OMAHA RECS
Cait Morrissey
Since high school I have been curating a list in my notes app of my favorite Omaha spots for new residents, visitors, or locals who want to try something new. I have been airdropping the list to friends new people I meet and now is the time to make the list official.
The list doesn’t just contain local restaurants, I detailed out the Omaha basics: boutique hotels, well-known neighborhoods, as well as Omaha suburbs. It may seem like a lot but stay with me as you scroll!
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)
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!
Downtown | 16th & Howard
CoralTree Hospitality
Beautifully restored Omaha favorite located a block away from the Orpheum Theater.
Downtown | 12th & Farnam
Autograph Collection, Marriott
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!
Downtown | 18th & Douglas
Curio Collection by Hilton
Warm and inviting hotel featuring art from local muralists! This place is a real gem.
Bonus points for their rooftop bar, The Take Off!
Downtown | 15th & Harney
White Lotus Group
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.
Downtown | 18th & Dodge
IHG, Hotel Indigo Collection
A new addition to the Omaha boutique line-up! “Curated Spaces, Modern Comforts & Local Vibes,” described the feel of the hotel best. Great east facing views!
Blackstone | Streets
IHG, Kimpton Collection
A place that feels like home. My personal favorite spot for drinks. With four different 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
Old Market | 12th & Harney
Marriott, Moxy Hotel Collection
COMING SOON! 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
RESTAURANTS & DESSERT
This list is for the foodies, the food explorers, visitors, and everyone in between. There are going to be restaurants left out with the high amount of restaurants in Omaha. This list will be continually added to as I explore new places myself!
Downtown & Old Market
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!
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
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: Twist cone
Midtown
Blackstone
Blackstone | 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
Blackstone | 40th & Farnam
Additional Locations
Regency | 107th & Pacific, Gretna
Fresh made-to-order pizza by the slice!
Rec: Dimanzo pizza
Blackstone | 38th & Farnam
Additional Locations
Regency | 107th & Pacific, Papillion
Brunch done right!
Rec: Traveler’s Omelet
Kamp Food Hall
Blackstone | 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
Blackstone | 39th & Farnam
Farm to cone. This is going to be an instant favorite!
Rec: Rocky road
Blackstone Continued
Rathskeller Bier Haus (German Bar)
45th & Farnam
Dundee
Goldberg’s
Dundee | 50th & Dodge
A good amount of my childhood was here. Staff is always nice and welcoming! I keep coming back for the nostalgia.
Rec: Burger of choice with a pretzel bun
(North of) Dundee | 50th & Saddle Creek
Best breakfast in Omaha. I have never had anything but a spectacular experience. If you have heard of SCBC you know it is worth the wait.
Rec: Gluten free french toast with a side of fruit
Dundee Continued
Dundee | 50th & Underwood
Dundee | 50th & Underwood
Benson
Benson | 60th & Maple
Best sushi in Omaha. Go now!
Rec: Simba roll
Benson | 61st & Maple
Puffy tacos, margarita juice pouches and an amazing patio!
Rec: Fish taco and a juice pouch (the tacos are large)
Inside of the Ted & Wally’s Benson location you will find a small creole cafe. Let me let me you they are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. They really care about their customers. You can also spot their food truck around town.
Rec: Loaded chicken fries
Aksarben \ Elmwood
Inner Rail Modern Food Hall
If you know me, you know how much I love this area specifically this place.
An abundance of delicious venders to choose from as well as a bar! In the warmer months it transitions into an indoor-outdoor entertainment space.
Rec: Nori, Teriyaki rice bowl
Zoup!
Aksarben | 60th & Center
Zoup! is a national chain, but it is too good not to mention.
Rec: Avocado “Toast” Grain Bowl
Three Happiness Express (Chinese)
Elmwood | 51st & Leavenworth
Craving it as I type this. When my dad first moved to Omaha in the 90’s he found this spot and it has been a staple in my family since.
Rec: Sesame chicken with white rice 🌾 and veggie fried rice
Central
Lighthouse Pizza
78th & Pacific
Home of the 9 inch slice. Recommend the parm fries with extra Lighthouse sauce. They are open late on weekends.
Rec: Mac & cheese pizza with parm fries (get extra Lighthouse sauce)
West Omaha
JAMS
West Omaha \ Legacy | 173rd & West Center
Additional Locations
Old Market | 11th & Harney
Central | 78th 7 Dodge
The West Omaha and Old Market locations both have very enjoyable patios. Get the sangria. You won’t regret it!
Rec: Coconut chicken salad
West Omaha | 178th 7 Dodge
Additional Location
Dundee | 50th & Underwood
My go to spot for happy hour! Especially on their second floor patio.
Rec: Tiger blood mule
COFFEE SHOPS
West Omaha | 156th & Dodge
This place is usually always busy for a reason, because it’s so damn good. Karma is dog friendly, so the baristas know my dog better than me!
Rec: Kosmic Krunch and a turkey sausage breakfast sammy + avocado
Roast Cafe
Aksarben | 67th & Shirley (Center)
West Omaha | 120th & Blondo
Small batch artisan roasted coffee. Opened and ran by A Hill of Beans Roasters.
Rec: Carmel blender
Downtown | 10th & Jones
Benson | 60th & Maple
Highlander | 30th & Lake
West Omaha/ Chalco | 144th & I-80
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
Midtown | 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.
Gifford Park (Midtown) | 33rd & California
In a literal house. Nestled in between the two co-owners houses. Buy a cup and stay a while!
Coffee Shops Continued
Little Bohemia | 13th & William
N. Downtown, Millwork Comms | 12th & Millwork
Blackstone | 39th & Farnam
Midtown/ Downtown | 25th & Farnam
West Omaha | 132nd & West Center
West Omaha | 114th & Dodge
West Omaha | 156th & Dodge (Inside Lifegate Church)
Midtown | 32nd & Farnam
Old Market | 13th & Jackson
Howlin’ Hounds
Downtown | 16th & Leavenworth
Dundee | 49th & Underwood
BARS & BREWS
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
Benson | 61st & Maple
Additional locations
Little Bohemia | 13th St
An adult arcade. An easy win!
(North of ) Dundee | 50th & Saddle Creek
The best dive bar! A good time even on bad days! They are known for their champagne on tap!
Rec: Glass of champagne and then a mixed drink
Night Owl
Blackstone | 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!
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
Capitol | 12th & Capitol
Home to over 15 bars and restaurants, this is a one stop shop for a fun night out!
Start at one bar and make your rounds to create an easy bar crawl!
Dundee | 50th & Underwood
The little hole in the wall where the bartenders will remember your name. The place you keep coming back to. I have spent too many summer nights on their patio to count!
Rec: Mule or sangria in the summer
West Omaha \ Legacy | 173rd & West Center
The not so secret speakeasy. It is located below Jams in West Omaha so it’s the perfect after dinner spot! The decor and cocktails are very intricate. Check out the other bars created by Maven Social!
Rec: Something off the seasonal menu (Alice rotates pretty frequently and there is always something delicious!)
Bars Continued
Downtown | 16th & Farnam
The Tiny House Bar (& Tacos)
Little Bohemia | 13th St
The Down Under Lounge - Dive Bar
Midtown-ish | 35th & Leavenworth
Blackstone | 39th & Farnam
Blackstone | 39th & Farnam
OMAHA/ NEBRASKA BREWERIES
Brickway Brewery & Distillery
Old Market | 11th & Jackson
Old Market | 10th & Howard
N. Downtown | 12th & Millwork
LaVista | 107th & Giles
N. Downtown | 11th & Mike Fahey
Elkhorn | 204th & F
Midtown | 25th & Farnam
Midtown | 35th & Center
Blackstone | 40th & Farnam
Benson | 60th & Maple
Aksarben | 67th & Center
104th & Portal (Giles)
108th & Harrison
Lucky Bucket Brewing & Cut Spike Distillery
120th & Cennentinal (Giles)
West Omaha | 120th & Fort
LaVista | 118th & Y
Benson | 61st & Maple