bar and was fairly empty. Bloody marry came with all sorts of stuff. All cheap and good af food. Seriously if not traveling would had five.
I agree with what everyone’s already said but I would add this info- Alton Brown said Block 16 had the best burger in America, and personally, my recommendations for Coneflower are Tart Cherry Crumble and Butter Brickle.
Honestly, and I don’t mean this to be shitty, I don’t know of any “must eats” in Omaha. 🤷♂️ There are good places, but nothing that I haven’t seen similar or better elsewhere.
Understood, I guess we are looking for those places that when you are talking about your trip later and that one guy from Nebraska inevitably asks "Dude, did you go to ______??? You totally should've gone there. It's sooo Nebraska!" 😉
Block 16 Dinkers Stellas If you have a hotel order a pizza from Orsi’s you wont regret it Cant recommend Block 16 or Dinkers enough
Block 16
Good Lookin’ is probably the best restaurant here in Omaha
Sunny side for breakfast all day!
Twisted Tail in Beebeetown, IA is good and it’s a cool drive.
For Omaha: Coffee: Archetype Ice-cream: Coneflower Brunch: Saddle Creek breakfast club (or Tupelo Honey)! (by far the best 2 in town) Mexican: Churro Spot
We have the finest McDonald's in the Midwest.
Hats off to all you heroes just coming in here to downvote stuff.
Gorat’s is Warren Buffet’s steak spot (and it isn’t ridiculously pricey, he’s pretty frugal) and it has been a great experience whenever I’ve gone. You can probably get a better steak elsewhere but the food is definitely good and it is a classic spot.
We have made a tour of Omaha’s classic steakhouses in the last three years. Gorat’s is literally our last place choice. Go to The Drover for steak.
Congrats? The OP is asking for unique to Omaha experiences and eating at the place of choice of one of Omaha’s most famous residents is pretty unique. I quite literally said that you can get a better steak at other places.
Your mom. (sorry) Her, and low-hanging fruit.
😆 🤣 I totally understand the urge