Getting tired of eating at home? Put the pots and pans away and spend a night out on the town instead! Omaha offers a thriving restaurant scene filled with a diverse array of spots that cater to different tastes and interests. While the city is best known for its steak, it also features top-rated burger joints, cafes, bakeries, and more! Need some recommendations for your next dinner spot? We’ve got you covered. Check out our list of the top unique restaurants in Omaha!
1. Railcar Modern American Kitchen
Rustic, low-key bar offering delicious New American plates and creative cocktails
1814 N 144th St | Omaha | railcaromaha.com
If you’re looking for a classic American dining experience, then you need to try Railcar Modern American Kitchen. Located in West Omaha, Railcar dedicates itself to providing a warm, cozy atmosphere for guests. Whether you come for dinner with friends or for a private event, you can expect delicious food and superior service.
The menu features a wide selection of made-from-scratch comfort food and craft cocktails. Some favorite dishes include the Kona Crusted Ribeye and Pot Roast Rigatoni. On Friday and Saturday nights, the restaurant serves its Chef Specialty, the Roasted Prime Rib. If you happen to stop by then, the dish is definitely worth trying. Bringing the kids? Railcar offers ½ price kids meals on Sundays and Mondays!
“Delicious dinner! The brussel sprouts to start were SO good, they hit the spot! Then I had the Pasta Saltimbocca with chicken and I absolutely loved it! It was a great summer pasta as it’s not too heavy. I enjoyed it with a nice cool sangria. Our waitress was great!” -Yelp Review
2. Guaca Maya
Lively Mexican restaurant that offers an enticing weekday lunch buffet and a wide selection of seafood specials
5002 S 33rd St | Omaha | facebook.com/GuacaMaya
At Guaca Maya, you’ll come hungry and leave energized and ready to party! Guaca Maya serves delicious and authentic Mexican food inside a lively, club-like atmosphere. For over two decades, this locally-owned and operated restaurant has attracted thousands of guests from all over Omaha.
On the menu, you’ll find savory dishes like the Huevos Con Chorizo, Carne Asada A La Tampiquena, and Milanesa Con Papas! Refreshing margaritas, beer, and sodas are also available to enjoy alongside your meal.
Guaca Maya also hosts regular events like karaoke nights and live music nights. During “club time,” Guaca Maya serves savory tacos and burritos. Since it gets pretty busy at the nightclub, we recommend reserving a table before going.
“The food here is great. The tortillas are freshly made on site and the flavors are very authentic. The location isn’t the best, but I try to look past that. The decor is very cute and almost kitschy, in a Mexican way.” -Yelp Review
3. Johnny’s Cafe
Classic 1900s chophouse that is best known for its midwestern beef entrees
4702 S 27th St | Omaha | johnnyscafe.com
Since 1922, Johnny’s Cafe has been regarded as one of the best steakhouses in Omaha. Over the years, it has been featured in publications like USA Today, Men’s Journal, and Midwest Living. If you love supporting local restaurants, you’ll be happy to learn that Johnny’s Cafe is family-owned and operated.
The restaurant is best known for its hand cut beef dishes, which are all aged on-premise and cooked to order. T-bones, ribeyes, filet mignons, and more savory steak dishes are served alongside a side of the cafe’s signature mushroom sauce. However, you can also find seafood entrees, chicken dinners, and sandwiches.
Do you consider yourself a wine connoisseur? Or someone who is just a big fan of wine? Johnny’s Cafe holds a wine tasting on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Each tasting includes a sampling of five wines as well as hot and cold appetizers.
“Theresa and Johnnys serves a phenomenal breakfast and lunch. They have had the same cooks from day 1 and the food is simply fantastic! The people are friendly, the service excellent and the place has great ambiance.” -Yelp Review
4. Wicked Rabbit
Chic craft cocktail lounge that promises a ‘wicked’ time
1508 Harney St | Omaha | wickedrabbit.bar
The Wicked Rabbit is one of Omaha’s best hidden gems. This swanky, vintage cocktail lounge will take you to the infamous speakeasy era of the 1920s. Located inside the Hotel Deco, The Wicked Rabbit offers a small, but cozy bar and lounge area. It’s perfect for nights when you want to grab a drink with friends and just relax.
Only fresh, high-quality ingredients are used for their cocktails, which all cost $14. The selection can feel a little overwhelming, but the bar’s friendly bartenders are more than happy to help you select a drink you’ll love.
“Fantastic drinks and a lovely vibe.
The presentation was beautiful and the service was great! The drinks are next level good. I would definitely come back, especially since the drinks are so creative and fun.” -Yelp Review
5. Spaghetti Works
Modern Italian restaurant located inside a restored warehouse
502 S 11th St | Omaha | spagworks.com
Spending the day out in the Old Market? Stop by Spaghetti Works for a meal break! This popular Italian restaurant is located inside a restored warehouse. As a result, it offers a fun and unique dining atmosphere for guests.
The restaurant’s converted loading dock is a popular dining spot for its close proximity to the street. Another unique feature of the restaurant is its duo of Model-T trucks that double as salad bars.
Traditional Italian meals like Eggplant Parmesan, Lasagna, and Cheese Tortellini can be found on the menu. Feeling hungry for more? You can get refills on their pasta and sauce plates all year round. Enjoy!
“What a great way to end a vacation. Went with a group of 11 and our food was out relatively fast. Nicest waiter I have ever had. The food was great, but the salad bar was what I highly recommend.” -Yelp Review
6. Edge of the Universe
Charming cafe in North Omaha that features a new theme every month!
Edge of the Universe is probably one of the most unique cafes you’ll ever visit. This charming cafe features a new theme each month. Some past themes include Starry Starry Night, Hawaiian Surf Shack, and End of the Rainbow. Along with a new theme, Edge of the Universe also hosts a new nonprofit to celebrate their contribution to the community.
As for food and drinks, Edge of the Universe offers baked goods, charcuterie boards, and boozy shakes. A themed menu filled with special cocktails and goods is also available. Do you love games? If you come on Tuesday or Wednesday, you can participate in Tuesday Trivia or Wednesday Music Bingo.
“Honestly this place is super cute! I love the atmosphere and the service! It’s always so artistic and authentic. They change the appearance of it here and there to keep things interesting. I know they have events for the public, so overall just a cute boozy coffee joint!” -Yelp Review
7. Modern Love
Upscale vegan restaurant offering a fun take on classic comfort foods!
3157 Farnam St Suite 7113 | Omaha | modernloveomaha.com
Vegan food doesn’t have to be tasteless or boring. Modern Love quickly proves that with its enticing selection of hearty vegan meals. Their appetizers, salads, burgers, sandwiches, and entrees are all vegan. But to be honest, you probably won’t be able to tell much of a difference between their dishes and classic comfort food containing meat and dairy.
Modern Love also offers an extensive dessert menu filled with cheesecake, brownies, ice cream, and even boozy milkshakes! You can expect a good time at this fun vegan restaurant.
“Great place and yummy food!!! Al the food is so colorful and flavorful and big portions. Visited during the week for brunch and dinner on two different days.
Definitely will visit again!” -Yelp Review
8. Spielbound Board Game Cafe
Charming cafe that features the largest playable game library in the country
3229 Harney St | Omaha | spielbound.com
Do you like playing board games? Then you should visit Spielbound Game Cafe! Spielbound Game Cafe features over 3,000 games in its library. In order to play, you can sign up for a membership or pay for a $5 day pass. Once you pick out a game, you can visit its small cafe, which offers coffee, beer, wine, and snacks. Before you know it, you’ll have spent the whole day here! What a delightfully unique restaurant in Omaha!
“What a wonderful gem! My mom and I visited Omaha for a weekend and were so excited to find a place like this. This is the best-organized and most well-stocked board game cafe/bar I’ve ever been to. And added bonus of coffee and drinks?! Sign me up!” -Yelp Review
9. Gather in Omaha for Food & Drink
A unique restaurant in Omaha that makes for a great pick on a night out!
1108 Howard St | Omaha | gather-omaha.com
In Old Market Omaha lies “Gather in Omaha for Food & Drink” which is a very on-the-nose restaurant name but it works because it’s very delicious. They serve farm-to-table dishes and has their very own Hydroponic Vertical Urban Farm. Every Monday and Wednesday they have special deals on drinks, while Thursdays are reserved for live music. Enjoy dishes like their Crispy Brussels, Pork Shank, Truffle Pasta, and more.
“The Mushroom Toast, Burger & Chocolate cake is what we had & will be back for. Their Watermelon Margarita is made with 100% fresh watermelon juice & we were floored how delicious it is! The service is amazing. Love how unique this venue is! A must, must, try! “ -Yelp Review
10. Twisted Fork
Comfort foods in a funky and elegant setting? Count us in for this dining experience!
1014 Howard St | Omaha | twistedforksaloon.com
Twisted Fork takes menu classics and, well, twists it. They make your favorite comfort food dishes pop with a couple different add-ins and varieties that you won’t find anywhere else. Their portions are big and you’ll leave feeling full and happy. Plus with their bar you’ll be able to sip on something tasty as you dig into a plate. You can expect dishes like their Famous Buttermilk Fried Chicken Salad, Cowboy French Dip, Smoked Gouda Mac N’ Cheese, and the Chicken Pot Pie Risotto.
“The bruschetta and chicken pot pie dish were both really great- I was only in town one night and feel like I made the right choice for where to pop in for dinner. The staff was super friendly and checked in on me often!” -Yelp Review
11. Le Bouillon
Serving French cuisine in a eccentric spot in Omaha’s Old Market
1017 Howard St | Omaha | lebouillonomaha.com
Le Bouillon is a restaurant that first opened its doors in 2013, taking the place of the Galinsky Fruit Company and later the French Cafe for more than 130 years. This building comes with a lot of history and Le Bouillon reflects that with how they’ve decorated and crafted their French cuisine inspired menu. They’ve got plenty of amazing plates to try, like their:
- Olives & Spiced Nuts, Green Gazpacho, Stuffed Duck Frites, and the Bread Service you can get with your meal that has a selection of garnishes.
- Le Bouillon offers amazing craft cocktails and drinks too which makes this a great pick for a unique restaurant in Omaha.
“Great food & very unique. Staff was great and very attentive. they were very accommodating last minute booking for 10 people, we sat in their wine cellar area which was nice a intimate but we didn’t feel hidden or forgotten about!!” -Yelp Review
12. Timber Wood Fire Bistro
Rustic-chic eatery serving up wood-fired pizzas and other delicious pub foods!
8702 Pacific St | Omaha | timberomaha.com
There’s something special about food that’s cooked over a wood fire and there’s a reason why so many restaurants today specialize in this cooking technique- it’s because it tastes so dang good! Timber Wood Fire Bistro is a restaurant in Omaha that makes wood-fired food and serves it all in a rustic-chic setting that really enhances the flavor of those dishes. They’ve got Wood-Fired Red Bird Wings, Hand Stretched Pizza, Milanese Meatballs, Cedar Planked Salmon, and more.
“Eaten here repeatedly and every meal was a treat! From Saturday night’s beef wellington to happy hour plates early during the week: never disappoints. Thoughtful menu, well-executed dishes, and cozy environment.” -Yelp Review
13. M’s Pub
Set in an industrial setting, this New American pub/restaurant is a great place for a social get together!
422 S 11th St | Omaha | mspubomaha.com
In 2016, the original M’s Pub sadly burnt down, but with the help of the original designers and the Omaha community they’ve been able to come back even stronger than the first time as their new building reflects the old and new. M’s Pub features a number of New American plates that will delight your taste buds. They’ve got Crab Cakes, a Bacon Cheeseburger, Blackened Shrimp, Reuben Sandwich, and lots more including dessert!
“The food was amazing. I had the blackened shrimp salad. Service was fast and friendly. Atmosphere was beautiful with a large wrap around wood bar. Original brick walls. Definitely will be back.” -Yelp Review
And there you go! Those are some unique restaurants in Omaha that will definitely become your new favorite “go-to” spots. There is plenty to choose from so don’t be afraid to visit multiple.
This article originally appeared on GiftYa.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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11 Unforgettable Vegetarian Restaurants in New Orleans
Residents and visitors in New Orleans have access to a vibrant and exciting selection of vegetarian restaurants around the city. Whether you are trying out the vegetarian lifestyle on a trial run or you are a dedicated vegan, there are numerous dining options to choose from.
Arx0nt/Istockphoto
Popular poboy shop known for its delicious vegetarian sandwiches
Located in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Killer Poboys offers a number of vegetarian-friendly sandwiches. From the Whiskey Grilled Cheese poboy filled with aged cheddar to the Roasted Sweet Potato, you are sure to find a savory vegetarian option that satisfies your appetite. The Roasted Cauliflower Sandwich, which is filled with pickled radish, avocado, and dried kale, is a popular vegetarian option.
You can also select a local craft beer, cider, or wine to enjoy alongside your poboy. A wide assortment of sides such as smothered greens and cookies are also available for you to complement your poboy.
Killer Poboys
Organic cafe in New Orleans that serves vegan breakfast and lunch plates.
Named the Best Bakery in Louisiana by both Buzzfeed and Yelp, the Breads on Oak Cafe & Bakery serves organic, plant-based breads, pastries, breakfast plates, and lunch selections everyday from 8 AM to 3 PM. Coffee, espresso, beer, and wine are also offered. Everything in the bakery is vegan, making it the perfect destination for a quick vegan breakfast or a filling vegetarian lunch.
Oak Cafe & Bakery features a fine selection of organic breads. The Seeded Multigrain, for instance, is made with organic flour that has been packed with oats, sunflower seeds, and flax. The Pecan Raisin bread is filled with organic raisins and pecans. Sandwiches, soups, quiche, and salads are also available at this cozy cafe.
breadsonoak
Classic NOLA cuisine made for vegan and health-conscious diets
Just as the name suggests, each dish crafted at Meals From the Heart Cafe is infused with care along with holistic goodness. The French Quarter has many amazing restaurants and eateries lining its bustling cobblestone streets, but spots that cater to vegan crowds and push a health-conscious menu still only happen to be few. That gives you even more reason to check out Meals From the Heart the next time you’re in New Orleans.
This back-alley cafe is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat if you want food that is gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and beneficial for your body. Meals From the Heart Cafe serves an array of classic New Orleans dishes alongside options with a healthy flair. Grab some classic shrimp and grits, traditional okra gumbo, signature vegan crab cakes, vegan and gluten-free pancakes, and house-made vegan beignets that are simply divine.
Meals From the Heart Cafe
Nutritious cafe known for its cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and more
This health-conscious, vegetarian restaurant offers delicious dishes that will leave you feeling filled and satisfied. Stopping by for breakfast? Try the Morning Bowl. This nutritious dish is packed with quinoa, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado chipotle sauce. The classic Avocado Toast is also a fine selection.
For lunch, you can select a hearty bowl or a light salad. All bowls are served on a bed of greens. You can also add a pasteurized egg to your bowl! The Summer Kale salad is filled with zante currant, toasted sunflower seed, and pecorino. Don’t forget to order a smoothie or cold-pressed juice to go along with your dish. Their coffee and tea is also great for giving you that midday energy boost you need to finish your work day.
The Daily Beet
An elegant little spot tucked away for the dining romantics
Pick up a Cafe Amelie gift card in time for your trip to New Orleans!
With a prime location in the French Quarter and a beautiful courtyard that makes this spot the talk of the town, Cafe Amelie is well-known throughout New Orleans as a romantic destination for dining couples. Cafe Amelie specializes in contemporary Louisiana fare and has everything the standard NOLA tourist must try while in the city, from renowned shrimp and grits to country-style poutine.
Cafe Amelie is not exclusive to vegetarians, but there are many veggie-based dishes on the menu to try out if meat is out of the question. Hearty vegetable pasta with spinach and mushrooms, creamy baked spinach artichoke dip, arugula and kale salad with dried cherries and goat cheese, and of course desserts like cherry almond bread pudding and mixed berry crumble are some of the vegetarian-friendly menu items featured at Cafe Amelie. Don’t forget to pair your brunch or dinner plate with a refreshing cocktail!
Cafe Amelie
No sweeter spot for vegan fare in NOLA than this one here.
This unassuming hole-in-the-wall would be considered a hidden gem of the neighborhood if it weren’t already so beloved by locals and out-of-town guests alike. If your stomach craves soul food but you don’t partake in meat or other animal-based products, then Sweet Soulfood is the vegan-friendly spot for you that packs some seriously authentic Cajun flavors and cuisine favorites like jambalaya, collard greens, and macaroni and cheese.
Sweet Soulfood is all about taking the classic NOLA fare you know and love and adapting it to a vegan-based clientele. With a focus on healthy food and a commitment to reducing the negative impacts of traditionally high calorie dishes, Sweet Soulfood delivers contemporary soul cuisine that is both delicious and nutritious while being entirely vegan-friendly. Whether you’re in the mood for okra gumbo, sweet heat cauliflower, sweet potatoes, or some drool-worthy collard greens, you can find your fill and then some more at Sweet Soulfood. And for dessert? Vegan ice cream, of course!
sweetvegansoulfood
Eclectic comfort food, handmade beverages, and a breezy space to connect with the community.
Comfort food in a daytime cafe that serves plenty of vegan dishes alongside artisanal coffee blends? Sign us up! In all seriousness though, the Bearcat Cafe is just the spot in New Orleans to stop, catch your breath, and soak in the local culture. Even if you aren’t vegan or vegetarian, this breezy little cafe is packing so much flavor in their food that you would be crazy to skip out on trying a bite.
If you are visiting New Orleans currently or planning a trip for the future, you will be excited to know that Bearcat operates two locations for your convenience – the Central Business District and Uptown NOLA locations. No matter where you end up, you won’t be too far away from tremendous vegan and vegetarian dishes as Bearcat. In addition to great breakfast and brunch picks like a vegan biscuit sandwich and a roasted cauliflower wrap, Bearcat also bakes daily bread loaves in-house and has plenty of gluten-free and vegan-friendly pastries. Try out daily gluten-free muffin flavors like chocolate zucchini, daily vegan muffin flavors like peach cobbler, and many croissant and danish options that are regularly rotated out, too.
bearcatnola
Tropical-inspired vegan-friendly restaurant in New Orleans
Carmo infuses their food with recipes from around the world including Southeast Asia, West Africa, and the Caribbean. This tropical restaurant is sure to leave you feeling inspired and satisfied. Vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores can all enjoy the unique dishes presented at this popular New Orleans restaurant.
Some of their most popular vegetarian dishes include the Creole-Seared Avocado, Carmo Salad, and Armenian breads. Coming with a group? Share a plate of Kottu Roti or Pao de Queijo with them. At this restaurant, you are definitely going to be tempted to try out your friends’ dishes after seeing them being brought to the table.
https://cafecarmo.com/
Low key restaurant in New Orleans that serves vegetarian West African cuisine
Since 1992, Bennachin Restaurant has brought a taste of Africa to the hungry residents of New Orleans. All of the restaurant’s dishes are filled with freshest ingredients. While Bennachin does offer some meals with meat, a number of them either do not contain meat or can be modified without meat. For instance, the Domoda is a peanut stew that is filled with beef and served with rice. However, you can request this dish without meat if you prefer. Other selections like the Kone Ni Makondo and the Jama Jama Ni Makondo do not contain any meat.
Bennachin Restaurant
Popular restaurant in New Orleans that serves vegetarian dishes
True Food Kitchen serves delicious vegetarian dishes in a laidback and vibrant atmosphere. Guests can either dine in or order a family meal to-go. You can choose the Pizza & Salad combo, which lets you choose two different pizzas and two salads, or any one of the Family Meal for Two, Family Meal for Four, or Family Meal for Six combos.
True Food Kitchen also offers a fine selection of tea, wine, craft cocktails, beer, and seltzer. Whether you are in the mood for a healthy salad or a savory pizza, True Food Kitchen has everything you could want in a vegetarian restaurant.
True Food Kitchen
A fusion of authentic Asian flavors with a New Orleans twist and vegan options
This restaurant is not exclusively for vegan and vegetarian dishes, but LUVI does a phenomenal job making their menu vegetarian- and vegan-friendly with a tantalizing selection of Chinese and Japanese fare. Homestyle Shanghai cooking combines effortlessly with modern Japanese cuisine in order to create the perfect fusion of staple East Asian flavors, all of which is enjoyed in an intimate space.
To start off your meal, try one of their many veggie-based appetizers such as the cold five scented edamame, smashed cucumbers in garlic soy, or fermented cayenne chili spread that tastes good on anything. For a hearty meal that will fill you up, LUVI offers vegan dumplings filled with pan fried bok choy, mushrooms, and green bean noodle dumplings, along with stir fried napa cabbage over rice. Don’t forget to order a bottle of soda, iced green tea, sake, or even wine as the perfect complement to your meal!
This article originally appeared on Giftya.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
LUVI
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Featured Image Credit: Yelp.
