For the most part, you can tell what you’re getting from a Nebraska restaurant before you walk in. Whether it’s a rural steakhouse frequented by farmers and ranchers or a polished special-occasion kind of place, you can usually pick up on the vibe before you even go in. That’s not always the case, though.
The tiny village of Goehner, with a population of just over 150, sits between Lincoln and York. It’s a little blip on the map that most people probably wouldn’t notice. It’s just a quick little jump off of I-80, though, and we heartily recommend making a stop there when you’re passing through.
Google Maps
While you’re there, you’ll find Chez Bubba Cafe, a little place with a pretty big personality. You can already tell by the name that they don’t take themselves too seriously.
Google/Angela Armagost
This is the kind of place you can go to feel welcomed and comfortable. It’s not so fancy that you have to change into your finest before you go, but it’s also not so gritty that you’d be afraid to take a date there.
Google/Joan Anderson
The interior is full of small-town country charm. The furniture isn’t the sleek, expensive-looking stuff you’ll find in city restaurants. It’s mismatched and well worn, just like you’d expect to find at a beloved relative’s house.
Google/Justin v
Look around to find some interesting little touches in the decor. This table, for example, is a repurposed vintage sewing machine table. Everything comes together to make the interior look simultaneously chic and rustic.
Google/Justin v
The food is another enigma. There’s classic diner food like burgers, fries, and the best onion rings you’ll ever taste…
Facebook/Chez Bubba Cafe
…and then you’ve got some slightly more creative dishes, like this smoked jalapeño sausage mac and cheese. There are several vegetarian dishes on the menu that go far beyond the usual side salad, too.
Facebook/Chez Bubba Cafe
Local favorites rule around here, though, like this mouthwatering basket of baby back ribs…
Facebook/Chez Bubba Cafe
…or this massive sirloin steak with au gratin potatoes.
Facebook/Chez Bubba Cafe
There are also less predictable (but still crazy delicious) selections like these fish tacos.
Facebook/Chez Bubba Cafe
Dessert at Chez Bubba is always a special treat - go ahead and indulge yourself. The selection is always rotating, so it’s like a pleasant surprise every time you visit. Angel food cake topped with homemade strawberry ice cream? Yes, please.
Facebook/Chez Bubba Cafe
There’s a lot more going on at Chez Bubba than just terrific food. There are karaoke nights, holiday celebrations (you don’t want to miss the New Year’s Day bloody mary bar!), live music performances…
Facebook/Chez Bubba
…and even comedy shows and other live entertainment. It’s almost hard to tell that this place is in such a tiny town; there’s always something fun going on, and it’s almost always packed with a fun-loving crowd. And don’t forget their sizable selection of beer and the full bar.
Facebook/Chez Bubba Cafe
Chez Bubba opened in 2011 and since then has won customers’ hearts with its unique blend of country charm and city pizzazz. Whether you live nearby or are just cruising through on your way somewhere else, this is one of those legendary small-town joints that deserves a stop.
Google Maps
Google/Angela Armagost
Google/Joan Anderson
Google/Justin v
Facebook/Chez Bubba Cafe
Facebook/Chez Bubba
Goehner is such a small town that you don’t really need to look hard to find Chez Bubba – but if you need to set your GPS, plug in 1234 May St, Goehner. Kitchen hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
Learn more about this unique restaurant at its website, or like Chez Bubba on Facebook to keep up with specials and upcoming events.
If you’re interested in more great restaurants in unusual places, check out this surprisingly great eatery hiding out in a truck stop.
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