I didn’t expect Nebraska to surprise me, but it did…bite after bite. I’ve eaten steak so tender in Omaha it practically melted, had farm-to-table dinners in barns strung with fairy lights, and found a tiny roadside café serving kolaches that could win over anyone’s grandma. One night I was in Lincoln sipping craft beer alongside a plate of bison sliders, the next I was in a small Sandhills town where the chef knew exactly which ranch my ribeye came from. Nebraska’s food scene isn’t loud, but it’s confident, built on heartland flavors with a twist. Here are 22 absolutely amazing places to eat in Nebraska that will have you booking a flight there in no time!
👉 Pro Tip: The Wacky Omaha Bar Crawl is a blast for anyone looking to explore the city’s nightlife with a fun twist! You’ll hit up unique bars, tackle challenges, and enjoy some laughs along the way. Grab a solid meal beforehand, bring a crew for extra fun, and don’t forget to charge your phone – you’ll want plenty of pics to remember this wild night out!
Unusual places to eat in NE
Ready to uncover Nebraska’s best eateries? We’re talking about everything from monastic steakhouses to momo havens. Join me as we delve into the most unique restaurants across these beautiful places in Nebraska.
Ever imagined dining among raccoons or inside a converted firehouse right here in Nebraska? Our food scene is bursting with surprises, offering everything from Afghan delights to Wild West saloons. Let’s dig into the most unique places to eat in NE!
1. Brother Sebastian’s Steakhouse & Winery
- 📍 Location: Omaha
- 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Classic American Steakhouse
- 🔥 Standout Features: Monastery-style decor, cozy fireplaces, salad bar in a hayloft.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Romantic dinners, steak lovers, themed dining experiences.
Prepare for a steakhouse experience that’s truly divine at Brother Sebastian’s Steakhouse & Winery! This Omaha institution is designed like an old California monastery, with cozy, dimly lit nooks and crackling fireplaces. The air smells of sizzling steaks.
Trying one of their perfectly cooked prime rib cuts is a must. A tender filet mignon or the flavorful New York strip are also excellent choices. Don’t miss the salad bar – it’s uniquely housed in a rustic hayloft! It’s a wonderfully atmospheric place.
- For more Omaha dining, you’ll love: 21 Fun & Unique Restaurants in Omaha
2. Block 16
If you haven’t hit Block 16 in downtown Omaha yet, you’re doing yourself a disservice. This fun, bustling spot is famous for drool-worthy sandwiches that pack some serious flavor. The Croque Garcon Burger is messy, Instagrammable, and downright legendary – it’s topped with ham, a sunny egg, and truffle mayo. Other showstoppers rotate in and out, keeping regulars on their toes. The vibe is upbeat, casual, and a little bit funky, with colorful murals and a steady playlist of indie tunes. It gets crowded fast during lunch, so I recommend snagging a spot early or planning for takeout. Afterward, stroll over to Gene Leahy Mall, just two blocks away – it’s the perfect spot to walk off that burger coma. Every time I eat here, I leave wishing my jeans were stretchier.
3. Nite Owl
- 📍 Location: Omaha
- 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Late-Night Diner / American Comfort Food
- 🔥 Standout Features: Retro diner, open late on weekends, classic comfort food.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Late-night eats, casual diners, post-bar snacks.
When late-night hunger pangs hit, Nite Owl in Omaha is your beacon of greasy-spoon glory! This classic diner keeps the griddle hot, serving comforting classics. The smell of coffee and frying bacon permeates the air, no matter the hour.
You can’t go wrong with a stack of their fluffy pancakes or a hearty country fried steak with gravy. Their classic cheeseburger deluxe with fries is also a popular choice. It’s where stories are shared over bottomless coffee and plates piled high.
4. Blackstone Social
If you want drinks and snacky bites in one of Omaha’s best neighborhoods, Blackstone Social is your move. It’s a moody, retro bar with dark wood, vintage couches, and an enormous, backlit liquor wall. Get their Social Smash cocktail, a crowd favorite, and munch on street tacos or loaded tots. The Blackstone District is packed with restaurants, boutiques, and dessert shops – Noli’s Pizzeria and Coneflower Creamery are literally next door if you want to bar-hop or swap your drink for house-made ice cream. The staff are awesome and know how to make you feel like a local even if you’re new in town. I once lost a whole evening just people-watching from the sidewalk patio.
5. Fizzy’s Fountain & Liquors
- 📍 Location: Omaha
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Retro Soda Fountain / American Comfort Food / Cocktail Bar
- 🔥 Standout Features: Vintage soda fountain, boozy shakes, playful retro vibe.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Creative cocktails, nostalgic date nights, fun group outings.
Step back in time with a modern buzz at Fizzy’s Fountain & Liquors! This Omaha spot is a delightful mashup of a vintage soda fountain and a cool cocktail bar, with a playful, retro vibe. They whip up incredible boozy phosphates and adult milkshakes.
Trying their sloppy joe on a toasted bun is a good idea. The crispy fried chicken sandwich or their loaded tater tot nachos are also fantastic. The best part? Watching “soda jerks” craft both classic and spiked fountain creations.
- Plan your Omaha visit at Visit Omaha.
6. The Drover
Every steak lover in Nebraska seems to have visited The Drover at least once, and for good reason. This is THE spot in Omaha for legendary whiskey-marinated steaks, served up in a dimly lit space that feels like an old-school lodge – think dark wood, vintage décor, and fireplaces. Order their signature whiskey filet and a massive loaded baked potato. It’s classic, hearty, and perfectly executed. I recommend making a reservation since this place is as popular with locals as it is with visiting celebs. It’s not far from Aksarben Village, so you can enjoy a concert or movie after your steak coma. The first bite of that steak set the bar for everything else I’ve eaten in Nebraska.
7. Screamers Family Restaurant
- 📍 Location: Lincoln
- 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American / Diner / Ice Cream Parlor
- 🔥 Standout Features: Singing servers, diner menu, classic ice cream treats.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Musical lovers, family outings, and dinner with entertainment.
Get ready for dinner AND a show at Screamers Family Restaurant in Lincoln! This isn’t your average diner; here, your food is served with a song! Talented local high school and college students belt out show tunes while delivering your burgers and shakes.
The ice cream sundaes, like a classic hot fudge or banana split, are as impressive as the vocal talent. For a savory bite, their classic patty melt or a simple cheeseburger are crowd-pleasers. You’ll be tapping your toes between bites.
- Find more Lincoln attractions at Visit Lincoln.
8. The Green Gateau
Lincoln’s The Green Gateau feels like a slice of Paris in Nebraska. This spot is all about European-inspired brunches and dinners in a warm, slightly upscale setting. Their Eggs Benedict is a local favorite, but I can’t resist the Bananas Foster French Toast, which arrives with a swirl of caramel and flaming tableside drama. The chandelier-lit dining room and art-lined walls make it perfect for date night or “treat yourself” brunch. It’s only a few blocks south of UNL’s campus and the Haymarket District, so you can walk off your meal by exploring cool shops and galleries. Last time I was here, I felt instantly fancier than my usual hoodie-wearing self.
9. Alpine Inn
- 📍 Location: Omaha
- 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American / Fried Chicken
- 🔥 Standout Features: Famous fried chicken, raccoon feeding show, casual setting.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Fried chicken fans, quirky local experiences, and roadside stops.
Okay, this one’s a wild card! Alpine Inn in Omaha is legendary for two things: its delicious, crispy fried chicken and the nightly gathering of raccoons outside who eagerly await leftover scraps! Yes, you read that right. The chicken is genuinely fantastic.
After you’ve devoured your broasted potatoes and chicken, you can watch dozens of furry bandits feast. The chicken dinner itself, served with those potatoes and a side of coleslaw, is some of the best around. The raccoon show makes this place an absolute Nebraska original.
10. Le Bouillon
Old Market’s Le Bouillon is casual French dining with serious romantic energy. Order the mussels and fries (the broth is so good you’ll wish for a straw) and their epic cheese plate for the table. There are giant windows, exposed brick, and quirky art installations that make every visit a visual treat. The Sunday brunch is a must if you love fresh pastries and bubbly. I always grab an extra almond croissant to go, then wander the cobblestone streets outside. This place oozes charm and makes you feel like you’ve temporarily moved to Paris – Nebraska-style.
11. Lalibela Restaurant
- 📍 Location: Omaha
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Ethiopian
- 🔥 Standout Features: Traditional Ethiopian dishes, communal platters, rich spices.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Shared meals, adventurous eaters, and Ethiopian cuisine lovers.
Embark on a culinary journey to Ethiopia at Lalibela Restaurant in Omaha! This gem serves authentic, richly spiced Ethiopian dishes, where you use soft, tangy injera bread instead of utensils to scoop up flavorful stews called wots. The aroma of berbere fills the cozy space.
Trying their doro wat (spicy chicken stew) is a must. The vegetarian combination platter, a colorful array of lentil and vegetable dishes like misir wot and gomen, or the savory beef tibs, are also excellent choices. Sharing is encouraged here.
12. Copal
Copal brings Oaxaca-level flavors to Lincoln with bold, regionally inspired Mexican food. The mole is the standout here – rich, smoky, and impossibly complex. Try it over chicken or in their vegetarian enchiladas, then chase it with a mezcal margarita. The restaurant has cheerful turquoise walls, woven textiles, and big windows that look out onto the Antelope Valley. Come with friends for a long lunch or lively dinner, especially if you love sharing plates. The energy is contagious, and you’ll find yourself wanting to Instagram just about every corner. My all-time favorite? Their sweet and spicy hibiscus agua fresca.
13. Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse & Lounge
- 📍 Location: Paxton
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $40+ per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Steakhouse / Wild Game
- 🔥 Standout Features: Over 200 taxidermy mounts, Wild West decor, hearty steaks.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Hunters, roadside travelers, and a steakhouse with a twist.
Step into a hunter’s paradise at Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse & Lounge in Paxton! This iconic spot is famous for its incredible collection of over 200 full-body taxidermy mounts. The vibe is pure Old West saloon.
Grabbing a hearty steak, like their hand-cut ribeye or sirloin, is a good plan. One of their famous burgers, or the unique Rocky Mountain Oysters (if you dare!), are also part of the experience. Soak in the truly unique atmosphere.
14. Plank Provisions
Seafood cravings in landlocked Nebraska are no joke, so Plank Provisions in Downtown Omaha steps up. Their oysters are flown in fresh and shucked right at the bar, and the lobster roll managed to make me question if I was secretly on the coast. They have nautical decor – ropes, driftwood, and even a porthole or two – plus an airy patio that’s perfect for people-watching on warm evenings. It’s a five-minute walk from the Heartland of America Park, which glows at night. I once got distracted mid-meal when a party ordered the flaming seafood tower – definitely the most photogenic dish here.
15. Front Street Steakhouse & Crystal Palace Saloon
- 📍 Location: Ogallala
- 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Steakhouse / Old West Saloon
- 🔥 Standout Features: Old West replica town, seasonal live shows, classic steaks.
- 🎯 Perfect For: History buffs, families, and Wild West-themed dinners.
Take a trip back to the Wild West at Front Street Steakhouse & Crystal Palace Saloon in Ogallala! This place is a full-on replica of an 1880s frontier street, complete with a saloon that looks straight out of a cowboy movie. They have live “gunfight” reenactments.
Chow down on a juicy ribeye steak or some tender barbecue ribs. Their classic chicken fried steak is also a popular choice while soaking in the historic ambiance. It’s a fun, immersive experience that brings Nebraska’s pioneer history to life.
16. V. Mertz
If you want a romantic, unforgettable dinner, V. Mertz is where you splurge. This Old Market hideaway feels like a secret wine cellar – low lights, exposed brick, cozy booths tucked under arched ceilings. Chef-driven and quietly luxurious, the tasting menus here are as gorgeous as they are delicious. The signature rabbit loin or the seasonal risotto are must-haves, and wine pairings seriously impress. People rave about the “tunnel” vibe – it’s intimate, never pretentious, and makes every date night or celebration feel extra special. After dinner, take a stroll through the cobblestone streets right outside – I once caught a jazz trio playing on the corner afterward, which felt ridiculously magical.
17. Fattoush Restaurant
- 📍 Location: Lincoln
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Middle Eastern / Mediterranean
- 🔥 Standout Features: Middle Eastern classics, generous portions, casual setting.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Mediterranean food lovers, casual lunch or dinner, and flavorful eats.
Get your Middle Eastern food fix at Fattoush Restaurant in Lincoln! This spot serves incredibly flavorful and authentic dishes that will transport your taste buds. The aroma of grilling meats and exotic spices is divine.
Trying their chicken shawarma plate, loaded with tender, seasoned chicken, rice, and salad, is a must. Their crispy falafel sandwich or the savory beef kebabs are also fantastic choices. It’s a welcoming place with generous portions for a satisfying meal.
- Find more amazing Nebraska restaurants at Visit Nebraska.
18. Coneflower Creamery – Blackstone District
If there’s one Nebraska scoop shop you need in your camera roll, it’s Coneflower Creamery. This Blackstone District spot is folksy and cool, with reclaimed barn wood, cheerful yellow touches, and friendly staff who really love to talk flavor. Everything’s small-batch and local – so even simple vanilla or “Heirloom Strawberry” blows the chain stuff out of the water. The honeycomb ice cream is legendary, and their homemade waffle cones are so fragrant you can smell them on approach. There’s an outdoor bench scene that heats up at night, and Blackstone’s bars are steps away. Trust me: bring a friend and get the ‘flight’ to sample multiple flavors!
19. Engine House Cafe
- 📍 Location: Lincoln
- 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Diner / Breakfast & Lunch
- 🔥 Standout Features: Former firehouse setting, firefighter decor, hearty breakfasts.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Families, breakfast lovers, and casual diners seeking local charm.
Sound the alarm for a delicious meal at Engine House Cafe, in a historic former fire station in Lincoln! This charming spot is decked out with firefighter memorabilia and has a fun, family-friendly vibe. They serve hearty, classic American diner fare.
You can’t go wrong with their massive pancakes (try the “Dalmatian” with chocolate chips). A classic Reuben sandwich or their popular Fireman’s Skillet for breakfast are also great choices. The kids will love the fire truck theme!
20. Casa Bovina
Casa Bovina is a showpiece for Nebraska beef, channeling Italian steakhouse vibes just outside of Lincoln. Set on a lush farm, the glassy, modern dining room spills out onto a killer terrace overlooking pastures. Here, the must-try is the dry-aged, ranch-raised beef – the Tomahawk ribeye is theatrical and perfect for an indulgent splurge. Their pasta and wood-fired veggies are legit, too. This is one of the few places in the Midwest where your dinner might come from the pasture outside. If you’re touring Lincoln, make a reservation for sunset and ask for an outside table – I’m still thinking about that golden hour view over the cattle fields.
- Find the perfect base for your trip: 19 Airbnbs in the Midwest (Treehouses, Cabins + Lake Houses)
21. Au Courant Regional Cuisine
- 📍 Location: Omaha
- 💲 Price range: $60 – $100+ per person (Tasting Menu focus)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern American / Progressive / Tasting Menus
- 🔥 Standout Features: Chef-driven tasting menus, seasonal and local ingredients, artistic plating.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Special occasion splurges, adventurous palates, tasting menu enthusiasts, and experiencing Omaha’s fine dining scene.
Experience culinary artistry at Au Courant Regional Cuisine in the Benson neighborhood. This intimate restaurant focuses on sophisticated, chef-driven tasting menus that showcase seasonal ingredients with modern American and progressive techniques. It’s a place for a truly special and memorable meal.
Find inventive preparations of local game, delicate seafood courses, or creative vegetable-forward dishes that highlight the season’s bounty. Au Courant offers a refined and adventurous dining journey.
22. Kathmandu Momo Station
- 📍 Location: Omaha
- 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Nepalese / Himalayan / Dumplings
- 🔥 Standout Features: Nepalese dumplings, street food style.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Dumpling lovers, fast casual meals, and Himalayan street food fans.
Get ready to fall in love with momos at Kathmandu Momo Station! This Omaha spot is all about those delicious Nepalese dumplings, steamed or fried and served with amazing dipping sauces. It’s a fantastic place for a quick, affordable, and incredibly tasty meal.
The chicken momos are a classic and a must-try. The vegetable momos, packed with flavorful veggies, or their spicy chili momos tossed in a tangy sauce, are also excellent choices. One bite of these dumplings, and you’ll be hooked!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the quirkiest restaurants in Nebraska
Are you searching for more information about where to eat in Nebraska? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about Nebraska’s most unique restaurants.
What food is Nebraska famous for?
Nebraska’s famous for its amazing steaks. Thanks to all the corn here, the beef is super tasty. And don’t forget about the corn itself – it’s super sweet and delicious.
What is the Nebraska State sandwich?
The Nebraska State sandwich is the bierock. It’s filled with beef, cabbage, onions, and seasonings, all wrapped up in dough. It’s hearty and flavorful.
Is Omaha a foodie city?
Yes, Omaha loves food. It’s got everything from old-school steakhouses to cool new spots. It’s a great place for anyone who loves to eat.
What is a fun weird fact about Nebraska?
Here’s a fun weird fact: Nebraska is home to Carhenge, a replica of England’s Stonehenge made entirely from vintage cars. It’s as quirky as it gets, blending art, history, and a bit of roadside Americana in the most unexpected way, making it one of the top places to live and visit in the Midwest.
