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20+ Top Picks For Downtown Omaha Restaurants Near The Ballpark – 2023

If you’re heading to Omaha for the College World Series, you’re in for a treat. Not only does the city enthusiastically welcomes sports fans, it’s also home to a thriving food scene that’s sure to satisfy all fans’ cravings. Omaha is my hometown, so I’m excited to share my top picks for the best restaurants near the baseball stadium. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite before the game, a leisurely meal after the final inning, or a memorable dining experience during your stay, I’ve got you covered. So let’s dive in and discover some of Omaha’s culinary gems together!

A view of Charles Schwab Field, home of the NCAA Men's College World Series, at night

The NCAA Men’s College World Series has been held in Omaha for decades. The location has changed (from Rosenblatt to its new location in North Downtown…or NoDo), but many of the familiar favorite restaurants are still going strong in Omaha. So, if you’re in town for the CWS and looking for some great places to eat near the stadium, you’re in luck!

Best restaurants near Omaha’s stadium

The 2023 NCAA Men’s College World Series will be played at Charles Schwab Field (formerly AmeriTrade Park), located at 1200 Mike Fahey St. It’s in the NoDo neighborhood, which is short for North Downtown Omaha. Most of the restaurants in the neighborhood cater nicely to the sports crowd, so you’ll have a lot of options. Your food options will range bar & grill dishes like burgers and pizza to handheld bites like street tacos.

Blatt Table + Beer Rooftop seating area near Schwab Field

Games are in the afternoon and evening, so first I’ll cover the top picks for lunch and dinner. One of the closest restaurants to the stadium is Blatt Table + Beer, which even has a rooftop area that overlooks the ballpark. I have yet to have a bad meal there, but if I had to recommend something, go for the Dirty Bird Sandwich (but beware, it’s messy). For vegetarian options, they have a tasty beet burger.

The best breakfast restaurants in Omaha are, unfortunately, not near the stadium. Your best option, besides eating at your hotel, would be to indulge and have one of the city’s best donuts at Pettit’s Pastries. I’ve heard good things about Lula B’s Breakfast, Brunch & Bar, but I can’t vouch for how good their food is. Further away, but a totally fun place for breakfast, is CTRL Coffee & Cereal Bar, where you can play some Nintendo or Playstation while chomping on your big bowl of cereal.

CTRL Coffee & Cereal Bar interior with bright pink couch and blue walls

And if you’re looking for a sweet treat after a dessert, you’re in luck. One of the city’s best ice cream shops opened its second location inside Millwork Commons in NoDo, Coneflower Creamery. My favorite ice cream shop is a mile away in the Old Market, Ted & Wally’s. If you’re in the mood for baked goods, the Brownie Bar Bakery is on the edge of the Old Market.

If you’re willing to go a little further from the ballpark, the options expand mightily. There are several restaurants in the Old Market, which is about a mile south of Schwab Field. For pizza, try Zio’s Pizzeria. For bar & grill fare, I recommend Upstream Brewing Co. or Omaha Tap House. Jam’s Old Market and M’s Pub are also great restaurants, though a bit more upscale in price and atmosphere. Try to make reservations if you’re headed to M’s.

For a great burger, there’s Block 16, located just a little west of the Old Market. Believe the hype. Also, know that there will very likely be a line to order.

Dining room of Fizzy's Fountain & Liquor in Omaha's Little Bohemia neighborhood

The Old Market can be a busy place even on non-game days, so you may even want to go further south for meals. Restaurants that are about 2 miles from Schwab Field include Shucks Fish House & Oyster Bar and Fizzy’s Fountain & Liquor. Fizzy’s is in Omaha’s charming Little Bohemia neighborhood.

  • Blatt Table + Beer, 610 N. 12th St., Omaha (menu)
  • Pettit’s Pastries, 502 N. 16th St., Omaha (menu)
  • Lula B’s Breakfast, Brunch & Bar (menu)
  • CTRL Coffee & Cereal Bar, 1016 S. 10th St., Suite 100, Omaha (menu)
  • Coneflower Creamery, 1241 Millwork Ave., Omaha (menu)
  • Ted & Wally’s Ultra Premium Ice Cream, 1120 Jackson St., Omaha (menu)
  • Brownie Bar Bakery, 1217 Leavenworth St., Omaha (menu)
  • Zio’s Pizzeria Old Market, 1109 Howard St., Omaha (menu)
  • Upstream Brewing Co., 514 S. 11th St., Omaha (menu)
  • Omaha Tap House Downtown, 1401 Farnam St., Omaha (menu)
  • Jam’s Old Market, 1101 Harney St., Omaha (menu)
  • M’s Pub, 422 S. 11th St., Omaha (menu)
  • Block 16, 1611 Farnam St., Omaha (menu)
  • Shucks Fish House & Oyster Bar, 1911 Leavenworth St., Omaha (menu
  • Fizzy’s Fountain & Liquor, 1408 S. 13th St., Omaha (menu)
  • Blue Sushi Sake Grill Old Market, 416 S. 12th St., Omaha (Happy Hour menu)

Now if you ask me about budget-friendly options, it’s not so easy downtown. Your best bet? Try to hit a restaurant or bar Happy Hour (Blue Sushi has a great Happy Hour). I have a huge list of Omaha Happy Hours to get you started.

A roll at Blue Sushi Sake Grill in the Old Market

Places to eat & drink before and after the game

You want to eat before the game? The closer to the stadium you get, the longer the waits. That’s a given. I would suggest timing your arrival at a restaurant for about two hours before game time. If you can go during off-peak hours, you may encounter fewer crowds.

For quick bites before the game, sports bars will have uncomplicated food options, so nearby choices include DJ’s Dugout Sports Bar & Grill and Addie’s Sports Bar & Grill. Old Mattress Factory is very close to the stadium and prepped for big crowds, but I think it’s a better pre-game drink spot than food spot (though they will have an event food menu to order from).

Let’s say you want to celebrate after the game. If you head to The Capitol District, you can have your choice of atmosphere from the country bar, Beer Can Alley, to Annie’s Irish Pub…which is pretty obvious what that place is. Or stay close to the ballpark and go to Zipline Brewing Co. or The Session Room.

Outdoor seating at Mr Toad's in the Old Market of Omaha

Further south, and into the Old Market, there are a lot of unique bars and breweries for post-game celebrations. For beer, try Brickway Brewery & Distillery or Mr. Toad. Feeling like a mixed drink? There’s the underground tiki bar, Laka Lono Rum Club, with flaming drinks, giant shared drinks, and one wicked mai tai. Or have a cigar with your celebratory drink at Havana Garage. 

  • DJ’s Dugout Sports Bar & Grill, 1003 Capitol Ave., Omaha (menu)
  • Addie’s Sports Bar & Grill, 101 N. 10th St., Omaha (menu)
  • Old Mattress Factory, 501 N. 13th St., Omaha (menu)
  • Beer Can Alley, 1022 Capitol Ave., Omaha (website)
  • Annie’s Irish Pub, 1101 Davenport St., Omaha (website)
  • Zipline Brewing Co., 721 N. 14th St., Omaha (beer list)
  • The Session Room, 812 N. 14th St., Omaha (menu)
  • Brickway Brewery & Distillery, 1116 Jackson St., Omaha (menu)
  • Mr. Toad, 1002 Howard St., Omaha (Facebook)
  • Laka Lono Rum Club, 1204 Howard St. (menu)
  • Havana Garage, 1008 Howard St., Omaha (website)
The dim interior of the Lake Lono Rum Club in the Old Market of Omaha

You may also be interested in: Top things to do in Omaha after dark

FAQs

 When you’re in town for the College World Series, there are plenty of delicious dining options near the stadium that are sure to satisfy. From gastropubs and casual eateries to upscale restaurants and breweries, there’s something for every taste and budget. To make the most of your dining experience, be sure to check out the menus ahead of time, make reservations if possible, and consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid long waits. With these tips in mind and a list of my top restaurant recommendations, you’ll be well on your way to discovering the best that Omaha has to offer. 

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