Oh Omaha, I miss you already.

I lived in Omaha for four years and I will say, it was not an easy transition for a California gal. The first year was rough, but even I had to admit there was enough comfort food around town that I could eat myself into bliss. The food and the people welcomed me into a state of acceptance. I embraced the “Nebraska Nice” motto and called Omaha home.

For anyone who is traveling to Omaha, here is the best of what Omaha gave me and what I can offer you!

Welcome to the Midwest :)

#1 Block 16

Move over Joe! Nick is yummier! No, I am not referring to the Jonas Brothers. The BEST vegan version of a Sloppy Joe you can get your hands on is at Block 16! Here, it is called a Sloppy Nick. This place has been voted one of the best places to eat in Omaha. There are great options for everyone. Meat lovers and vegans, you will love the food!

#2 Coneflower Creamery

On summer nights, this place usually has a line out the door that hits the end of the block. Granted, the block is a bit small. Anyway, the ice cream here is unique and tasty. Grandma Minnie’s Lemon bar, Tart Cherry Crumble, Honey Lavender, White Chocolate Basil- okay, I need to gather my wits and get my tastebuds together before I buy a plane tickets just to get ice cream.

Be adventurous and try some of these artisanal delights made with fresh ingredients. There are classic flavors too! BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE! They have a record player and I always feel lucky when I walk through the door and hear Leon Bridges’ album, Coming Home. Mmm, if that isn’t happiness in a cone, I don’t know what is!

#3 Oliver & Tate

You might be thinking, “wait…what? why is this not food related?” Well, if you are new to town and staying a while, you might need haircare recommendations. Lucky you, I have the best! My first time at Oliver & Tate was shortly after the salon opened and now their name is very well known for quality cuts, worth every penny! I have never been more grateful for a stylist than I am for Kenzie, who I suspect is the fairy-godmother of hair. And if you are a regular customer, bang trims are free! Just stop by and look at the beautiful salon, you will immediately know you are in good hands.

#4 Noli’s Pizzeria

Still in the Blackstone District. Noli’s margherita and caprese pizzas are my favorite! You can order by the slice, but I think you will want more than one!

#5 Wicked Rabbit

On the outside, this place can fool you into thinking it is a small liquor store. It will certainly surprise you. The storefront has one of the largest liquor selections in Omaha. That’s not all of the magic. Get a taste of the prohibition and grab a drink inside the speakeasy, hidden by a shelf that serves as a secret door. For first timers, the ambiance is magnificent and unforgettable.

#6 The Crescent Moon

Locals love going to the moon to grab a beer or a boot, and sometimes cheap Long-Islands. If you get hungry, there is a great menu to select from. While I don’t eat meat, I have seen the wings and usually live vicariously through my meat eating friends.

#7 Culprit Cafe

Okay, so maybe you have had one too many drinks and need a pick me up the morning after. Head over to Culprit Cafe in Midtown. There is one Downtown too, but Midtown has better hours and I like the layout more. My favorite order is Beignets with their homemade jam and their Chai Latté (I think you get more bang for your buck if you order it hot).

#8 Sozo Coffeehouse

If you’re a fan of London Fogs, this is where I prefer to order mine. I enjoy their earl gray steeped entirely in coconut milk (no water).

#9 The Dub

Okay, so you need another drink. Understandable! Honestly, this place is more like a college dive bar, but a go-to nonetheless (especially on Thursdays). It is a great starting point for bar hopping. Next door is the Hive, where you can take part in some karaoke. Across the street is Parliament Pub. If you’re already on Harney St, then you might as well hit up all of the places in Old Market.

#10 Beercade

Located in Benson, Beercade is the fun of childhood mixed with the rights of adulthood. Drinking + Pinball = Paradise

#11 Tully’s Puppy Mill

If you’re feeling sad, here is where you can pet a puppy! There are always dogs and they get lots of visitors, so don’t be shy!

#12 Spielbound

It’s all fun and games until you leave! For $5 you have access to a large library of board games and a cozy place to play. It’s basically a café so you can get comfy and order food. I also love the Chai Latté here! There’s even beer! Fun for a date night or a group hangout!

#13 Flatiron Building

This is more of an honorable mention because I have never eaten at the café. I just love the building. So much so that I took my grad photos outside. During spring and summer the trees hide the building; but if you go for a walk, you can admire it up close. There is a better view driving by during fall and winter. It’s quite lovely AND it’s free.