We’re all about supporting Omaha restaurants at Hurrdat ONE, and while there are plenty of chain restaurants that may be cheaper or more convenient, they can’t match the care, intention, and flavor of local spots! Check out these 5 Omaha restaurants that you should be visiting instead of a chain restaurant.
Chipotle > Rotisserie Urban Bistro
1917 S 67th St (Aksarben)
Chipotle’s greatest asset is its customization, as you get to pick from a wide variety of toppings and sauces to build your burrito or rice bowl exactly how you like. Rotisserie Urban Bistro offers that same level of choice, as you can create a platter, rice bowl, or sandwich with rotisserie chicken, roasted pork, or shredded beef (all made in house) along with beans, plantains, slaws, potatoes, and house sauces.
RUB highlights the flavors and cooking techniques of Venezuela and Central America, unlike Chipotle’s focus on Mexican cuisine. But if you’re looking for customizable plates, skip Chipotle and visit this fantastic Omaha restaurant.
Restaurant Hoppen Review: Rotisserie Urban Bistro
Jersey Mike’s > Sammy’s Sub Shop
1911 S 67th St (Inner Rail Food Hall)
Jersey Mike’s is beloved for its sub sandwiches, but there’s an Omaha restaurant serving a higher level of sandwich. Sammy’s Sub Shop offers the same level of customization and creative sandwich options, but with fresher, higher quality ingredients. Not only does Sammy’s bake its own sourdough hoagies each day, but it also slices meats and cheeses to order, assuring you’re getting all the flavor of the ingredients.
With both cold and toasted subs ranging from club sandwiches to BLTs, Reubens, and even vegan options, there’s a sandwich for everyone at this Omaha restaurant.
Restaurant Hoppen Review: Sammy’s Sub Shop
Little Caesar’s > Lyle’s Pizzeria
5213 Leavenworth St (Dundee)
Omaha has so many fantastic pizza restaurants that we can’t imagine why someone would go to a chain! Let’s highlight Lyle’s Pizzeria, a gem in the Dundee area that serves sourdough pizzas. The dough is light and airy, making it easily digestible, and it gets a nice crispiness during its quick date with the brilliant deck oven.
You can find classic options like Pepperoni and Margherita at this Omaha restaurant, but don’t sleep on Lyle’s more creative offerings like the Tre Carne (three meats), Potato & Leek, or the Funghi.
Restaurant Hoppen Review: Lyle’s Pizzeria
Chick-Fil-A > Sauced by Alfaro
115 N Washington St (Papillion)
If it’s a fried chicken sandwich you crave, Sauced by Alfaro is the Omaha restaurant you should turn to! The restaurant hand breads every single chicken tender each morning, ensures an even, thick coating that creates a crunchy, golden-brown crust while sealing in moisture for juicy meat. Those tenders are doused in one of Chef Michelle Alfaro’s signature sauces (all made in house), then piled high to create massive sandwiches you could make two meals out of.
Sauced by Alfaro serves more than chicken sandwiches, as the menu boasts cheesesteaks, fried shrimp tacos, and seasonal soups. But this Omaha restaurant is best known for its poultry, and for good reason.
Restaurant Hoppen Review: Sauced by Alfaro
Runza > JUST KIDDING!
Multiple Omaha & Lincoln locations
While Runza is a regional chain, it was started in Lincoln, NE, and is a prominent part of Omaha’s history, so we’re happy to highlight this fast food restaurant. Runza’s signature item is its namesake, a bread pocket stuffed with ground beef and cabbage. The dough has a great chew and nice buttery flavor to accent the savory filling.
Runza is also beloved for its crispy crinkle cut fries, housemade ranch dressing, and burgers. With fast service and a drive thru, this is an Omaha restaurant that combines convenience, speed, and reasonable prices with local history and impressive attention to detail.
