Omaha Recs

[Phaedrus]

I am going to be in Omaha next week for the NCAA Women's Volleyball Final Four. The competition is in the Qwest Center, I am staying in the Courtyard by Marriott Old Market. Any special restaurants I should hit in Omaha? I am not particular, although I will be with a bunch of uncivilized volleyball coaches so white linen type of places are out, unless it is super special. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

[atom12]

Will you have a car? If not, your choices will be limited to the Old Market since public transportation is really lousy.

One place to check out is La Buvette, a wine bar with cheese, soups and stuff like that. I ate at O Casual Dining yesterday and we had a great meal -- kind of an Asian fusion type place that's about three blocks from your hotel. Even if you don't leave that area you'll do alright, as there's plenty of options from so-so Tex Mex to Italian to steak and so on.

[aestheticonion]

Omaha is big on casual dining, some local spots in the old market include zio's for pizza (I've had better pizza, but it's not bad) and Ted & Wally's Ice cream parlor (they make it in an old fashioned machine in the middle of the restaurant. The mattress factory is also directly across from the Quest Center (to the west), so it'd be a great place to hang out between games. Also, the slowdown (just across the street to the north is a nice local bar, but no food served there) If you have a car and want to venture into omaha, head down dodge to 50th street and go north a couple of blocks to underwood. this will put you in the heart of dundee with local favorites like the dundee dell, blue line coffee and Marks.

[Phaedrus]

I will indeed have wheels, hopefully the kind with studded tires.

[nimeye]

For can't-miss places, check out Bohemian Cafe, M's Pub, and Wheatfield's.

Bohemian Cafe is an old-fashioned restaurant serving great Czech food.

M's Pub has a unique atmosphere with excellent food (especially the lavosh). They also serve food until 11 or 12, so they're great for a late-night bite.

Wheatfield's is a must-stop for breakfast or lunch. They have a HUGE menu with inventive dishes. Oh, and try the creme brule potatoes- they're to die for.

Otherwise, it all depends on what you're in the mood for-

For seafood, Joe Tess Place has the best fried carp you'll ever eat (don't knock it till you try it!). Absolutely Fresh Seafood flies in fish daily and has an excellent selection- especially oysters.

For sushi- Blue is high quality and inventive, but I've found service to be horrible. Hiro is a more traditional place, but their sushi is always fresh and service is great.

For mexican- Guaca Maya has some of the most authentic Mexican I've had in the midwest.

Omaha doesn't have as many German restaurants as one would think, but check out Gerda's. They have great food, and awesome pastries made fresh daily.

Italian is a bit weak in Omaha, but there are some good ones. My favorite is Vincenzo's- mainly because of their homemade soups. They are located in the Old Market area. Another I'd recommend is Bianco. It's sort of a fusion Italian restaurant and they have great happy hour specials that includes half price aps and pizzas.

If you're a tapas fan, check out Espana in the Dundee area.

For steaks, I'm a fan of the old school- Gorat's. Also Warren Buffets fave restaurant.

For Indian- I love Jaipur. They do great work with traditional Indian dishes, and they brew their own beer.

[joyce805]

Italian for now and later the portions are so big and delicious: Lo Sole Mio located midtown; steak would be Anthony's, a huge restaurant at 72nd and F: the strip is wonderful. Amazingly inexpensive steak house on 20th Street is Piccolo Pete's, a favorite of locals who have lived here most of their lives -- the steak is good, too!

[TimStephens]

Hey Phaedrus!

I live in Omaha, 2 blocks from where you will be staying at the Courtyard. You are in the right place for good food! The heart of the "Old Market" in Omaha.

There are the very good resturants like the French Cafe, Omaha Prime etc...that while you are here you must check out. However, if you want real food and lots of it in a great old school diner atmosphere...

Go to the 11worth cafe at 24th and Leavenworth while you are here...particularly for breakfast. A great old "joint" where the waitresses still call you "sweetie" and "honey". Great food in a casual enviroment and literally minutes from where you are.

A link is attached to this post for you.

Enjoy your stay..while you are here come visit Farrells... the bar is one block from the Qwest at 9th and Dodge and on your way from the hotel.

Tim