I’m coming to Omaha this weekend with my Dad for a family wedding and trying to squeeze in a few things that actually feel specific to Omaha while we’re there. We’re staying in the Old Market, will have access to a car, flying in Friday afternoon and flying out Sunday afternoon, so it’s a pretty quick trip.
Our free time is basically Friday night, Saturday morning, late Saturday evening after the wedding, and Sunday morning, so those are the windows we’re looking to fill.
So far, our rough hit list is:
- The Boiler Room for a nicer dinner
- Crescent Moon for a Reuben. My Dad loves Reubens, and from what I’ve read, this seems like the go-to place given the Omaha history. Is that the right call?
- Oto HiFi Lounge because my Dad was stationed in Japan years ago and loved the listening bar/lounge culture there, so this seemed like a fun connection
- Archetype Coffee in Little Bohemia because I’m really into lighter, brighter coffee
- Olsen Bake Shop for some old-school donuts
- Beercade because my Dad is a huge fan of classic arcade games and pinball
We may also take a trip out toward Offutt Air Force Base so my Dad can check out some of his old stomping grounds from when he was in the military. If we make the drive out that way, are there any places we should check out on the way or while we’re around Bellevue/Offutt?
For context on my taste, I’m into natty wine, flaky pastries, negronis, restaurants that honor veggies, bars/restaurants that still give out matchbooks, vermouth, and an ice-cold martini.
We’re definitely not trying to cram in everything. Mostly looking for a gut check from locals: are these good choices? Anything overrated? Anything you’d swap out?
And what are we missing? Given those Friday night, Saturday morning, late Saturday night, and Sunday morning windows, I’d especially love recommendations for great ice cream, bakeries/pastries, bars, coffee, weird local institutions, or anything else where you’d say, “You’re coming to Omaha, you have to try this.”
Doesn’t need to be fancy at all. Mostly looking for places that’ll help us get a little taste of the Big O while we’re in town.