There’s no neighborhood in Omaha quite like Benson. This inclusive neighborhood welcomes everyone with a wide variety of businesses and restaurants that appeal to people of all backgrounds. Pizza joints and ice cream parlors are on the same block as renowned sushi spots. Swanky cocktail lounges join dive bars and breweries. And Benson not only boasts Omaha’s premier vegan restaurant, but also hosts the city’s only women’s sports bar.
Bottom line: Benson, especially the busy stretch of Maple St, is an inviting hub for diners, concert goers, and beer lovers of all kinds, making this an Omaha neighborhood anyone can have a good time in.
- Get to Know Benson
- Top Entertainment Spots in Benson
- Top Restaurants & Bars in Benson
- Best Shopping in Benson
- Parking in Benson
Think we missed a great local spot in Benson? Let us know!
HurrdatONE: Your Omaha Neighborhood Experts
Omaha isn’t just where Hurrdat ONE is located; it’s home. We’ve spent a lot of time in Elkhorn and neighborhoods all over Omaha to uncover the great local spots, hidden gems, and community staples that define each area. We’ve explored the streets, talked to the public, and experienced these neighborhoods ourselves to find the park, breweries, restaurants, and shops that you just can’t miss when you’re in a specific Omaha area.
Get to Know Benson
Benson is one of Omaha’s oldest neighborhoods, and it’s had several lives. What was once a standalone town that was annexed by Omaha in 1917 has since evolved into one of the city’s most reliably interesting districts. The commercial core runs along Maple Street between roughly 52nd and 63rd Streets, and you can cover it all on foot in under 20 minutes, though you’ll want to budget a lot more time than that once you start exploring.
The neighborhood draws a creative, independent-minded crowd, and that energy shows up everywhere: in the menus, the storefronts, the bar programming, and the general attitude of the people who work and live here. Benson has its own unique vibe that sets it apart from any other Omaha neighborhood.
Top Entertainment Spots in Benson
Beercade
Beercade is exactly what it sounds like, and it’s as fun as you’d hope. This bar and arcade hybrid packs a solid selection of classic arcade games into a well-stocked bar setting, making it one of the easiest spots in Omaha to turn a regular night out into something more memorable. The craft beer selection keeps pace with Benson’s overall bar scene, and the energy here runs consistently high without ever feeling overwhelming. It’s a strong choice for groups who can’t agree on what to do, as arcade games and cold beer have a way of settling the debate quickly.
- Perfect For: Group nights out, first dates that need a low-pressure activity
- Address: 6104 Maple St, Omaha, NE 68022
- Cost: $ (drinks priced individually; most arcade games are low cost)
- Parking: Street parking along Maple St
- Hours: Monday-Friday 2 a.m.-2 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday noon-2 a.m.
Benson Theatre
The Benson Theatre is one of those places that gives a neighborhood its soul. Originally opened in 1927, the restored venue now operates as one of Omaha’s premier live music destinations, hosting an eclectic mix of local acts, touring bands, and occasional community events in a space that manages to feel both historic and alive. The sightlines are solid throughout the room, the sound system does justice to the performances, and the overall vibe is exactly what a great neighborhood music venue should feel like. Check their calendar before any weekend trip to Benson; there’s a good chance something worth seeing is happening.
- Perfect For: Live music nights, date nights with a local culture angle
- Address: 6054 Maple St, Omaha, NE 68022
- Cost: Varies by event; check ticket prices online
- Parking: Street parking along Maple St
- Hours: Varies by events
St. Andrew’s Pub
St. Andrew’s Pub is a Benson institution, and it has the regulars to prove it. This Irish pub has been a neighborhood anchor for years, offering a warm, no-fuss atmosphere with a solid selection of draft beers and whiskeys, reliably good pub food, and live music that makes it feel like a community gathering place rather than just a bar. The covered patio is a seasonal highlight, and the interior has the kind of comfortable, worn-in character that takes decades to develop.
- Perfect For: Low-key evenings with friends, live music in a relaxed setting
- Address: 6009 Maple St, Omaha, NE 68104
- Cost: $
- Parking: Street parking along Maple St
- Hours: Monday-Thursday 4 p.m.-2 a.m.; Friday 2 p.m.-2 a.m.; Saturday noon-2 a.m.
Top Restaurants & Bars in Benson
Au Courant
Au Courant is a restaurant unlike any other in Omaha. At its core is a six-course tasting menu that changes every week which combines hyper-seasonal, local ingredients with European techniques to create a dining experience you won’t find elsewhere. If you’re looking for something more casual, sit at the bar and order small plates or share several with a group of friends. However you experience Au Courant, you’re not going to forget it anytime soon.
- Perfect For: Special occasion dinners, impressing out-of-town guests
- Address: 6037 Maple St, Omaha, NE 68104
- Cost: $$$
- Parking: Street parking along Maple St
- Hours: Thursday & Sunday 5 p.m.-9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Virtuoso Pizzeria
In a city with so many great pizza options, Virtuoso Pizzeria stands alone. This New York-style slice joint offers giant pies that have combine crispy, charred crust with plump, chewy exteriors. The massive oven is the first thing you see when you walk in the door of this Omaha staple, and you can watch your pizza be cooked from behind the counter. And if you need pizza on the go, Virtuoso has a slice window, allowing you to grab a few pieces without even coming into the restaurant! But don’t sleep on the Italian Beef Sandwich; it’s the best you’ll find in Omaha.
- Perfect For: Date nights, casual dinners with friends
- Address: 6056 Maple St, Omaha, NE 68104
- Cost: $$
- Parking: Street parking along Maple St
- Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Yoshitomo
Yoshitomo has redefined what sushi means to Omaha. You won’t find Philadelphia or Cali rolls at this refined sushi joint. Yoshitomo’s rolls are thoughtfully constructed with product from fish markets around the world. And the Prairie Tuna, a playfully-named piece of seared imperial wagyu topped with uni butter, is so delicious, it’ll have you seeing new colors. And for a truly special experience, you can experience an Omakase, a 15-20 course sushi dinner where chef David Utterback crafts and serves each piece of sushi to you at a private counter.
- Perfect For: Date nights, group dinners with adventurous eaters
- Address: 5900 Maple St, Omaha, NE 68104
- Cost: $$$
- Parking: Street parking along Maple St
- Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 4:30-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 4:30-10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Taco Co.
The puffy taco is a culinary delight, and there aren’t many Omaha restaurants that make them like Taco Co. The shells on these tacos are crispy but also have a pleasant chew to them, and Taco Co. stuffs them full of rich carnitas, smoky brisket, and more. This Benson restaurant is also beloved for its giant nacho platters and happy hours, where the margaritas steal the show.
- Perfect For: Casual lunch or dinner, quick bites while exploring Benson
- Address: 6108 Maple St, Omaha, NE 68104
- Cost: $$
- Parking: Street parking along Maple St
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
Best Shopping in Benson
Central Skate Shop
This is not a lifestyle shop that happens to sell boards. Central Skate Shop serves Omaha’s skating community with earned expertise and personally-tested gear. The staff knows what they’re talking about, the product selection reflects an authentic understanding of what skaters need, and the shop has become a community hub for Omaha’s skating scene. Even if you’re not a skater yourself, it’s the kind of local business that makes a neighborhood worth visiting.
- Perfect For: Skaters of all levels, anyone looking for quality streetwear and accessories
- Address: 2905 N 59th St, Omaha, NE 68104
- Cost: varies by product
- Parking: Street parking along Maple St
- Hours: Thursday-Friday 3-8 p.m.; Saturday noon-7 p.m.; Sunday noon-6 p.m.
Shop Five Nine
If you’re looking for a fun, quirky shop with enough nicknacks to keep you busy for hours, Shop Five Nine is your spot. This specialty store has a large variety of stationary, home goods, art supplies, cards, and planners, making it a go-to for artists, creative homeowners, students, and those just looking for a fun afternoon. Shop Five Nine has been a staple of the Benson community for more than five years, and this neighborhood’s deep love for the shop means it’s not going anywhere soon.
- Perfect For: Vintage shopping enthusiasts, anyone looking for unique wardrobe additions
- Address: 6105 Maple St, Omaha, NE 68104
- Cost: varies by product
- Parking: Street parking along Maple St
- Hours: Monday-Thursday 1-7 p.m.; Friday-Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Legends Comics & Coffee
The comic selection at Legends Comics & Coffee covers everything from current runs to back issues and graphic novels, and the coffee bar is serious enough to satisfy anyone who wants a quality cup alongside their browsing. The combination creates a welcoming space where it’s easy to spend an hour longer than you intended. There are board games if you want to stay for awhile and a kids section if your little one is interested in superheroes.
- Perfect For: Comics readers and collectors, casual browsers who want a great cup of coffee
- Address: 6068 Maple St, Omaha, NE 68104
- Cost: $
- Parking: Street parking along Maple St
- Hours: Monday-Tuesday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Wednesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Parking in Benson
There’s meter-free streetside parking along Maple St in Benson’s main corridor, though it’s often scooped up quickly. You can park along the streets in the neighborhoods to the south of Maple St, but your best bet is likely the free lot just south of 61st & Maple.
Benson is a Neighborhood Unlike Any Other
Benson has a personality that’s completely its own, and it welcomes all who come to explore it. The choose-your-own adventure of the neighborhood is incredible. Want world-class sushi? A cup of artisan coffee? A place to watch Premier League games with a pint? A shop to stock up on classic Spider-Man comics? You’ll find all this and more in Benson.
Whether you’re building a full-day itinerary, stopping by to marvel at the artwork and music of a Benson First Friday, or just pointing your car toward Maple Street to see where the afternoon takes you, Benson consistently delivers.
Looking for more of what makes Omaha’s neighborhoods worth exploring? Check out these guides from Hurrdat ONE:
