How to Enjoy Winter in Omaha, Nebraska

Y'all ready to have a kickin' time in Omaha? I first published this post in 2018, but I recently updated it in April 2023. My heart is breaking a bit. Many of my favorite places have closed since Covid however, I did find a couple new spots for you! 

I know it's April, but it is still so dang cold in Omaha! So here is a list of places I love that will keep you inside, warm, and entertained. Here is How to Enjoy Winter in Omaha, Nebraska...
​

1. Brunch at First Watch

Price: I spent $20 (tacos, coffee, + tip)

Logan, but that's $20. Guys I know, but the quality of food, location, and atmosphere makes every penny worth it. This is the 2nd most expensive thing on this list, but this place is incredible. I'm never disappointed here! If you're worried, do a few "no spend days" before you go. 

​PLUS, you can do it cheaper than me. Have a few cups of coffee at home, so you can order water when you get there. I had the Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos for $13 because I was suuuper hungry. How were they? Phenomenal. They also have plenty of options under $12, like their Belgian Waffle, Steel-Cut Oatmeal, Multigrain Pancakes, or Sunrise Granola Bowl. Take a look at their menu to see what ya like. 
​
I went yesterday with a few friends from Christian Student Fellowship. It was so nice to chat over coffee and a fresh breakfast. 

2. Roam the Joslyn Art Museum

CURRENTLY CLOSED - However, they are set to reopen in 2024 with some amazingly cool renovations. 

Price: FREE, unless you want to buy a ticket for a special exhibit they're showing
​I might buy one soon and let you know what it was like. Maybe I can bring my mom too so you can have a real artist's opinion, lol. 

I couldn't tell ya how many times I've been to Joslyn. (AND I'm really excited to be able to say that) It is theee place to wander around in the winter. I'm not even really that into art. I probably stare at the paint colors of the walls or the marble floor moldings more.

​My favorite is the contemporary art. (the kind that is more than just a dot on the canvas, don't terrorize me) For example, I really enjoyed the John Divola collection. It is a series of framed photos of circles he had painted on the walls of abandoned homes outside of Los Angeles.

3. Try 13th Street Coffee & Tea

Price: $3-7

When I imagined moving to Omaha and trying different coffee shops, I envisioned a place with a vibe like this. As of now, this is my FAVORITE coffee shop in Omaha. Here's a few reasons why...

-It has an UPSTAIRS (an upstairs anything will get me in the door)
​-They have the BEST hours for a coffee shop
​-All the furniture looks second hand and I'm a fan
​-It is downtown and that makes anything cute
​-Their Wi-Fi password is funny as heck and I make a fool of myself every time lol
​-Most of their menu is handwritten and it reminds of the coffee shop in my hometown

4. Jam at The Waiting Room

I went to Parachute in 2016 for $25. Who would say no to that? A guy even proposed on stage to his girlfriend that night. Along with that, they have "Emo Night" a couple times a year and it is such a good time! They have a dj and play covers of your favorite bands like Fall Out Boy, Blink 182, and All-American Rejects. 

​Did you know this was in Benson too? One of the coolest parts of Omaha? You have to go and take all of your friends. 

5. Slow Down for Brunch at Market Basket 

Price: $20-30 (coffee, brunch, + tip)

Market Basket is a charming deli and restaurant to grab a delicious brunch or dinner. You can find it right off W Center Road in West Omaha. I enjoyed their french toast with strawberries - yum! They have incredible baked goods and their prices are pretty affordable. Market Basket is the perfect hangout for the summer too. Their patio is covered in cute umbrellas and tables that looked like they were plucked out of Paris!

6. Make a summer stop at Lauritzen Gardens

Price: $15

So remember when I went to OKC and hit up that botanical garden? THIS IS NOTHING LIKE THAT. Yes, it's fifteen dollars but, after your visit you'll say dang I didn't pay enough for that. It's HUGE and one of the most precious places I've visited in Omaha. It felt like a real jungle. I would go as far as saying better than the one they have in the Omaha zoo! It was THAT clean and THAT pretty. 

​The coolest part: Their Metamorphosis exhibition. Two artists used recycled plastic to create numerous sculptures that are scattered across the conservatory. These sculptures are paired with reminders of how we should respect the environment. I remember one sign specifically. It was how we know what we drop on the ground is plastic, but turtles don't. They may see it as something edible. This broke me. (Does anyone remember that Facebook video that went viral about someone removing plastic from a baby turtle's mouth?! It was crying?!) Check it out.

7. Dine at Salween Thai

Price: $16 (with tip)

Are you ready for this? The best Thai food in Omaha. Shoutout to Joy Dima for rounding up my friends for an experience of a lifetime. E.Beth (my college roommate) and I crave this 24/7 I swear, especially on Sundays when they're closed, UGH.

​I normally order their Pad Thai with chicken with 0 spice. (There is SO much flavor, don't be afraid to say no spice.) If I could eat this every single day of my life I honestly would.

THE BEST PART? You don't feel gross and full afterwards. E.Beth and I never leave this place with leftovers, it's unheard of. (That doesn't mean you don't get a big serving, cause you do.) I eat the whole plate and don't even have to unbuckle my pants. One of the most presh gems in Omaha folks. Take your bf here or mom, idk. 
​

8. Mini Golf at Prehistoric Putt

Price: $9.50 

Too cold to go outside and golf? Try Prehistoric Putt! This is an inside mini golf course and you guessed it, the theme is dinosaurs! They have two different courses, 18 holes is $9.50 to play and $14 if you'd like to do both. Check this place out, especially if it's freezing and you need somewhere to hang with friends! Plus, look at this aesthetic?

​THAT'S IT! Man, I love Omaha. I'll write about it until the day I die! I will add to this guide as I discover new cool places. I hope this helps with your next trip!

​Was this post helpful? Click here to pin this post for later!
​