Best of 12 restaurants in South Omaha
Restaurants in South Omaha offer a flavorful mix of cuisines that reflect the area’s lively multicultural roots. From classic Mexican taquerias to trendy comfort-food spots, restaurants in South Omaha invite everyone to explore unique flavors and authentic dishes that define the local food scene. No visit is complete without sampling the best restaurants in South Omaha.
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1. Dinker's Bar and Grill
Omaha’s go-to burger joint—famous for the Haystack, cash-only, and neighborhood vibes.
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Dinkers Bar and Grill stands out in Omaha’s dive bar scene, earning praise for its classic, cash-only setup and a menu anchored by outstanding burgers. Among the offerings, the Haystack Burger draws regulars and newcomers alike, with layers of American cheese, honey-smoked ham, and a perfectly cooked free-range fried egg. Popular sides such as fried mushrooms and wings round out the experience for those seeking more than just a burger.
The Haystack Burger impresses with its substantial build, fresh produce, and the distinctive addition of an egg, creating a satisfying and memorable bite. While the onion rings benefit from a dip in ranch to reach their full potential, the lively atmosphere, especially on game days, keeps the energy high and guests returning.
Dinkers Bar and Grill stands out in Omaha’s dive bar scene, earning praise for its classic, cash-only setup and a menu anchored by outstanding burgers. Among the offerings, the Haystack Burger draws regulars and newcomers alike, with layers of American cheese, honey-smoked ham, and a perfectly cooked free-range fried egg. Popular sides such as fried mushrooms and wings round out the experience for those seeking more than just a burger.
The Haystack Burger impresses with its substantial build, fresh produce, and the distinctive addition of an egg, creating a satisfying and memorable bite. While the onion rings benefit from a dip in ranch to reach their full potential, the lively atmosphere, especially on game days, keeps the energy high and guests returning.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Suburban
- Dinner
2. Johnny's Cafe
A vintage Omaha institution known for retro decor, hearty steaks, and warm, familiar hospitality.
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Johnny's Cafe stands out for its attentive staff and an extensive menu that appeals to a range of tastes. The New York strip arrives perfectly prepared, accompanied by crisp vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes, making for a memorable entrée. Starters such as the homemade onion rings and cottage cheese bread set a high standard, both in flavor and presentation.
Signature offerings like crispy onion strings, savory prime rib roast, and golden hash browns highlight the kitchen's strengths. Dessert lovers are well cared for with rich cheesecakes, comforting bread pudding, and classic ice cream. The inviting ambiance and striking decor further enhance the dining experience.
Johnny's Cafe stands out for its attentive staff and an extensive menu that appeals to a range of tastes. The New York strip arrives perfectly prepared, accompanied by crisp vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes, making for a memorable entrée. Starters such as the homemade onion rings and cottage cheese bread set a high standard, both in flavor and presentation.
Signature offerings like crispy onion strings, savory prime rib roast, and golden hash browns highlight the kitchen's strengths. Dessert lovers are well cared for with rich cheesecakes, comforting bread pudding, and classic ice cream. The inviting ambiance and striking decor further enhance the dining experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Suburban
- Dinner
3. Greek Islands Restaurant
A taste of Greece in Omaha with big portions and warm, attentive service.
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Greek Islands delights with a selection of classic Greek dishes including moussaka, dolmathes, calamari, and the ever-popular saganaki. A striking mural of Greece and tasteful decor set a cozy, inviting scene where guests feel immersed in Mediterranean charm. The staff stands out for their attentiveness, ensuring dietary needs and preferences are met with genuine care.
Diners consistently praise the flavorful gyro platters and refreshing tarator, often finishing their meals with rich baklava or creamy ice cream. The atmosphere manages to balance upscale touches with comfort, making it just as suitable for a special occasion as a casual night out. Service remains a celebrated highlight, creating a memorable dining experience.
Greek Islands delights with a selection of classic Greek dishes including moussaka, dolmathes, calamari, and the ever-popular saganaki. A striking mural of Greece and tasteful decor set a cozy, inviting scene where guests feel immersed in Mediterranean charm. The staff stands out for their attentiveness, ensuring dietary needs and preferences are met with genuine care.
Diners consistently praise the flavorful gyro platters and refreshing tarator, often finishing their meals with rich baklava or creamy ice cream. The atmosphere manages to balance upscale touches with comfort, making it just as suitable for a special occasion as a casual night out. Service remains a celebrated highlight, creating a memorable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Suburban
- Dinner
4. GI Forum Omaha
Beloved South Omaha spot for friendly service, creative drinks, and legendary taco nights.
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Nicely prepared beef tacos, flavorful chicken enchiladas, and hearty chili highlight a menu that doesn't disappoint. Guests are welcomed into a sophisticated setting with eye-catching decor and attentive, inventive staff who ensure a memorable dining experience. Prices remain reasonable, striking a balance between quality and value.
Bright, spotless surroundings and a steady crowd of regulars set an inviting tone. Thursday taco nights stand out as a local favorite, bringing people together for exceptional Mexican fare. The homemade cherry coke, garnished with an actual cherry, adds a nostalgic and endearing touch.
Nicely prepared beef tacos, flavorful chicken enchiladas, and hearty chili highlight a menu that doesn't disappoint. Guests are welcomed into a sophisticated setting with eye-catching decor and attentive, inventive staff who ensure a memorable dining experience. Prices remain reasonable, striking a balance between quality and value.
Bright, spotless surroundings and a steady crowd of regulars set an inviting tone. Thursday taco nights stand out as a local favorite, bringing people together for exceptional Mexican fare. The homemade cherry coke, garnished with an actual cherry, adds a nostalgic and endearing touch.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Suburban
5. El Patron Mexican Restaurant
Hidden gem for vibrant Mexican eats, standout salsas, and excellent margaritas in Omaha.
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The Pollo tacos deliver on bold, satisfying flavor with each bite, quickly earning a spot as a menu favorite. Each taco comes packed with tender, well-seasoned chicken and fresh toppings, creating a meal that’s both comforting and memorable. Those searching for standout tacos will find this restaurant’s offering hard to surpass.
Burritos and flautas stand out as consistent crowd-pleasers, with hearty fillings and a perfect balance of spice and texture. Fajitas and nachos receive similar praise thanks to generous servings and high-quality, fresh ingredients. From start to finish, the menu excels at delivering both taste and value.
The Pollo tacos deliver on bold, satisfying flavor with each bite, quickly earning a spot as a menu favorite. Each taco comes packed with tender, well-seasoned chicken and fresh toppings, creating a meal that’s both comforting and memorable. Those searching for standout tacos will find this restaurant’s offering hard to surpass.
Burritos and flautas stand out as consistent crowd-pleasers, with hearty fillings and a perfect balance of spice and texture. Fajitas and nachos receive similar praise thanks to generous servings and high-quality, fresh ingredients. From start to finish, the menu excels at delivering both taste and value.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
6. Winchester Bar & Grill
Surprises you with comfort food classics and unbeatable hospitality in a true local favorite spot.
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Winchester Bar & Grill surprises with its classic dive bar ambiance, yet delivers standout homemade dishes. The hot beef sandwich special features flavorful, tender pot roast, and the daily specials shine as stars on a compact, satisfying menu. Service remains consistently warm and efficient, giving the place an unexpectedly inviting vibe.
Locals frequent Winchester for both the down-to-earth decor and the impressive quality of its kitchen. The atmosphere comes alive on karaoke nights, matched by attentive staff who make guests feel right at home. For anyone seeking hearty comfort food and a genuine neighborhood welcome, this spot stands out.
Winchester Bar & Grill surprises with its classic dive bar ambiance, yet delivers standout homemade dishes. The hot beef sandwich special features flavorful, tender pot roast, and the daily specials shine as stars on a compact, satisfying menu. Service remains consistently warm and efficient, giving the place an unexpectedly inviting vibe.
Locals frequent Winchester for both the down-to-earth decor and the impressive quality of its kitchen. The atmosphere comes alive on karaoke nights, matched by attentive staff who make guests feel right at home. For anyone seeking hearty comfort food and a genuine neighborhood welcome, this spot stands out.
TOPICS
- Suburban
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Late Night
7. Taqueria Tijuana
Beloved by locals for unbeatable tacos, handmade sopes, and standout weekend menudo.
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Renowned for an extensive menu featuring authentic Mexican fare, this establishment delivers on tacos, stewed steaks, asado, and beloved classics such as birria and weekend menudo. The understated yet modern decor creates a calm dining setting, while fast service and affordable prices attract regulars and newcomers alike. The horchata stands out as the go-to beverage, complementing the hearty selection.
Offering a wide range of favorites—tortas, burritos, quesadillas, handmade sopes, and gorditas—this spot stands out as a staple in South Omaha. Savory birria is available daily, while menudo draws crowds on weekends. The consistent quality and welcoming atmosphere explain its popularity among locals seeking genuine Mexican flavors.
Renowned for an extensive menu featuring authentic Mexican fare, this establishment delivers on tacos, stewed steaks, asado, and beloved classics such as birria and weekend menudo. The understated yet modern decor creates a calm dining setting, while fast service and affordable prices attract regulars and newcomers alike. The horchata stands out as the go-to beverage, complementing the hearty selection.
Offering a wide range of favorites—tortas, burritos, quesadillas, handmade sopes, and gorditas—this spot stands out as a staple in South Omaha. Savory birria is available daily, while menudo draws crowds on weekends. The consistent quality and welcoming atmosphere explain its popularity among locals seeking genuine Mexican flavors.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Hidden Gems
- Dinner
8. Tixteco Mexican Restaurant
Hidden gem for house-made Mexican dishes; cozy patio, friendly crew, vibrant, memorable flavors.
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Tixteco impresses with authentic Mexican flavors and a welcoming atmosphere. The pozole, offered in three varieties, arrives loaded with fresh garnishes and crispy flautas, showcasing the kitchen's dedication to tradition. Staff bring genuine warmth, while prices appeal to both groups and solo diners.
The restaurant also excels with its standout mole chicken, expertly combining sweet and spicy notes. Barbacoa tacos are packed with rich, savory flavor, and house margaritas are crafted from scratch. A cozy patio and lively seasonings ensure each visit feels festive and memorable.
Tixteco impresses with authentic Mexican flavors and a welcoming atmosphere. The pozole, offered in three varieties, arrives loaded with fresh garnishes and crispy flautas, showcasing the kitchen's dedication to tradition. Staff bring genuine warmth, while prices appeal to both groups and solo diners.
The restaurant also excels with its standout mole chicken, expertly combining sweet and spicy notes. Barbacoa tacos are packed with rich, savory flavor, and house margaritas are crafted from scratch. A cozy patio and lively seasonings ensure each visit feels festive and memorable.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Suburban
- Social Gatherings
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner
9. Corner Kitchen
Boldly blends Mexican, Korean, and American flavors for craveable, inventive comfort food.
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Corner Kitchen seamlessly fuses Mexican, Korean, and American influences, resulting in a menu bursting with bold creativity. Signature dishes like the Bulgogi Torta and Birria Torta offer memorable flavor, while the Quesa-Birria Taco and Chilango Burrito deliver on authenticity and inventiveness. The kitchen’s approach highlights strong, balanced seasoning and clever ingredient combinations.
Known for its welcoming atmosphere, Corner Kitchen treats guests to generous portions and consistent freshness. The Rangoon fries, Elote tots, and overstuffed burritos stand out for both quality and taste. The restaurant’s fusion twist, friendly staff, and crave-worthy offerings make it a top destination, especially for burrito enthusiasts seeking something different.
Corner Kitchen seamlessly fuses Mexican, Korean, and American influences, resulting in a menu bursting with bold creativity. Signature dishes like the Bulgogi Torta and Birria Torta offer memorable flavor, while the Quesa-Birria Taco and Chilango Burrito deliver on authenticity and inventiveness. The kitchen’s approach highlights strong, balanced seasoning and clever ingredient combinations.
Known for its welcoming atmosphere, Corner Kitchen treats guests to generous portions and consistent freshness. The Rangoon fries, Elote tots, and overstuffed burritos stand out for both quality and taste. The restaurant’s fusion twist, friendly staff, and crave-worthy offerings make it a top destination, especially for burrito enthusiasts seeking something different.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
- Suburban
- Breakfast
10. El Alamo
Serving Omaha authentic Mexican dishes with homemade margaritas and a family-friendly vibe.
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El Alamo stands out in Omaha’s Hispanic district, delivering classic Mexican dishes in a welcoming setting. The menu covers favorites such as tacos, enchiladas, and seafood, all presented with care. Complimentary chips arrive with both red and green salsa, each with a fresh, flavorful kick.
Service consistently shows warmth and attentiveness, making guests feel at home. While the Enchiladas Rancheras satisfy, the potential brilliance of other dishes, like the Chile Colorado, entices diners to return. The combination of friendly atmosphere and diverse menu keeps El Alamo popular.
El Alamo stands out in Omaha’s Hispanic district, delivering classic Mexican dishes in a welcoming setting. The menu covers favorites such as tacos, enchiladas, and seafood, all presented with care. Complimentary chips arrive with both red and green salsa, each with a fresh, flavorful kick.
Service consistently shows warmth and attentiveness, making guests feel at home. While the Enchiladas Rancheras satisfy, the potential brilliance of other dishes, like the Chile Colorado, entices diners to return. The combination of friendly atmosphere and diverse menu keeps El Alamo popular.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Lunch
11. La Sierra Restaurant
Cozy spot for Durango-style Mexican comfort food with standout margaritas and homemade fillings.
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The menu at La Sierra keeps things simple, allowing diners to customize their meal by choosing a filling for gorditas, burritos, quesadillas, or plates. Options like chicken, chorizo, beef, and cheese arrive seasoned just right, making each bite flavorful. Service stands out for its warmth, making guests feel at home from the moment they arrive.
Drinks such as the margarita, prepared with fresh lime juice, and the popular michelada complement the savory offerings perfectly. Desserts include fruit empanadas, which provide a sweet ending to the meal. With a welcoming atmosphere and attentive staff, La Sierra secures its reputation as a neighborhood favorite for authentic Mexican fare.
The menu at La Sierra keeps things simple, allowing diners to customize their meal by choosing a filling for gorditas, burritos, quesadillas, or plates. Options like chicken, chorizo, beef, and cheese arrive seasoned just right, making each bite flavorful. Service stands out for its warmth, making guests feel at home from the moment they arrive.
Drinks such as the margarita, prepared with fresh lime juice, and the popular michelada complement the savory offerings perfectly. Desserts include fruit empanadas, which provide a sweet ending to the meal. With a welcoming atmosphere and attentive staff, La Sierra secures its reputation as a neighborhood favorite for authentic Mexican fare.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
- Vegetarian Options
12. Herbe Sainte
Omaha’s top spot for bold Cajun flavors, creative cocktails, and a lively Southern vibe.
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A local spot impresses with generous portions and flavorful dishes like braised shortrib and chopped salad, both delivering on taste and quality. The red beans and rice, paired with moist cornbread, stand out as a hearty option. Attentive, welcoming staff enhance the dining experience and create a comfortable atmosphere for guests.
Herbe Sainte transports diners to New Orleans with its inviting ambiance and standout menu. Highlights include Crawfish Étouffée, Artichoke Crab Dip, and the indulgent King Cake Bread Pudding. Service is attentive, making each visit memorable and leaving guests eager to return for more.
A local spot impresses with generous portions and flavorful dishes like braised shortrib and chopped salad, both delivering on taste and quality. The red beans and rice, paired with moist cornbread, stand out as a hearty option. Attentive, welcoming staff enhance the dining experience and create a comfortable atmosphere for guests.
Herbe Sainte transports diners to New Orleans with its inviting ambiance and standout menu. Highlights include Crawfish Étouffée, Artichoke Crab Dip, and the indulgent King Cake Bread Pudding. Service is attentive, making each visit memorable and leaving guests eager to return for more.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner