(Benson fans may appreciate a walk-through of Benson's central business district, HERE.
(Yet another update, March 30. A vintage Club 64 menu has surfaced! Read All About It HERE.)
(Another update, Friday, March 19. HERE.)
(Update: I posted a follow-up to this article on Friday, March 12, 2010, responding to some of the recent and not so recent comments received here. You can read this follow-up HERE)
When you think of Omaha cuisine, what comes to mind?
The Reuben sandwich, perhaps? Two Omaha institutions (or more) claimed to have invented it, neither of which survive to back up their claims.
The TV Dinner, maybe? Uh-huh, TV Dinners were invented here! (Hmmmm ... you really don't hear the expression "TV Dinner" anymore, do you?)
The Runza? Well, sortakinda -- uh -- no, not really, actually.
The Tavern sandwich? Nope, that's Iowa.
Unlike other major cities, Omaha doesn't really have its type of pizza, borrowing from many others (okay, okay, maybe Godfathers, but that's really a brand, not a style!), nor its type of barbecue, borrowing from Kansas City, Memphis and others.
The one thing you do think of when you think of food in Omaha is steak! Omaha is in The Beef State, and has a long history with the meatpacking industry.
What I first remember as what I would call "Omaha Cuisine" was that which was featured by countless independent Omaha steak houses, most of them operated by multi-generation Italian families.
These were not unlike the Sicilian red-sauce places back east, but featured more steaks, chops, and seafood to an extent, as well as the traditional Italian specialties.
The typical entree came with sides included, unlike the Morton-Chris ilk of today, with a house salad in a garlic-rubbed wooden bowl, and, of course, a side of pasta. :) A carafe of house wine was optional. :)
Let's take a few minutes and reflect of the cuisine long departed ...
I'm also doing something I never intended to do. I'm using some photos other than my own, collected from various sources, as well as various ads, to illustrate what is long gone.
Cantoni's:
The first restaurant of this type I remember very well was Cantoni's, which stood for years at the corner of 19th. and Leavenworth. I became acquainted with the hostess, who recommended it to me, and I visited semi-regularly until its demise.
This was a true family-operated restaurant, operated at first by Lou Cantoni and family, and later by the Marchello brothers.
What happened?
Nobody seems to know. It just closed one day at short notice, sometime around 1977. It reopened briefly as a Mexican restaurant, closed again, then opened again briefly with their former Italian-steakhouse theme, and then closed for good. The Marchello brothers remained in the catering business into the 1980s.
What's there now?
It's a bar. Connections. The Marine Room, their party and overflow room, is now a tattoo parlor.
The building, however, is better known for a latecomer to the restaurant scene, Dixie Quicks, which occupies the westmost portion of the building, a portion not occupied by Cantoni's. Dixie Quicks was featured on the Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives program.
Sparetime:
The Sparetime Cafe, operated by the Nisi family, has a long history in Omaha.
The Sparetime I remember was the one at 5th. and Pierce, right in the heart of Omaha's Little Italy. As I researched things, I found far more references to a Sparetime "On the Strip" on south 72nd.
I distinctly remember the Sparetime at the original location in the late 1970s, but those in the know tell me that they moved to 72nd., and a Mexican restaurant opened at the old location, until, yes, the Sparetime moved back!
The section of south 72nd. between Dodge and Pacific streets was known in the 1960s and 1970s as "The Strip", no, not for casinos, but for clubs and restaurants.
I really don't remember the Sparetime on the Strip, but the evidence tells me otherwise. :)
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What happened?
As I said, I don't remember the Sparetime on the Strip. I best remember the Sparetime when it moved back to Little Italy to the original location.
In the mid 1980s, the Nisi family sold the original Sparetime building on 5th. to the operator of Bob's Country Fixins, which operated out of a much smaller location just south of the Burlington Station. Bob's moved to the old Sparetime building, only to be closed shortly after due to a tragic structural failure of the building!
Bob's never reopened.
What's there now?
There's not much left of the Strip on 72nd! I really can't think of any full-service restaurants on 72nd. between Dodge and Pacific.
Driving to the former Strip address, we see yet another cell phone office.
However, driving to the back brought back some memories. We see this building, shown below, now occupied by a social service agency. This was one of those "ah-ha" (Take On Me?) moments. :)
I remember dining at two restaurants in this building. First, a buffet kind of place, don't remember the name, but I was very underwhelmed.
Second, a Mexican place, again, underwhelming.
Both of these had to be in the late 1970s.
I believe that it was this building that housed the Sparetime on the Strip, with the cell phone shop being in what was the parking lot.
While the building on the Strip is recognizable, the site on south 5th. looks like a disaster area! It is!
This is all that remains of what was one of the most popular restaurants in the Omaha area.
The Gas Lamp:
Another family with strong ties to the Omaha restaurant and club scene is the Firmature family, and for years their flagship eatery was the Gas Lamp, at 30th. and Leavenworth.
What happened?
Fire!
Firmature's Sidewalk Cafe in the Regency complex served "Gas Lamp Prime Rib" into the 1990s, but that location finally succumbed during a Regency remodeling.
What's there now?
Nothing much! A parking lot. If you look carefully, you may see the remains of part of the foundation of what was the Gas Lamp.
Caniglia's:
There can be no discussion of family-operated restaurants in Omaha without mentioning the Caniglia family.
Although everyone pronounces this "can IG lee uh", those in the know tell me that it's properly pronounced "can EEL ia", with three syllables.
The Caniglia family is credited for popularizing pizza in the Omaha area, opening their long-lived flagship pizzaria and restaurant on south 7th. shortly after World War II.
The original restaurant was expanded several times throughout its lifetime.
What happened?
They blame the casinos.
What's there now?
Townhomes, on Caniglia Plaza.
Palazzo 'Taliano:
As the Caniglia family grew, so did its imperium, with several spinoffs, one which survives today.
One of the Caniglia's first aggressive expansions was the Palazzo 'Taliano, on south 84th., which some tell me was originally intended to replace the '40s vintage building in Little Italy.
What happened?
I don't know. They appear to have shifted their emphasis back to the original Little Italy location, which lasted until the mid 2000s.
What's there now?
It's a Shriners hall. Same building, still in great shape.
They tell me, however, that it had a brief second life as a dinner theater in the early 1970s.
Mr. C's:
One of the Caniglia brothers, Yano "Mr. C.", took off in a different direction in a different part of town. He opened the Royal Boy Drive-In, directly across from Fort Omaha, then a thriving Naval Reserve training center in North Omaha.
The drive-in was an immediate hit and became a popular hangout for North Omaha teens and sailors from the Navy base.
The drive-in expanded, added an indoor sit-down restaurant, and began to specialize in pizza and other Italian specialties, as opposed to burgers, chicken, and fries.
By the early 1970s, the drive-in was gone, and Mr. C's assumed the identity of a full-service restaurant.
The interior decor, although somewhat meretricious, was classy in its own sort of way, with dayglow dioramas and such. "We put up the lights for the holidays and never took them down!"
Outdoor dining was featured in Mr. C's heyday, quite the contrast to the original outdoor dining in cars!
What happened?
They blame the casinos.
Now now, in all fairness, one prevailing reason for the closure was that Mr. C. wanted to retire and none of the close family wanted to take over the business.
What's there now?
The Mr. C. complex is still there, but abandoned, occupying the better part of a city block.
The facility is very large, in disrepair, in an area that is regarded as somewhat unsalubrious.
Other Caniglia's ventures included the Drawing Room, their Millard location, and the Top Of The world, in the Woodmen Tower, on the tippy-top floor (and charge it, please).
Little Frank's:
Caniglia's neighbor to the north, on south 7th., was Little Franks. What I remember most about this was that it was very brightly lit, more so than Caniglia's, with caricatures of the proprietors on the marquee.
What happened?
I don't think they can blame the casinos.
What's there now?
More townhomes.
Trentino's / Angie's / Lucky's:
Three incarnations, all a bit different.
I first remember this as Trentino's, a very nice Little Italy club and restaurant, and I considered this to be a cut above Caniglia's, Little Frank's, and Sparetime.
With very little warning it morphed into Angie's, named after Angelina Bonofede, whose recipes were used.
One semi-interesting trivium is that Trentino's used a 10th. Street address while Angies and Lucky's used the 1001 Pacific address.
Angie's was gone in a flash, soon to be replaced by Lucky's 1001, which never really caught on. Notice the signage.
What happened?
They blame the casinos, I think. (Blame Canada?)
What's there now?
Pssssst! Hey kid, wanna buy a restaurant?
Ross':
The crown jewel of the 72nd. Street Strip was unquestionably Ross', operated for decades by the Lorello family. This has to be my all-time favorite Omaha steak house, and my first choice for introducing out of town guests to Omaha cuisine.
Ross' was a very classy place, and I am hard pressed to recall hearing even a single complaint about the place!
What happened?
Lack of progeny.
What's there now?
Hey, couldn't it have at least been a Ross's Dress For Less? :)
Marchio's:
Another one of my all-time faves was Marchio's in South Omaha. This is another place where I would always take out-of-towners to show them what Omaha dining was like.
What happened?
Don't blame the casinos, but you can blame the IRS!
What's there now?
Howard's, relocated from their 24th. St. location shortly after Marchio's closure.
Frankie And Phyl's:
This really wasn't a steakhouse, it was more of a "joint", something you might see on Diners, Drive-Inns, and Dives on the Food Network, were it open today.
I might go as far as to call this one a genuine "dive", but in a positive sort of way. It was nothing to look at, outside or inside.
The food was great! The atmosphere was, well ..., gritty! A hardcore inner-city eatery.
What happened?
I don't know. One day I drove by and it was closed.
What's there now?
The building is there, still standing, vacant. Salatamu!
Honorable mention!
I ran across this while perusing old ads.
Whoever needs the Big Mac and the Whopper, when you have the Miss Monster! :)
Uh, what happened to the eighth, and the ninth?
There are others, there are many others, remembered and forgotten, and to try to name them is an exercise in futility. These are the ones I remember, and the ones for which I can attest to excellence.
So, are the casinos really to blame?
Whenever a restaurant in the Omaha area closes, it seems like the reason the owners give is competition -- both in terms of dining choices and competition for disposable dollars -- from the casinos. Does this pass the sanity check?
We now have three casinos in the metro area. All three have a buffet, a steak house, and some kind of a casual diner or coffee shop. That's nine eateries added to the market among the three casinos.
If we look on the streets, on line, or in the phone book, we'll see countless other restaurants which have opened during the lifetime of the casinos. These include more contemporary steak houses, such as Sullivans, Paxton Chop House, Spencers, etc., and Italian places such as Vincenzo's, Malara's, and a whole slew of more casual pizza-pasta type places.
Add to that the recent openings of numerous Mexican and Asian offerings of ever-increasing popularity. We're not even counting the various cookie-cutter formula restaurants which spring up (and die) like weeds along our thoroughfares.
The nine offerings at the three casinos are easily eclipsed by the copious assortment of others which have opened in the area.
The real answer, however, is the opening of several new non-gaming restaurants in the immediate vicinity of the casinos, such as Ruby Tuesday, Quaker Steak and Lube, and yes, Hooters. All of these are packed on Friday and Saturday evenings, only footsteps from the nine casino-based choices.
So, are casinos to blame? I don't know, you decide!
Alive!
Survive!
Thrive!
Not all is lost, however!
In an era dominated by formula eateries, prefabricated Americana, and predictable mediocrity, Omaha still boasts several of the original, mostly Italian, steak houses, living on and doing what they know how to do best, serving Omaha's cuisine to this generation and the next.
Let's take a look at those you can enjoy today, none of which appear to be on the endangered species list!
Johnny's:
Johnny's Cafe has been an anchor of South Omaha, right on the edge of the former Union Stockyards. Johnny's was recently featured in the film About Schmidt.
Johnny's has a loyal regular following, although I do think it's slipped a bit since I first sampled their fare back in the 1970s. Johnny's is still operated by the Kawa family.
Johnny's had a short-lived second location in Millard.
The place known as Johnny's Italian Steak House in Village Point(e), which is a chain, has no connection to the original Johnny's in South Omaha.
Gorats:
The best preserved of the bunch, virtually unchanged from the 1940s, has to be Gorat's, a favorite of mine and a favorite of gazillionaire Warren Buffett.
Compare the porte cochere and the signage in the pre-Mastercard era ad above to the 2008 photo below, unchanged, yet timeless!
Eat your heart out, Arnie Morton!
Piccolo's:
Another well-preserved specimen is Piccolo's, a.k.a. Piccolo Pete's.
Cascio's:
The low-rise building, dating from the 1940s, has been spiffed up a bit in recent years, but the tradition lives on inside.
La Casa:
For those who don't know La Casa, take a look at the photo of their iconic sign. Don't look at the next photo, and tell me if this is a Mexican restaurant or an Italian restaurant. Which is it? :)
"La Casa" does translate to "the house" in both Italian and Spanish. I've known a few other restaurants in other locations known as La Casa, and all of them were Mexican. (I also remember an Italian restaurant known as The House in the Allston area of Boston.) :)
Anthony's:
On south 72nd. Street, but several miles away from what was the "Strip", Anthony's has stood for decades in what is otherwise a warehouse and industrial area.
Several of the restaurants used to have a similar steer statue. Ross' had theirs in an almost identical display a couple miles to the north.
Anthony's is trying to keep up with the times, with their Ozone ultra-lounge.
The sign notes the entertainment which is featured on Monday's.[sic]
Venice Inn:
Caniglia's lives on! The sole survivor of the once-mighty empire still stands proudly on Pacific Street.
322 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 322 of 322RIP Yano "Mr C" Caniglia :-(
Follow this link to see Omaha restaurants and lounges from back in the day:
http://s858.photobucket.com/user/cocohead663/library/?sort=3&page=1
Goodrich banana splits. What about Nassar's on Ames? Or the Silver Lining at the airport. Mr. Steak. Kings. Bleu Ox. Nite Hawks Cafe on 16th Street still going strong at 71+ years young. Omaha = good food, good people, good memories.
Goodrich banana splits. What about Nassar's on Ames? Or the Silver Lining at the airport. Mr. Steak. Kings. Bleu Ox. Nite Hawks Cafe on 16th Street still going strong at 71+ years young. Omaha = good food, good people, good memories.
I don't mind the repetition I've noticed in many of the recent comments . . . it's fun to see what's important to each, but it means they haven't gone back to read the blog from the beginning and therefore, are missing the best part.
The Blackstone had the Orleans Room, the most elegant place in town. Below the Orleans Room, with an entrance on Farnam Street, was The Golden Spur, with the Custer Sandwich and lots more and often had Betty B. on the piano!
Yes, Mr. Kelly's was the nice steakhouse at 84th & Harrison. We had our wedding rehearsal dinner there, November 22, 1967
This is just great! A blast from the past! Grew up in the Holy Cross neighborhood (50's 60's)and have been east coast for many years. I was home for my nieces wedding last summer and I spent a lot of time running around trying to locate many of these places! There's no place like home! Sure do miss it!
These may have been mentioned, I haven't read every post.
A few I remember are WC Frank, a hot dog place with video games, Chubbyville (?), a burger place on north 72nd, and Marvin Gardens, on Harney(?)
Does anyone remember the Saddle Creek Drive Inn from the 50's and their big foot long hot dogs. Loaded with chili, onions and cheese? Was a place my folks would call ahead and pick up on weekends.
Nebraska born & bred, now Texas transplant. Thanks for the list and great memories.
Mal - yours is one of Omahas great families - I ate piles of bones from Skeets (Whiteside) & shrimp fried in bacon grease from Livewire - also listened to real soul at Allens Showcase - Lyle Bremser "man, woman & child" - it was the Big Red
Sally Smith Johnson
Another North Grad recalls some places fondly.. some only in my youth.
Teds Steak House at 30th and McKinley
Bud William's Hamburgers at 16th and Dodge (former Harkets) dehydrated onions and the fries made it great.
Trixs Ham Sandwiches near UP downtown - EPIC
Minne Lusa Tavern (Red and Teds) brought folks to Minne Lusa just for the onion rings and a 15 cent coke
Ames Cafe at 30th and Ames had good food and was where the Omaha U Tangerine Bowl victors celebrated. (Juke at each table)
Kenwood Bakery next to Ames cafe (so famous for their Cherry loafs)
Woolworth Downtown and the 39 cent hoagies)
Bobs A&W at Fontenelle and Ames ( first Kentucky Fried Chicken in Omaha)
Chicken Salad sandwiches at the Brandeis Cafeteria.
The bakery that was in the building now Gerdas was Downs Pastries.
Broncos at 30th and Fort (19cent burgers)
Eddies Brown Bottle
Lincoln Bar
Cowboys Pkg..all North O
I completely agree with you. I really like this article. It contains a lot of useful information. I can set up my new idea from this post
A great website. You put a lot of work into it, and I enjoyed it.
Brought back many good times.
I put a Omaha Map on a website that I created....
http://www.omahapastandpresent.site50.net/
I really, really hope whomever posted the question about "Comento's" replies since I was told through stories that that was my Great Grandfather's restaurant and I am trying to learn more about the history of this old family restaurant. I hope to hear from you soon--I may no doubt still have distant cousins in Omhah! Mille grazie tutti! leafgirl79@gmail.com
Great site -
I worked as a car hop at Caniglias Royal Boy 54-56 while a student at North High - Yano was a great boss and many nice memories. Was lucky enough to visit the place in late 2006 and now I see that the site is being re-developed.
Remembering Angelo's at 72nd & Pacific - worked there around 67-69. It was such a crazy place and such good food, owned by Angelo D'Giacamo & his wife. She was a lovely person & so nice to the help. But crazy was the operative word since it was circular and waiting tables in the front stage bar area involved wrestling huge trays overhead down a curved flight of 6 steps and through not one but TWO swinging doors Some architect got Mr. G on a day when he was into the scotch & soda in a serious way. The food was fabulous & we had good acts like Rusty Warren, Redd Fox, and Dionne Warwick. The steaks & shrimp could not be beat.
Another place, mentioned earlier was a Caniglia offshoot, Tomahawk Inn in N Omaha. It did a great lunch biz on Saturdays, strangely enough. Very good food & sandwiches. So many good places to eat in Omaha.
Anyone remember the Church's Chicken on 40th and Dodge on the northeast corner? Great chicken, what happened?
What about the Trackside and JB Big Boys? Love them both!!
Havent seen one comment about Bit o Dixie where the Jimmy Johns is now on 72 south of dodge. It was an offshoot of the Dixie Kitchen same owner. That was my first job in like 1973 0r 74. I remember we had the first 1/3 lb. burger and me cutting up the tubs of frozen chicken. I made like $2.14 an hr and we always made a big batch of chicken right before closing and then SUPRISE we got to take it home after work. Lol. Maybe that is why they went out of business. Worked with a woman supervisor. Would be cool if she read these posts and noticed this.
How bout Heres Johnnys, and Red Barn on 84th and dodge?
How bout The Spot at crossroads?
Has anybody heard of a places called Ralph's Bar back in the 70's. he was my grandfather and trying to find some information about him.
With regards to Marchio's Italian cafe. My parents owned it from 1973 to 1985. A little history... The Broome family bought it in 1973 from the Marchio's and ran successfully until 1980 when it caught on fire. It was rebuilt and came back online late 1980. Now sacked with a huge debt, Mothers against drunk driving, tax code changes and the recession of the early 80's hit. Gone were the 3 martini lunches. Gone were the loosely monitored lunch write-offs. Mt parents had 2 choices, continue operating and keep people employed and not pay payroll tax with the hope the economy turned around or just close down. They chose to stay open...On June 5th 1985 Marchio's closed it's doors for the last time...
I know you said the IRS closed it, but I wanted to give you some background about it.
Italian restaurant between 60th & Saddle Creek on Center - flag of Italy painted on side. Think it was 70s and 80s
Is this Paul?
If not, [he had same or similar blog]
I grew up on 5 and 6th of pierce , my dad worked at sparetime cafe., so did my mother and grandparents. I was curious as to where you got a pic of the sparetime. I have an inside pic of our family, my dad at work, who was the head chef...
You mentioned Nisi's on 72, changed to Dominico's the Tornado of '75 took that.
I have pic of dad and Eddie Cantor, many stars would come to the Sparetime , dad would take them back and let them pick out their cut of meat etc.
Nisi's on 72 Afia and Sam Nisi's son Ross ran that. Then Rosses Steak House., etc.
Is nice to see that era again.
Nice site, Thanks
Oh how I have enjoyed reading all of these comments...a couple of places that my family frequented when I was a kid was "Toady's" (A & W drive in on 24th in South O) and Sealtest Ice Cream store on Q St between 36th and 42nd. Anyone else remember these?
I hope everyone is having a good New Year so far! I also enjoy reading your comments. While I have not been to Omaha (yet), my dad's side (Sicilian) grew up there. I am still trying to see if anyone has heard of the old restaurant called, "Comento's." One of these days I'd love to visit Omaha and research the community records. Thanks :)
Well, have to mention Maxies Burger and Shake that was on 16th between Farnam and Harney.
How about some of the great "out of town" steak houses such as Harr's and Farmer Brown's in Waterloo, Miller's in LaShara (near Two Rivers) and the Richfield Cafe just north of 108th and Plattview Road. Add Long Horn and Rustic in Fort Calhoun.
Also, did I see any mention of Chu's Chop Suey House that was in two locations just south of Aksarben?
I did see a mention of Lyle DeMoss's resteraunt. Wasn't it called Cebo's?
All great memories!!! Just like grabbing prized out of the treasure chest at the Dixie Kitchen.
Next, someone has to add all the bar-b-q joints such as Smoke Pit, Silver Pit by jasper Jones, Skeets and others.
A late comer to fried chicken houses but a great one - Time Out on north 30th.
Do you remember the name of the grocery store attached to Phil Ringle's drug store?
Loved those summer evening dances outside at Peony Park. Dreamy memories.
Does your last name start with U?
I believe the grocery store next to Phil Ringle's drug store was the Country Club Market or something like that. I believe it was owned by Bennett Radiziner who sold it when he went to help his sister and brother-in-law, Rose and Leo Weitz buy the Rose Bowl from their then partner, Iz Zeigman, who then went on to build the Ranch Bowl. ---Larry
Haven't heard mention of El Matador across the street from Nebraska Furniture Mart or the VIP in South O. My introduction to Mexican food and both very good. What made Kings so good was their onion rings. And a tip of the cap to my late friend Phil " Pudgie" Cerra who sold Red Hots downtown for years. De were da best!
Anonymous mentioned the best steak in Omaha was, and still is, the Whiskey Filet. He didn't mention the restaurant, still going strong and serving Whiskey Steaks, the DROVER, just West of the big black office building on 72d & Mercy Road. Built as a Cork & Cleaver, with menus imprinted on real cleavers, later morphed into the iconic DROVER. Great steaks!
I was trying to remember the name of that restaurant. Isn't that the one where each room was decorated differently? Alice in wonderland, star wars ect...
I loved Kaufman's bakery. I went to St. Cecilia's Elementary and Cathedral High School. Kaufman's was a staple with my family for their Tea Cookies. I was recently back in Omaha visiting my mother and we were reminiscing about those tea cookies. I would love to find that recipe, if anyone on this blog is familiar with that it would be greatly appreciated. My mother is 74 and would really like to surprise her with a batch of nostalgia. Love the blog and will be regularly checking in to see more of the history of one of thee greatest little cities in the country.
Was it the Cimarron Room?
I played at Angelo's several times in 1965/66. Had a great following there. Beautiful theatre lounge and restaurant. Very sorry those days are gone but thankful for my memories! Here is a link to a newspaper ad. I couldn't figure out how to upload the photo. https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/883137_10152823883203125_425256751_o.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoibyJ9&_nc_ad=z-m&oh=b8fa9a01ff76ac4032d0f1700a26cda1&oe=5944A2D4
I think I do. Was there a backwards clock on the wall?
YES !!!!!
I went to nememans bakery on 24st everyday but sunday
And I was a bus girl at the old Vienna café AND CAN STILL HEAR MILLIE SUFFIN HER
FEET .SHE WAS A SWEET DOLL .
AND HOW ABOUT SMOKE PIT BBQ!!YUM YUMM !!! SAD TO SAY ITS GONE NOW TOO
Does anyone remember Anne's Spaghetti King on N. 30th street? I'm not completely sure of the name, but I remember having meatball and Italian sausage sandwiches. I know it was on the west side of the street and south of Fort Omaha in the late 1960's. My family also loved Skeet's Barbeque and we would pile into Mom's car and drive down to North O to get ribs. I can remember there was another Skeet's off 72nd st. I first went to B and G burger with Bob Hrupek in the late 60's. Great little sandwiches like Maidrite
in KC.
Gerta's? I believe it is still there.
Lo Sole Mio's is on 32nd Ave, just south of Hanscom Park.
Down the street from Steak & Ale on 72nd St on the corner of Mercy Rd was the Cork & Cleaver ... I remember going there before Prom in 1970. Being raised in South Omaha, I think my first memory of the best burgers ever was, after grocery shopping at Phillip's in South Omaha, where you would pick up the groceries at the east end of the parking lot by 23rd St (the grocery bags came out on a conveyer belt and they would load your car), we'd sometimes stop at Long and Slims for the five cent burgers. I can still smell the burgers and onions frying on the grill on the back side, and they were wrapped in white paper. Other times, we'd stop at Neneman's bakery to take home some special treats after shopping at Phillip's. I've been gone from Omaha for almost 20 years, but I guess "there's no place like home." Thanks for the memories and the blog.
Interesting stuff to read. Keep it up.
Seafood Distributor in Pennsylvania
All Beef cuts in Pennsylvania
I remember Neneman's bakery on 24th Street in South Omaha. Had the BEST Danish cups in the world. The ladies there use to give me a sugar cookie over the counter. You had to get there at the right time or there was no bakery to choose from! I also remember a place called Rudy Stefan's Bar somewhere off of M Street in South Omaha. They had wonderful fish sandwiches and the best rye break and pickles! We would go there during Lent when I was a kid. Also, there was Parkvale Bakery - my grandmother worked there decorating cakes.
Bohemian Cafe now closed too.
Bohemian Cafe now closed too.
Also a Bunny. Great memory stimuli. Goodrich malts...Little Kings n their sandwhich dressing, Joes fish sandwiches, A&W drive in on Fontanelle n Ames, Royal Boy Hamburger drive in which became fabulous Mr. C's. Awesome food n memories. Thanks all. Lu Mohatt
Marc..an alumni from Childrens Hospital on 42nd & Dewey...myself as well. Dundee Dell after softball..Saddle Creek Bar...hope life good with you!! Lu Mohatt, Sacramento last 32 years.
Marc..an alumni from Childrens Hospital on 42nd & Dewey...myself as well. Dundee Dell after softball..Saddle Creek Bar...hope life good with you!! Lu Mohatt, Sacramento last 32 years.
Also a Bunny. Great memory stimuli. Goodrich malts...Little Kings n their sandwhich dressing, Joes fish sandwiches, A&W drive in on Fontanelle n Ames, Royal Boy Hamburger drive in which became fabulous Mr. C's. Awesome food n memories. Thanks all. Lu Mohatt
Bohemian Cafe now closed too.
Dixie Kitchen was located on about 76th & Dodge. They used to offet all ylu can est crab legs!
Judy the restaurant on the corner of 84th Harrison was Mr Kellys, worked there for several years in the banquet rooms
The grass shack became mt fuji inn and the mai tai lounge
Does anyone know where you could get the recipe for the beef pate that was served at Robin Hood's?
Looking for the thread regarding B Piggs, can you direct me plz?
What morphed into B Piggs....can’t find the thread?
Does anyone remember Nebraska Beef? There was also a great restaurant in Regency in the late 80's early 90's (Was it called Cattleman's)
If you would like more information on The Spare Time Cafe I can probably get it for you. My mother is Mary Fletcher, she worked for Sam Nisi managing the Spare Time.
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Dixie Kitchen was in Beverly Hills Plaza on Dodge.
The Angelo's at 72nd and Pacific was in a freestanding building on the southwest corner. The building was nearly circular. A piece of the west side was flat. It opened in May 1966. Angelo DiGiacomo and his son Richard owned and ran the place. As I recall, Angelo had a place down in Little Italy before he moved out to West Omaha. Angelo's featured the standard menu for Italian steakhouses in Omaha: beef, lobster, salad, and (of course) a side of spaghetti with sauce with every meal. The head cook was named Benny. He also cut the meat. A woman named George fixed salads. Among many others, two brothers, John and Doug Titsworth, cleaned off tables and worked in the kitchen. I was a busboy and dishwasher. I preferred cleaning tables but very quickly ended up on the dishwasher every night. I preferred working the clean end, where the dishes were blistering hot but clean. But I generally ended up on the dirty end, where everything was covered with grease and sauce. It is easy to push around a kid. One night I reached into the bus tub where the silverware was soaking and cut my fingers up on a broken wine glass. Blood was everywhere. Benny stepped away from the grill, washed the blood off my fingers, taped them up with some kind of tape, and told me to get back to work. The dishes were piling up. And, yes, the Mills Brothers did play Angelo's lounge. So did Redd Foxx, but I didn't hear his act. The waitresses kept us kids away from the lounge; apparently Foxx had a dirty mouth on him. I was 14 years old at the time. Angelo paid me 65 cents an hour to work from 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Benny fed us before the place opened, and the food was good. The work was long and hard. I hung on through June, July, and August, but I stopped working when I went back to school in September. Not much later, Angelo's went out of business. By the early 70's, it was The Aquarius, a typical disco of that era. The floor plan remained the same. It was eerie to go there and dance, I must say. At some point, someone tore the circular building down and replaced it with an FDR facility, which was still there the last time I looked. It is a component part of The Cloud, I guess.
Are you thinking of Here's? She just passed away.
my grandmother worked for cantonis right out of high school until they closed. i have very fond memories at 5 yrs old sitting in the lounge waiting for my grandma and enjoying a shirley temple or roy rogers with some of the regulars (a group of older italian gentlemen whom i believe were "made men" but great guys either way). and grandma would always bring home a big container of the best spaggeti and meatballs on the planet!! i even have a photograph of me that i believe was taken in cantonis lounge. great memories!!
I agree, DebMcc.
Does anyone remember LaFonda's Mexican restaurant (at about 121st & Center)? I waitressed there in the early 80s.
Would sure enjoy seeing a picture if anyone has one to share -- thanks!
Great blog that I just happened to stumble across! Graduated North High in 1967 and returned for our 50th anniversary reunion last year. We all mourned the passing of Mr. C's. I grew up on North 36th around the bend from the A-Ri-Rang. My dad remodeled the restaurant at least once before my family moved to Denver in 1968. We couldn't afford to eat there so going to Zesto's on North 30th in Florence was a big treat for us.
This is awesome! I’m trying to remember the name of what I swear was an Italian restaurant on the northeast corner of Saddle Creek and Leavenworth. There’s a gas station there now... I could be wrong but I remember a one-story building and Italian/steaks.... help?!
Hi, in response to LMWoos, do you recall if the Italian restaurant was called "Comento's?" I am trying to track down the history of my Great-Grandfather's restaurant that he owned in Omaha before moving to California. Thanks! :)
Bohemian cafe is now closed.
Sounds like you are talking about Gerdas I believe still there.
Any one remember Lou Caniglia's "Little Luigis"? I was a cook there in my high school days, I worked with Lou Jr. in the Kitchen. Lou and Pearl were my employers.
I would love to have the recipe for Frankie and Phyl's Polpetti Parmesan. I really miss that place. My dad would take us down there on Saturday afternoons. The food was all homemade by the owner himself, Frankie.
Loved teenage nightclubs in the '60's. Met my future wife at King Arthur's in Benson. We all went to Sandy's Escape, the Way Out Club, etc. My family used to eat at Little Frank's when it was on North 16th Street and when it moved next to Caniglia's on South 7th...my dad had sold Little Frank the tables and chairs for his place on South 7th when he worked at Sears, Roebuck & Co. which used to be east of the current Mid-town area. I miss Caniglia's, Mr. C's, Picollo's, Venice Inn, Todds, Tiners, Jerry's Bar, Fireside Inn and Pirates Den (tended bar there on rare occasions), Louis Bar & Grill, Reeds Ice Cream, the root beer stand at 74th & Maple (can't remember the name), Steve's Grill, Trackside Lounge (used to be the best broasted chicken in town when Bob Lewis owned it), Townhouse, Rose's Lodge, Bud Olson's Tavern (when it used to be across from Alamito Dairy near 27th St.), Lay's Arbor Inn, The Birdcage Lounge (a piano bar), etc.
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The Italian steak house on south 84th and later turned into a church was called Barrattas. Not that long ago,maybe 35 years or so. Believe it was owned by Mike Cerone's son but cannot remember his name. Another kid from benson. '
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What was the name of the Caniglia restaurant that lived in the Hy-Vee plaza on L St in the 1980s
Thank you for posting this blog- what a great way to go down memory lane!!
I came to Omaha in 1966 and graduated from Central in 1969.
Since graduating, I moved MANY times, lived in MANY areas all over the city, and have eaten at most of the restaurants mentioned in this blog.
I remember the BLUE OX. (I believe it was owned by Bob Gibson?).
In 1973, I lived in an apt. building - on 30th St-south of Cuming St. and east of Tech High. Houses, on the east side of 30th street, were being sold and torn down to build Creighton Hospital. I often ate lunch at the Blue Ox, located on the east side of 30th, just north of Dodge. After lunch I would wander into the vacant homes before they were torn down.
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That was my adapted uncles place. Many, many fond memories of there. Used to ride my bike from La Vista to come help him out as a 10-13 yr. Kid. His wife had it burned for insurance and was charged.
There was a restuarant tucked back off the North side of 88th and Dodge and CoCo's was closer to the street but shared the parking lot with this other restuarant.... Does anyone remember the name of this restuarant? It was a popular place for dinner at Prom time in the late 70's and early 80's. BTW.... reading through the posts I remember as a kid my parents would take the family out to dinner for our birthdays at the Fireside buffet on Levenworth and the Chuckwagon buffet on Center street. Both had GREAT food.. the Fried Chicken was awesome!!!
Does anyone recall the restuarant that was tucked back on the north side of 88th and Dodge and share the parking lot with Coco's which was closer to the street. This had to be back in the early 80's as I went their for dinner before going to Prom. I remember it was quite nice !!
Loved all of these comments and reading about these restaurants to my mom.
Some good memories in this piece. As a young teenager I worked at the Sparetime Cafe on 72nd Street starting in 1966 or 67. I had multiple positions over the next few years: bus boy, coffee boy, pot and pan washer, dishwasher, and finally parking lot attendant. I then moved on to other part-time jobs while finishing high school. What happened to Sparetime on the Strip? The tornado of 1975.
Went to the Sparetime several times, most memorable was the night of the high school prom in 1964. My Aunt Mary Ann worked there, The best steaks I ever ate in Omaha were at Ross's just fantastic. Ate a number of lunches at the different Italian places east of 42nd street over the years as I worked south of the South Omaha Bridge for almost 20 years.
West side of 72nd street down by where the Walmart and Big John's are used to be an ALL YOU CAN EAT FISH RESTAURANT. Does anyone remember the name of this restaurant?
Does anyone remember Beal's on 24th and California next to Creighton University? I used to go there in the mid '80s before class. My dad attended Creighton in the 40s and he used to go there too.
Was at 132nd and center.
Org. One off of 50th Dodge.
CVS is there or just west of that.
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Do you remember a pizza place just south of dodge that sold pizza by the slice? I think it was in the 80's they had a drive thru
We went there all the time. My favorite place to eat as a kid. Lots of memories. Wish there was photos out there.
Trying to think of a pizza place a few blocks south of dodge back in the 80's that sold pizza by the slice it had a drive thru.
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The original popcorn popper and they had the best pistachio ice cream ever
A couple of memories and a question:
La Fonda De Acebo-Mexican Restaurant 120 and center. Everyone loved the Tacoritos
Mr. R/Mr. S (Name change early 70s?) also 120 and Center. First fast food.
Unknown Old Italian Restaurant-near or maybe right on corner of Leavenworth and Saddle Creek, I would guess just West of La Casa. Really dingy, really old, really great. Northern Italian Cuisine if I recall correctly. Cannot come up with the name. Anyone remember that one?
Thank you. Also, Skeet's and Metoyer's bbq, Ohio Fish Market, Livewire cafe, and Irene's, were all on North 24th.
As an Upward Bound student at Creighton from 1971-4 that was our hangout...GREAT cheese burgers and fries. Mr. Beal was a great guy...
One of the reputed fast food restaurants in Aberdeen is the Belmont Kebab that serves the best menu. You can check out list like Kebab Meal Deals, Donner Pizza, Chicken and Mushroom, Prawn, and others. In fact, you can have it in the restaurant. The ambience, courteous staff and amazing delightful food are worth to experience.
One eyed Jacks.. 1st Curly fries I ever had.
Gerdas Bakery
Black Angus Restaurant is well known for steaks. They offer savoury dishes in various styles like Steaks, Burgers, sandwiches, salads. Moreover, the seafood lovers can enjoy the seafood dishes like Lobster Tails, Grilled Prawns in Black Angus Steakhouse. The Black Angus Steakhouse contains a large collection of wines and other beverages.
black angus menu
We were always told that my grandparent's home on 49th and Ames used to be the original Gorat's and that it closed down during prohibition. My uncle told me when they moved in there were a ton of bottles in the basement cellar and the root cellar in the basement was originally a meat locker. We loved their home. It was up a long driveway. Had beautiful memories there. Always walked over to the park down the street for the 4th of July to watch the fireworks. Always felt bad for the ducks on the island, when they set off the fireworks. Another great memory was my dad taking us down the street to the A&W Root Beer drive in.
My wedding reception was at the Blackstone on the top floor. It's now a beautiful hotel called The Cottonwood. Another great place for fish was on the river. They had the best corn fritters and catfish. Can't recall the name. Love coming back to Omaha! The best!
Does anyone remember Grandmother's Restaurant? My 1st job at 15 I started there as a dishwasher and then moved up to Line Cook. It was so much fun, a lot of hard work and the food was absolutely awesome. Had some real incredible life experiences there with people I worked with that I still think about today. Had my 21st birthday working there and still have friends from there to this day. Notable people I was lucky to have met and worked with: Dan Briggs, Scott Day, Marylynn Laramy, John Marshall, Zak Metry, Gina & Meg, John Sibley, Jason Nachtigal, Lori Koch, Mark Fredlick, Jim Barry, Mike Kurkowski, Louie Solnosky, Brad & Brian Hove, Jenny Short, Doug Bolam, my managers Rick, Jim & Darren and all the other wonderful people I worked with there made going to work enjoyable. Thank you all!!
How about does anyone remember these? Here's a list of Food places to dine at when I was growing up but have all but disappeared (I think!)...
W.C.Frank, Grisanti's, Food City in-store diner, Chu's Chop Suey House, Bishops Buffet, Indigo Joe's, Grandmother's, Orange Julius, The Spot, Showbiz Pizza Place, Happy Joe's, House of Peking, Jonsey's Dinner Den, Ponderosa, Mr. Steak, Venice Inn. Let me know if anyone misses any of these places as much as I do. So many memories of good times and good food.
Where was Showbiz pizza at?
Gerda’s?
I used to work with Irv at Triple A vending! What an awesome guy!
Anyone remember the pizza place a couple of blocks south of dodge that sold pizza by the slice? It was on the east side of 72nd even had a drive thru!
I loved Tiner's drive in. They had the best pastrami sandwich EVER! It was sloppy greasy tender tasty. Would love to find out the pastrami they used.
And - would LOVE Rose's lodge fried chicken recipe!
Angelos
What was the bar in Millard, down by the RR tracks, that had the best fried chicken?
Old Omaha friends (and myself) are in total frustration that we can’t agree on the name of the restaurant that served “all you can” eat crab legs. (Late 70’s 🤷♀️) I thought Dixie kitchen (crossroads area?)… others say Rose lodge. It wasn’t a seafood place. Not talking about Boston Sea Party (on Dodge?)
This has been driving us nuts for years as our husbands would (eat and eat) and have a “ bone yard” of crab legs piled high. Grew up in Holy Cross Parish… (mighty proud of my Nebraska roots). Love to come home when we can.
Somebody please tell us this restaurant/location so we can quit arguing. 🤪
Ann
Ps. My dad started the first limousine service in Omaha.
Kings Limousine Service. ❤️
Do you know the recipe for that Big Mac?
Grandmother’s Restaurant? We used to get the cheese frenchees there all the time!
Wonderful meal experience! The tandoori dishes were well prepared, and the spices were just right. For a genuine taste of India, I heartily recommend Jeera!
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The place that took over the Golden Apple was the Monterrey Cafe at Indian Hills Plaza.
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