MY OMAHA RECS
Omaha. The city I will love forever and never stop exploring. Below, I have listed some amazing local restaurants, cafes, bars and more.
This list is for the foodies, the food explorers, families, visitors, and everyone in between. There are going to be places left out with the high amount of restaurants and small businesses in Omaha. This list will be continually added to as I explore new places myself!
Areas of Omaha
Let’s get the basics down first! Omaha has a number of quintessential neighborhoods to explore.
Omaha is split by the directions: North Omaha, South Omaha, East Omaha (mainly the ones on this list below) and West Omaha (the burbs)
Little Italy
Lil Bohemia
Old Market
Capitol District
North Downtown
Downtown
Midtown (Turner Park)
Blackstone
Dundee
Benson
Aksarben
Central (72nd and Dodge)
OMAHA RESOURCES & INFLUENCERS
Visit Omaha
Instagram | Facebook
Omaha Guidebook
Tik Tok | Instagram | Facebook
Omaha Places
Tik Tok | Instagram | Facebook
Nebraska Eddie
Tik Tok
Hotels
(the non-boring kind)
Holiday Inns are great, but when you have stayed at one you have stayed at them all. If you are looking for a more fun and elevated environment, these are the hotels for you!
MAGNOLIA HOTEL (IHG)
Downtown | 16th & Howard
Beautifully restored Omaha favorite located a block away from the Orpheum Theater.
THE FARNAM (Autograph Collection, Marriott)
Downtown | 12th & Farnam
One-of-a-kind boutique hotel with the backing of a well-known hotel chain. Modern industrial vibes on the edge of the cozy Old Market district!
THE PEREGRINE (Curio Collection by Hilton)
Downtown | 18th & Douglas
Warm and inviting hotel featuring art from local muralists! This place is a real gem.
Bonus points for their rooftop bar, The Take Off!
HOTEL DECO (White Lotus Group)
Downtown | 15th & Harney
Exquisite luxury art deco hotel with rich history steps away from the Orpheum theater. Initially renovated in 2010, it has gone a more recent renovation. Best known for its speakeasy The Wicked Rabbit.
HOTEL INDIGO (IHG, Hotel Indigo Collection)
Downtown | 18th & Dodge
A new-ish addition to the Omaha boutique line-up! “Curated Spaces, Modern Comforts & Local Vibes,” described the feel of the hotel best. Great east facing views! Bonus points for their well designed and themed bars, Three Card Monty and speakeasy Anna’s Place.
COTTONWOOD HOTEL (IHG, Kimpton Collection)
Blackstone | 36th & Farnam
A place that feels like home. My personal favorite spot for drinks. With three unique bars, the hotel never gets old. Between the hotel and the Blackstone neighborhood, you don’t have to leave the area!
Rec: All my friends drink in the New Orleans Room
MOXY (Marriott, Moxy Hotel Collection)
Old Market | 12th & Harney
Well-known intimate, urban boutique hotel collection located in the heart of the Old Market district. Targets the modern, urban explorer.
Honorable Mention
Midtown | 22nd & Farnam | IHG
Midtown | 32nd & Dodge | Marriott Bonvoy
Capitol District | 12th & Capitol | Marriott
Credit: High Note Media / Adobe Stock
Downtown & Old Market
COFFEE & CAFE
Downtown | 10th & Jones
This was my spot for studying in college. With multiple locations across Omaha, it’s a top favorite!
Rec: Iced coffee or something off the seasonal menu
Old Market | 13th & Jackson
Has been around forever and hope it never leaves! Menu is lengthy but I try to choose a different option every time I visit.
Howlin’ Hounds
Downtown | 16th & Leavenworth
Ran by the owner and is has a very local feel with the bar.
Rec: Classic latte or iced coffee
RESTAURANTS & DESSERT
Downtown | 16th & Farnam
Comfort food done best. They are well-known in the downtown community, so expect a line. It’s worth it!
Rec: Crab Rangoon Fries
Old Market | 10th & Howard
French comfort food in the heart of the Old Market. Order a bottle of wine and a few apps on the patio and enjoy!
Rec: Meat & cheese platter with a bottle of wine
Old Market | 11th & Howard
An Omaha freaking staple. Never a wrong choice!
Rec: Flatbread pizza and carrot cake for dessert
Nicola’s Italian Wine & Fare
Old Market | 13th & Jackson
Nicola’s will always have a special place in my heart! I worked there in high school and is the choice of my birthday dinner. Forewarning as there is only a handful of tables inside and the patio is first come, first serve. The homemade meatballs and marinara is worth it!
Rec: Penne al Ragu
Upstream Brewery
Old Market | 11th & Howard
Your standard family restaurant that you can rely on. I have dined here for get togethers, prom, graduations, easy night out and everything in between.
Downtown | 17th & Howard/St. Mary’s
Fried chicken made fresh - get there before they run out!
Old Market | 11th & Jackson
Omaha favorite since 1984. Different favors everyday! If you go in the morning you can watch them make the ice cream in 100 year-old Ice Mountain ice cream machines! If you are going during the CWS expect lines.
Rec: Strawberry Shortcake Sundae with your choice of ice cream
Old Market | 10th & Howard
Soft serve is always a good choice on a hot day!
Rec: Classic twist cone
Bars
Old Market | 12th & Howard
Two words. Tiki Bar. It is an immersive experience with it being underground and no windows. It is a must! Forewarning, the drinks are moderately expensive but contain a large amount of alcohol.
Rec: House of Hibiscus & Flamingle
Downtown | 16th & Farnam
Vibes are always good! Rotating cocktail menu
Rec: Something off the seasonal menus
Downtown | 15th & Harney
Intimate speakeasy with an Alice in Wonderland theme. You need the password to get in.
Brickway Brewery & Distillery
Old Market | 11th & Jackson
Great spirits & brews and an even better time!
Rec: Something off the seasonal menus
South DOwntown
LITTLE ITALY &
LITTLE BOHEMIA
COFFEE & CAFE
Cafe Postale
South Downtown | 10th & Mason
Little Bohemia | 13th & William
Rec: Iced Vanilla latte & a glazed croissant (from Olsen’s)
RESTAURANTS & DESSERT
South Downtown | 10th St
South Downtown | 13th & Pacific
The Tiny House Bar (& Tacos)
Little Bohemia | 13th St
Little Bohemia | 13th St
Modern diner where you order over the phone. Must visit!
Orsi's Italian Bakery & Pizzeria
Little Italy | 7th & Pacific
Bars
Little Bohemia | 13th St
Little Bohemia | 13th St
14th & Pierce/William
MIDTOWN
COFFEE & CAFE
Gifford Park | 33rd & California
In a literal house. Nestled in between the two co-owners houses. Buy a cup and stay a while!
31st & Leavenworth
Lincoln favorite has finally made its appearance in Omaha. This is the place of instagram dreams. In addition to a great place to get work done!
Bad Seed
Midtown | 24th & Harney
The vibes are just there. I don’t know how to explain it. You just need to experience it yourself.
Midtown/ Downtown | 25th & Farnam
Great coffee flights!
Midtown | 32nd & Farnam
A weekly stop… it’s so good!
Rec: Brown sugar shaken espresso
33rd & Harney
RESTAURANTS & DESSERT
Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza & Taproom
Turner Park | 31st & Farnam
Self-Pour Taproom Wall
Bars
Midtown-ish | 35th & Leavenworth
Midtown-ish | 35th & Center
Turner Park | 31st
Whiskey Bar
Blackstone
COFFEE & CAFE
39th & Farnam
Rec: Iced Vanilla latte & a glazed croissant (from Olsen’s)
RESTAURANTS & DESSERT
39th & Farnam
Saturday brunch parties? Count me in! Good food, good drinks, good vibes… what more could you want?
Rec: Street tacos with a margarita flight
40th & Farnam
Fresh made-to-order pizza by the slice!
Rec: Dimanzo pizza
38th & Farnam
Brunch done right!
Rec: Traveler’s Omelet
Kamp Food Hall
36th & Farnam
Formerly The Switch, Kamp has recently renovated the corner Blackstone food hall. Eclectic array of diverse cuisine.
Rec: Ice glass shot and throw it at the metal tiger
39th & Farnam
Farm to cone. This is going to be an instant favorite!
Rec: Rocky road
45th & Farnam
One of the best patios in Omaha and its dog friendly!
Bars
39th & Farnam
Small but fun. A line usually forms by 10:30 on the weekends.
Nite Owl
39th & Farnam
This is where you wind down towards the end of the night or when you want to go out but want to keep it low key. Top tier bar and late night food! Forewarning, it is dark inside.
Rec: King Julien drink with a side of tots and hot sauce. My friends usually go for texas combo, a shot of tequila and a bottle of Lonestar beer
39th & Farnam
”PRIVATE ROOM KARAOKE PICK YOUR THEME. RESERVE ONLINE. GET GROOVY.”
39th & Farnam
Check out the patio in the back - a hidden gem!
Rec: Flatbread pizza and a glass of white wine. Buy a bottle to take home!
40th & Farnam
Wild buffalo recently moved into their kitchen. Get good beer and good grub at the same time!
Sullivan’s
40th & Farnam
Your standard college/young professionals bar where you’ll always see someone you are two degrees of separation from.
AKSARBEN
COMING SOON!
DUNDEE
COMING SOON!
CENTRAL OMAHA
COMING SOON!
WEST OMAHA & ELKHORN
COMING SOON!
