Nebraska has plenty of those restaurants that everyone seems to know and love, but we also have hundreds – thousands, maybe? – of little places that only the locals know about. These great spots have all been suggested by you, our readers, as some of the greatest lesser-known eateries that everyone should try. They’re listed here in no alphabetical order and not ranked in any way.
- Cafe On The Square, Seward
TripAdvisor/MikeMfromWashDC
Yelp/Ed B. This little cafe is packed with home cooked comfort food in a setting that will make you feel at home. The dining room is small, so get there early for dinner.
- Catfish Lake, Bellevue
Yelp/Susan A.
Yelp/Y K. You’ve got to look for this place to find it - it’s pretty far from the center of Bellevue. But you won’t regret the trip. The fish is extremely fresh and always delicious, no matter what you order.
- Eat Restaurant, Dodge
Facebook/Eat Restaurant In Dodge
Facebook/Eat Restaurant In Dodge Eat has been described as five-star dining in small-town Nebraska. The restaurant is located in an old bank, and its appearance is classic and classy. The food is an experience not to be missed. Seriously, go here.
- Mel’s Diner, Fremont
TripAdvisor/EnjoyThis
TripAdvisor/EnjoyThis Locals love this ’50s-style diner for its hearty food, retro prices, and big servings.
- Nelson’s Food Pride, Oakland
Facebook/Nelson’s Food Pride
Nelson’s Food Pride This one’s cheating just a little bit because Nelson’s Food Pride is technically a grocery store. But we’ve gotten so many comments raving about its delicious brisket, rotisserie chicken, and homemade cinnamon rolls that we just had to include it here.
- One Stop Cafe, Falls City
Facebook/One Stop Cafe
Facebook/One Stop Cafe If you’re looking for delicious, affordable, down home cooking, stop in for breakfast or lunch. Alice will whip up some biscuits and gravy or any number of other unforgettable meals. Get there early, because the One Stop Cafe is only open 6am-1pm.
- Sam Bass Saloon and Steak House, Big Springs
TripAdvisor/Azona50036
Yelp/Rigs R. A real old west saloon and steakhouse, Sam Bass features delicious meat that will keep you coming back over and over. The location and decor will let you pretend to be a cowboy for a little while.
- Six Mile Cafe, Dawson
Yelp/Tim L.
Yelp/Alex I. Don’t be tempted to pass by this little gem in itty-bitty Dawson. It looks a bit like someone’s house, but that’s only because they serve some of the best home cooking you’re likely to find in these parts. Don’t forget to save room for a slice of their pie, which is unforgettable.
- The Roost, Lisco
TripAdvisor/Atworth
Facebook/The Roost Don’t let the fact that this is the only restaurant in Lisco deter you. I’d be willing to bet that all of the town’s 64 residents have had a mouthwatering meal here. From burgers to chicken fried steak to even enchiladas, this is darn good food.
- Tina’s Cafe, Lincoln
Yelp/Echo D.
Yelp/Joshua H. Oh my, just looking at the outside of this place lets you know that you’re in for a home-cooked treat. Stop in for breakfast (including bacon that reviewers say is the best ever) or lunch, but be sure to bring cash because they don’t take cards.
I don’t know about you, but my stomach is rumbling after seeing all those pictures of scrumdiddlyumptious meals. These places may usually fly under the radar, but they deserve way more attention.
TripAdvisor/MikeMfromWashDC
Yelp/Ed B.
This little cafe is packed with home cooked comfort food in a setting that will make you feel at home. The dining room is small, so get there early for dinner.
Yelp/Susan A.
Yelp/Y K.
You’ve got to look for this place to find it - it’s pretty far from the center of Bellevue. But you won’t regret the trip. The fish is extremely fresh and always delicious, no matter what you order.
Facebook/Eat Restaurant In Dodge
Eat has been described as five-star dining in small-town Nebraska. The restaurant is located in an old bank, and its appearance is classic and classy. The food is an experience not to be missed. Seriously, go here.
TripAdvisor/EnjoyThis
Locals love this ’50s-style diner for its hearty food, retro prices, and big servings.
Facebook/Nelson’s Food Pride
Nelson’s Food Pride
This one’s cheating just a little bit because Nelson’s Food Pride is technically a grocery store. But we’ve gotten so many comments raving about its delicious brisket, rotisserie chicken, and homemade cinnamon rolls that we just had to include it here.
Facebook/One Stop Cafe
If you’re looking for delicious, affordable, down home cooking, stop in for breakfast or lunch. Alice will whip up some biscuits and gravy or any number of other unforgettable meals. Get there early, because the One Stop Cafe is only open 6am-1pm.
TripAdvisor/Azona50036
Yelp/Rigs R.
A real old west saloon and steakhouse, Sam Bass features delicious meat that will keep you coming back over and over. The location and decor will let you pretend to be a cowboy for a little while.
Yelp/Tim L.
Yelp/Alex I.
Don’t be tempted to pass by this little gem in itty-bitty Dawson. It looks a bit like someone’s house, but that’s only because they serve some of the best home cooking you’re likely to find in these parts. Don’t forget to save room for a slice of their pie, which is unforgettable.
TripAdvisor/Atworth
Facebook/The Roost
Don’t let the fact that this is the only restaurant in Lisco deter you. I’d be willing to bet that all of the town’s 64 residents have had a mouthwatering meal here. From burgers to chicken fried steak to even enchiladas, this is darn good food.
Yelp/Echo D.
Yelp/Joshua H.
Oh my, just looking at the outside of this place lets you know that you’re in for a home-cooked treat. Stop in for breakfast (including bacon that reviewers say is the best ever) or lunch, but be sure to bring cash because they don’t take cards.
For even more fantastic locally owned restaurants, take a look at our list of 18 Mom & Pop Restaurants in Nebraska.
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