Right across the Missouri River from Omaha is Council Bluffs, a city close in proximity but with a whole new scope of entertainment and dining possibilities. This city is shaped by centuries of history, a vibrant local business scene, and entertainment options you can’t find on the Nebraska side. Whether you’re a longtime Omaha resident who’s never ventured past the casinos or someone new to the metro looking to get the full picture, this guide covers the best restaurants, entertainment, and shopping Council Bluffs offers.
HurrdatONE: Your Omaha and Council Bluffs Experts
At Hurrdat ONE, we don’t just tell stories about Omaha and the surrounding areas; we live here. We’re out in the community experiencing what the area has to offer for ourselves, building up mental databases so we can share the elements that make our city truly special. We go to the restaurants and coffee shops we recommend. We chat with event organizers to get the whole picture. We truly want to share the best of our city and beyond.
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The Story Behind Council Bluffs
The area that would become Council Bluffs was first named “Kanesville” and served as a critical staging ground for westward migration in the 1840s and 1850s. Tens of thousands of Mormon pioneers camped here after being forced from Nauvoo, Ill., using the bluffs along the Missouri River as a base before crossing into Nebraska Territory and pushing west toward Salt Lake City. The city’s current name comes from a council meeting held in 1804 between the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the Otoe and Missouri tribes. This meeting took place somewhere along this stretch of the Missouri, cementing the region’s role as a place where worlds intersected.
Council Bluffs would later become one of the eastern terminuses of the First Transcontinental Railroad, a designation that President Abraham Lincoln personally chose in 1863. That decision transformed the city almost overnight, driving growth, commerce, and migration through the region for decades. General Grenville Dodge, who served as the chief engineer of the Union Pacific Railroad, made Council Bluffs his home, and his house still stands today as a preserved landmark.
That railroad legacy shaped the physical character of Council Bluffs in ways that still define it. The historic neighborhoods climbing the bluffs above downtown, the density of late 19th-century architecture, and the city’s continued role as a logistics and transportation hub all trace back to those decisions made in the 1860s. Council Bluffs isn’t a suburb of Omaha; it’s a city with its own 200-year arc, and the best local businesses there carry that independent spirit with them.
Top Restaurants in Council Bluffs
The Porch
A casual bar and grill, The Porch is a laid-back spot that doesn’t take itself too seriously. With sand volleyball courts and a spacious patio, it’s a perfect place to enjoy the beautiful Council Bluffs weather in the spring or summer. The food is approachable, yet goes beyond standard bar fare. You’ll find several variations of pizza, burgers, and sandwiches, but The Porch is known for its roster of gourmet mac & cheese options.
- Perfect For: Summer nights, casual dates, hanging out with friends
- Address: 2327 S 24th St, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
- Cost: $$
- Parking: Free attached lot
- Hours: every day 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
Boxer BBQ
Boxer BBQ has been a Council Bluffs staple since 2007, and it gained an even greater following when it moved to its larger, more accessible location on South Main Street in 2019. The restaurant is best known for its brisket, Certified Angus beef that’s slow-smoked for up to 10 hours, and Moo’ing Pig Sandwich, piled high with both brisket and pulled pork. Boxer BBQ also has a 24-seat community table that allows guests to dine together and establish new relationships while wolfing down some delicious ‘que.
- Perfect For: Casual dining, smoked meat cravings
- Address: 513 S Main St, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
- Cost: $$
- Parking: street parking
- Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Home Team Cookout
If you’re attending a game or an event at the Mid-American Center or Iowa West Field House, Home Team Cookout is one of your best options. Not only is this casual eatery very close to both locations, but it has a large menu with options to accommodate anyone in your family or friend group. Variations of pizza, burgers, nachos, fried chicken, wings, and more are available here, and the Oversized Pork Tenderloin has become a local legend.
- Perfect For: Pre-show or game meals, family dinners
- Address: 3105 24th Ave
- Cost: $
- Parking: Free attached lot
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Top Entertainment Spots in Council Bluffs
Ameristar Casino Hotel
There are several large casinos in Council Bluffs, making it a popular spot for Omaha residents to visit when they want to wager on sporting events or have a fun time on the casino floor. Ameristar Casino Hotel is one of the most popular due to 38,500 square feet of games and entertainment, including slot machines, video poker, and table games. The casino also houses several restaurants and bars, allowing you to make a night of your visit, and if you choose to stay on the premieses, the rooms and views are gorgeous.
- Perfect For: A night on the town; sports wagering
- Address: 2200 River Rd
- Cost: $$$
- Parking: Free attached lot
- Hours: Open 24 hours
Bayliss Park
Bayliss Park sits at the center of historic downtown Council Bluffs and serves as the civic heart of the city in a way that Omaha’s parks, spread across a larger footprint, don’t quite replicate. The park hosts farmers markets, summer concerts, community festivals, and seasonal events throughout the year, giving it a different character depending on when you visit. The surrounding downtown blocks have a walkability that makes Bayliss Park the ideal starting point for an afternoon exploring Council Bluffs on foot. The park itself has been well-maintained and is genuinely pleasant to spend time in even when nothing is scheduled.
- Perfect For: Perusing a farmers market, a quiet afternoon picnic, a walk with friends or significant other
- Address: 100 Pearl St
- Cost: Free
- Parking: Street parking available on surrounding blocks
- Hours: Every day 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
Stir Cove
For more than 20 years, Stir Cove has served as one of the most beloved outdoor concert venues in the Midwest. Stationed just outside Harrah’s Council Bluffs, this open-air concert hall can hold more than 4,000 guests and has hosted incredible artists such as The Beach Boys, Chance the Rapper, Matchbox Twenty, 311, and Willie Nelson.
- Perfect For: concerts and live performances
- Address: 1 Harrah’s Blvd
- Cost: Varies by event
- Parking: Nearby parking lots
- Hours: Varies by event
Top Shopping in Council Bluffs
The Olive Branch
A boutique shopping destination, The Olive Branch offers a carefully curated selection of unique books, baby gifts, home decorations, gifts, and more. The shop also hosts workshops, decorating classes, crocheting classes, and other events to help you learn new skills and meet other people. The Olive Branch also has a Backyard Event room that can be rented for parties or small group gatherings.
- Perfect For: casual shopping, community events
- Address: 2200 River Rd
- Cost: $$
- Parking: Free attached lot
- Hours: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday noon-5 p.m.
The Sugar Makery
As the name suggests, this Council Bluffs shop is a sugar paradise. The Sugar Makery has thousands of types of candy, from jelly beans to chocolate bars, gummy bears, mints, and so much more. The store also makes fresh fudge, truffles, brownies, cake slices, and other treats and displays them in gorgeous cases. But the highlight is the ice cream station, where you can not only get scooped ice cream, but also scoops of cookie dough and brownie batter!
- Perfect For: ice cream date, a fun experience with kids
- Address: 2327 S 24th St, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
- Cost: $$
- Parking: Free attached lot
- Hours: every day 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
Dusted Charm
Located square in the Historic 100 Block of Council Bluffs’ West Broadway, Dusted Charm specializes in women’s clothing, accessories, handbags, jewelry, and more. You’ll also find plenty of gifts and home decor, all thoughtfully curated. Plus, the shop has seasonal drops, so there’s always something new to shop and explore at Dusted Charm.
- Perfect For: ice cream date, a fun experience with kids
- Address: 2327 S 24th St, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
- Cost: $$
- Parking: Free attached lot
- Hours: every day 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
A Quick Note on Getting to Council Bluffs
Getting to Council Bluffs from Midtown Omaha is straightforward and takes roughly 15-20 minutes without traffic. Just hop on I-480 E and you’ll be there in no time.
Make the Drive—Council Bluffs is Worth It
Council Bluffs isn’t an afterthought, and this guide only scratches the surface of what the city has going for it. Whether you’re crossing the bridge for a bite to eat, digging through antique shops in the historic downtown, or seeing an epic concert, there’s more than enough to justify making Council Bluffs a regular stop rather than an occasional detour.
Looking for more of what makes Omaha’s neighborhoods worth exploring? Check out these guides from Hurrdat ONE:
