Omaha, Nebraska is a flavorful destination, with a wide variety of types of food and drink and places to enjoy them. Real Food Traveler’s Hospitality Editor, Ron Stern, tells us where to go to taste Omaha’s many culinary experiences.

Save this article about all the ways you can savor Omaha to Pinterest to help you plan a culinary trip there. Images by Ron Stern. Graphic by Real Food Traveler.

There’s a new food scene in Omaha, Nebraska; a vibrant culinary culture tucked into its historic urban markets and neighborhoods. Whether your palate’s in the mood for sweet, sour, or savory temptations, you’ll find more than you bargained for in this tasty Midwestern city.

When traveling, I’m always looking for interesting local flavors, whether it’s an iconic neighborhood eatery, local ethnic bakery, or homegrown ice cream shop.  Deriving inspiration from food sites, the VisitOmaha.com website, and tips from local residents, I quickly realized that I could spend weeks visiting all of them. So here’s my menu shortlist for some of my favorite discoveries.

Where to taste Omaha’s Eats, Sweets, and Treats

Crescent Moon Ale House, Blackstone District

Calling themselves “Omaha’s Original Alehouse,” Crescent Moon Ale House has won the “Top 100 Craft Beer Bar” by Draft Magazine for seven years running. But their real attraction is their Reuben Sandwich.

You see, The Reuben is something of a celebrity here in Omaha. Originally invented at The Blackstone Hotel (now the Kimpton Cottonwood), right across the street, the Crescent Moon version, called “The Blackstone Reuben”, has its own fanatically loyal following.

Here they start with slow-cooked Omaha Steaks Corned Beef which they cut into chunks. Using a secret handmade sauerkraut recipe, they mix it with 1000 Island Dressing and grill to perfection in a high-temp pizza oven between rye bread.

My sandwich was crispy on the outside and a tantalizing blend of sweet tangy and savory on the inside. Each bite made me wish I lived in Omaha.

The Reuben Sandwich, served at Crescent Moon in Omaha.

Hungry for more? Learn about the hotel where the Reuben Sandwich originated.

Coneflower Creamery, Blackstone District

While you’re in the neighborhood, head just a few blocks down Farnam Street (formerly known as the Lincoln Highway) to Coneflower Creamery. From their small location, they create what they call “Farm to Cone” Ice Cream.

Two former pastry chefs combined their talents to create some flavor intensive combinations that rotate with the seasons. During my visit, they were offering Tart Cherry Crumble and Grandma Minnie’s Lemon Bar, among others.

Their signature is the Blackstone Butter Brickle made with sweet cream ice cream and tiny bits of handmade toffee and chocolate. This is another Omaha original as this flavor was first introduced to the public at the Blackstone Hotel in the 1920s. They sell Coneflower’s Butter Brickle as the ice cream De Choix in their Orleans Room calling it the “best and closest” recipe to the original. My advice is to get there just before they open or you will be waiting in a long line.

Hungry for more? Learn about the ice cream scene in Nebraska.

Hollywood Candy, Old Market

The Old Market is a hub of tourist activity with blocks of retails shops, trendy galleries, and restaurants. Located on Jackson St., Hollywood Candy is sort of a candy superstore roughly the size of three football fields. Inside is an eye-popping extravaganza filled with all sorts of vintage candy, Pez collections, movie memorabilia, classic cars, and the largest collection of Jelly Bellys in the state. They also have a colorful, LED-lit collection of 50 old school pinball games that you aren’t likely to find in many other places.

I found many of my old-time favorite candy bars here like Zagnut, Clark Bars, Astro Pops, and others. They also make their own homemade fudge and chocolate such as their signature “PB Surprise.” Made with peanut butter, butterscotch, and dipped in chocolate, this is a smooth, creamy, peanut-buttery sweet tooth delight.

Gorat’s Steakhouse, Midtown

Gorat’s Steakhouse has been an iconic fixture in Omaha since 1944. “Serving steaks, Italian specialties, and other local favorites,” Gorat’s has hosted celebrities and dignitaries from all over the world. I was also told that this was Warren Buffett’s favorite steakhouse. A quote from Buffett on their website said, “Show that you are a sophisticated diner by ordering the T-bone with hash browns.”

Being rather unsophisticated, I went with their sirloin steak special with green beans and baked potato for only $15. I was pleasantly surprised at the generous portion as well as the tenderness of the beef which was perfectly seasoned.  At Gorat’s you don’t have to be a billionaire to eat like one!

The Gorat’s Steakhouse dinner deal.

Lithuanian Bakery and Deli, Little Italy Neighborhood

Of all the things I expected to find in Omaha, a Lithuanian Napoleon Torte wasn’t one of them. With only a few of these types of ethnic bakeries operating in the U.S., I was anxious to hear how they ended up in Omaha.

The story as told by Dan MacKevicius, the grandson of the owner, was that his grandad started by selling sourdough rye bread. He got hold of some old sourdough starter while taking a road trip across Iowa in July in a car with no air conditioning. The whole batch ended up exploding all over the place and after telling the tale to his wife, her simple response was “I can make this myself.” She did just that with friends and neighbors and the bakery was launched in 1963.

In addition to selling rye bread, they also created their version of a Napolean Torte. This traditional Lithuanian dessert is made with eight layers of wafers with vanilla buttercream in between as well as an orange center filled with apricot. The sour taste is meant to be a nice contrast to the sweetness of the torte. The labor-intensive process takes three days to prepare.  They sell out quickly but the good news is that you can order them online in various sizes for your next pastry soirée.

To taste Omaha, you have to taste the Napoleonas Torte at the Lithuanian bakery. Photo courtesy Lithuanian Bakery & Deli.

Block 16, Downtown

Having met in culinary school, Paul and Jessica Urban serve up Farm to Table Street Food at their downtown eatery in the 1600 Block of Farnam St.

Using fresh ingredients and local vendors, they love experimenting with different food ideas such as the time they prepared something based on one of Paul’s nephew’s lunches.  The “Ethan Special” used bologna, mayo, cheese, and smashed Doritos on white bread. But don’t let their playful side fool you. Here you can find mouth-watering buttermilk fried chicken, pulled pork rolls, and Duck Duck Goose Fries.

Then there was the time that The Food Network’s Alton Brown came for a visit. After asking, “What’s good,” he was directed to their Croque Garcon Burger.

Starting with a 1/3-pound Jon’s Natural Burger, they layer it with cheese, ham, an unexpected sunny-side-up farm egg, mustard, and truffle mayo on a ciabatta roll.

To say he was impressed would be a huge understatement. Brown proclaimed it to be his “favorite burger in the country!” This simple statement propelled them to rock star status, in a foodie kind of way. When visiting, you know what to do.

A famous Omaha taste is the Block 16 Croque Garcon Burger.

Harold’s Koffee House, Florence Neighborhood

I love old-fashioned coffee shops and Harold’s Koffee House (yes that’s how they spell it) has been a local fixture since 1968.  Back just before WWII, an army clerk named Harold Halstead met who he called “a heckuva woman named Pauline” whom he then married.

After returning from the war, Harold worked with several partners to open a series of cafes but eventually decided to strike out on his own. After putting up a simple bright orange sign on the exterior that just said “FOOD” he was in business.

The inside is pure retro with turquoise, upholstered booths, a rounded Formica counter, and friendly service. They offer homemade meals and desserts in a warm, comfy atmosphere.

Locals know to come here for handmade cake donuts, hash browns, and pastries. I tried all of that along with bacon and eggs while enjoying conversing with generations of Harold’s family who are keeping old- fashioned Koffee House traditions alive and well.

Step into Harold’s Koffee House in Omaha where you’ll get exactly what the signs say.

Jackson Street Tavern, Old Market

Omaha’s Old Market is a major tourist draw with blocks of restaurants, boutiques, and specialty stores. Jackson Street Tavern stands out as an unexpected “mom and pop” eatery that is rather unique to the area.

Getting hungry from all my eating, I stopped in unexpectedly to check out this bustling operation with an open floor plan and indoor/patio seating.

Co-owner Ross Diprima offers American fare with dishes that are not only delicious but artistically presented.  “You eat with your eyes first,” said Diprima as he brought out his Ahi Tuna Nachos. This bright, colorful dish is more like a work of art with seared ahi, red cabbage, lime, cilantro, lime, fried wonton, and wasabi aioli, all expertly plated.

Everything on the menu looked delicious. I would also suggest you try their equally sumptuous beef taquitos. Try pairing it with one of their signature cocktails like their Spice-a-Rita or local craft beer.

Eat these Ahi Tuna Nachos “with your eyes” first, then dig in to this Jackson Street Tavern specialty.

Alpine Inn – Ponca Hills Neighborhood

Are you ready for something totally different? The Alpine Inn has been an Omaha attraction for almost 50 years but could be easily missed as a dining opportunity. But first, here’s a quiz. What goes best with golden fried chicken? Fries? Waffles? Naw, how about raccoons?

You heard right. At the Alpine Inn, they serve some tasty, crispy fried chicken that you can enjoy while watching raccoons eating leftovers and playing on the outside patio.

I arrived at dusk and after trying some very good bird, waited for the show. After the sun went down the local raccoon population came around in what has to be a nightly feast for them. I didn’t see babies this time but I was told they do appear.

The later you arrive the more activity there seems to be. So do plan on spending a fun evening at this quirky restaurant. Where else can you enjoy some good food, good conversation, and cute, furry critters munching on chicken bones?

Omaha has a food ethos all its own. Its culinary scene is a mélange of cultures that pepper the landscape with a surprising variety of tasty edible secrets. You won’t leave hungry from the city that is redefining itself with plenty of good eats.

Where to stay when you’re in town to Taste Omaha

Hyatt Place Omaha/Downtown-Old Market

This is the perfect place to begin your exploration of Omaha. Located in the heart of the Old Market, this property is literally steps away from retail shops, galleries, and restaurants.

The rooms are neat and clean, and the beds are quite comfortable. The staff here is well-trained and eager to provide great service.

They offer a complimentary breakfast which I found more than just the usual continental-style offerings. The breakfast room was well organized with plenty of items to start your day.

To learn more about visiting Nebraska, visit their website.

–Story and images by Ron Stern, “The Global Gumshoe” and RFT’s Hospitality Editor

Please note: Ron was hosted for portions of his visit but, as is Real Food Traveler’s policy, our opinions and impressions are always our own.