Omaha Driver Entertainment Guide

Located at 1718 Vinton Street, in South Omaha, Louie M’s Burger Lust is a popular breakfast and lunch destination, especially when you have a craving for a good hamburger. I took a group of people to Louie M’s for a luncheon, and each person was well-satisfied with their meal. I had the bacon cheeseburger. The bun was fresh and the burger portion large. Vegetable toppings were served on the side, permitting me and other diners to “build your own” burgers, with personally desired toppings. I’m told the mozzarella and black olive burger and french fries at Louie M’s are really good. I’ll place Louie M’s high in my “Best Omaha Burger” rankings. We enjoyed the rustic charm of the restaurant. Give it a try and Happy Motoring!

Located at 10405 Calhoun Road in North Omaha, just North of the I-680 & 30th Street exit, is the Alpine Inn.  The Alpine Inn is well known among Omaha locals for its deep fat fried chicken, and also for the critters that frequent the establishment: Raccoons! Alpine guests report that the owners toss the chicken bones out for the raccoons to consume, providing dining entertainment. Wishing to confirm this oft repeated urban legend, my friend and I visited the Alpine Inn. We each had a 4 piece chicken dinner with a soft drink. The fryers were full, so we had a brief wait. While we waited, we checked out the well-stocked bar, the pickle card machines, and the dining area in the back of the restaurant, where several tables were neatly aligned adjacent the large “viewing” windows. We did not see the raccoons because they do not show up until after dusk. Nocturnal… Duh! In any event, the chicken was good (but not great) and the servers were friendly. If cleanliness is important to your dining experience, choose another destination. But for a good beer, good chicken, and crude entertainment give Alpine a try. Call (402) 451-9988 for hours and Happy Motoring!

The Blue Planet Natural Grill is a healthy dining spot in the middle of Omaha. Located at 6307 Center Street, across the street from Aksarben Village, the Blue Planet restaurant serves meals with few, if any preservatives, and it makes extensive use of organic ingredients. A friend of mine recommended that I have a “Ratner’s Griller”, which the menu lists as “Omaha’s Best Veggie Burger.” I had “The Natural” version of the Ratner’s veggie burger with swiss cheese and a side salad with raspberry vinaigrette dressing. I was pleased with the dining experience, and with the service that I received. I tried two of the four home made catsup’s that were available at the sandwich bar, and enjoyed them both. I’m told that the sun-fries and the sweet potato fries are also very good. Blue Planet is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Give it a try and Happy Motoring!

Last week, the Omaha Midtown Crossing developers announced that Wohlner’s Grocery would be opening a second store at 33rd and Dodge in the summer of 2010. I had never been to Wohlner’s, so I visited their Aksarben Village location at the corner of 67th and Center Streets. Their neighborhood grocery and deli rivals urban stores I’ve visited in New York and Chicago. The produce was lovely (photo above), the deli meat case selection extensive, and the wine aisle impressive. Of course, I had to have a Wohlner’s Kobe burger with all of the trimmings, because my friend Andy had suggested it. Believe it or not, Wohlner’s serves a pretty mean hamburger!! The people living midtown Omaha are going to revel for years to come, having a grocery with charm and character next door. Happy Motoring!

Today, I visited the Great Plains Black History Museum, located at 2213 Lake Street in North Omaha. It was “closed for renovation.” A white sign hung on the front door (photo on left). Normally, a closing is no big deal to me… this time it WAS! I was accompanied by a young man from the Sudan anxious to learn about his ancestral heritage. To understand the contributions that persons of African descent have made to Omaha culture and the trials they encountered while settling and building their homes here.  When I arrived home I telephoned Jim Calloway, the curator of the museum, to ask when the museum would be reopened and how I could help. The roof on the building must be replaced. It has a tar-paper roof on the back side that is leaking, and the museum artifacts are presently in storage. Jim said that the facility may be open by Spring 2010. Grants have been submitted… approximately $400K is required to fully renovate the facility. Call Jim at the number listed in the photo if you’d like to help out. Omaha, we can do better… Happy Motoring!

Lauritzen Gardens, located at 100 Bancroft Street in South Omaha, is Omaha’s Botanical Center. With over 100 acres of outdoor garden attractions, and a 32,000 square foot visitor and education center (shown in the photo to the left), Lauritzen Gardens allows you to learn about horticulture, or to lose yourself in the natural beauty of the magnificently maintained gardens. On November 27, Lauritzen’s Holiday Poinsettia Show opens to the public. An annual tradition, the show includes of a massive poinsettia “tree”, a model train and miniature Omaha display. Young children love it, and visiting is a delightful way to get the entire family into the Christmas spirit. Annual membershipsto Lauritzen may be purchased, or individual event admission tickets – which are $6 for adults and $3 for children 6 – 12 years old. Lauritzen is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except holidays, with some extended hours during Summer and Fall months. Consider giving a membership as a Christmas gift – Happy Motoring!

There is only one word that describes a Five Guys hamburger… and that word is ”spectacular.” The Five Guys burger has moved into the leadership spot, in my ongoing search for Omaha’s best hamburger. Located at 697 N. 132nd Street, in the Linden Market shopping center, Five Guys continues a burger tradition that started in Washington D.C. And, the restaurant has been Zagat survey rated every year since 2001. Their burgers are prepared with ground beef that has never been frozen, locally baked buns, and garden fresh vegetable toppings. The lettuce actually crunched when I consumed my Five Guys bacon cheeseburger. There was a long line when I arrived for lunch, but like a well designed factory, the order takers kept the line moving. I was struck by the attention to detail that was being given to each sandwich by the food preparers working in the visible kitchen. Happy Motoring to this delightful Omaha dining stop!

Looking for a great neighborhood bar and grill in the middle of Omaha? Check out Danny’s Bar & Grill, located at 2007 N. 72nd Street. The food is great and the service is prompt and friendly. Danny’s burgers are very good, and they have a large menu with lots of food and drink specials running throughout the week. Danny’s has a sports bar feel to it, with several big screen TVs mounted throughout the facility. They have plenty of parking on the North side of the building, and a spacious party room that will accommodate up to 60 people. If you’re looking for a lunch stop or a quick after-work gathering spot, Danny’s may be the place for your group. Play some Keno and enjoy the casual, laid back setting. Happy Motoring!

Located at 3201 Farnam Street, the Marcus Theatre at Midtown Crossing is a wonderful new addition to the city’s entertainment scene. With 5 digital cinemas and in-cinema dining, the Marcus midtown theatre has alot to offer. The theatre facilities include two cocktail lounges, the Glo and the vue. Both have couch and lounge chair seating with scenic views of the midtown redevelopment. The city lights are gorgeous after the sun goes down. Matinee movie pricing is available, and there is abundant ramp parking for guests. Use a trip to the midtown Marcus theatre as an opportunity to stroll the midtown business district and see all of the exciting things are happening. Happy Motoring!

Today, I resumed my search for Omaha’s Best Burger, visiting Goldbergs in Dundee for lunch. Goldbergs Grille & Bar is located at 5008 Dodge Street, on the North side of Dodge Street, and there is parking in the rear of the building. Goldbergs has a large menu. I ordered a cheeseburger with pepper-jack cheese and bacon. It was very good, although there was some rust on the lettuce. The service I received was average (not engaging); but perhaps that was because I was dining alone.  There was a large and raucous crowd dining at Goldbergs when I visited, and everyone seemed to be having a great time. Despite the service disappointment, the food is quite good and I will visit again. Give it a try and Happy Motoring!