13 Unique Hidden Restaurants in Omaha that You Should Visit ASAP

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!

Do you have a foodie in your life who could use a little pick me up? Surprise them with a virtual GiftYa card! Let your friend dine out or order in from their favorite restaurant using their new e-card by GiftYa! GiftYa has ecards for hundreds of bars and restaurants around the city, including some of the ones we feature below. Plus they don’t just offer eGifts for restaurants but other businesses as well. Within seconds, you can text your friend a GiftYa card that they can then upload to their debit card. It’s that easy! 

Check out our full selection of cards here!

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

Buy A Spaghetti Works Gift Card

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

You can Purchase a GiftYa Gift Card for the Spaghetti Works here!

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.