Omaha

Omaha has some unusual traits, as it has the highest number of millionaires per capita in the nation, and is also home to billionaire Warren Buffett, one of the world's richest and most famous investors. Conversely, it also has one of the highest rates of African Americans living under the poverty line. It is still quite racially divided, with the affluent west side and Midtown being predominantly white, the south side Latino, and the northeast side African American.
Residents are friendly and polite, and Omaha has a well-deserved reputation for hospitality.

• Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau

  phone: +1 402-444-7762
  address: 1001 Farnam Street
  The official resource for events, attractions, hotels, restaurants, transportation, meetings and conventions and the film office. Pick up a copy of the Omaha Visitors Guide.

By plane

• Omaha Eppley AirfieldA medium-sized airport served by all major airlines and some low-cost carriers, and has flights to most major cities in the US, and a daily flight to Toronto. The terminal has on-site rental car services at the baggage claims, and free high-speed wireless internet access. Commercial airlines serving Eppley include Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, and United. The airport is also served by two FBOs for General Aviation services, and at least two charter operations.

Secondary airports serving the area are Millard Airport (MIQ) in West Omaha, Plattsmouth Municipal Airport (KPMV) south, North Omaha Airport(), and Fremont Municipal Airport(FET), and Council Bluffs, Iowa Municipal Airport (CBF) across the Missouri River east.

By train

Amtrak serves Omaha with the California Zephyr, which runs daily between Emeryville (in the San Francisco Bay Area) and Chicago. It has several stops along the way, with connections throughout America. Omaha once had a grand Union Station like Chicago, but it is now retired as a museum. The current is on 1003 South 9th Street.

By bus

The for Burlington Trailways, Express Arrow, Greyhound and Jefferson Lines is south of downtown at 1601 S Jackson St. (Some of these companies also have (additional) stops in other parts of the city.) From here buses typically go west towards Denver on I-80/76; and east towards Chicago along I-80/88. There are other bus services going north & south between Sioux City, SD and Kansas City, MO as well.

• Burlington TrailwaysTravels along I-76 and 80 between Denver and Omaha via Ogalalla, North Platte, Lexington, Kearney, Grand Island and Lincoln in Nebraska. Another route along I-80 from Chicago, across Iowa via Davanport, Iowa City and Des Moines; to Omaha.

• Express Arrow

  phone: +1 402 341-1906
  Travels along I-76 and 80 between Denver and Omaha via Ogalalla, North Platte, Lexington, Kearney, Grand Island and Lincoln in Nebraska on one route. There's another route along US-Hwy 81 & 30 from Norfolk via Madison, Humphrey, Columbus, North Bend & Fremont to Omaha. They also have additional (local) stops at Omaha Eppley (Airport) and at Sappo Brothers at 4620 N Broad in Fremont for the route going out towards Norfolk.

• Greyhound Lines

  phone: +1 402 341-1906
  Serves Omaha from Des Moines and Chicago along Interstate 80 and 88. They have additional (local) curbside stops at N 14th & Capitol in downtown (1398 Capitol Ave), and at 1100-1198 N 'C' St in Fremont.

• Jefferson Lines

  phone: +1 402 341-1906
  Travels primarily on Interstate 29 between Kansas City, Omaha, Sioux City and Sioux Falls. A variation of the route detours from St Joseph, MO up to Maryvile, MO and Clarinda, IA along US Hwy 71 and over towarads I-29 via Shenandoah, IA along SR-2

There are additional companies offering intrastate transportation out of the airport (see 'By shuttle' in below)

By shuttle

• Navigator Airport Express

  phone: +1 308 234-6066
  Formerly Eppley Express. Provides limited shuttle service between Omaha and several Nebraska cities including Kearney, Grand Island, Hastings, Lincoln and York. Two pick-up/drop-off locations are available in Omaha: Eppley Airfield and Holiday Inn at 72nd & Grover just north of I-80. Service is limited to specific days and times depending upon your destination. Reservations available on-line.

• Omalink

  phone: +1 402-475-5465
  Provides limited shuttle service between Omaha and Lincoln including their respective airports.

By car

By far the easiest and most convenient way of getting around. The city is a grid and easily navigable, numbered streets run north-south and increase in number as you go west. Parking is plentiful and often free outside of downtown, and traffic jams are rare. All major rental car companies operate in Omaha.

By bus

The Omaha Metro has regular bus services serving around Omaha. Fares are $1.25-1.50 for adults, $1 for students, and $.60 for seniors.

By taxi

Taxi service is available, but there is much less than in major cities. Taxis are always available at the airport and train and bus stations, but you won't be able to hail a cab downtown; you must call and arrange for a taxi to pick you up. Rates are fixed by city ordinance and do not vary among companies.

• zTrip

  phone: +1 402-292-2222

Zoo

• Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

  phone: +1 402 733-8401
  address: 3701 S 10th St
  Arguably the best zoo in the world, it has the largest desert exhibit, the Desert Dome, with several desert habitats, popup domes in the gorilla habitat, and the world's largest nocturnal exhibit.

Museums

Omaha has quite a few museums and art galleries:

• Joslyn Art Museum

  phone: +1 402-342-3300
  address: 2200 Dodge St
  Has works by El Greco, Degas, Monet and Renoir and an extensive ancient Greek pottery display. The Joslyn also has a glass sclupture by Dale Chihuly hanging in the atrium.

• Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts

  phone: +1 402 341-7130
  address: 724 South 12th St
  A nationally recognized artist-in-residence program and art gallery that consists of three galleries in a warehouse-style studio. Tours are available by reservation and parking is free.
• Various other Old Market and Benson galleries. Omaha has a "First Friday" gallery crawl through both neighborhoods every first Friday of each month.

• Omaha Children's Museum

  phone: +1 402 342-6164
  address: 500 S 20th St
  An art center, science center, and a mock grocery store.

• Durham Western Heritage Museum

  phone: +1 402-444-5071
  address: 801 S 10th St
  A renovated art deco-style train station, it is believed to be the best example of art deco in the country with exhibits such as the Byron Reed Coin and Document Collection, the Trans-Mississippi Exposition Gallery, restored train cars, a teepee, an earth lodge, and more.

• El Museo Latino

  phone: +1 402 731-1137
  address: 4701 S 25th St
  A Latino art, history, and cultural museum. It is the first in the Midwest and one of 11 Latino museums in America.

• Love's Jazz and Art Center

  phone: +1 402 502-5291
  address: 2510 N 24th St
  Dedicated to the history of jazz, North Omaha, and Preston Love.

• Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters

  phone: +1 402 661-1804
  address: 601 Riverfront Dr
  The National Park Service regional headquarters contains a small free visitor center about Lewis & Clark on its first floor.

Landmarks

Omaha has many unique landmarks.

• Malcolm X Birthsite

  address: North Omaha
  His home no longer exists, but a marker stands on his former address.

• Joslyn Castle

  phone: +1 402 595-2199
  address: 3902 Davenport St
  It is the Scottish-Baronial style home of two of Omaha's most respected citizens and boasts four stories and 35 rooms. Tours are available to the public.

• Mormon Trail Center

  phone: +1 402-453-9372
  address: 3215 State St
  It has various monuments, including part of the route the Mormons took. The site known as the Winter Quarters marks the pioneers' winter camp of 1846, and 359 Mormons are buried in a nearby cemetery.

• Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens

  phone: +1 402-444-5955
  address: 3212 Woolworth Ave
  It pays homage to the late U.S. president. Twice destroyed by fire, the gardens stand where his house was.

• Boys TownSuburb of Omaha. Has a small museum and you can drive through it for free.

Parks

Many parks and recreational areas are scattered throughout Omaha.

• Gene Leahy MallNestled in downtown Omaha, this park features walking paths through grassy knolls, slides, a sandy playground, and a horseshoe pit.

• Heartland of America ParkRuns along the riverfront and has two fountains. The Heartland of America fountain shoots water 300 feet into the air and has a colorful nighttime show. There are also boat rides for a quarter per person.

• Memorial ParkA playground, a baseball field, paths, trails, and plenty of open space. The park is unique because of its floral displays and historical monuments.

• Elmwood ParkAdjacent to Memorial Park. Has an 18-hole golf course, two baseball fields, a swimming pool, and many other things.

• Lauritzen GardensHas an admission fee, but it's worth the visit. The site features the Robert H. Storz Family Rose Garden, an arboretum and an herb garden with plans for a Japanese garden.

Sports

• NCAA College World SeriesEvery June, the best college baseball teams from around the nation gather in Omaha for the College World Series (CWS). The series is always a sellout event, so be sure to plan ahead. The CWS is held at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha in NoDo (North Downtown).

• If you can't make it to the CWS but still want to see quality baseball, take a short drive to the southern suburb of Papillion to catch an Omaha Storm Chasers game at Werner Park. The Storm Chasers are the Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, one step down from Major League Baseball.
• Each September, the River City Roundup takes place. The event includes a festival of events, a professional rodeo, stage shows, expositions, parades, kiddie rides and more.
• During hockey season, the Omaha Lancers take the ice in the Ralston Arena in the southern suburb of Ralston.
• The Omaha Beef is Omaha's indoor football team, which also plays at the Ralston Arena.
• Union Omaha will become Omaha's professional men's soccer team in 2020, playing in the third-level USL League One and sharing Werner Park with the Storm Chasers.
• The Creighton Bluejays, the sports teams of Creighton University, are also a big part of Omaha life. Jays men's basketball especially, played at the CHI Health Center (formerly Qwest Center and CenturyLink Center), is a big draw for students and residents alike. Creighton also has a great soccer team that plays in one of the best soccer stadiums in the country, Morrison Stadium, located right on campus.
• The Omaha Mavericks, representing the University of Nebraska Omaha, have a Division I hockey team that is usually a top 20 team. The Mavericks hockey team plays in the on-campus Baxter Arena, also home to Mavericks men's and women's basketball.
• For a taste of subculture sports, check out the Omaha Roller Girls, Omaha's one-and-only flat track roller derby team.
• Omaha has been home to the last three editions (2008, 2012, 2016) of the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials at the venue now known as CHI Health Center. Heats and finals usually begin the last week of the College World Series and tickets are open to the public.

Events and festivals

Omaha hosts many festivals throughout the year.

• Every Thursday night throughout the summer, you can take part in Jazz on the Green where local and regional musicians present programs ranging from reggae to swing at this annual concert series sponsored by the Joslyn Art Museum. Bring a blanket, picnic dinner, beverages and your dancing shoes!
• Another summer event is Shakespeare on the Green is an offering of Shakespearean works, a drama and a comedy running in repertory and draws more than 35,000 playgoers during its annual three-week run.
• Every summer, the Omaha Farmers Market takes place in the downtown Old Market area and is open Saturday mornings.
• The Taste of Omaha festival is usually held between the Lewis & Clark Landing & Heartland of America Park downtown. Held in early June, this is a great way to sample food from various local vendors. There is also live music and other fun events.
• In the winter months, the Holiday Lights Festival takes place in Downtown Omaha. Lights are put up on many buildings and trees, and different activities take place throughout the festival, including ice skating, singing performances, and fireworks.

Theater

• Orpheum TheaterIt received a top-to-bottom renovation in the 1970s. It is home to Opera Omaha, the Omaha Symphony, Broadway touring productions and music concerts. In addition, other performing arts shows can be seen at the Holland Performing Arts Center.

• Film StreamsAn indie movie theater in the Slowdown complex in North Downtown. Film Streams screens classics, obscure, and foreign movies.

• Omaha Community PlayhouseHas a long and storied history as the nation's largest community theater. Marlon Brando's mother gave Henry Fonda his stage debut in the 1925-26 season. Community members and local professionals perform regularly in plays and musicals.

• Shelterbelt TheatreAn organization that produces new works by local playwrights.

Music

• Omaha is home to the Saddle Creek record label, which carries bands such as Bright Eyes, The Faint, and Cursive. These bands are part of the "Omaha Sound" and frequently play in Omaha. Check out venues such as Sokol Auditorium, Slowdown, and the Waiting Room to see if they, or any other bands of your liking, are playing.
• You can also check out what bands are playing at the CHI Health Center which hosts national acts.

• Baxter ArenaOpened on the UNO campus in October 2015 and replaced the Omaha Civic Auditorium (closed in 2014) as the city's main mid-sized indoor venue.

Activities

• Henry Doorly ZooThis nationally renowned zoo is Nebraska's number one paid attraction. It features an expansive and recently renovated aquarium, "Kingdoms of the Night" (world's largest nocturnal exhibit and indoor swamp), the Lied Jungle (world's largest indoor rainforest), and the "Desert Dome" (world's largest indoor desert).

• The Zoo also runs a drive-through Wildlife Safari Park west of Omaha that has elk, wolves, eagles, buffalo, and other native animals.

A trip to Omaha is not complete without a trip to the Old Market. The area still retains its brick streets and covered sidewalks, and rides on horse-drawn carriages are available. It is a good area to take a stroll and do some window shopping at the eccentric shops and upscale boutiques found throughout the area. Common sights include street performers, musicians, artists, and other vendors. In the summer, it is home to the Omaha Farmers Market.

Lucky Bucket BreweryOffers tours of the brewery and a tasting room.

CoCo Key Water Resort

,

Fun-Plex

Sky Zone Omaha

• Bellevue University.
• Clarkson College.
• College of St. Mary. The only all women's Catholic college in the region.
• Creative Center Art College. A small private graphic design and advertising trade school owned by Dotzler Creative Arts Design Firm.
• Creighton University. Jesuit Catholic university.
• Grace University.
• Metropolitan Community College. Multiple campuses throughout Omaha metro area.
• Nebraska Christian College.
• Nebraska Methodist College.
• University of Nebraska Omaha. The only public university in Omaha.
• University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Omaha has a thriving employment market in finance, healthcare, and IT.
Despite its relatively small population, Omaha is home to the headquarters of five Fortune 500 companies: Berkshire Hathaway, Union Pacific, ConAgra Foods, Peter Kiewit & Sons, and Mutual of Omaha Insurance.
Other major employers in the area include TD Ameritrade, First National Bank of Omaha, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

• Borsheims

  address: 120 Regency Parkway
  Owned by famed investor Warren Buffet. It is the largest independent jewelry and gift shop in the United States with an inventory of products that makes the Tiffany's catalog look small.

• Crossroads MallRemaining anchor stores are Target, Sears, and Barnes & Noble. After several years of declining sales due to competition from other malls and new lifestyle centers, most major retailers have left thus leaving the future of Crossroads Mall in question. Target offers fresh groceries and expanded assortments in other departments.

• Nebraska Furniture MartThe largest furniture store in the country, with over 420,000 sq ft of retail space, also owned by Warren Buffett. Primarily contained in two adjoining buildings, it features a vast array of furniture, electronics, appliances, and home decor.

• Oak View MallAn extensive complex near 144th & West Center Road with many stores including a Dick's Sporting Goods, Kohls, Sears, JCPenney, Dillards and Yonkers. A megaplex theater is also nearby.

• Old Market

  phone: +1 402 916-1796
  Has many restaurants and upscale shopping.

• Village PointAn upscale, open-air lifestyle center near 168th & West Dodge Road. Scheels, Best Buy, Brix, an Apple store, and other specialty stores and restaurants are found here.

• Westroads MallLargest mall in Nebraska. The mall contains Dick's Sporting Goods, JCPenney, Von Maur, Younkers, and an AMC Classic movie theater.

• Midtown Crossing

  address: 31st and Farnam St
  The result of a decade-long urban renewal effort in midtown Omaha. This development provides shopping space, dining, contemporary condominiums and apartments in a single location.

It's said that Omaha has more restaurants per capita than almost anywhere else in the world. Omaha and much of Nebraska are known for high quality corn-fed beef. All restaurants in Omaha are smoke-free indoors. Smoking on outdoor patios is legal, but rather uncommon. Below are a selection of locations to eat in Omaha.

Budget

• Azteca

  address: 9429 S 142nd St
  An excellent, yet authentic Mexican establishment. Sandwiched conveniently (nay, conspicuously) next to some of the region's finest interstate-side budgetels. Never mind the petrol fumes, this is one gem that can't be missed.

• California Tacos

  address: 3235 California St
  Infamous midtown taqueria featuring "puffy-shell" tacos. Served by rotating shifts of neighborhood deziens, uniformed cops, and snobby bros from nearby Creighton University, it makes for a cheap place to take in some culture. Tables get scarce in the afternoon4PM-5PM is half-off happy hour.

• Chopsticks House

  phone: +1 402-965-3333
  address: 5522 North 103rd Street Omaha.

• Dinker's Bar

  phone: +1 402-342-9742
  address: 2368 S 29th St

• Dundee Dell

  phone: +1 402-553-9501
  address: 5007 Underwood Ave.

• Katie's

  address: 119 S 40th St
  Serves home-style Greek food.

• King KongMultiple locations. Serves Greek food and is the home of the Triple-Kong burger. Free drinks with a student ID.

• Jade Garden

  phone: +1 402-498-8833
  address: 2068 North 117th.

• Los Portales

  address: 2614 S 13th St
  Authentic Mexican that caters to the more adventurous diners. Examples include steak served with cactus, quail, and tongue burritos.

• Petrow's

  phone: +1 402-551-0552
  address: 5914 Center St
  A locally owned American restaurant, serving old time favorites and homemade ice cream. Great burgers and sandwiches, in addition to anything with ice cream.

• Pudgy's PizzeriaSouthwest corner of 168th and Harrison. The only pizzeria in Omaha specializing in authentic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Also offers thin and original crusts and a few Chicago sandwiches. Family-friendly, and on the weekends offers homemade cheesecake.

• Qdoba(chain), Multiple locations. A Mexican grill chain with burritos voted the best of Omaha.

• Smoke Pit BBQ & Lounge

  address: 230 S 25th St
  A BBQ shack that serves ribs among other things and is open until 3AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Reasonable prices and variety of sides.

• Spaghetti WorksTwo Omaha-area locations (Old Market, and 84th St in Ralston). All-you-can-eat spaghetti dinners, including garlic bread and salad bar, for under $10. Many choices of sauces and pastas. Full bar.

• Ted & Wally's

  address: 1120 Jackson St
  Homemade ice cream with many unique flavors such as French Toast, Trix, Chai Tea, Dirt, and Guinness. The ice cream flavors are always changing. Voted best ice cream in Omaha.

• Valentino'sMultiple locations. Great pizza and pasta for take-out or delivery. Many locations also have great buffets!

• Zio's PizzaMultiple locations. Uses natural ingredients and has huge calzones and great pizza.

• Coneflower

  phone: +1 402 913 2399
  address: 3921 Farnam Street
  Local artisanal ice cream. Offers both traditional and experimental flavors.

• Block 16

  phone: +1 402-342-1220
  address: 1611 Farnam Street
  Nationally recognised street food. Menu features sandwiches, burgers, and poutine.

Mid-range

• Avoli Osteria

  address: 5013 Underwood Ave
  A Northern Italian restaurant, located in the historic Omaha neighborhood of Dundee.

• Ahmad's Persian Cuisine

  address: 1006 Howard St
  Great, authentic Persian food. All meals are prepared by the restaurant's owner, Ahmad, an Iranian immigrant. Located in the Old Market.

• Charlie's on the Lake

  address: 4150 S 144th St
  A lively atmosphere with some of Omaha's finest martinis, including the Pelini Martini named after Huskers coaching legend, Bo Pelini. Lush patio environment features breathtaking lakeside view and easy access to live duck sanctuary where restaurant owner Yves Menard gavages the stock. During summer months, patrons can select a duck and enjoy some of the finest foie gras and wine pairings in the Midwest.

• Cheeseburger in Paradise

  address: 17304 Davenport Street Suite 100
  The Jimmy Buffet chain with some great food and a laid back, island atmosphere. Although known for their hamburgers, the Island salad and the Chocolate Nachos are what you are after here. If that's not your flavor, then anything with "Island" or "Caribbean" in the menu name is a hit.

• Five Guys, Burgers and Fries(chain)

  phone: +1 402-496-5366
  address: 697 s 132 st.
  Serves classic burgers

• Hiro Sushi

  address: 3655 129th St
  Great Japanese restaurant that serves some of Omaha's freshest sushi and sashimi.

• Jaipur

  address: 10922 Elm St
  The city's best East Indian food. Also a unique brewery, try the jalapeno beer.

• Piccolo Pete's

  address: 2202 S 20th St
  Family owned for over 70 years, Piccolo's has been serving Omaha since 1933. Menu items include steaks, fish & chicken dishes, and also a few Italian specialties. Like Gorat's, it is one of Warren Buffett's favorite places to eat. Friendly service and an excellent family atmosphere.

• Blue Sushi Sake Grill

  phone: +1 402 445 2583
  address: 14450 Eagle Run Dr., Ste. 210
  Modern sushi with an energetic vibe, offers an extensive menu of raw, non raw, and vegan sushi, all paired with a collection of premium Sake.

• Over Easy

  phone: +1 402 934 2929
  address: 16859 Q Street
  Chic breakfast spot located uptown with a fresh take on traditional breakfast foods, featuring a drive through.

Splurge

• The Boiler Room

  address: 1110 Jones St
  A relative newcomer to Omaha's fine restaurant scene, the Boiler Room is a hidden gem in the south side of the Old Market tucked in the gutted boiler room of an old warehouse. The food is usually sourced locally and has a heavy emphasis on gourmet French-style cooking, especially meat. Try the boar's head or scorpionfish. The menu changes daily.

• The Flatiron Cafe

  address: 1722 Saint Marys Ave
  Fine new American cuisine in Downtown Omaha. The Flatiron Cafe's staff has been happily serving the theater crowd, business travelers and those celebrating special occasions since 1995.

• Gorat's Steak House

  address: 4917 Center St
  Favored by Warren Buffett, a dear friend of the family and a valued customer.

• Mahogany Prime Steakhouse(chain). A great restaurant where you can get your fill on prime-grade steaks, Australian lobster, and Alaskan king crab legs. The food is amazing and they have a great wine list to complement whatever you order. Mahogany is year after year awarded with a "Best of Omaha Award" in the steakhouse category despite the abundance of better local, non-chain establishments.

• Mark's Bistro

  address: 4916 Underwood Ave
  Mark's unique environment combines casual dining with a neighborhood feel. A relaxed, casual place with exquisite food, Mark's has a hefty wine list and an eclectic menu.

• V Mertz

  address: 1022 Howard St
  Intimate and romantic ambiance. The menu, which changes weekly, is continental but also offers some innovative culinary creations from a range of cuisine types. Great for special dinners. Located in the Old Market. Famous clientele have included: Bono of U2, local plutocrat Warren Buffet, and Bruce "the Boss" Springsteen.

• Spencer's for Steaks and Chops

  phone: +1 402-280-8888
  address: 102 S. 10th St
  Aged, hand cut and seared. Featuring USDA prime beef from Stockyards Beef of Chicago, Spencer’s restaurant offers sizzling hot porterhouses, juicy filet mignons and the bone-in ribeye for which Spencer’s is named.

• 801 Chophouse

  phone: +1 402 341 1222
  address: 1403 Farnam Street
  In the Paxton building downtown, it features an upscale environment, and serves fresh USDA prime steak, paired with wines, bourbons and single malt scotches, and a daily fresh sheet.

• Hiro 88

  phone: +1 402 933 5168
  address: 1308 Jackson Street
  Hiro 88 is an upscale Pan-Asian restaurant group. With the help of renowned architects like Japan’s Nakamura-san, restauranteur Milton Yin has created distinct atmospheres at each location, each inspired by its surrounding neighborhood. Serving Chinese cuisine and some of Omaha’s best sushi.

• The Grey Plume

  phone: +1 402 763 4447
  address: 220 S. 31st Ave Suite 3101
  Offers seasonally-driven, contemporary cuisine from locally-grown produce and livestock. Founded by Omaha native and James Beard award nominee Clayton Chapman, the Grey Plume was once deemed the “Greenest Restaurant in the Country”. With a purposive menu and progressive initiatives, it has become a cornerstone for the local food movement.

All restaurants, bars, and coffee shops in Omaha are smoke-free indoors. Smoking on outdoor patios is legal, though rather uncommon. All bars in Omaha must close by 2AM

Bars

• The Crescent Moon

  address: 3578 Farnam St
  Large pub and German bier-hall. Hundreds of micros and import beers on tap, and a great selection of German beer. Sometimes a polka band in the bier hall or karaoke on Saturday nights. Check out the beer boutique next door for bottles and cans to take home.

• Dundee Dell

  phone: +1 402-553-9501
  address: 5007 Underwood Ave.

• Homy Inn

  address: 1510 N Saddle Creek Rd
  A fun bar with champagne on tap.

• Lemon Drop

  address: 5423 S 36th St
  Offers pool tables and live music.

• The Max

  address: 1417 Jackson St
  Ostensibly the region's largest dance club and gay bar. Two dance floors (electronica on one, hip-hop on the other), three bars, and a huge courtyard. On the weekends it's mostly straight people and expect a $5 cover.

• Rehab

  phone: +1 402-951-9393
  address: 2615 south 120th St
  Touted by management as "the safest, cleanest, and most enjoyable dance venue this side of Omaha."

• The Side Door

  address: 3530 Leavenworth St
  Eclectic bar with unique, quality cocktails. Be prepared to wait a few minutes while the bartenders mix them. Free live music W-Sa. Diverse and agreeable crowd. Before 9PM, order take-out from Mother India just a block west.

• Upstream Brewery

  address: 514 S 11th St
  In the Old Market. Has pool tables and on Wednesday nights $7 pizzas and $2 microbrews are served. Also has a full menu and great food at a reasonable price. Try the sample platter of microbrews and get your favorite in a growler to go.

• Starsky's Lounge

  address: 4020 S 13th St
  Across from Rosenblatt Stadium. Great bar to hang out at after catching a game at the College World Series or a Royals game.

The Bluejay bar is Creighton students favorite Wednesday night destination. A $5 cover gets you %1 shots and beers all night.
Farrel's Sports Bar, located downtown off 9th and Dodge, has a great Thursday night line up, with karaoke, $3 cover, and 50 cent busch or pbr.
Other fun bars include the Old Market Tavern, the Dubliner, Billy Frogs, and Barry O's, all within a few blocks of each other in the Old Market District.

Coffee shops

• Blue Line CoffeeResides in a walkable area of Omaha, the Dundee neighborhood. Stop in and get "Green Beret", then walk down the block to 'Great Harvest' for a free slice of bread of your choice. Alternatively, walk west to the Bread Oven, a French bakery featuring traditional French breads.

• Caffeine Dreams

  address: 4524 Farnam St
  Popular meeting spot for many clubs and meetings. Near hospitals and colleges. Local art & photography grace the walls, eclectic music plays over the speakers. Decent priced coffee, cool atmosphere. Free wi-fi.

• Espresso Yourself

  address: 118 N 50th St
  One block off of Dodge Street, the only drive through coffee house in Dundee. Muffins, donuts and bagels offered daily. Outdoor seating. Free wi-fi

• 13th Street Coffee Company

  address: 519 S 13th St
  In Downtown, it serves a variety of coffee-based drinks. Desserts and sandwiches are also served. Occasionally there is live music on Fridays. Free wi-fi.

• ScootersMultiple locations. This fast-growing regional chain seems to have drive-up kiosks on every other corner, a testament to its popularity. Locations with seating offer free wi-fi. Original location is in Bellevue.

• Best Western PLUS Kelly Inn

  phone: +1 402-339-7400
  address: 4706 South 108th St
  Beautifully remodeled award-winning hotel with spacious sleeping rooms that include free high-speed internet, microwaves, refrigerators, 37' flat screen TV, free local calls, iron/ironing boards, hairdryers, indoor water playland, exercise room, meeting space and Perkins Restaurant. Pets are welcome.

• Best Western Settle Inn

  phone: +1 402-431-1246
  address: 650 North 109th Ct

• Crowne Plaza Hotel

  phone: +1 402-496-0850
  address: 655 North 108th Ave

• Doubletree Hotel & Executive Meeting Center Omaha - Downtown

  phone: +1 402-346-7600
  address: 1616 Dodge St

• Element Omaha Midtown Crossing

  phone: +1 402-614-8080
  address: 3253 Dodge St

• Embassy Suites Omaha - Old Market

  phone: +1 402-346-9000
  address: 555 South 10th St

• Hawthorne Suites

  phone: +1 402-331-0101
  11025 M Street.

• Magnolia Hotel Omaha

  phone: +1 402-341-2500
  address: 1615 Howard St
  This downtown hotel offers stylish rooms & suites near many major corporate headquarters and offices. The hotel also features meeting & event facilities and extended stay accommodations.

• Motel 6

  phone: +1 402-331-3161
  address: 10708 M St

• Omaha Marriott

  phone: +1 402-399-9000
  address: 10220 Regency Ci

• Residence Inn Omaha

  phone: +1 402-553-8898
  address: 6990 Dodge St

• Hilton Garden Inn Omaha Downtown/Old Market Area

  phone: +1 402-341-4400
  address: 1005 Dodge St
  Great location in downtown Omaha within walking distance to the Old Market Area with great shopping and dining. Grab breakfast at the Great American Grill and dinner at Spencer's. Guests can enjoy free hi-speed Internet access, business center, meeting/banquet facilities, indoor pool & whirlpool, fitness center and an Unconditional 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

• Hampton Inn & Suites Omaha Downtown

  phone: +1 402-345-5500
  address: 1212 Cuming St
  Great location in downtown Omaha within walking distance to Qwest Center and the airport with free shuttle service. Enjoy an On The House Hot breakfast, free hi-speed Internet, business center, indoor pool & whirlpool, fitness center and 100% Hampton Guarantee.

• Comfort Inn at the Zoo

  phone: +1-402-342-8000
  address: 2920 S. 13th Ct
  Nice hotel with a decent free hot breakfast. Courtyard rooms give nice access to a space to enjoy some fresh air and picnic tables. Ground-level rooms on east side of hotel feature common windows with the zoo's Hubbard Gorilla Valley exhibit, for close encounters with nature!

• Hilton Omaha

  phone: +1 402-998-3400
  address: 1001 Cass St
  Closest Hilton to TD Ameritrade Park, offers a full service spa, fitness center, indoor pool, and 4 dining options.

• Omaha Marriott

  phone: +1-402-399-9000
  address: 10220 Regency Circle
  Close to CenturyLink Center and TD Ameritrade Park. Free local shuttle service within a five-mile radius and complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel.

Omaha is generally a safe city, but still use common sense. Simply using caution and avoiding any situation in which you are uncomfortable will basically keep you out of trouble. The vast majority of violent crime occurs in North Omaha, roughly defined as the area North of Lake St, between 24th and 72nd St. Exercise a bit of additional caution when in this area after dark.
Omaha is in Tornado Alley, so severe weather can erupt between the months of April and August with the main threats being hail, high winds and street flooding, but tornadoes can sometimes be a threat. Tornado alert sirens are located throughout the city. At 11AM on the first Wednesday of the month, the sirens are tested. If in doubt, ask a resident. Local stations KETV Channel 7 (ABC), WOWT Channel 6(NBC) and KMTV Channel 3(CBS) break into programming if a severe weather event is in progress. Radio services 1110AM and 590AM also provide severe weather coverage. Be aware that Omaha is within Douglas County in the state of Nebraska, as meteorologists often point out warnings this way.
During winter months, Omaha often sees cold temperatures as well as snow or ice events. Also, be aware that steep hills do exist within the city, and precaution should be taken during slick driving conditions. Blizzards are often possible, the entire city normally shuts down during one of these.

• The Omaha World-Herald. City's largest newspaper.
• Silicon Prairie News.

Consulates

• Mexico

  address: 7444 Farnam St

• Council Bluffs, Iowa is located just across the Missouri River. Gambling is illegal in Nebraska, so Omaha residents visit Council Bluffs for its casinos. There are also some interesting historic sites here.
• The nearby cities of Bellevue, La Vista, Papillion and Ralston have various shopping areas. See Eastern Nebraska for details.
• Visit Lincoln (50 miles west on I-80) to explore various museums and shopping there. Or catch a University of Nebraska football game, where every home game has been sold out for over 50 years.
• Nebraska City - Has orchards and vineyards (Kimmel Orchard and Vineyard or Arbor Day Farm) about an hour drive from Omaha.