We all know that the best restaurants in Nebraska don’t always look like much from the outside. In fact, we recently showed you 19 Nebraska restaurants that aren’t necessarily pretty, but serve amazing food. You all had a lot of suggestions for other places where a simple or run-down exterior hides incredible food. These 16 restaurants were all suggested by you, our readers. They’re listed here in alphabetical order – they are not ranked.
- Bag’s Bar, Potter
Facebook/Bags Bar There aren’t a lot of choices for food in Potter, but this sports bar doesn’t get lazy because of it. Their beer battered fries are something truly special.
- Bob’s Bar, Martinsburg
Facebook/Bob’s Bar Bob’s has an incredibly loyal following - that’s something I realized after leaving them out of the first list. Their enormous burgers are top-notch, and you definitely get more than your money’s worth portion-wise.
- Coney Island, Grand Island
Yelp/Dave F. This tiny spot has been serving up delicious hot dogs since 1933. There’s also a menu full of other food like chili and burgers, but come on - you go there for the hot dogs.
- El Molcajete, Scottsbluff
Yelp/TravelGirl-RedCar The Scottsbluff area has a selection of Mexican spots, but locals say El Molcajete serves unbelievable, authentic dishes for not a whole lot of money.
- Hooper’s Office Bar & Grill, Hooper
Facebook/Hooper’s Office Bar & Grill This small-town gem sits behind an unassuming storefront that you might walk right by if you weren’t looking carefully. But stop in for a great atmosphere, friendly service, and a menu full of tasty treats like prime rib, fish, burgers, and much more.
- Jerry’s Hilltop, Randolph
Facebook/Jerry’s Hilltop Café If you’ve never been to Jerry’s and want to visit, keep a sharp eye out - you might think it’s just a gas station and drive right by. But Jerry’s will also fill you up with home-style cooking made with fresh, local ingredients.
- Leroy’s Steakhouse, North Bend
Facebook/Leroy’s Steakhouse This long, low structure kind of looks like a storage building, but trust me - it contains some pretty impressive food. Portion sizes are more than generous, and if you go in on 50s-60s night, you can get a burger and fries for less than $4. Score!
- Mac’s Drive-In, McCook
Yelp/Jessica H. Mac’s is a quirky retro spot where the menus are fixed to the wall and you order from a phone at your table. When the order’s up, you go pick it up from the window. The food is just the right level of greasy to satisfy your burger cravings.
- Mangia Italiana, Omaha
Yelp/Mark N. You’ll have to squeeze a bit to fit into the tiny dining area in Mangia, but the food is worth it. Everything is delicious, but the pizza is a definite must-try, no matter what toppings you choose.
- Mi Casa, Bellevue
Facebook/Mi Casa From the moment you walk into Mi Casa in Olde Towne, you can tell that it’s a special place. It’s kind of like walking into a relative’s house - you’re greeted kindly, usually by the owner, Irma. The brisket tacos are beyond delicious. Seriously, there are no words.
- Mutt & Jeff’s Drive-In, Falls City
Facebook/Muff & Jeff’s Drive-In This place is only open in the warmer months, and locals count down the days until it opens every year. Enjoy service at your car from the friendly carhops - and don’t forget to try the cheese bars with your burger.
- One Stop Café, Falls City
Facebook/One Stop Cafe TWO Falls City restaurants in one list? Absolutely. The One Stop Café gets rave reviews for its down-home cooking any time of the day, but it’s breakfast that most visitors can’t get enough of. Homemade cinnamon rolls and pies? Yes, please.
- Plainsman Steakhouse & Lounge, Juniata
Facebook/Plainsman Steakhouse & Lounge You’d be forgiven for never having heard of Juniata - it’s a little village of around 750. And you can bet that each and every one of them has eaten at the Plainsman’s incredible soup and salad bar. There’s also Sunday brunch and, of course, mouthwatering steaks.
- Pupuseria El Rinconcto, Lexington
Yelp/Al C. Can you get more “hole in the wall” than a restaurant that just says “Restaurant” on the outside? If you want authentic pupusas at reasonable prices, this family-owned restaurant is calling your name.
- The Rustic Inn, Fort Calhoun
Facebook/The Rustic The onion rings at The Rustic are legendary. You have to visit, even if it’s only for an order of onion rings and the coldest beer in town.
- Smokin’ Stan’s BBQ, Norfolk
Yelp/Smokin’ Stan’s BBQ There is honestly nothing here that isn’t good. No matter what you order, you’ll be blown away - but the brisket nachos are a unique treat. And with super-friendly service, you’ll want to visit again.
- The Speakeasy, Sacramento/Holdrege
Facebook/The Speakeasy Don’t worry - that snow is completely melted now. The Speakeasy is super popular with locals, and their surprisingly sophisticated menu is just one of the reasons. The great service and good prices keep people coming back over and over.
If you missed our first list of delicious hole-in-the-wall restaurants, be sure to check it out here. We know you all have some more to share – add your favorites to the list by leaving a comment!
Facebook/Bags Bar
There aren’t a lot of choices for food in Potter, but this sports bar doesn’t get lazy because of it. Their beer battered fries are something truly special.
Facebook/Bob’s Bar
Bob’s has an incredibly loyal following - that’s something I realized after leaving them out of the first list. Their enormous burgers are top-notch, and you definitely get more than your money’s worth portion-wise.
Yelp/Dave F.
This tiny spot has been serving up delicious hot dogs since 1933. There’s also a menu full of other food like chili and burgers, but come on - you go there for the hot dogs.
Yelp/TravelGirl-RedCar
The Scottsbluff area has a selection of Mexican spots, but locals say El Molcajete serves unbelievable, authentic dishes for not a whole lot of money.
Facebook/Hooper’s Office Bar & Grill
This small-town gem sits behind an unassuming storefront that you might walk right by if you weren’t looking carefully. But stop in for a great atmosphere, friendly service, and a menu full of tasty treats like prime rib, fish, burgers, and much more.
Facebook/Jerry’s Hilltop Café
If you’ve never been to Jerry’s and want to visit, keep a sharp eye out - you might think it’s just a gas station and drive right by. But Jerry’s will also fill you up with home-style cooking made with fresh, local ingredients.
Facebook/Leroy’s Steakhouse
This long, low structure kind of looks like a storage building, but trust me - it contains some pretty impressive food. Portion sizes are more than generous, and if you go in on 50s-60s night, you can get a burger and fries for less than $4. Score!
Yelp/Jessica H.
Mac’s is a quirky retro spot where the menus are fixed to the wall and you order from a phone at your table. When the order’s up, you go pick it up from the window. The food is just the right level of greasy to satisfy your burger cravings.
Yelp/Mark N.
You’ll have to squeeze a bit to fit into the tiny dining area in Mangia, but the food is worth it. Everything is delicious, but the pizza is a definite must-try, no matter what toppings you choose.
Facebook/Mi Casa
From the moment you walk into Mi Casa in Olde Towne, you can tell that it’s a special place. It’s kind of like walking into a relative’s house - you’re greeted kindly, usually by the owner, Irma. The brisket tacos are beyond delicious. Seriously, there are no words.
Facebook/Muff & Jeff’s Drive-In
This place is only open in the warmer months, and locals count down the days until it opens every year. Enjoy service at your car from the friendly carhops - and don’t forget to try the cheese bars with your burger.
Facebook/One Stop Cafe
TWO Falls City restaurants in one list? Absolutely. The One Stop Café gets rave reviews for its down-home cooking any time of the day, but it’s breakfast that most visitors can’t get enough of. Homemade cinnamon rolls and pies? Yes, please.
Facebook/Plainsman Steakhouse & Lounge
You’d be forgiven for never having heard of Juniata - it’s a little village of around 750. And you can bet that each and every one of them has eaten at the Plainsman’s incredible soup and salad bar. There’s also Sunday brunch and, of course, mouthwatering steaks.
Yelp/Al C.
Can you get more “hole in the wall” than a restaurant that just says “Restaurant” on the outside? If you want authentic pupusas at reasonable prices, this family-owned restaurant is calling your name.
Facebook/The Rustic
The onion rings at The Rustic are legendary. You have to visit, even if it’s only for an order of onion rings and the coldest beer in town.
Yelp/Smokin’ Stan’s BBQ
There is honestly nothing here that isn’t good. No matter what you order, you’ll be blown away - but the brisket nachos are a unique treat. And with super-friendly service, you’ll want to visit again.
Facebook/The Speakeasy
Don’t worry - that snow is completely melted now. The Speakeasy is super popular with locals, and their surprisingly sophisticated menu is just one of the reasons. The great service and good prices keep people coming back over and over.
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