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

Test Jump Link

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!

Magnolia Hotel

Downtown | 16th & Howard

CoralTree Hospitality

Beautifully restored Omaha favorite located a block away from the Orpheum Theater.

The Farnam 

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!

The Peregrine 

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!

Hotel Deco

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.

Hotel Indigo

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!

Cottonwood Hotel

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

Moxy

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

Even Hotel

Midtown | 22nd & Farnam | IHG

Element

Midtown | 32nd & Dodge | Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Downtown

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

Block 16

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

Le Bouillon

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

M's Pub

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

Ted & Wally’s

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

Dolci

Old Market | 10th & Howard

Soft serve is always a good choice on a hot day!

Rec: Twist cone

Midtown

Blackstone

Mula

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

Noli’s

Blackstone | 40th & Farnam

Additional Locations

Regency | 107th & Pacific, Gretna

Fresh made-to-order pizza by the slice!

Rec: Dimanzo pizza

Early Bird

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

Coneflower

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

Saddle Creek Breakfast Club

(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

The Hoppy Taco

Dundee | 50th & Underwood

Avoli Osteria

Dundee | 50th & Underwood

Benson

Yoshitomo

Benson | 60th & Maple

Best sushi in Omaha. Go now!

Rec: Simba roll

Taco Co.

Benson | 61st & Maple

Puffy tacos, margarita juice pouches and an amazing patio!

Rec: Fish taco and a juice pouch (the tacos are large)

A Taste of New Orleans

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

Pitch Pizzeria

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

Karma Koffee

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

Hardy Coffee

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

The Mill

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.

Myrtle & Cypress Coffeehouse

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

Archetype

Little Bohemia | 13th & William

N. Downtown, Millwork Comms | 12th & Millwork

Blackstone | 39th & Farnam

Zen Coffee

Midtown/ Downtown | 25th & Farnam

West Omaha | 132nd & West Center

Stories Coffee Company

West Omaha | 114th & Dodge

West Omaha | 156th & Dodge (Inside Lifegate Church)

Midtown | 32nd & Farnam

13th Street Coffee

Old Market | 13th & Jackson

Howlin’ Hounds

Downtown | 16th & Leavenworth

Blue Line Coffee

Dundee | 49th & Underwood

BARS & BREWS

Laka Lono Rum Club

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

Beercade

Benson | 61st & Maple

Additional locations

Little Bohemia | 13th St

An adult arcade. An easy win!

Homy Inn

(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

The Capitol District

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 Cork & Bottle

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

Alice

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

The Green Room

Downtown | 16th & Farnam

The Tiny House Bar (& Tacos)

Little Bohemia | 13th St

The Down Under Lounge - Dive Bar

Midtown-ish | 35th & Leavenworth

Reno’s Karaoke Bar

Blackstone | 39th & Farnam

Corkscrew Wine & Cheese

Blackstone | 39th & Farnam

OMAHA/ NEBRASKA BREWERIES

Brickway Brewery & Distillery

Old Market | 11th & Jackson

Upstream

Old Market | 10th & Howard

Kros Strain Draftworks

N. Downtown | 12th & Millwork

LaVista | 107th & Giles

Zipline Brewing

N. Downtown | 11th & Mike Fahey

Elkhorn | 204th & F

Site-1 Brewing

Midtown | 25th & Farnam

Vis Major Brewing

Midtown | 35th & Center

Scriptown Brewing Company

Blackstone | 40th & Farnam

The Benson Brewery

Benson | 60th & Maple

Kinkaider Brewing Co.

Aksarben | 67th & Center

Pint Nine Brewing

104th & Portal (Giles)

Nebraska Brewing Company

108th & Harrison

Lucky Bucket Brewing & Cut Spike Distillery

120th & Cennentinal (Giles)

Monolithic Brewing

West Omaha | 120th & Fort

Infusion Brewing

LaVista | 118th & Y

Benson | 61st & Maple