We've gone on many afternoon dates and picnics here, and if you're one of Sarah's friends from Chicago you've definitely heard her say 'you have to check out the zoo'. Some of our favorite attractions are the two story indoor jungle, desert dome with swamp underneath, and of course the aquarium tunnel with sharks swimming overhead. You can also see a red panda!
This is our go to date night restaurant - or when we just really crave a good pizza. They make a great mule, the pizza is coal fired, and the truffle fries are to die for. Amy's favorite is a buffalo chicken salad, and Sarah's favorite is the margherita pizza topped with pancetta.
Since it's the spookiest time of year Vala's is a cute pumpkin patch to visit. You can take a hayrack ride out to the pumpkin fields, walk through a haunted house, or find your way out of a corn maze. They have delicious caramel apples, kettle corn, pies, and of course just about anything you could want to eat.
Farmhouse is Amy and I's favorite spot to go out for breakfast. They have the fluffiest pancakes, delicious hand cut bacon, and a killer raspberry muffin. We also love this place for lunch - they make our favorite sandwiches in town. We recommend a potato chip chicken tender club melt or pesto club if you're stopping for lunch.
While you may have left Fido at home it's still a fun atmosphere to relax with a drink. Or, if you're local, grab your furry friend and a cocktail! Omaha Dog Bar is unique in being a place you can bring your dog and have a drink while your dog plays with friends or chills by your side. It's an indoor / outdoor space so if it's too hot or cold out dogs can still have their fun. The drinks are solid and our dogs love it! Cost of admission is per dog only, so if you're a human who just wants to check it out you can for free.
Want a game of skeeball, pinball, or maybe to play a classic arcade? What about with a craft beer? Check out Beercade for booze and some classic games. It's located in Benson, which means you have a whole lot of bars and restaurants at your disposal for whatever you're craving from ramen to tacos.
I couldn't pick just one place to recommend in the Old Market. Spaghetti Works is a great option for a cheap and filling bite - they offer unlimited pasta bowls for $10 in a variety of tasty sauces (our favorite is the pomodoro). You can find everything in the Old Market from horror themed bars to casual French cuisine or even boba tea. It's a historic district downtown full of bars (check out Berry & Rye for some fancy cocktails), restaurants (we love Sushi Blue!), shops, and even ice cream (Ted & Wally's is another handmade classic with unique flavor options daily).