seen from United States
seen from Canada
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from China
seen from China
seen from Russia
seen from United States
seen from Russia
seen from Türkiye
seen from United States
seen from Colombia
seen from United States
seen from Malaysia
seen from Canada
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Netherlands
TOP TEN RESTAURANTS IN OMAHA ACCORDING TO ADAM AND SARAH:
10. Zio’s
9. Saigon Surface
8. Big Momma’s Kitchen
7. El Aguila
6. Mother India
5. Baxter’s
4. Taquiera Tijuana
3. Lighthouse Pizza
2. Marrakech
1. Benson Brewery
(Our cheat to make it 52 restaurants this year! LET’S CELEBRATE!)
40. Pieocracy – Nebraska Crossing
You know that curiosity that surrounds a store that is new to the area? Okay, maybe that’s just me. I would compare it to the feeling that everyone had when Forever 21 or H&M opened. Well, maybe it wasn’t that exciting, but I know that every time I went to the outlets I’d think to myself, “OOOHHH, a NEW pizza place.” So when Adam and I headed out there to spend some of his birthday cash, I was surprised to see that we caught Pieocracy on its opening weekend. Someone explained the menu, and Adam and I did our standard order-two-different-kinds-of-pizza-and-split thing.
What we ordered:
Adam: Bianca Pollo
Me: BLT
The result: If you haven’t noticed by my previous posts, we are big pizza fans. Like REALLY BIG. And I really wasn’t impressed with this place. It could have been that I selected the BLT, which reminded me how much I don’t love a lot of tomatoes on things. Additionally, I’m sure that Nebraska Crossing isn’t really after their impressive restaurant choices, so it’s a fine place to run into and out of for a quick lunch while shopping. But I’d prefer to go to Voodoo Taco.
Which Wich and Salt 88
39. Which Wich – Papillion
Once Thanksgiving had come and gone, I think both Adam and I were doomed to not finish our 52 new restaurants. So this was one our last ditch efforts to keep picking at the list. So here we were at Which Wich.
What we ordered:
Adam and I: Wicked Sandwich
The result: A good alternative to Jimmy Johns. Adam and I would not turn this place down, and I think that it trumps that infamous Chick-fil-a that looms right across the way (I’m not in love with their chicken or their sauces).
38. Salt 88 – West Omaha, 129th and Maple
With Adam in tow, my girlfriends and I had planned a dinner and a movie night. Our effort to keep up with our new restaurant grind led us out to Salt 88, even though our movie was at Aksarben Theater. I employed the app, OpenTable that allowed us to make a reservation without actually calling the restaurant, which appeals to my desire to not be forced to interact with strangers.
What we ordered:
Adam: The Other Calamari
Meagan: Chicken Caprese Salad
Sara and I (we both wanted the same things on the menu, so we split two meals): Ravioli Ast and Jo Geez
The result: I think for audience in West Omaha, it’s great. I don’t know that I would go out of my way, unless it was during the summer because they look like they have a pretty amazing patio. Salt 88 could work for a multitude of life events – celebrating an anniversary, a nice birthday dinner, or a nice date night. And this restaurant won me over when I found out that they give out FREE cotton candy upon request.
23 more to go!
29. Big Mama’s Kitchen- Benson
Two years ago, Adam and I went to Taste of Omaha and tried Big Mama’s featherbones and that sold us on trying this place. But it took us two years and a dedication to our new resolution to actually go. Since it is part of the old Nebraska School for the Deaf, the actual restaurant was a little difficult to find. But I have to admit, this added to it’s lure.
Once in the actual restaurant, both Adam and I thought we were in his grandma’s kitchen. With family photos and the dishes served on mismatched plates, we felt at home.
What we ordered: FEATHERBONES! I had been waiting 2 years for this. Last year at Taste of Omaha, they had already run out of them by the time Adam and I got to their stand.
Adam: Big Mama’s Smothered Chicken with mac and cheese and mashed potatoes
Me: Big Redd with French fries
Dessert: Chocolate Brownie ice cream
The result: Bliss. Happiness. Everything.
We absolutely loved everything about this place. Everyone there was friendly, which only encouraged the homey feel. At the end of our meal, Big Mama had actually come out of the kitchen and greeted us and asked how the meal was. We thought we had met an Omaha celebrity. We want to make sure we get all our friends there for a meal that’ll just make you feel happy.
28. Cilantros – 144th and F
Adam and I were roaming Millard to get some errands done, so we thought we might as well try something new out on that side of town. We had driven out to Pudgy’s, but we didn’t know they were only open for dinner on Sundays. So Adam and I made a big loop down to Cilantro’s since we had to make a stop at the Goodwill down the street.
What we ordered:
Adam: Quesadilla Yucata
Me: Pork Tamale Platter
The result: It reminded me of La Mesa or Romeo’s or any other large Mexican food restaurant that offers large potions. If I consider that, it wasn’t bad at all. Considering there are several chains on the west side of town, I wouldn’t rule it out if it was offered, but I also wouldn’t actively choose to go there. If I can stick to my traditional, authentic 24th Street Mexican restaurants, I will choose them any day of the week.
27. Jackson St Tavern (between 11th and 12th St., on Jackson – Downtown)
Lance had convinced us to try this location after telling Adam about Your New Favorite Sandwich (filet mignon, avocado, havarti, lettuce, tomato & sriracha mayo on ciabatta). The three of us were seated, and there was a small crowd with a guy playing acoustic versions of 90s rock songs.
What we ordered:
Adam and Lance: Your New Favorite sandwich (see above)
Me: Tavern burger (avocado, bacon, and pepperjack cheese) with sweet potato fries
The result: I was less than impressed, but I think the guys really enjoyed their sandwich. For me, the restaurant was an odd combination of a pricier menu but a casual downtown feel, especially on game days and really beautiful summer evenings when they open the garage door to the bustling downtown activity. I would feel more intrigued with the location had been one of those beautiful summer evenings. I feel like for what you get, you could go down the street and pay a little less for the same thing.
26. Mula - Midtown, 40th and Farnam
Mula just opened fairly recently, taking the place of the Reading Grounds (a vacant bookstore, which had been unoccupied for well over 5 years). With the hip new world décor, Adam was concerned about our dress, and we were pleasantly surprised to find that the crowd was a mix. The three of us were greeted by a vivacious waiter, who quickly swayed us into certain food selections promising that these dishes would change our lives. Collectively, we appreciated his attentiveness, but I think Lance got a little annoyed when we were told that they ran out of avocados to make guacamole.
What we ordered:
Charred Pineapple Salsa - that was supposed to rock our world
Adam: tacos - carne asada, carnitas, chicken tinga, and camarón
Lance: tacos - carne asada, caramón, chicken tinga, and baja fish
Me: carne asada torta
The result: While we weren’t able to try their guacamole, I think the experience was positive enough for me to go again. The menu was comparable to the little mom and pop Mexican restaurants on 24th Street, but the differentiation came in the atmosphere, which kept it upscale. It was a restaurant that suited all kinds of people, those from hospital to couples out on a date to a group of friends just wanting to try a new place!
25. Surfside Club - North - Ponca Hills, against the Missouri River
I am not sure why or what led us to Surfside except the possible Facebook suggestion, but we headed North to Surfside Club. While giving Adam turn by turn directions, both he and Lance thought that we might end up in South Dakota with how long we had been driving. But we finally arrived, greeted by the beautiful view. Once in the actual restaurant, we were a little surprised by the almost VFW feel, not to mention their uncomplicated menu...so we ordered everything.
What we ordered:
Corn fritters
Adam: Catfish dinner
Lance: Chicken dinner
Me: 2 piece/ “children’s” dinner
The result: The chicken was mediocre, and if we were to drive in that direction, we would probably head to Alpine Inn. But the view of the Missouri River helps curb the lack of great food. My dad’s band has played there a handful of times, and I can see why this location would draw in a crowd.
24. 1912 - Rooftop bar in Benson
Since Adam and I hadn’t found parking the previous weekend to try 1912, Adam, my friend, Sara, and I tried one more time. I figured that the 90 degree weather may keep the larger crowd at bay, and we would have an easier time finding a table. Sure enough, we were able to find a great spot on the rooftop in the shade. But unbeknownst to us, the restaurant hadn’t opened their kitchen, yet. We were offered menus from the neighboring restaurants, Lot 2 and Baxter’s to call and order food and have it delivered. Because we were already there, we ordered drinks from 1912 and pizza from Baxter’s, which we already knew we loved.
What we ordered
Adam: New Holland Dragon’s Milk Bourbon Barrel Stout
Sara: Black and Tan
Me: Strongbow
From Baxter’s
Adam: California Club and sweet potato tots
Sara: a slice of Margarita pizza and sweet potato tots
Me: Pepperoni pizza and sweet potato tots
The result: I don’t know that we can fairly evaluate our experience, mostly because we only had drinks there. We knew we’d love Baxter’s pizza because we frequent that restaurant quite a bit, but Adam and Sara enjoyed their drinks! The only downside was the drinks were served in plastic 8 oz cups, which seemed a little cheap and made the drink seem really small for the price tag. The rooftop was great, though. We saw a beautiful sunset, the crowd wasn’t disruptive, and we had great weather. Hopefully, their kitchen will open for operation soon and live up to the environment that has been created!
23. Alpine Inn - Ponca Hills
I told Adam we needed to get recommitted to this new restaurant list, but after our efforts to find parking in Benson failed, we felt discouraged. I told Adam I’d just give him directions to secretly lead him somewhere - Alpine Inn. This is admittedly another cheat because I had been there a year prior with my best friend, Ashley and her family, but I wanted to A. have Adam try their really delicious fried chicken and B. watch the raccoons and kittens eat the leftovers. That’s right! If you’ve never been, Alpine Inn has a cabin/tree house vibe, and they toss the leftovers to the raccoons and cats that inhabit the woods-y area that sits behind the restaurant.
What we ordered:
Adam: Chicken Dinner - wing, thigh, leg, and breast on top of potato wedges
Me: Chicken Tenders
The result: We already have every intention of taking his parents here, because Adam’s dad loves gizzards. I think this would be a great restaurant for out-of-towners, because it definitely solidifies the Nebraska backwoods stereotype and the animals put on a good show.
22. Saigon Surface - 13th and Farnam (Downtown)
We had been planning to save this gem for a dinner date with friends of ours, but our schedules never matched up. Instead Adam and I used this dinner experience to wave goodbye to the summer, since I had to start teaching the following day. Once we were seated, Adam and I were excited to play with the iPad that is at every booth. Patrons can pick any music on the playlist which will play throughout the whole restaurant. Surprisingly, we were the only ones trying to dictate this, but I imagine that occasionally there are music wars among those dining. I found the iPad problematic, because we found ourselves playing with the apps when the waiter was trying to take our order. I actually asked him if that was annoying (to walk up to a couple and have to fight for their attention), and he just said that he hated to interrupt. (Does this speak to a larger problem??)
What we ordered:
Crab Rangoon
Adam: Pineapple Fried Rice
Me: Yellow Curry Chicken
The result: Overall, it was really positive experience. I see why our friends had wanted to take us there in the first place. I can also see why our friend had exhausted all of the Groupons for her lunch! If I worked downtown, I would find myself there frequently. Additionally, I should plug that their Happy Hour menu looked good!
21. V Mertz - Old Market Passageway
To celebrate our 4th wedding anniversary, Adam and I decided to get dolled up and take advantage of another excellent Groupon for V Mertz ($100 for $50). We figured this was the only occasion all year that would warrant a visit to this particular location. The ambiance is warm and romantic, exactly what they were aiming for I’m sure. Our waitress was courteous and extremely kind as she assisted us to create the perfect cheese plate and sold us on the dessert.
What we ordered:
Artisan Cheese Plate: Gigi, Valdeon, Tome d’Aquitaine
2 Caesar Salads
Adam: Morgan Ranch Wagyu Bavette Steak
Me: V Mertz Peppersteak
Dessert: House-made Candy Bar - a cross between a Twix and a Snickers
The result: I can’t say that we’ll make it back there soon only because V. Mertz is definitely a special occasion type of place. We really enjoyed the attentive service and the full 4 course meal. In the past, Adam and I have gone to nicer restaurants and have felt a certain judgment that we looked young or that we wouldn’t give as good of a tip as someone else, but this time Adam and I joked that V. Mertz probably screened their servers with a kindness meter. I would recommend anyone to spoil themselves and dine at this restaurant.
19 and 20:
20. Jams Bar and Grill
Jams was another Facebook recommendation, but previously, Adam and I had heard several people tell us about Jams. I’m not 100% sure why it took us this long and this blog to get us to go there, but we finally did. Before we left the house, Adam confidently stated “It’s a bar and grill, so I can wear a hat and t-shirt.” (For you Omahans in the hardcore scene, Adam was sporting a Black Mask shirt, which I refer to as one of his “tough guy” shirts.) But for anyone who has been to Jams, you are well aware that that was the wrong assumption.
Adam slowly took off his hat as we were seated, and we surveyed the room. This wasn’t a typical casual bar and grill, since everyone appeared as if they had just gotten off of work or on a date night. (In fact, we eavesdropped and heard our neighboring table say that on date night, they weren’t supposed to talk about their kids. Oh the glory of close proximity seating!)
What we ordered:
Adam: Jam Burger with bacon and Gorgonzola cheese
Me: Fried Coconut Chicken Salad
The result: We really enjoyed the food, and by the end of our meal, another guy had shown up in a t-shirt so Adam felt a little less concerned about the apparent dress code. The service wasn’t fantastic, but the food overrode that, for us.
19. Maharaja Indian Cuisine - (Old Mill - 114th and Dodge)
Adam and I had taken the evening to stop by his grandparents’ house after their Boston terriers-turned-escapees situation, so we definitely weren’t going to make dinner. Our standard conversation ensued in the car: “What do you want?” Shrug, “I don’t know, what are your thoughts?” Even after I had asked for recommendations from the Facebook world, we still couldn’t decide, so I turned to Groupon. Maharaja had a deal, so we bought it and headed there.
The restaurant sat in a plaza tucked next to a bank, so it wasn’t the most easily identifiable location but once inside, Adam and I found that it was a very modern little restaurant. There was Gilligan’s Island on TV and popular Indian music videos play on the opposite TV. We were the only ones in the restaurant for about half our meal, so the waiter chatted with us and taught us about the Indian holiday, Holi (or the Festival of Colors).
What we ordered: Garlic Naan
Adam: Lamb Curry
Me: Chicken Tikka Tandoori
The result: So good. I really appreciated the attentive nature of the waiters, and the food was fantastic. Adam and I would definitely go back, especially if there is another Groupon available. I think that for whatever reason I was under the impression that Indian Oven was the end all be all of all Indian restaurants in Omaha, but Maharaja (among others like Curri, Marrakech, and Mother India) prevails.
