CSL’s travel guide to Nebraska (including lincoln, omaha and sarpy county) – where to eat, where to stay, what to do.
GETTING THERE
Air
Connect to Omaha via major US hubs.
When To Go
The emerging food scene, craft breweries and cultural landmarks, make this an ideal year round destination.
OMAHA
While steakhouses, and Italian restaurants have been staples of the Omaha food scene for years especially in established areas like the Old Market downtown, The Midtown, Dundee, and Benson neighborhoods are the heart of this Midwestern city’s emerging food scene. Not only are Omaha restaurants providing charcuterie, small plates and farm to table fare, but a lively cocktail scene, craft breweries, and specialty food shops are leading to a new, modern food scene.
Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau
EAT AND STAY
The Grey Plume
Located in Midtown Crossings, the restaurant helmed by Chef Clayton Chapman espouses seasonal, local foods, small plates and contemporary flavours. Check out the pasta and charcuterie made in-house. 220 S. 31st Avenue, Suite 301, Midtown Crossing, Omaha, NE 68131; (402) 763-4447;
Le Bouillon
Housed in the old French Café building, featuring watercolours by Sam Mercer and the eclectic Niki de St. Phalle Tree, the restaurant specializes in comfort foods from Southern France and Vins de Table. Chef Paul Kulik emphasizes fresh, unpretentious food with an American twist. 1013-17 Howard Street, Omaha, NE; (402) 502-6816 telephone;
Dante Ristorante Pizzeria
Brick-oven pizza, meats, pastas and Italian wines based on a philosophy of locally sourced ingredients. Chef owner Nick Strawhecker brings a slice of Italy to Omaha. 16901 Wright Plaza The Shops of Legacy, Omaha, NE; (402) 932-3078;
Frank’s Pizzeria
Joe D’Elia offers some of the most delicious pizza in the city. New York style pizzas perfected from his native Brooklyn (where his family has been in business since the 1970s) are sold in a small, nondescript restaurant. Opt for a simple margherita pizza, hamburger-onion pies, traditional cannolis made with impastata ricotta or traditional veal parmesan. 711 N. 132nd Street, Omaha, NE; (402) 493-0404;
La Casa Pizzaria
Midtown located, family-owned Southern-Italian style pizza and large selection of other Italian fare. Famous for its hamburger-onion pie (a local Nebraska specialty). Newly opened food truck also serves the community. 4432 Leavenworth Street, Omaha, NE; (402) 556-6464;
Pitch Pizzeria
Founder Willy Thiesen named Pitch after the coal that stokes the fire creating the restaurant’s signature thin crust. Pastas, salads, sandwiches, soups, and healthy appetizers are also available. 5021 Underwood Avenue, Omaha, NE 68132; (402) 590-2625;
Chef²
Omaha chefs, Jim Trebbien and Mike Combs offer a variety of products for chefs, and home cooks including olive oils, vinegar, sea salt, sugar, locally produced goat cheese, tapenades, gourmet pastas, crackers, and cake mixes at their culinary store. Tasting events, demonstrations and cooking classes are also available. 3157 Farnam Street, Suite 7104, Omaha, NE; (402) 991-5656;
Dundee Dell
Tastings available from the largest collection of single malt Scotch whiskies in the U.S. Chef Mary Kelley’s fish and chips are legendary in the area. 5007 Underwood Avenue Omaha, NE; (402) 553-9501;
The Berry & Rye
Throwback pre-Prohibition cocktails and inspired contemporary creations at this craft cocktail room. Sodas, syrups, and bitters made in-house. 1105 Howard Street, Omaha, NE; (402) 613-1331;
Grane at Midtown Crossing
Mixologist and general manager Phil Cacciatore and owner Dan Matuszek offer premier and small batch whiskies, and handmade whiskey-based craft cocktails. Prohibition-style house Old Fashioned on tap. 120 S. 31st Avenue #5105, Omaha, NE; (402) 934-5727;
SEE
Joslyn Art Museum
The museum opened in 1931 and features a Georgia Pink marble Art Deco style exterior. European and American works, a 1,200 seat auditorium, Peter Kiewit Foundation Sculpture Garden and Discovery Garden, Sculpture Garden and important works related to Native Americans make this a must-see in Omaha. 2200 Dodge Street Omaha, NE; (402) 342-3300;
Hollywood Candy and Fairmont Antiques
Antiques, mercantile, candy, Hollywood memorabilia, diner, and much more in this unusual mazelike wonderland store. 1209 Jackson St, (402) 346-9746;
DO
Lauritzen Gardens – Omaha’s Botanical Center Four-season plant displays in an urban oasis. 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE; (402) 346-4002;
LINCOLN
Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau (402) 434-5335;
EAT AND STAY
The Cornhusker, A Marriott Hotel.
333 S. 13th Street Lincoln, NE; (402) 474-7474;
Bread & Cup
Serves lunch and dinner in a casual atmosphere from locally sourced ingredients. Sample the house-cured charcuterie, baked goods and black bean soup. 440 N. 8th Street, Suite 150 Lincoln, NE; (402) 438-2255;
Cultiva Coffee Roasting Company
Ever-changing selection of coffees from around the world roasted in-house. Café offers homemade breakfast including crepes. 727 S. 11th Street Lincoln, NE; (402) 435-1133;
Dish Restaurant
Chef Travis Green blends myriad influences at his Nebraska steakhouse-meets-locavore haunt. Dishes include grilled duck, falafel sandwich, hummus and a tofu entrée. 110 O Street, Lincoln, NE, (402) 475-9475;
Le Quartier Baking Company
Owners and brothers Seth Quiring and head baker John Quiring excel at this Montreal style-artisan bakery with several locations in Lincoln and Omaha. Expect baguettes (plain and blue cheese), croissants, pain au chocolat, bread, and cronuts. 6900 O Street, Suite 132 Lincoln, NE; (402) 464-0345;
The Normandy
Casual French country cuisine ranging from cassoulet, crepes, and quiche, to soup, salads, and cheese plates from owner/chef Lawrence De Villiers and chef Caleb Heston. 2785 S. 17th Street, Lincoln, NE; (402) 476-0606;
The Parthenon Greek Grill & Taverna
Traditional Greek dishes from chef/owner George Kazas. Monthly wine dinners and during the summer Dog Tuesdays allows patrons to bring their canine guests, who are treated to edible dog treats, on the restaurant’s patio. 5500 South 56th Street, Suite 100 Lincoln, NE; (402) 423-2222;
CASK
Fermentations and Cocktails in the Haymarket. Boutique wines, craft cocktails and spirits. 728 Q Street, Lincoln, NE; (402)416-2429
Venue Restaurant
Rooftop garden, hand-cut-in-house beef, in-house charcuterie and pasta reflect an ethos of sustainable, fresh, local food. Extensive wine list available. 4111 Pioneer Woods Drive Lincoln, NE; (402) 488-8368;
Licorice International
Worldwide selection of licorice from countries including Australia, New Zealand, Finland and Holland. Owners Elizabeth Erlandson and Ardith Stuertz also have an online order business and support soldiers overseas with their Treats for Troops program. 803 Q Street, Suite 300 Lincoln, NE; (402) 488-2230;
SEE
International Quilt Study Center & Museum
Housed in a beautiful, airy modern building, Ardis and Robert James personal donation initiated the collection which now stands at 3,500 quilts and related textiles and documents from the 1700s to the present from more than 25 countries. University of Nebraska-Lincoln/Dept. of Textiles, Clothing & Design P.O. Box 830838 1523 N. 33rd Street Lincoln, NE; (402) 472-6549;
Nebraska State Capitol
Dubbed the Tower of the Plain and designed by Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue it was completed in 1932. The Sower a 15,000 pound bronze statue of a man sowing grain caps the dome, a nod to the agricultural economy which is the backbone of Nebraska. Bright, murals and mosaics decorate the interior. 1445 K Street Lincoln, NE; (402) 471-0448;
Sheldon Museum of Art
Impressive collection of American art reflecting different periods, including 19th century landscape and still life, American Impressionism, Regionalism, early Modernism, Abstract Expressionism, Geometric Abstraction, Pop, and Minimalism. University of Nebraska-Lincoln P.O. Box 880300 12th and R Streets Lincoln, NE; (402) 472-2461;
Haymarket
Redevelopment area downtown home to historic warehouses a new civic arena, hotels, upscale condominiums, a community plaza, parking, The Railyard (entertainment and dining hub) and office and retail space.
DO
Lincoln Children’s Zoo.
Interactive and up close animal experience for children and adults. 1222 S. 27th Street Lincoln, NE; (402) 475-6741;
Sarpy County Tourism.
(402) 332-5999 telephone
Beansmith Coffee Roasters
Opened in 2010, this specialty coffee roaster sells single-origin coffees, espressos, and blends as well as coffee-making supplies. 12012 Roberts Road #C La Vista, NE; (402) 680-1125;
Read the full article on Nebraska in the Spring 2015 issue of City Style and Living Magazine. Want more travel guides?
