Welcome to the new year! Many of us are making resolutions for 2020 – they could be promises to ourselves to do something bold, take better care of ourselves, accomplish a specific goal, or try new things. We can help you out with at least one of those: trying new things. These 12 restaurants – listed here in no particular order – are some of our favorites that we featured here on Only In Nebraska in 2019, and we think you’ll want to give them a try before 2020 is over.
- Rocket Inn, Indianola
Google Streetview
Google Local/Andi Chakravarti Rocket Inn, located in Indianola, serves some of the most unique, memorable pizza in the state. Try it with sauerkraut - it may sound strange, but it’s actually delicious.Read more about this small-town pizzeria here
- Tangled Tumbleweed, Scottsbluff
TripAdvisor/Bill M
Google Local/Rich M While the Tangled Tumbleweed is known more as a wine tasting room, the “small plates” menu warrants a visit even from non-wine drinkers. But if you do choose to imbibe, you’ll be impressed by the wine selection as well. Read more about this western Nebraska gem here.
- Sehnert’s Bakery and Bieroc Cafe, McCook
Google Local/Barbara Ann DeBolt
Google Local/Kim Wilson In 2019, Sehnert’s became the first restaurant in Nebraska to receive the prestigious James Beard America’s Classic Award. Whether you’re there for the bierocs (like Runzas, but better) or the baked goods, you’re going to love everything you try. Read more about this award-winning restaurant here.
- Potter Sundry, Potter
Google Streetview
Google Local/David Steele Potter Sundry is known as the birthplace of the Tin Roof Sundae, and it’s still the best place in the country to try the treat. If you have room after your ice cream, Potter Sundry also serves non-dessert foods. Read more about this historic soda fountain here.
- Mac’s Cafe, Fremont
Google Streetview
Google Local/Linda Fritz If you’re craving a home-cooked meal but just can’t deal with cooking right now, don’t worry - Mac’s Cafe is here to save the day. It serves what may be the very best breakfast in town and offers terrific lunch and dinner menus as well. Read more about this old-school cafe here.
- Twisted Turtle Pub, Rushville
Google Local/Shane Talbot
Facebook/The Twisted Turtle Pub This little pub in Rushville, not too far from Chadron, probably isn’t a place that you stumble upon by accident. It’s hidden away, but it’s so worth finding. The wood-fired pizzas are some of the best in the state. Read more about this hidden gem here.
- J’s Place, Pierce
Google Local/Carol Backus
Facebook/J’s Place Bring your appetite when you visit J’s Place. Besides a variety of mouthwatering burgers, this restaurant features the Pierce Pounder: an ice cream sundae that weighs more than a pound and a half. Read more about this gut-busting deliciousness here.
- Bourbon Street, Lincoln
Facebook/Bourbon Street by Single Barrel
Facebook/Bourbon Street by Single Barrel If you’ve never had the opportunity to indulge in a seafood boil, this is your chance. It’s a big, customizable, deliciously messy meal that’s meant to be shared, and eating it is an experience in itself. Read more about this can’t-miss restaurant here.
- The Hunger Block, Omaha
Google Local/Bijana Valentino
Facebook/The Hunger Block This Latin American restaurant serves traditional meals and street food-inspired fare, but what really impresses us are the milkshakes. They’re massive and topped with some of the craziest toppings ever, from donuts to ice cream sandwiches. Read more about these marvelous milkshakes here.
- Grateful Bread/Freakbeat Vegetarian, Lincoln
TripAdvisor/Carol D
Google Local/Emily Goodin This vegetarian restaurant is a Lincoln favorite, even among dedicated meat-eaters. The menu is ever-changing but always full of delectable delights. Read more about this lovable hippie-themed restaurant here.
- Cunningham’s Feed, Arapahoe
Google Streetview
Google Local/Stacey Chaffin This former livestock feed store has been transformed into a classic small-town eatery. There’s a regular menu serving all of your familiar favorites, but be sure to try the inventive specials as well. Read more about this drool-worthy small-town restaurant here.
- Bella Italia, Cozad
Facebook/Bella Italia
Facebook/Bella Italia Bella Italian is one of Nebraska’s favorite Italian restaurants. It’s been open since 2004 and recently changed ownership - but don’t worry, the original beloved recipes are still used.Read more about this classic Italian restaurant here.
If you visit one of these remarkable restaurants a month, you’ve got a whole year of culinary adventures ahead of you. Which ones are you planning to visit? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Google Streetview
Google Local/Andi Chakravarti
Rocket Inn, located in Indianola, serves some of the most unique, memorable pizza in the state. Try it with sauerkraut - it may sound strange, but it’s actually delicious.Read more about this small-town pizzeria here
TripAdvisor/Bill M
Google Local/Rich M
While the Tangled Tumbleweed is known more as a wine tasting room, the “small plates” menu warrants a visit even from non-wine drinkers. But if you do choose to imbibe, you’ll be impressed by the wine selection as well. Read more about this western Nebraska gem here.
Google Local/Barbara Ann DeBolt
Google Local/Kim Wilson
In 2019, Sehnert’s became the first restaurant in Nebraska to receive the prestigious James Beard America’s Classic Award. Whether you’re there for the bierocs (like Runzas, but better) or the baked goods, you’re going to love everything you try. Read more about this award-winning restaurant here.
Google Local/David Steele
Potter Sundry is known as the birthplace of the Tin Roof Sundae, and it’s still the best place in the country to try the treat. If you have room after your ice cream, Potter Sundry also serves non-dessert foods. Read more about this historic soda fountain here.
Google Local/Linda Fritz
If you’re craving a home-cooked meal but just can’t deal with cooking right now, don’t worry - Mac’s Cafe is here to save the day. It serves what may be the very best breakfast in town and offers terrific lunch and dinner menus as well. Read more about this old-school cafe here.
Google Local/Shane Talbot
Facebook/The Twisted Turtle Pub
This little pub in Rushville, not too far from Chadron, probably isn’t a place that you stumble upon by accident. It’s hidden away, but it’s so worth finding. The wood-fired pizzas are some of the best in the state. Read more about this hidden gem here.
Google Local/Carol Backus
Facebook/J’s Place
Bring your appetite when you visit J’s Place. Besides a variety of mouthwatering burgers, this restaurant features the Pierce Pounder: an ice cream sundae that weighs more than a pound and a half. Read more about this gut-busting deliciousness here.
Facebook/Bourbon Street by Single Barrel
If you’ve never had the opportunity to indulge in a seafood boil, this is your chance. It’s a big, customizable, deliciously messy meal that’s meant to be shared, and eating it is an experience in itself. Read more about this can’t-miss restaurant here.
Google Local/Bijana Valentino
Facebook/The Hunger Block
This Latin American restaurant serves traditional meals and street food-inspired fare, but what really impresses us are the milkshakes. They’re massive and topped with some of the craziest toppings ever, from donuts to ice cream sandwiches. Read more about these marvelous milkshakes here.
TripAdvisor/Carol D
Google Local/Emily Goodin
This vegetarian restaurant is a Lincoln favorite, even among dedicated meat-eaters. The menu is ever-changing but always full of delectable delights. Read more about this lovable hippie-themed restaurant here.
Google Local/Stacey Chaffin
This former livestock feed store has been transformed into a classic small-town eatery. There’s a regular menu serving all of your familiar favorites, but be sure to try the inventive specials as well. Read more about this drool-worthy small-town restaurant here.
Facebook/Bella Italia
Bella Italian is one of Nebraska’s favorite Italian restaurants. It’s been open since 2004 and recently changed ownership - but don’t worry, the original beloved recipes are still used.Read more about this classic Italian restaurant here.
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Address: 117 4th St, Indianola, NE 69034, USAAddress: 1823 Ave A, Scottsbluff, NE 69361, USAAddress: 312 Norris Ave, McCook, NE 69001, USAAddress: 324 Chestnut St, Potter, NE 69156, USAAddress: 1755 N Bell St, Fremont, NE 68025, USAAddress: 129 N Main St, Rushville, NE 69360, USAAddress: 323 E Main St, Pierce, NE 68767, USAAddress: 300 Canopy St, Lincoln, NE 68501, USAAddress: 11036 Elm St, Omaha, NE 68144, USAAddress: 1625 S 17th St, Lincoln, NE 68502, USAAddress: 603 Nebraska Ave, Arapahoe, NE 68922, USAAddress: 114 W 7th St, Cozad, NE 69130, USA
