It’s not hard to find great food in Nebraska…but no one could possibly know where all of the best places are. We’re not going to pretend that we’ve unearthed every last restaurant that you may not have heard of, but these are some of the lesser-known, under-the-radar places that don’t always jump right out at you. They’re listed here in alphabetical order.
- Cactus Jack’s Chuck Wagon, Grand Island (and other places)
Facebook/Cactus Jacks Chuck Wagon
Facebook/Cactus Jacks Chuck Wagon If you’ve been to the Nebraska State Fair in the past several years, Cactus Jack’s might not be unknown to you. This food truck is a local favorite with its inventive burgers and fun atmosphere. The truck travels quite a bit in central Nebraska.
- Daffodil Mediterranean, Lincoln
Yelp/Dennis N.
Yelp/Yon C. If you knew Daffodil back in its old location on the other side of 56th street, you might have thought it was gone forever. And if you’ve never visited this strip-mall gem, it’s high time you did. Prepare to be blown away by the best Mediterranean food you’d ever had. 5500 Old Cheney Rd, Ste 21 (Old Cheney Center), Lincoln, NE 68516
- Drifter Cookshack, Crawford
TripAdvisor/BD_IC_2801
High Plains Homestead The spot isn’t so much “unknown” as it is just a challenge to get to. The Drifter Cookshack is a step back in time located on the High Plains Homestead. This little pioneer-era village features several buildings that help recreate the historic setting, but the food is the real star of the show here. You can opt for a steak grilled over an open fire, salmon that the owner caught, tender ribs, or a number of other tasty options. Don’t forget the pie!263 Sandcreek Rd, Crawford, NE 69339
- Jay Bros/Taste of India, Overton
TripAdvisor/ChakWalk
TripAdvisor/Jillepm42 We’ve featured this quirky Indian restaurant before, and we’ll keep doing it forever because seriously, you need to try it. The restaurant is located inside a still-functional truck stop, and it looks a little sketchy at first. But once you order you’ll understand: this is why you don’t judge a book by its cover.74975 Rd 444, Overton, NE 68863
- John’s Grecian Delight, Bellevue
Yelp/Taylor P.
Yelp/Jennifer W. This tiny hole-in-the-wall is located in the basement of Southroads Mall. Yes, the Southroads Mall that hasn’t technically been a mall in something like 15 years. For a while there it seemed like John’s was going to be the only business left in the whole place before the building was turned into a business park. Once you taste the Greek seasoned fries and tender, juicy gyro meat, you’ll understand how this place has been able to stick around for decades. 1001 Fort Crook Rd N, Lower Level, Bellevue, NE 68005
- Kerry’s Restaurant and Catering, McCool Junction
Facebook/Kerry’s Restaurant and Catering
Facebook/Kerry’s Restaurant and Catering It’s no accident that this place looks like somebody’s house - when you sit down for dinner you’ll feel like you’re at a family gathering. The down-home food and casual atmosphere keep fans coming back for more. 119 N 1st Ave, McCool Junction, NE 68401
- Loma Tavern, Loma
Facebook/Loma Tavern
Facebook/Loma Tavern Loma may be what is technically known as a “near-ghost town,” but you wouldn’t know it inside this building. It’s always bustling with people. The tavern was closed for a few years after the previous owner died, but the new owners have successfully brought back this historic and beloved meeting place. You don’t really need an address to find it because, well, it’s the only business in Loma. But just in case:2634 Wx Rd, Loma, NE 68626
- Monowi Tavern, Monowi
Yelp/Micheal P.
Yep/Josh K. You can’t miss the Monowi Tavern, or Elsie’s Tavern as it’s sometimes called. Elsie is the sole inhabitant of this tiny rural town, and the owner/operator of this fine establishment. The tavern has actually received quite a bit of attention in recent years for being located in the smallest incorporated town in the country, but it’s still a down-to-earth, classic Nebraskan place.9 Broad St, Lynch, NE 68746
- Nebrask Inn, Gross
Facebook/Nebrask Inn
Facebook/Nebrask Inn At double the population of Monowi, Gross has an equally fun eatery. People drive from miles around to eat here and enjoy the atmosphere of this long-time local (which is a relative term) favorite. 49686 1st Ave, Gross, NE 68719
- Oso Burrito, Lincoln
Facebook/Oso Burrito
TripAdvisor/wandering_adventurer This isn’t the Oso Burrito you might be thinking about that was on O Street but is now closed; this is the sister store on 70th & Van Dorn. It’s in a strip mall, away from the street, behind the huge Brewsky’s on the end. But trust us - drive a little bit down that strip mall and pick up lunch from Oso’s for a creative, filling meal.2840 S 70th St, Lincoln, NE 68506
- Wit’s End, Deweese
Yelp/Thomas I.
Facebook/Wit’s End This laid-back bar and grill in tiny Deweese (population 67) serves surprisingly delicious food. You’ve almost got to wonder if they’ve been keeping it a secret on purpose. 311 S Deweese St., Deweese, NE 68934
- The Woodcliff Restaurant, Fremont
Facebook/The Woodcliff Restaurant
Facebook/The Woodcliff Restaurant You’ve got to cross the Platte from Fremont to get out to the county road where the Woodcliff resides, but it’s worth the drive. The seasonally-changing menu is full of locally-sourced ingredients that will satisfy picky eaters and simple tastes alike. Stop by on Saturdays for karaoke night! 980 County Rd W, Fremont, Nebraska 68025
The food tastes even better when you have to work a bit to find it, don’t you think?
Facebook/Cactus Jacks Chuck Wagon
If you’ve been to the Nebraska State Fair in the past several years, Cactus Jack’s might not be unknown to you. This food truck is a local favorite with its inventive burgers and fun atmosphere. The truck travels quite a bit in central Nebraska.
Yelp/Dennis N.
Yelp/Yon C.
If you knew Daffodil back in its old location on the other side of 56th street, you might have thought it was gone forever. And if you’ve never visited this strip-mall gem, it’s high time you did. Prepare to be blown away by the best Mediterranean food you’d ever had. 5500 Old Cheney Rd, Ste 21 (Old Cheney Center), Lincoln, NE 68516
TripAdvisor/BD_IC_2801
High Plains Homestead
The spot isn’t so much “unknown” as it is just a challenge to get to. The Drifter Cookshack is a step back in time located on the High Plains Homestead. This little pioneer-era village features several buildings that help recreate the historic setting, but the food is the real star of the show here. You can opt for a steak grilled over an open fire, salmon that the owner caught, tender ribs, or a number of other tasty options. Don’t forget the pie!263 Sandcreek Rd, Crawford, NE 69339
TripAdvisor/ChakWalk
TripAdvisor/Jillepm42
We’ve featured this quirky Indian restaurant before, and we’ll keep doing it forever because seriously, you need to try it. The restaurant is located inside a still-functional truck stop, and it looks a little sketchy at first. But once you order you’ll understand: this is why you don’t judge a book by its cover.74975 Rd 444, Overton, NE 68863
Yelp/Taylor P.
Yelp/Jennifer W.
This tiny hole-in-the-wall is located in the basement of Southroads Mall. Yes, the Southroads Mall that hasn’t technically been a mall in something like 15 years. For a while there it seemed like John’s was going to be the only business left in the whole place before the building was turned into a business park. Once you taste the Greek seasoned fries and tender, juicy gyro meat, you’ll understand how this place has been able to stick around for decades. 1001 Fort Crook Rd N, Lower Level, Bellevue, NE 68005
Facebook/Kerry’s Restaurant and Catering
It’s no accident that this place looks like somebody’s house - when you sit down for dinner you’ll feel like you’re at a family gathering. The down-home food and casual atmosphere keep fans coming back for more. 119 N 1st Ave, McCool Junction, NE 68401
Facebook/Loma Tavern
Loma may be what is technically known as a “near-ghost town,” but you wouldn’t know it inside this building. It’s always bustling with people. The tavern was closed for a few years after the previous owner died, but the new owners have successfully brought back this historic and beloved meeting place. You don’t really need an address to find it because, well, it’s the only business in Loma. But just in case:2634 Wx Rd, Loma, NE 68626
Yelp/Micheal P.
Yep/Josh K.
You can’t miss the Monowi Tavern, or Elsie’s Tavern as it’s sometimes called. Elsie is the sole inhabitant of this tiny rural town, and the owner/operator of this fine establishment. The tavern has actually received quite a bit of attention in recent years for being located in the smallest incorporated town in the country, but it’s still a down-to-earth, classic Nebraskan place.9 Broad St, Lynch, NE 68746
Facebook/Nebrask Inn
At double the population of Monowi, Gross has an equally fun eatery. People drive from miles around to eat here and enjoy the atmosphere of this long-time local (which is a relative term) favorite. 49686 1st Ave, Gross, NE 68719
Facebook/Oso Burrito
TripAdvisor/wandering_adventurer
This isn’t the Oso Burrito you might be thinking about that was on O Street but is now closed; this is the sister store on 70th & Van Dorn. It’s in a strip mall, away from the street, behind the huge Brewsky’s on the end. But trust us - drive a little bit down that strip mall and pick up lunch from Oso’s for a creative, filling meal.2840 S 70th St, Lincoln, NE 68506
Yelp/Thomas I.
Facebook/Wit’s End
This laid-back bar and grill in tiny Deweese (population 67) serves surprisingly delicious food. You’ve almost got to wonder if they’ve been keeping it a secret on purpose. 311 S Deweese St., Deweese, NE 68934
Facebook/The Woodcliff Restaurant
You’ve got to cross the Platte from Fremont to get out to the county road where the Woodcliff resides, but it’s worth the drive. The seasonally-changing menu is full of locally-sourced ingredients that will satisfy picky eaters and simple tastes alike. Stop by on Saturdays for karaoke night! 980 County Rd W, Fremont, Nebraska 68025
For more special little restaurants, check out these 18 fantastic Mom & Pop places that serve up the best home-cooked food.
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