today’s city guide comes to us from one of my favorite photographers, jen altman. jen is taking us on a tour of omaha, nebraska and has included some fantastic art and design spots as well as good places to grab an old fashioned soda, a beautiful arrangement of flowers, or update your “ink”. you can click here for jen’s full guide to omaha or just click “read more” below. thanks to jen for this wonderful guide!
[click here for jen's 'in the kitchen with' mandelbrot recipe]
[ps: the second episode of design by the book will be up at 4pm today- we had a little delay, sorry! we had a technical nightmare today so this will be up tomorrow afternoon- i'm so sorry!]
Growing up and spending my summers in southern California, I cannot begin to tell you how many times I was asked if my family owned a cow when I divulged I spent my school year in the “Heartland” of Omaha, Nebraska. And while for the most part the “Heartland” is just that – a whole lot of land, you have little gems beckoning across the prairies and one of those jewels happens to be Omaha. While its amazing break out independent music scene is what people began to notice first, the last 10-15 years have reshaped the city, creating a pretty cool little place to live – and the secret is getting out.
If you find yourself passing through there are some wonderful must-sees, locally owned eateries and shops to visit. The city is divided into sections – Downtown {whose Old Market area packs in residents and tourists alike year round}; NoDo {the newly dubbed art district just North of downtown where Urban Outfitters and American Apparel opened shop}; Mid-Town {home of the eclectic Dundee neighborhood}, North Omaha and South Omaha {home to some of the best family run restaurants in the city} and West O {where you will find your higher end retailers and suburban sprawl}.
Shop:
While Omaha is just coming into it’s own as a metropolitan shopping destination, {our first Anthropologie opened in October}, it is the eclectic boutiques that make the shopping scene here so much fun – some standouts include:
Adam Whitney Gallery – 87th & Pacific in Countryside Village: Filled with gorgeous glass, home wares and fine art, they also boast an enviable jewelry collection from designers like Alexis Bittar and Dogeared.
Blooms – 10923 Prairie Brook Rd.: One of Omaha’s premier floral shops featuring an extensive collection of beautiful and unique home décor.
Borsheims – 120 Regency Pkwy.: A list of Omaha’s shopping must’s would not be complete without mentioning this huge and incredibly elegant jewelry store. It is the largest in the Midwest and offers everything from swoon-worthy double digit carat diamonds to designers like Alex Woo. An eye candy feast.
Category One – 108th & Center St.: Absolutely everything you need for your kitchen under one roof. The collection of Le Crueset is especially wonderful.
Gadgeteer – 7317 Douglas St.: Didn’t think you could find a Philippe Starck Ghost Chair in Omaha? This shop is full of modern surprises.
Habitat – 1112 Howard St.: Though listed as a flower shop – the scent as you walk in is intoxicating – Habitat also offers an array of books and gifts – a beautiful little shop.
Jeanne Marie – 17151 Davenport St.: Another wonderful home décor shop brimming with European inspired home goods.
Le Marche – 87th & Pacific in Countryside Village: This mother and daughter team have a wonderful eye for French inspired home accessories, cards, gifts and jewelry – all at very reasonable prices.
The Linen Gallery – 120 Regency Pkwy in Regency Court: Beautiful linens, table top accessories – features an array of intoxicating soaps and fragrances – you can also find Rosanna dinnerware in this perfect little space.
Niche – 1109 Howard St.: Contemporary furnishings with an amazing selection of light fixtures and unusual home accessories.
Nouvelle Eve – 1102 Howard St.: One of the first boutiques in Omaha to cater to the true fashionista – a great selection of hard to find labels and lust-worthy handbags.
The Post & Nickel – 132nd Center: an Omaha institution since 1966, this is a must stop for designers such as Rock & Republic and Theory.
Pulp – 6114 Military Ave. – Located in the historic Benson neighborhood, Pulp is a paper lovers paradise featuring goods from such favorites as Nantaka Joy and Elum. It also plays host to some of the hottest gallery openings in town.
Room – 421 S. 11th St.: One of our local go-to’s for modern home décor by the likes of Jonathan Adler, Eames and George Nelson.
Scout Dry Goods & Trade – 5008 Underwood St.: Gently used and new clothes, jewelry and shoes – this amazing space in the heart of Dundee also hosts art and fashion shows.
Second Chance Antiques – 1125 Jackson St.: The best vintage finds in Omaha – whether you are after vintage jewels, fabrics, ephemera, handbags, clothes, dishes, milk glass, salvaged hardware – I could go on forever, I never walk out without something.
The Souq – 1018 Howard St.: This shop is an institution in the Old Market. Carrying gorgeous jewels from India and Africa, beautiful clothes, shoes and home accessories from abroad – it is a feast for the senses.
String of Purls – 87th and Pacific in Countryside Village: a gorgeous little piece of heaven for knitting lovers; the shop bursts with color and the sales women are exceptionally knowledgeable.
Trocadero – 1208 ½ Howard St.: New York transplant and former Accessories Director of InStyle magazine, Alice Kim opened Trocadero just over a year ago to the delight of many; stocks hard to find shoe and handbag labels as well as a carefully edited selection of fabulous home décor, jewelry, body products and books.
Viola – 4922 Dodge St.: A flower shop whose selection of hand chosen home and garden wares is the best in Omaha – I have a hard time walking out without a little something.
Eat:
I was once told that Omaha had the most restaurants per capita in the US – I am unsure of the truth in this – but we sure have a lot of places to eat – you rarely have to wait long for a seat to indulge in a great meal. There is a 20-minute wait? Go next door – there is something equally fabulous. Here are a few of my favorites:
Ahmad’s – 1006 Howard St.: Newcomers are astonished to find how eclectic the cuisine is in Omaha – Ahmad’s serves delicious and authentic Persian dishes and matches them with some of the most incredible Middle Eastern wines and beers.
Amsterdam Falafel & Kabob – 620 N 50th St.: Opened by friends who missed the late night offerings in the European capitols, the menu simply consist of Falafels, Kabobs and Fries {I think there may be a salad now as well} – the portions are huge, the flavors are amazing and be sure to ask for extra curry on your fries – yum!
California Taco – 3235 California St.: A favorite of the local college crowd offering huge tacos, nachos and chimichangas – the fish tacos are especially lust worthy!
Dario’s Brasserie – 4920 Underwood Ave.: One of my very favorite restaurants in the city – and in my neighborhood! Offering a French and Belgian inspired bistro menu, the pomme frittes and the mussels are addictive. As is the fact that the servers will help you match your chosen dinner with one of the brews from their seemingly endless list of special imports. And you must end the meal with a Nutella and Banana Crepe – you must.
Delice European Bakery – 1206 Howard St.: I have to admit I have a very special place in my heart for this little bakery and café; I worked there for sometime in my early twenties and leaned everything from making lemon curd to pate choux with gusto – everything is made from scratch, everything is divine.
Dixie Quicks – 1915 Leavenworth St.: This southern style inspired breakfast must was recently featured on the Food Network’s “Diner, Drive-in’s and Dive’s” – the grits are delicious.
Dundee Dell – 5007 Underwood Ave.: Known as “The Dell” by locals, this family pub offers up the usual pub fair. But it is their boastful list of single malt scotches that puts them on the map – they happen to serve the most of any bar or restaurant in the country – making them one of my husband’s favorite destinations. And if you like Mac n’ Cheese – the Dell’s is to die for.
Espana – 6064 Maple St.: Insanely good tapas and traditional paella – the sangria is down right addictive – beware.
La Buvette – 511 S. 11th St.: Both a French grocery and deli, La Buvette’s ambience will not be the only thing to charm you. Daily menus feature French bistro classics such as roast chicken and mussels; the cabinet full of cheese and cut meats is a never ending source of temptation and the racks of wine in which rim the store will bring out the adventurer in anyone.
Louis M’s Burger Lust – 1718 Vinton St.: A South Omaha institution, Louis M’s is as much know for their gigantic burgers as for their satisfying breakfasts – their omelet offerings, such as crab and cream cheese, are especially delicious.
M’s Pub – 422 S. 11th St.: From the Warm Duck Salad to the Smoked Salmon Mousseline nothing disappoints in this Old Market institution with a cozy atmosphere – the Lahvosh is an absolute can not miss.
McFoster’s Natural Kind Café – 302 S. 38th St.: Omaha’s first and nationally recognized vegetarian restaurant – freshly squeezed juices and local organically grown veggies fill the eclectic menu – I love the friend tofu with a side of the homemade cucumber dressing.
Mark’s Bistro – 4916 Underwood Ave.: Another neighborhood favorite – the Fennel Dusted Salmon with Cauliflower puree is heaven – as is their Drinkable Chocolate dessert.
Nicola’s – 521 S. 13th St.: This tiny little gem boasts some of the biggest, and most authentic, Italian dishes in Omaha – everything is made to order, so be patient – it is so worth the wait.
Petrow’s – 5914 Center St.: A neighborhood soda fountain for over 50 years – their chicken fried steak and chocolate malts are favorites.
Radial Café – 817 N. 40th St.: Another favorite – my family and I would walk to this little greasy spoon on snow days when I was growing up; the food is warm, filling and comfortingly traditional – the Radial Raft is a local favorite.
Spezia – 3125 S. 72nd St.: Having lived in Italy I am very particular about my Italian food – Spezia never disappoints. The Asiago Encrusted Walleye and their signature Salmon Spezia with wood plank grilled salmon are favorites.
The Surfside Club – 14445 River Dr.: Located on the Missouri River, the Surfside is an simple and satisfying as it gets. The menu consists of two choices – fried chicken and fried catfish – both coated with an old secret recipe {or so the owner will tell you}. The corn fritters are heaven on earth – especially drowned in honey. And if you are lucky, you will be flashed by one of the party boats zooming by.
Ted and Wally’s – 1120 Jackson St.: Before a Cold Stone Creamery or Maggie Moos even realized Omaha was on the map, this little ice cream shop located in an old service station had been turning out fresh homemade ice cream to locals – a must when you visit.
Trini’s – 1020 Howard St.: The romantic setting of this little Mexican restaurants keeps locals coming back – and the sopaipillas drizzled with honey are to die for.
Zios – 1213 Howard St.: A little bit of New York in Omaha – making their famous dough every morning from scratch it is hand’s down one the best places to find original, handmade, fresh pizzas in the city – three locations across town.
Cool Stuff:
When your shopping bags and belly are full, head in this direction for some extra entertainment:
Big Brain – 1123 Jackson St.: If you are visiting and get a crazy urge to update your ink, this is the place to go. Featuring nationally recognized tattoo artists, their work is by far the best in the Midwest.
Blue Barn Theater – 614 S. 11th St.: Nationally recognized, the Blue Barn is the ultimate theater experience in Omaha; producing “theater without boundaries” this company is in it’s 19th year and produces classics and works by up and coming playwrights alike.
Dundee Theater – 4952 Dodge St.: Feel like doing the Time Warp Again? Locally owned and operated, the Dundee Theater was built in 1925 and is the last single screen theater in Omaha. It is home to our midnight showings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show as well as independent films and favorite classics on the weekends such as Bladerunner, Grease and Psycho.
Farmer’s Markets – across the city: These markets have literally outgrown their pots – what was exclusive to the Old Market from May through October has blossomed into two more large scale markets across the city. Offering local produce, meats, baked goods, plants and flowers – it is a feast for the senses.
Film Streams – 1340 Webster St.: Located in the Saddle Creek complex, Film Streams is a non-profit cinema “devoted to the presentation and discussion of film as an art form.” Offering independent and foreign films it is also home to Omaha’s only theater playing director retrospectives and documentaries.
Henry Doorly Zoo – 3701 S. 10th St.: Reader’s Digest recently named the Omaha Zoo the best zoo in America. With the largest indoor Rain Forest in the world, the world’s largest indoor desert habitat and an equally impressive new gorilla habitat and butterfly house, you will be sure to find something to delight everyone. Just wear comfortable shoes.
Hot Shops – 1301 Nicholas St.: Located in the aforementioned NoDo area of Downtown, this old warehouse has been given new life as a gallery and studio spaces. Gallery openings are usually monthly and twice a year all studio’s open their doors for a Open House shopping day.
Memorial Park – 65th & Dodge St: In the winter it is home to the best sledding site in the city, in the spring you find it crowded with flag footballers and ultimate teams, in the summer it place host to the largest free concert series in the city featuring acts like 311, Conor Oberst and Feist – all in the heart of the city.
Shakespeare on the Green – 67th And Dodge St.: A summer time must. The nationally acclaimed Nebraska Shakespeare Company presents a comedy and a tragedy every season to thousands. Come early and claim your green space – enjoy a picnic dinner while watching the “green show” .
The Slowdown – 729 N 14th St.: Located in the Saddle Creek Record complex in NoDo, The Slowdown brings young talent to an eager Omaha rock-set. Hosting names such as Bright Eyes {Saddle Creek founder Conor Oberst}, They Might Be Giants, The Black Keys, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists and Vampire Weekend, The Slowdown is the destination for the best live music from established and up and coming artists within the indie rock scene.
I do hope you find some joy in our Midwest destination – this listing of shops, restaurants and attractions is but a small sampling of the excitement building in Omaha. If you live here, please be sure to include anything I may have not included in the comments!
