Farm-To-Table Faves

Omaha’s Kitchen Table crafts a locally inspired menu with the likes of pulled pork Reubens, classic grilled cheese sandwiches and breakfast biscuit sandwiches. Steaks, seafood, pasta and gourmet pizza — that’s what you can expect at The Black Crow in Beatrice. Enjoy fresh plates, like the smoked salmon cakes and Nebraska prime rib, at this local-favorite fine-dining stop.

Around-The-World Eats

Enjoy classic North Italian recipes, delicious pizzas and a fabulous wine list from Bella Italia in Cozad. Stop by Lincoln’s Pho Factory for authentic Vietnamese fare, like beef stir fry, fried rice and chicken, seafood and tofu pho. Okra African Grill in Omaha offers seasoned tilapia, beef skewers with rice dumplings and other slow-cooked African recipes. If you’re craving Indian cuisine, then head to Taste of India. From chicken and lamb biryani to curry to veggie samosas, this Overton favorite features a wide-ranging menu of authentic plates.

The Best Beef

Using Premium USDA Choice Angus beef, Misty’s Steakhouse & Brewery in Lincoln is famous for its slow-roasted prime rib. If you’re near Valentine, stop into Peppermill Restaurant & E.K. Lounge for aged cuts, like the E.K.V. filet, 20/83 Junction rib eye and the Mulligan sirloin. The Drover in Omaha is one of the state’s most renowned chophouses, with each cut soaked in a secret whiskey marinade recipe. A Red Cloud staple for almost 40 years, The Palace Lounge offers sizzling steaks every night of the week and a prime rib special on Thursdays.

For Your Sweet Tooth

Head to The Mixing Bowl in Gering for homemade donuts, cookies, cinnamon rolls and German pastries. Be sure to pair your treat with a cup from the full coffee bar. The family-run Verdigre Bakery in Verdigre specializes in made-from-scratch treats like donuts, sweet rolls, cakes and a Czech-favorite, kolaches. In downtown McCook, you’ll find Sehnert’s Bakery & Bieroc Café. A local favorite since 1957, Sehnert’s offers all kinds of pastries, fritters and donuts — plus, coffee and espresso drinks to match. Home of the Tin Roof Sundae, The Potter Sundry in Potter offers some of the best ice cream and baked goods in all of Nebraska. Sample dozens of flavored popcorns, from caramel to tutti frutti, at AquaPop in Wayne.

The Perfect Picnic

Ground beef, onions, cabbage and a secret spice mix all packed in freshly baked bread — that’s a Runza. Find this signature Nebraska sandwich at Runza Restaurant locations across the state. Another local creation is the Frenchee. These deep-fried grilled cheese sandwiches can be found all over, but it’s Don & Millies’ specialty in Omaha, Lincoln and Bellevue. Shop Scotcheroos (think peanut butter Rice Krispies Treats topped with chocolate and butterscotch) at Dragonfly Desserts in Alma. With traditional cream, sea salt and English walnut caramels, Omaha’s Boxicanyon Company has become the state’s premier caramel crafter.