Omaha

Omaha is the largest city in the US state of Nebraska. It is on the Missouri River border with Iowa, along US Interstates 29 and 80.

Understand

Omaha at Night

Omaha has some unusual traits, as it has the highest number of millionaires per capita in the nation, and is also home to billionaire Warren Buffett, one of the world's richest and most famous investors. Conversely, it also has one of the highest rates of African Americans living under the poverty line. It is still quite racially divided, with the affluent west side and Midtown being predominantly white, the south side Latino, and the northeast side African American.

Residents are friendly and polite, and Omaha has a well-deserved reputation for hospitality.

The Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official resource for events, attractions, hotels, restaurants, transportation, meetings and conventions and the film office. The Omaha Visitor Center is located in Downtown Omaha near the Old Market, at the southwest corner of 10th and Farnam Streets. The address is 1001 Farnam Street. Phone: [phone]. Find information on all events, attractions, etc. and pick up a copy of the Omaha Visitors Guide.

Get in

By plane

• 🌍 Omaha Eppley Airfield (OMA  ^IATA) (5 mi NE of downtown Omaha, less than five minutes from downtown by car). A medium-sized airport served by all major airlines and some low-cost carriers, and has flights to most major cities in the US, and a daily flight to Toronto. The terminal has on-site rental car services at the baggage claims, and free high-speed wireless internet access. Commercial airlines serving Eppley include Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, and United. The airport is also served by two FBOs for General Aviation services, and at least two charter operations.  

Secondary airports serving the area are Millard Airport (MIQ  ^IATA) in West Omaha, Plattsmouth Municipal Airport (KPMV) south, North Omaha Airport(FAA LID: 3NO), and Fremont Municipal Airport(FET ^IATA), and Council Bluffs, Iowa Municipal Airport (CBF ^IATA) across the Missouri River east.

By train

Amtrak serves Omaha with the California Zephyr, which runs daily between Emeryville (in the San Francisco Bay Area) and Chicago. It has several stops along the way, with connections throughout America. Omaha once had a grand Union Station like Chicago, but it is now retired as a museum. The current 🌍 Omaha Amtrak station is on 1003 South 9th Street.

By bus

The 🌍 Intercity/Interline Bus Station for Burlington Trailways, Express Arrow, Greyhound and Jefferson Lines is south of downtown at 1601 S Jackson St. (Some of these companies also have (additional) stops in other parts of the city.) From here buses typically go west towards Denver on I-80/76; and east towards Chicago along I-80/88. There are other bus services going north & south between Sioux City, SD and Kansas City, MO as well.

• Burlington Trailways (Jackson & S 16th St), toll-free: [phone]. Travels along I-76 and 80 between Denver and Omaha via Ogalalla, North Platte, Lexington, Kearney, Grand Island and Lincoln in Nebraska. Another route along I-80 from Chicago, across Iowa via Davanport, Iowa City and Des Moines; to Omaha. (updated Aug 2015)
• Express Arrow (Black Hills Stage Lines) (Jackson & S 16th St), ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. Travels along I-76 and 80 between Denver and Omaha via Ogalalla, North Platte, Lexington, Kearney, Grand Island and Lincoln in Nebraska on one route. There's another route along US-Hwy 81 & 30 from Norfolk via Madison, Humphrey, Columbus, North Bend & Fremont to Omaha. They also have additional (local) stops at Omaha Eppley (Airport) and at Sappo Brothers at 4620 N Broad in Fremont for the route going out towards Norfolk. (updated Jul 2015)
• Greyhound Lines, ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. Serves Omaha from Des Moines and Chicago along Interstate 80 and 88. They have additional (local) curbside stops at N 14th & Capitol in downtown (1398 Capitol Ave), and at 1100-1198 N 'C' St in Fremont. (updated Jul 2015)
• Jefferson Lines (Jackson & S 16th St), ☎ [phone], toll-free: [phone]. Travels primarily on Interstate 29 between Kansas City, Omaha, Sioux City and Sioux Falls. A variation of the route detours from St Joseph, MO up to Maryvile, MO and Clarinda, IA along US Hwy 71 and over towarads I-29 via Shenandoah, IA along SR-2 (updated Jul 2015)

There are additional companies offering intrastate transportation out of the airport (see 'By shuttle' in below)

By shuttle

• Navigator Airport Express, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Formerly Eppley Express. Provides limited shuttle service between Omaha and several Nebraska cities including Kearney, Grand Island, Hastings, Lincoln and York. Two pick-up/drop-off locations are available in Omaha: Eppley Airfield and Holiday Inn at 72nd & Grover just north of I-80. Service is limited to specific days and times depending upon your destination. Reservations available on-line. 
• Omalink, ☎ [phone]. Provides limited shuttle service between Omaha and Lincoln including their respective airports. 

Get around

By car

By far the easiest and most convenient way of getting around. The city is a grid and easily navigable, numbered streets run north-south and increase in number as you go west. Parking is plentiful and often free outside of downtown, and traffic jams are rare. All major rental car companies operate in Omaha.

By bus

The Omaha Metro has regular bus services serving around Omaha. Fares are $1.25-1.50 for adults, $1 for students, and $.60 for seniors.

By taxi

Taxi service is available, but there is much less than in major cities. Taxis are always available at the airport and train and bus stations, but you won't be able to hail a cab downtown; you must call and arrange for a taxi to pick you up. Rates are fixed by city ordinance and do not vary among companies.

• zTrip (Happy Cab), ☎ [phone]. 

See

Museums

Greek Pottery, Joslyn Art Museum

Omaha has quite a few museums and art galleries:

• 🌍 Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St, ☎ [phone]. Tu-W F-Su 10AM-4PM; Th 10AM-8PM. Has works by El Greco, Degas, Monet and Renoir and an extensive ancient Greek pottery display. The Joslyn also has a glass sclupture by Dale Chihuly hanging in the atrium. free.  
• 🌍 Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 South 12th St, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Tu-Sa 11AM-5PM. A nationally recognized artist-in-residence program and art gallery that consists of three galleries in a warehouse-style studio. Tours are available by reservation and parking is free. free.  
• Various other Old Market and Benson galleries. Omaha has a "First Friday" gallery crawl through both neighborhoods every first Friday of each month.
• 🌍 Omaha Children's Museum, 500 S 20th St, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Tu-F 10AM-4PM, Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 1PM-5PM, longer hours in summer. An art center, science center, and a mock grocery store. $9/adult, $8/senior, $9/adult.  
• 🌍 Durham Western Heritage Museum, 801 S 10th St, ☎ [phone]. Summer: Su 1PM-5PM; M W-Sa 10AM-5PM; Tu 10AM-8PM. A renovated art deco-style train station, it is believed to be the best example of art deco in the country with exhibits such as the Byron Reed Coin and Document Collection, the Trans-Mississippi Exposition Gallery, restored train cars, a teepee, an earth lodge, and more. Adults $9, seniors $7, children $6. 
• 🌍 El Museo Latino, 4701 S 25th St, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. M W F 10AM-5PM, Tu Th 1PM-5PM, Sa 10AM-2PM. A Latino art, history, and cultural museum. It is the first in the Midwest and one of 11 Latino museums in America. $5/adult, $4/student, $3.50/concession, military free.  
• 🌍 Love's Jazz and Art Center, 2510 N 24th St, ☎ [phone]. Tu-F 11AM-5PM, Sa 11AM-3PM. Dedicated to the history of jazz, North Omaha, and Preston Love. $10/adult, $7/concession, children free.  
• 🌍 Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, 3701 S 10th St, ☎ [phone]. 10AM-4PM longer hours in summer. Zoo with the largest desert exhibit, the Desert Dome, with several desert habitats, popup domes in the gorilla habitat, and the world's largest nocturnal exhibit. $13.50/adult, $12.50/concession, $9/child. (updated Jul 2016)
• 🌍 Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters, 601 Riverfront Dr, ☎ [phone]. Summer M-F 8AM-5PM, Sa Su 9AM-5PM; Winter M-F 8AM-4:30PM. The National Park Service regional headquarters contains a small free visitor center about Lewis & Clark on its first floor. free. 

Landmarks

Omaha has many unique landmarks.

• 🌍 Malcolm X Birthsite, North Omaha. His home no longer exists, but a marker stands on his former address.  
• 🌍 Joslyn Castle (George and Sarah Joslyn Home), 3902 Davenport St, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. It is the Scottish-Baronial style home of two of Omaha's most respected citizens and boasts four stories and 35 rooms. Tours are available to the public. $6/adult, $5/concession.  
• 🌍 Mormon Trail Center, 3215 State St, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Daily 9AM-9PM. It has various monuments, including part of the route the Mormons took. The site known as the Winter Quarters marks the pioneers' winter camp of 1846, and 359 Mormons are buried in a nearby cemetery. Free. 
• 🌍 Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens, 3212 Woolworth Ave (near Hamscom Park and I-480), ☎ [phone]. It pays homage to the late U.S. president. Twice destroyed by fire, the gardens stand where his house was.  
• 🌍 Boys Town. Suburb of Omaha. Has a small museum and you can drive through it for free.  

Do

Parks

Gene Leahy Mall

Many parks and recreational areas are scattered throughout Omaha.

• 🌍 Gene Leahy Mall. Nestled in downtown Omaha, this park features walking paths through grassy knolls, slides, a sandy playground, and a horseshoe pit. (updated Sep 2017)
• 🌍 Heartland of America Park. Runs along the riverfront and has two fountains. The Heartland of America fountain shoots water 300 feet into the air and has a colorful nighttime show. There are also boat rides for a quarter per person. (updated Sep 2017)
• 🌍 Memorial Park (in the Dundee-Happy Hollow area). A playground, a baseball field, paths, trails, and plenty of open space. The park is unique because of its floral displays and historical monuments. (updated Sep 2017)
• 🌍 Elmwood Park. Adjacent to Memorial Park. Has an 18-hole golf course, two baseball fields, a swimming pool, and many other things. (updated Mar 2019)
• 🌍 Lauritzen Gardens (Omaha Botanical Gardens). Has an admission fee, but it's worth the visit. The site features the Robert H. Storz Family Rose Garden, an arboretum and an herb garden with plans for a Japanese garden. (updated Sep 2017)

Sports

CHI Health Center

• 🌍 NCAA College World Series. Every June, the best college baseball teams from around the nation gather in Omaha for the College World Series (CWS). The series is always a sellout event, so be sure to plan ahead. As of 2018, the CWS is held at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha in NoDo (North Downtown). (updated Sep 2018)
• If you can't make it to the CWS but still want to see quality baseball, take a short drive to the southern suburb of Papillion to catch an Omaha Storm Chasers game at Werner Park. The Storm Chasers are the Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, one step down from Major League Baseball.
• Each September, the River City Roundup takes place. The event includes a festival of events, a professional rodeo, stage shows, expositions, parades, kiddie rides and more.
• During hockey season, the Omaha Lancers take the ice in the Ralston Arena in the southern suburb of Ralston.
• The Omaha Beef is Omaha's indoor football team, which also plays at the Ralston Arena.
• The Creighton Bluejays, the sports teams of Creighton University, are also a big part of Omaha life. Jays men's basketball especially, played at the CHI Health Center (formerly Qwest Center and CenturyLink Center), is a big draw for students and residents alike. Creighton also has a great soccer team that plays in one of the best soccer stadiums in the country, Morrison Stadium, located right on campus.
• The Omaha Mavericks, representing the University of Nebraska Omaha, have a Division I hockey team that is usually a top 20 team. The Mavericks hockey team plays in the on-campus Baxter Arena, also home to Mavericks men's and women's basketball.
• For a taste of subculture sports, check out the Omaha Roller Girls, Omaha's one-and-only flat track roller derby team.
• Omaha has been home to the last three editions (2008, 2012, 2016) of the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials at the venue now known as CHI Health Center. Heats and finals usually begin the last week of the College World Series and tickets are open to the public.

Events and festivals

Omaha hosts many festivals throughout the year.

• Every Thursday night throughout the summer, you can take part in Jazz on the Green where local and regional musicians present programs ranging from reggae to swing at this annual concert series sponsored by the Joslyn Art Museum. Bring a blanket, picnic dinner, beverages and your dancing shoes!
• Another summer event is Shakespeare on the Green is an offering of Shakespearean works, a drama and a comedy running in repertory and draws more than 35,000 playgoers during its annual three-week run.
• Every summer, the Omaha Farmers Market takes place in the downtown Old Market area and is open Saturday mornings.
• The Taste of Omaha festival is usually held between the Lewis & Clark Landing & Heartland of America Park downtown. Held in early June, this is a great way to sample food from various local vendors. There is also live music and other fun events.
• In the winter months, the Holiday Lights Festival takes place in Downtown Omaha. Lights are put up on many buildings and trees, and different activities take place throughout the festival, including ice skating, singing performances, and fireworks.

Theater

• 🌍 Orpheum Theater. It received a top-to-bottom renovation in the 1970s. It is home to Opera Omaha, the Omaha Symphony, Broadway touring productions and music concerts. In addition, other performing arts shows can be seen at the Holland Performing Arts Center.  
• Film Streams. An indie movie theater in the Slowdown complex in North Downtown. Film Streams screens classics, obscure, and foreign movies. 
• Omaha Community Playhouse. Has a long and storied history as the nation's largest community theater. Marlon Brando's mother gave Henry Fonda his stage debut in the 1925-26 season. Community members and local professionals perform regularly in plays and musicals. 
• Shelterbelt Theatre. An organization that produces new works by local playwrights. 

Music

• Omaha is home to the Saddle Creek record label, which carries bands such as Bright Eyes, The Faint, and Cursive. These bands are part of the "Omaha Sound" and frequently play in Omaha. Check out venues such as Sokol Auditorium, Slowdown, and the Waiting Room to see if they, or any other bands of your liking, are playing.
• You can also check out what bands are playing at the CHI Health Center which hosts national acts.
• Baxter Arena. Opened on the UNO campus in October 2015 and replaced the Omaha Civic Auditorium (closed in 2014) as the city's main mid-sized indoor venue. 

Activities

• 🌍 Henry Doorly Zoo. This nationally renowned zoo is Nebraska's number one paid attraction. It features an expansive and recently renovated aquarium, "Kingdoms of the Night" (world's largest nocturnal exhibit and indoor swamp), the Lied Jungle (world's largest indoor rainforest), and the "Desert Dome" (world's largest indoor desert). (updated Sep 2017)

• The Zoo also runs a drive-through Wildlife Safari Park west of Omaha that has elk, wolves, eagles, buffalo, and other native animals.

• A trip to Omaha is not complete without a trip to the Old Market. The area still retains its brick streets and covered sidewalks, and rides on horse-drawn carriages are available. It is a good area to take a stroll and do some window shopping at the eccentric shops and upscale boutiques found throughout the area. Common sights include street performers, musicians, artists, and other vendors. In the summer, it is home to the Omaha Farmers Market.
• Lucky Bucket Brewery. Offers tours of the brewery and a tasting room. 
• 🌍 CoCo Key Water Resort. ,
• 🌍 Fun-Plex. 
• 🌍 Sky Zone Omaha. 

Learn

• Bellevue University.
• Clarkson College.
• College of St. Mary. The only all women's Catholic college in the region.
• Creative Center Art College. A small private graphic design and advertising trade school owned by Dotzler Creative Arts Design Firm.
• Creighton University. Jesuit Catholic university.
• Grace University.
• Metropolitan Community College. Multiple campuses throughout Omaha metro area.
• Nebraska Christian College.
• Nebraska Methodist College.
• University of Nebraska Omaha. The only public university in Omaha.
• University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Work

Omaha has a thriving employment market in finance, healthcare, and IT.

Despite its relatively small population, Omaha is home to the headquarters of five Fortune 500 companies: Berkshire Hathaway, Union Pacific, ConAgra Foods, Peter Kiewit & Sons, and Mutual of Omaha Insurance.

Other major employers in the area include TD Ameritrade, First National Bank of Omaha, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Buy

Old Market historic district

• Borsheims, 120 Regency Parkway. Owned by famed investor Warren Buffet. It is the largest independent jewelry and gift shop in the United States with an inventory of products that makes the Tiffany's catalog look small.  
• 🌍 Crossroads Mall (on 72nd & Dodge Street). Remaining anchor stores are Target, Sears, and Barnes & Noble. After several years of declining sales due to competition from other malls and new lifestyle centers, most major retailers have left thus leaving the future of Crossroads Mall in question. Target offers fresh groceries and expanded assortments in other departments. 
• Nebraska Furniture Mart. The largest furniture store in the country, with over 420,000 sq ft of retail space. Primarily contained in two adjoining buildings, it features a vast array of furniture, electronics, appliances, and home decor.  
• 🌍 Oak View Mall. An extensive complex near 144th & West Center Road with many stores including a Dick's Sporting Goods, Kohls, Sears, JCPenney, Dillards and Yonkers. A megaplex theater is also nearby.  
• 🌍 Old Market, ☎ [phone]. Has many restaurants and upscale shopping.  
• Village Point. An upscale, open-air lifestyle center near 168th & West Dodge Road. Scheels, Best Buy, Brix, an Apple store, and other specialty stores and restaurants are found here. 
• 🌍 Westroads Mall (at 100th & Dodge Streets). Largest mall in Nebraska. The mall contains Dick's Sporting Goods, JCPenney, Von Maur, Younkers, and an AMC Classic movie theater.  
• 🌍 Midtown Crossing, 31st and Farnam St. The result of a decade-long urban renewal effort in midtown Omaha. This development provides shopping space, dining, contemporary condominiums and apartments in a single location.  

Eat

It's said that Omaha has more restaurants per capita than almost anywhere else in the world. Omaha and much of Nebraska are known for high quality corn-fed beef. All restaurants in Omaha are smoke-free indoors. Smoking on outdoor patios is legal, but rather uncommon. Below are a selection of locations to eat in Omaha.

Budget

• Azteca, 9429 S 142nd St. An excellent, yet authentic Mexican establishment. Sandwiched conveniently (nay, conspicuously) next to some of the region's finest interstate-side budgetels. Never mind the petrol fumes, this is one gem that can't be missed. 
• California Tacos, 3235 California St. Infamous midtown taqueria featuring "puffy-shell" tacos. Served by rotating shifts of neighborhood deziens, uniformed cops, and snobby bros from nearby Creighton University, it makes for a cheap place to take in some culture. Tables get scarce in the afternoon--4PM-5PM is half-off happy hour. 
• Chopsticks House (Chopsticks House), 5522 North 103rd Street Omaha., ☎ [phone]. $4 to $8 entrees. Tasty Chinese dishes. 
• Dinker's Bar (Dinker's Bar), 2368 S 29th St, ☎ [phone]. $5 to $7 burgers. Billed as the best burger in Omaha.. 
• Dundee Dell (The Dell), 5007 Underwood Ave. (Near 50th and Underwood, which is six blocks north of Dodge St.), ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. $6 to $14 entrees. See Bar section below for drink prices. Note: while the Dell is a restaurant, it is a very popular bar as well, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. If in doubt about the atmosphere, there are some other good restaurants nearby. It can also get busy on these nights. 
• Katie's, 119 S 40th St. Serves home-style Greek food. 
• King Kong. Multiple locations. Serves Greek food and is the home of the Triple-Kong burger. Free drinks with a student ID. 
• Jade Garden (Jade Garden), 2068 North 117th., ☎ [phone]. $4 to $8 entrees. Delicious Chinese food and take-out. 
• Los Portales, 2614 S 13th St. Authentic Mexican that caters to the more adventurous diners. Examples include steak served with cactus, quail, and tongue burritos. 
• 🌍 Petrow's, 5914 Center St (at northeast corner of 60th and Center St. Take 60th Street exit off I-80 and go north to Center St.), ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. M-Sa 6AM-9:30PM. A locally owned American restaurant, serving old time favorites and homemade ice cream. Great burgers and sandwiches, in addition to anything with ice cream. $6 to $12. Most entrees below $8. 
• Pudgy's Pizzeria. Southwest corner of 168th and Harrison. The only pizzeria in Omaha specializing in authentic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Also offers thin and original crusts and a few Chicago sandwiches. Family-friendly, and on the weekends offers homemade cheesecake. 
• Qdoba. (chain), Multiple locations. A Mexican grill chain with burritos voted the best of Omaha. 
• Smoke Pit BBQ & Lounge, 230 S 25th St. A BBQ shack that serves ribs among other things and is open until 3AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Reasonable prices and variety of sides. 
• Spaghetti Works. Two Omaha-area locations (Old Market, and 84th St in Ralston). All-you-can-eat spaghetti dinners, including garlic bread and salad bar, for under $10. Many choices of sauces and pastas. Full bar. 
• Ted & Wally's, 1120 Jackson St. Homemade ice cream with many unique flavors such as French Toast, Trix, Chai Tea, Dirt, and Guinness. The ice cream flavors are always changing. Voted best ice cream in Omaha. 
• Valentino's. Multiple locations. Great pizza and pasta for take-out or delivery. Many locations also have great buffets! 
• Zio's Pizza. Multiple locations. Uses natural ingredients and has huge calzones and great pizza. 
• Coneflower, 3921 Farnam Street, ☎ [phone]. Local artisanal ice cream. Offers both traditional and experimental flavors. (updated Nov 2017)
• Block 16, 1611 Farnam Street, ☎ [phone]. Nationally recognised street food. Menu features sandwiches, burgers, and poutine. (updated Nov 2017)

Mid-range

• Avoli Osteria, 5013 Underwood Ave. A Northern Italian restaurant, located in the historic Omaha neighborhood of Dundee. 
• Ahmad's Persian Cuisine, 1006 Howard St. Great, authentic Persian food. All meals are prepared by the restaurant's owner, Ahmad, an Iranian immigrant. Located in the Old Market. 
• Charlie's on the Lake, 4150 S 144th St. A lively atmosphere with some of Omaha's finest martinis, including the Pelini Martini named after Huskers coaching legend, Bo Pelini. Lush patio environment features breathtaking lakeside view and easy access to live duck sanctuary where restaurant owner Yves Menard gavages the stock. During summer months, patrons can select a duck and enjoy some of the finest foie gras and wine pairings in the Midwest. 
• Cheeseburger in Paradise, 17304 Davenport Street Suite 100. The Jimmy Buffet chain with some great food and a laid back, island atmosphere. Although known for their hamburgers, the Island salad and the Chocolate Nachos are what you are after here. If that's not your flavor, then anything with "Island" or "Caribbean" in the menu name is a hit. 
• Five Guys, Burgers and Fries(chain), 697 s 132 st., ☎ [phone]. Serves classic burgers 
• Hiro Sushi, 3655 129th St. Great Japanese restaurant that serves some of Omaha's freshest sushi and sashimi. 
• Jaipur, 10922 Elm St (in Rockbrook Village). The city's best East Indian food. Also a unique brewery, try the jalapeno beer. 
• Piccolo Pete's, 2202 S 20th St. Family owned for over 70 years, Piccolo's has been serving Omaha since 1933. Menu items include steaks, fish & chicken dishes, and also a few Italian specialties. Like Gorat's, it is one of Warren Buffett's favorite places to eat. Friendly service and an excellent family atmosphere. 
• Blue Sushi Sake Grill, 14450 Eagle Run Dr., Ste. 210 (Flagship of multiple locations in Omaha), ☎ [phone]. Modern sushi with an energetic vibe, offers an extensive menu of raw, non raw, and vegan sushi, all paired with a collection of premium Sake. (updated Nov 2017)
• Over Easy, 16859 Q Street, ☎ [phone]. 7AM-2PM. Chic breakfast spot located uptown with a fresh take on traditional breakfast foods, featuring a drive through. (updated Nov 2017)

Splurge

• The Boiler Room, 1110 Jones St. A relative newcomer to Omaha's fine restaurant scene, the Boiler Room is a hidden gem in the south side of the Old Market tucked in the gutted boiler room of an old warehouse. The food is usually sourced locally and has a heavy emphasis on gourmet French-style cooking, especially meat. Try the boar's head or scorpionfish. The menu changes daily. 
• The Flatiron Cafe, 1722 Saint Marys Ave. Fine new American cuisine in Downtown Omaha. The Flatiron Cafe's staff has been happily serving the theater crowd, business travelers and those celebrating special occasions since 1995. 
• Gorat's Steak House, 4917 Center St. Favored by Warren Buffett, a dear friend of the family and a valued customer. 
• Mahogany Prime Steakhouse. (chain). A great restaurant where you can get your fill on prime-grade steaks, Australian lobster, and Alaskan king crab legs. The food is amazing and they have a great wine list to complement whatever you order. Mahogany is year after year awarded with a "Best of Omaha Award" in the steakhouse category despite the abundance of better local, non-chain establishments. 
• Mark's Bistro, 4916 Underwood Ave. Mark's unique environment combines casual dining with a neighborhood feel. A relaxed, casual place with exquisite food, Mark's has a hefty wine list and an eclectic menu. 
• V Mertz, 1022 Howard St. Intimate and romantic ambiance. The menu, which changes weekly, is continental but also offers some innovative culinary creations from a range of cuisine types. Great for special dinners. Located in the Old Market. Famous clientele have included: Bono of U2, local plutocrat Warren Buffet, and Bruce "the Boss" Springsteen. 
• Spencer's for Steaks and Chops, 102 S. 10th St, ☎ [phone]. Aged, hand cut and seared. Featuring USDA prime beef from Stockyards Beef of Chicago, Spencer’s restaurant offers sizzling hot porterhouses, juicy filet mignons and the bone-in ribeye for which Spencer’s is named. 
• 801 Chophouse, 1403 Farnam Street, ☎ [phone]. M-F 4PM – 10PM, Sa 5PM – 10PM, Su 5PM – 9PM. In the Paxton building downtown, it features an upscale environment, and serves fresh USDA prime steak, paired with wines, bourbons and single malt scotches, and a daily fresh sheet. (updated Nov 2017)
• Hiro 88, 1308 Jackson Street (multiple locations, including two uptown and one in Lincoln), ☎ [phone]. Hiro 88 is an upscale Pan-Asian restaurant group. With the help of renowned architects like Japan’s Nakamura-san, restauranteur Milton Yin has created distinct atmospheres at each location, each inspired by its surrounding neighborhood. Serving Chinese cuisine and some of Omaha’s best sushi. (updated Nov 2017)
• The Grey Plume, 220 S. 31st Ave Suite 3101 (Midtown Crossing), ☎ [phone]. Offers seasonally-driven, contemporary cuisine from locally-grown produce and livestock. Founded by Omaha native and James Beard award nominee Clayton Chapman, the Grey Plume was once deemed the “Greenest Restaurant in the Country”. With a purposive menu and progressive initiatives, it has become a cornerstone for the local food movement. (updated Nov 2017)

Drink

All restaurants, bars, and coffee shops in Omaha are smoke-free indoors. Smoking on outdoor patios is legal, though rather uncommon. All bars in Omaha must close by 2AM

Bars

• The Crescent Moon, 3578 Farnam St. Large pub and German bier-hall. Hundreds of micros and import beers on tap, and a great selection of German beer. Sometimes a polka band in the bier hall or karaoke on Saturday nights. Check out the beer boutique next door for bottles and cans to take home. 
• Dundee Dell (The Dell), 5007 Underwood Ave. (near 50th and Underwood, which is six blocks north of Dodge St.), ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. $2.75 to $5.75 draft pints. $7 to $12 for pitchers. $2.25 to $25 bottles (huge selection, certainly one of the largest, if not the largest, in Omaha.) Very large scotch selection. Also has full restaurant. See website for full food and drink menu. 
• Homy Inn, 1510 N Saddle Creek Rd. A fun bar with champagne on tap. 
• Lemon Drop, 5423 S 36th St. Offers pool tables and live music. 
• The Max, 1417 Jackson St. Ostensibly the region's largest dance club and gay bar. Two dance floors (electronica on one, hip-hop on the other), three bars, and a huge courtyard. On the weekends it's mostly straight people and expect a $5 cover. 
• Rehab, 2615 south 120th St, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 9PM - 2AM. Touted by management as "the safest, cleanest, and most enjoyable dance venue this side of Omaha." Ladies free every day. (updated Apr 2015)
• The Side Door, 3530 Leavenworth St. Eclectic bar with unique, quality cocktails. Be prepared to wait a few minutes while the bartenders mix them. Free live music W-Sa. Diverse and agreeable crowd. Before 9PM, order take-out from Mother India just a block west. 
• Upstream Brewery, 514 S 11th St. In the Old Market. Has pool tables and on Wednesday nights $7 pizzas and $2 microbrews are served. Also has a full menu and great food at a reasonable price. Try the sample platter of microbrews and get your favorite in a growler to go. 
• Starsky's Lounge, 4020 S 13th St. Across from Rosenblatt Stadium. Great bar to hang out at after catching a game at the College World Series or a Royals game. 

The Bluejay bar is Creighton students favorite Wednesday night destination. A $5 cover gets you %1 shots and beers all night.

Farrel's Sports Bar, located downtown off 9th and Dodge, has a great Thursday night line up, with karaoke, $3 cover, and 50 cent busch or pbr.

Other fun bars include the Old Market Tavern, the Dubliner, Billy Frogs, and Barry O's, all within a few blocks of each other in the Old Market District.

Coffee shops

• Blue Line Coffee (50th & Underwood Streets). Resides in a walkable area of Omaha, the Dundee neighborhood. Stop in and get "Green Beret", then walk down the block to 'Great Harvest' for a free slice of bread of your choice. Alternatively, walk west to the Bread Oven, a French bakery featuring traditional French breads. 
• Caffeine Dreams, 4524 Farnam St. Popular meeting spot for many clubs and meetings. Near hospitals and colleges. Local art & photography grace the walls, eclectic music plays over the speakers. Decent priced coffee, cool atmosphere. Free wi-fi. 
• Espresso Yourself, 118 N 50th St. One block off of Dodge Street, the only drive through coffee house in Dundee. Muffins, donuts and bagels offered daily. Outdoor seating. Free wi-fi 
• 13th Street Coffee Company, 519 S 13th St. In Downtown, it serves a variety of coffee-based drinks. Desserts and sandwiches are also served. Occasionally there is live music on Fridays. Free wi-fi. 
• Scooters. Multiple locations. This fast-growing regional chain seems to have drive-up kiosks on every other corner, a testament to its popularity. Locations with seating offer free wi-fi. Original location is in Bellevue. 

Sleep

• Best Western PLUS Kelly Inn, 4706 South 108th St, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone]. Beautifully remodeled award-winning hotel with spacious sleeping rooms that include free high-speed internet, microwaves, refrigerators, 37' flat screen TV, free local calls, iron/ironing boards, hairdryers, indoor water playland, exercise room, meeting space and Perkins Restaurant. Pets are welcome. 
• Best Western Settle Inn, 650 North 109th Ct, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone]. 
• Crowne Plaza Hotel, 655 North 108th Ave, ☎ [phone]. 
• Doubletree Hotel & Executive Meeting Center Omaha - Downtown, 1616 Dodge St, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone]. 
• Element Omaha Midtown Crossing, 3253 Dodge St, ☎ [phone]. 
• Embassy Suites Omaha - Old Market, 555 South 10th St, ☎ [phone]. 
• Hawthorne Suites, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone]. 11025 M Street. 
• Magnolia Hotel Omaha, 1615 Howard St, ☎ [phone]. This downtown hotel offers stylish rooms & suites near many major corporate headquarters and offices. The hotel also features meeting & event facilities and extended stay accommodations. 
• Motel 6, 10708 M St, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone]. 
• Omaha Marriott, 10220 Regency Ci, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone]. 
• Residence Inn Omaha, 6990 Dodge St, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone]. 
• Hilton Garden Inn Omaha Downtown/Old Market Area, 1005 Dodge St, ☎ [phone]. Great location in downtown Omaha within walking distance to the Old Market Area with great shopping and dining. Grab breakfast at the Great American Grill and dinner at Spencer's. Guests can enjoy free hi-speed Internet access, business center, meeting/banquet facilities, indoor pool & whirlpool, fitness center and an Unconditional 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. 
• Hampton Inn & Suites Omaha Downtown, 1212 Cuming St, ☎ [phone]. Great location in downtown Omaha within walking distance to Qwest Center and the airport with free shuttle service. Enjoy an On The House Hot breakfast, free hi-speed Internet, business center, indoor pool & whirlpool, fitness center and 100% Hampton Guarantee. 
• 🌍 Comfort Inn at the Zoo, 2920 S. 13th Ct (take the 13th Street exit (#454), then right on 13th Street, left on 13th Court to hotel), ☎ [phone]. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. Nice hotel with a decent free hot breakfast. Courtyard rooms give nice access to a space to enjoy some fresh air and picnic tables. Ground-level rooms on east side of hotel feature common windows with the zoo's Hubbard Gorilla Valley exhibit, for close encounters with nature! 
• Hilton Omaha, 1001 Cass St, ☎ [phone]. Closest Hilton to TD Ameritrade Park, offers a full service spa, fitness center, indoor pool, and 4 dining options. 
• 🌍 Omaha Marriott, 10220 Regency Circle, ☎ [phone]. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Close to CenturyLink Center and TD Ameritrade Park. Free local shuttle service within a five-mile radius and complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel. (updated Mar 2015)

Stay safe

Omaha is generally a safe city, but still use common sense. Simply using caution and avoiding any situation in which you are uncomfortable will basically keep you out of trouble. The vast majority of violent crime occurs in North Omaha, roughly defined as the area North of Lake St, between 24th and 72nd St. Exercise a bit of additional caution when in this area after dark.

Omaha is in Tornado Alley, so severe weather can erupt between the months of April and August with the main threats being hail, high winds and street flooding, but tornadoes can sometimes be a threat. Tornado alert sirens are located throughout the city. At 11AM on the first Wednesday of the month, the sirens are tested. If in doubt, ask a resident. Local stations KETV Channel 7 (ABC), WOWT Channel 6(NBC) and KMTV Channel 3(CBS) break into programming if a severe weather event is in progress. Radio services 1110AM and 590AM also provide severe weather coverage. Be aware that Omaha is within Douglas County in the state of Nebraska, as meteorologists often point out warnings this way.

During winter months, Omaha often sees cold temperatures as well as snow or ice events. Also, be aware that steep hills do exist within the city, and precaution should be taken during slick driving conditions. Blizzards are often possible, the entire city normally shuts down during one of these.

Cope

• The Omaha World-Herald. City's largest newspaper.
• Silicon Prairie News.

Consulates

• Mexico, 7444 Farnam St. 

Go next

• Council Bluffs, Iowa is located just across the Missouri River. Gambling is illegal in Nebraska, so Omaha residents visit Council Bluffs for its casinos. There are also some interesting historic sites here.
• The nearby cities of Bellevue, La Vista, Papillion and Ralston have various shopping areas. See Eastern Nebraska for details.
• Visit Lincoln (50 miles west on I-80) to explore various museums and shopping there. Or catch a University of Nebraska football game, where every home game has been sold out for over 50 years.
• Nebraska City - Has orchards and vineyards (Kimmel Orchard and Vineyard or Arbor Day Farm) about an hour drive from Omaha.

Routes through Omaha

Denver ← Lincoln ←	W  E	→ Osceola → Chicago
North Platte ← Ashland ←	W  E	→ Council Bluffs → Des Moines
Lincoln ← Ashland ←	W  E	→ Council Bluffs → Des Moines
Luverne ← Sioux City ←	N  S	→ Bellevue → Topeka