July 18, 2018

Omaha History Tours By Trolley

By Leave a Comment

This summer, I took my first history tour thanks The Durham Museum. While I’m pretty familiar with Omaha’s history as explained through the museum’s exhibits, this tour was on a trolley and took us past many of the sites I’ve only read about (or wrote about). Keep reading – I’m going to share what you can expect if you take a River City History Tour.

Learn about Omaha history with trolley tours by The Durham Museum #Nebraska #historic #tour

Disclosure: I was provided complimentary tickets for a tour so I could tell you all about it. This post contains affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, making a purchase after clicking an affiliate link earns me a small payment to help me keep doing what I love best – writing. Thanks!

River City History Tours

The Durham Museum’s River City History Tours include seven different choices of tours, each exploring an interesting side of Omaha history. Beer? There’s a tour for that. Crime? There’s a tour for that.

Each tour starts and ends at The Durham Museum. There’s a tour guide well-versed in history pointing out things along the way and sharing interesting stories related to the tour topic.

Tablet used for the Gritty City tour
Some tours include a tablet with photos from The Durham Museum Photo Archive. While some buildings are still standing, many on the Gritty City tour were not, so it was helpful to see photos of how things once were.

Guests on some tours, like ours, include are given a tablet with a photo slide show. During the tour, the guide connects the historic photos we see on the slides to places we past. It’s a fascinating way to see history as it was and then see what things look like today. Those tours are: Gritty City, On Tap!, Expositions to Jazz Musicians and The Great Escape.

What my trolley tour was like

Durham Museum's River City History Tours trolley
The trolley for each River City History Tour departs and returns to The Durham Museum in downtown Omaha.

I brought Mr. Wonderful with me for a history-filled date night learning about Omaha’s seedier times in the tour Gritty City. I was hoping for some real dirt, and maybe some things connected to the crimes that happened at some of the restaurants in my book, Lost Restaurants of Omaha. Alas, this was just a taste of crime history, and more about how Omaha grew from a “rough and tumble town” to a thriving city. I think I would’ve enjoyed a tour like “Last Call for Alcohol” if I wanted to hear more about bootlegging and organized crime.

We boarded our trolley, Porkchop, and began the tour past the Old Market and then through more of the downtown area. Our tour included the tablet, which was a great idea. Our tablet was missing some of the photos the guide was talking about, so that got a little frustrating.

Tours last an hour and a half. Sunday tours start at 2 p.m. and Tuesday tours start at 6 p.m. We opted for 6 p.m. to make it a date. Of course, we’re lame and did not go out for a night cap after our tour, but the option was there.

Are the tours kid-friendly?

I wouldn’t take my kids on the tour, but I could see how teens could get something out of the trolley tour if they’re learning about some of the topics in school. There’s nothing necessarily inappropriate about the tour, though some subjects that came up on ours was prostitution and lynching. History isn’t the prettiest.

However, given the length of the tour and the subject, young kids are not going to sit well on a trolley. Plus, if your kids are anything like mine, they get SO EXCITED about trolleys, that they would surely be a distracting bundle of energy.

Remaining Omaha history tours for 2018

Unfortunately, you guys missed the bulk of the River City History Tours this summer, but they still have some that go through the fall. The remaining tours are:

River City History Tours logo

From Expositions to Jazz Musicians Tour – Aug. 5

Millionaires and Mansions South Tour – Aug. 14 and Oct. 7

The Great Escape: Exploring Omaha’s Historic Theaters – Aug. 26 and Oct. 21

Millionaires and Mansions North Tour – Sept. 9

Magic City Tour – Sept. 18

Last Call for Alcohol Tour – Sept. 23

Gritty City Tour – Oct. 16

The other tour that’s done for the year is On Tap! Omaha’s Brewing History. To register for a tour, go to durhammuseum.org. Tours are $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Membership discount
applies only to those in the household.

These are the kinds of tours that would make great gifts to history buffs in your life. If you have a foodie in your life, take a look at Omaha Culinary Tours.

Liked this post? Get more like it delivered!

Get more posts like this delivered straight to your inbox twice a month. Subscribe to the FREE e-newsletter sharing giveaways, new posts and updates to popular posts like this one! Subscribe here.

Filed Under: What To Do In Omaha Tagged With: ,
June 26, 2018

Things To Know About Nashville Row Omaha

By Leave a Comment

A new country music series is starting in Omaha, with the goal of bringing up-and-coming singers and songwriters here. Read on to learn more about Nashville Row Omaha and get the details of the first concert in the series.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Nashville Row Omaha. Al thoughts, opinions and typos are my own.

What’s Nashville Row Omaha

The creator behind Nashville Row Omaha, Troy, was inspired by trips to Nashville where there’s an incredible performer playing in some bar every night of the week. The bars mostly surround Nashville’s Music Row, home to music recording studios. Inspired by the sheer talent, Nashville Row Omaha was created to bring some of those up-and-coming stars to Omaha.

Nashville Row Omaha logo

According to Nashville Row Omaha’s website: “Perhaps we just got lucky on our trips, but we ran into many performers in the bars and restaurants around the famed ‘Music Row’ that were not only incredible talents but also seemed to be performing for the pure joy of it (most feel lucky to get stage time and work for tips). We began to think of ways we could bring some of this talent to Omaha. Now we are going to do it!”

Troy told me he intends the lineup to be more female singer-songwriters or female-fronted duos, because he has a daughter, and who doesn’t want their daughter to be inspired by talented women living their dream? I love it.

Who are the artists playing Nashville Row Omaha

The first band performing is The Young Fables, who will play at The Side Room at the Ralston Arena on July 13. This talented duo consists of “American Idol” alum Laurel Wright and guitarist/vocalist Wesley Lunsford.

They have two albums under their belt, “Two” and “Old Songs,” and have appeared with performers like Lauren Alaina, Josh Turner, Sara Evans. It’s my kind of country with gifted songwriting and beautiful vocals. Things more along the lines of traditional country rather than modern country. It’s the kind of stuff that wowed me when we went to the Grand Ole Opry.

Nashville Row Omaha performers

Nashville Row Omaha brings The Young Fables to Omaha on July 13, 2018.

Troy saw these The Young Fables at The Row Kitchen and Pub in Nashville, and now, he’s booked them to be the inaugural Nashville Row Omaha act.

I’ve never been to The Side Room at Ralston Arena, but it’s much intimate than an arena show, seating about 300 people. Troy said the show is going to be “a little bit cocktail party, a listening event and little bit like a game show,” in that it’s more interactive than a typical concert and they’ll have a lot of giveaways.

Want to have a say who’s next?

Nashville Row Omaha is building its email list to show performers there is a demand for them to play in Omaha, plus it’s a way to share the series’ progress and to solicit feedback on what artists who’ve played. If you want to join the community, head to nashvillerowomaha.com and sign up.

Oh My! Omaha discount on tickets

Want to see The Young Fables when they play in Omaha on July 13? Oh My! Omaha readers get $3 off tickets! Click here to buy your tickets and the discount will automatically be applied.

It’s fun to think that if you go to this show, you can say you were at the first Nashville Row Omaha show ever, and crossing fingers, we’ll see some country stars before they were country stars.

Loved this post?

Get more posts like this delivered straight to your inbox twice a month. Subscribe to the FREE e-newsletter here.

Filed Under: What To Do In Omaha Tagged With: ,
January 19, 2018

Valentine’s Day Date Ideas

By Leave a Comment

Updated: January 9, 2019

Every year I write a Valentine’s Day post, and this post from Valentine’s Day 2018 still has some great, timeless date ideas. I’ve updated it for 2019 with current shows in Omaha that have a bit of a romantic spin to them, too. Most of these ideas, though, work for date nights any day of the year. If you’re looking for specific types of dates, below, I offer some ideas for splurge-worth nights out, night outs for cocktail drinks, and free date night ideas.

Omaha Valentine's Day Date Ideas - Plan a unique date night for Valentine's Day with tips on splurge-worthy nights out, free date night, and more ideas #Omaha #Valentines

Date Night Splurges

– Tasting Menu Dinner: Make a reservation for a restaurant like V. Mertz or Au Courant Regional Kitchen, and then opt for the tasting menu. I’m recommending those two since I’ve been to both recently, can vouch for their quality, AND if you have the Together A Greater Good app (TAGG), those restaurants will donate 5% of your receipt to the charity of your choice. Tasting menus are meant for slow eating, so dinner is your whole night out, probably.

Tip: Both places have menu items, so you don’t have to do the full tasting menu.

–“I and You”: I love BlueBarn Theatre, so any time they have a show running around Valentine’s Day, you know I’m going to suggest it. “I and You” is said to be an “ode to youth, life, love, and the strange beauty of human connectedness.” The closest performance to Valentine’s Day is on Feb. 15, 2019. Get your tickets at bluebarn.org.

– “The Elixir of Love”: Opera Omaha is performing “L’Elisir D’Amore” (AKA “The Elixir of Love”) on Feb. 15 and 17, 2019 at the Orpheum Theater. It’s an update to Donizetti’s glittering bel canto opera, and is described as a light-hearted rom-com about young love at an American high school in the 1980s. If you’ve never been to an opera before, it would be a good intro. Tickets are available online through TicketOmaha.com.

–Dinner at Lauritzen Gardens: Have dinner in one of Omaha’s most beautiful settings: Omaha’s botanical garden. There’s a Valentine’s Dinner planned for Feb. 14, 2019. Along with a fixed-price dinner, you’ll have the opportunity to stroll the gardens. Reservations are required and space is limited.

–Valentine Tea & Chocolate Tastings: Chocolate Abeille has several Valentine Tea & Chocolate Tastings coming up, and they include Harney & Sons “Paris” tea, finger sandwiches, scones with cream and preserves, mini desserts (and, of course, chocolate). Sessions are Jan. 29, Feb. 5 and Feb. 25 at 2 p.m.

Date Night Drinks

It’s very rare that Mr. Wonderful and I go out and simply hang out over a drink. But it has happened. I think three years ago. Anyway…

– Challenge The Bartender: It’s going to sound funny suggesting you go to a wine and booze shop for a date, but hear me out about going to Spirit World at Aksarben Village. I recommend you order some food, sit at their little bar, and have the bartender make you a new-to-you drink. When I told the bartender I didn’t like gin, he set out to prove me wrong. And I’m glad he did. Read about our date night at this locally-owned store here. Spirit World is another participating TAGG restaurant, so don’t forget to scan your receipt so 5% of your night out can go to charity!

– Specialty Drinks: OK, even more rare for us is to go to a fancy craft cocktail bar and spend more than $10 on one drink. But, The Berry & Rye in the Old Market will wow you with their drinks. And the atmosphere is ideal for a date night. If you’re looking for unique places for a drink in Omaha, I’ve heard great things about the tiki bar Laka Lono Rum Club (which is just a stone’s throw from The Berry & Rye in the Old Market) and Omaha’s own speakeasy, Wicked Rabbit (you have to go through a cigar store and say the magic word to enter in the hidden bar).

–Have A Free Drink Together: Download Libate, a local app that has a free or membership version. If you each have the app, you can go to one of the participating restaurants or bars and enjoy a complimentary drink. Oh My! Omaha readers can get a month FREE if you enter the coupon code OHMYOMAHA after you download the app!

– Not a drinker? If you’re looking for healthy date night ideas, revisit this old favorite, 7 Healthy Date Ideas In Omaha.

Free Date Night

–Heart and Soul: Valentine’s Day @ Joslyn – Live music by
Edem Soul Music will be from 6 to 8 p.m. in the museum’s atrium. The performer sings in her native language, called “Ga,” originating from the Ga tribe of Ghana, West Africa, and plays the harp and ukulele. She received the 2017 Omaha Entertainment and Arts Award for Best Soul Artist and was the Omaha Capitol District’s Musician in Residence in 2018. While the performance is free, if you wish to see the exhibit “30 Americans” or hear the gallery talk at 5 p.m., you’ll need to pay $5. Food and drink available
for purchase.

– Free Things To Do On Valentine’s Day: Ever since my penny-pinching days working at a newspaper, I’ve maintained a mental list of free things to do in Omaha. Some of my favorites make memorable date nights, including visiting KANEKO, which has a special exhibit called “Human Condition” that’s FREE to see. Check their hours, first, to see how late they’re open on Valentine’s Day. There are galleries near KANEKO that may be open that night, too, and you can stroll through them for FREE. Check out Bemis Contemporary Art Center, Artist Co-Op, or visit the shops at The Passageway.

– If you want more budget-friendly ideas, I suggest you read the post Cheap Date Nights In Omaha.

Your turn: What are you doing for Valentine’s Day? Where do you recommend others go for Valentine’s Day?

Stay In The Know

Want more ideas for things to do in Omaha? Subscribe to the FREE bi-weekly e-newsletter sharing giveaways, travel inspiration and more! Subscribe here.

Filed Under: What To Do In Omaha Tagged With: ,
February 1, 2017

Unique Dates For Valentine’s Day In Omaha

By Leave a Comment

Editor’s Note: This post is from 2017. Click 2018 Valentine’s Day Date Ideas to see current ideas!

Looking for a unique night out for Valentine’s Day in Omaha? Me too.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for dinner and a movie. But, I like novel dates more. Like painting and drinking together. Or maybe a less boozy (here are 7 healthy date night ideas). Or cheap, that’s good too (here are cheap date ideas in Omaha).

So, what’s going on this month that would make for a unique date for Valentine’s Day? Here’s a list of things that sounded great to me:

Unique ideas for Valentine's Day dates in Omaha

Early Valentine’s Day Dates

Omaha Culinary Tours – Wine and Chocolate Event

When: Friday, Feb. 10, 7 to 9 p.m.

Where: Old Vine Wine & Spirits, 3821 N. 167th Court

What: Try wines from Old Vine Wine & Spirits paired with chocolates from The Chocolate Poet.

Cost: $40 per person

Opera Omaha’s “Cosi fan Tutte”

When: Friday, Feb. 10, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 12, at

Where: Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St.

What: It’s one of Mozart’s masterpiece operas. Here’s the description: In a quest to disprove that all women are fickle, two scheming men test the devotion of their fiancées. As faithfulness is wagered, the deck is stacked with deception. Love is tested and lives are tangled when the women are unknowingly tempted by the other’s lover. Will the contest prove to be more than fun and games?

Cost: $15-$99 per person

“The Dinner Detective – Valentine’s Show”

When: Feb. 11, 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: Doubletree Hotel Omaha Downtown, 1616 Dodge St.

What: This is a murder mystery dinner show, where you dine on four courses while attempting to solve the crime.

Cost: $59.95 plus tax per person

Sweethearts Love Nature

When: Feb. 11, 7 to 9 p.m.

Where: Hitchcock Nature Center, 27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, Iowa

What: Couples can enjoy hot cocoa and a warm fire at the lodge at night then hit the trails for a special, guided night hike or take a more private hike together along a lit trail.

Cost: FREE, but you must pay daily park admission, which is $2 per vehicle, or purchase an annual pass for $10. Pre-registration is requested ensure adequate staffing and supplies are available.

Eko Nova: Wine & Chocolate

When: Monday, Feb. 13, 7 to 9 p.m.

Where: KANEKO, 1111 Jones St.

What: You hear innovative live music while samplying wines from Lange Winery paired with chocolate from STAM Chocolaterie.

Cost: $30 a couple or $20 per person.

Dates On Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day Dinner

When: Feb. 14, 6 p.m.

Where: Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St.

What: Dine on a fixed-price dinner and then stroll through the gardens, conservatory and Nature Connects: Art with LEGO® Bricks.

Cost: $55 per person

Beginner ballroom Dance Lessons

When: Feb. 14, 7 to 7:45 p.m.

Where: Vintage Ballroom, 614 S. 11th St.

What: Every Tuesday, this place offers FREE beginner ballroom dance lessons (think waltz, swing and salsa).

Cost: FREE, no reservations needed

“Sabrina” Screening

When: Feb. 14, 7 p.m.

Where: Film Streams at Ruth Sokolof Theater, 1340 Mike Fahey St.

What: This is a screening of the original film starring Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart and William Holden.

Cost: FREE (but you’re going to want to reserve tickets ASAP before they run out)

“Elvis Lives”

When: Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St.

What: This show features hand-picked finalists from the worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. I saw part of the show the last time it was in Omaha and if you’re an unabashed Elvis fan, it’s SO good.

Cost: $35-$65 per person

Late Valentine’s Day Dates

You didn’t forget. You’re fashionably late.

Omaha Culinary Tours – Wine and Dine Event

When: Feb. 17, 6 p.m.

Where: Old Vine Wine & Spirits, 3821 N. 167th Court

What: Enjoy wine paired with a variety of food. (I’m waiting for more details on this)

Cost: $50 per person

Hot Club of Cowtown

When: Feb. 17, 8 p.m.

Where: 1200 Club inside the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St.

What: Western swing trio performs in one of my most favorite music venues in Omaha, the 1200 Club. Think candlelit tables, table service, and great music.

Cost: $35 per person

Salsa Fridays at Gusto Cubano

When: Feb. 17, 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Where: Gusto Cubano, 7910 Harrison St., Ralston, Neb.

What: DJ Blandon Joiner sets the atmosphere for a night of dancing.

Cost: $7 per person (if you dine at the last dinner seating of the restaurant, you don’t have to pay the cover)

Share your ideas and tips by leaving a comment!

Like what you’re reading? Stay up-to-date by signing up for my e-newsletter! Emails are twice a month, and full of good stuff.

Filed Under: What To Do In Omaha Tagged With: ,
January 25, 2017

Review: Around The World In 80 Days

By Leave a Comment

I had a mom-and-son date recently to the Omaha Community Playhouse to see “Around The World in 80 Days.” It was my 7-year-old’s first time seeing a production there. Fun, right?

Teri Fender as Aouda, Anthony Clark-Kaczmarek as Phileas Fogg and Ablan Roblin as Jean Passepartout in the play “Around the World in 80 Days,” on stage at the Omaha Community Playhouse. Photo by Colin Conces

Thanks to Omaha Community Playhouse for providing the review tickets in order for me to write this post!

What to expect:

– This is the live staged version of Jules Verne’s classic. A lot of language is antiquated and British terms that may be over kids’ heads.

– Lots of fun characters, all played by a small cast. My son was amused by Ben Beck and Monty Eich, in particular, who took on so many random roles throughout the around-the-world journey of Phileas Fogg (played by Anthony Clark-Kaczmarek). Granted, some reminded me a bit of

– Creative sets. The characters trek across the world by steamer, train and elephant. I think the elephant was the most creative piece of the set!

Monty Eich, Anthony Clark-Kaczmarek and Ben Beck are a lot of fun to watch in “Around the World in 80 Days.” Photo by Robertson Photography

Timing a potty break

There is an intermission, but the first half is very long. I recommend going to the bathroom before taking your seat before the show starts.

Is it kid-friendly?

A funny scene in “Around the World in 80 Days” on stage at Omaha Community Playhouse through Feb. 12. Photo by Robertson Photography

Yes and no. This show is a lengthy theatrical production – 2 and 1/2 hours with intermission. It’s appropriate for the seasoned theater-going child who is used to a lot of dialogue. I would not consider bringing both kids to this; my 7-year-old has been going to shows for years and I knew he’d be fine sitting through it. I just didn’t know if he’d be interested). He was! There was a lot of humor in the show that made my son laugh aloud, even louder than some of the older folks there. The running gag about the detective’s fake name (“It’s Detect…Um Ah Figs”) was comedic gold to him.

It is not children’s theater, that’s for sure. The audience was majority adults, with me being on the younger side of the crowd.

Is it grownup-friendly?

I thought it was a clever production. Director Carl Beck did a great job encouraging the cast to infuse humor into situations that could easily have been done dryly. Even though I knew how it would end, I was still right there engaged to the very end rooting for Fogg.

What was it about again?

“Around the World in 80 Days” is a fantastic journey filled with exotic locations and cultures, with comedy and suspense leading the way. Englishman Phileas Fogg and his French manservant, Passepartout, create a strange pairing with their distinct cultural backgrounds. The two men travel around the world in an unprecedented 80 days to win a simple wager, but they leave an incredible story about loyalty and friendship in their wake. This production consists of five extremely resourceful actors who bring Jules Verne’s incredible story to life.

If you want to go

“Around the World in 80 Days”

When: Through Feb. 12; performances are Wednesdays through Sundays

Where: Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St.

Cost: Tickets are $36 for adults and $22 for students (Thursdays – Sundays) and $28 for adults and $18 for students (Wednesdays). A limited number of tickets are available at half price after noon the day of the performance at the Box Office (cash or check only). Discounted tickets are available for Wednesday performances only at $28 for adults and $18 for students. Purchase online here.

 

Filed Under: What To Do In Omaha Tagged With: ,
April 4, 2016

Rock Star Status At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City

By Leave a Comment

One of Sioux City, Iowa’s star attractions combines live music, good food and Lady Luck: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City.

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City feels like two venues in one – the hotel maintains the character of the historic Battery Building and the casino has a modern look. The music theme is carried throughout both. This view is of the hotel side. Photo courtesy Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Located a stone’s throw from Interstate 29, the hotel is a themed experience that allows guests to live the rock star life for a night.

Disclosure: Our stay was hosted by Sioux City Tourism. All thoughts, opinions and typos are my own. 

I recently stayed a night courtesy of the hotel. Mr. Wonderful and I needed a night off and so we found a sitter for the kids and drove off to Sioux City. It was a blast and being short (enough) distance from Omaha, it was a perfect overnight getaway. Read about 24 kid-free hours in Sioux City here.

The Hard Rock Hotel experience

Right when you walk in, you see it’s not like most hotels.

Hard Rock Hotel Sioux City lobby

How’s this for a hotel lobby? Photo courtesy Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City

Jimi Hendrix stares down at you from the wall. The front desk is a bar. And as part of check in, you have the option of getting a complimentary drink to take with you up to your room (beer or house cocktail).

Hard Rock hotel Sioux City drink

You get the choice of a beer or house cocktail at check-in at the Hard Rock Casino & Hotel Sioux City.

Why thank you, Mr. Bartender.

Everywhere you walk in the hotel, you see music memorabilia and lyrics. The theme carries over into the rooms.

Hard Rock Casino & Hotel Sioux City memorabilia

The hall connecting the hotel to the casino and restaurants is lined with music memorabilia.

I’m a sucker for a hotel like this. It makes your stay memorable.

The Hard Rock Hotel look

Music fans will love all the memorabilia throughout the hotel. The main floor is especially cool with all the apparel, signed guitars and plaques explaining the significance.

Hard Rock Sioux City guitars

Obviously, you’re going to find a lot of autographed guitars here.

The décor in restaurants, from the buffet the trendy gastropub, Main + Abbey, carry the music theme throughout.

Hard Rock Casino & Hotel Buffet

Concert art line booths at the World Tour Buffet. Photo courtesy Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City

The newness of rock is contrasted by the history of the building itself. The hotel portion of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City is located in the Battery Building, which is on the National Historic Register of Historic Places. It dates back to 1905.

The combination of exposed brick and concert posters actually works really well. It’s such a great look, especially in the rooms.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino room

Here’s one of the standard rooms at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Nice, eh? Photo courtesy Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City

Our hotel room had vaulted ceilings that made the standard room feel much more spacious.

The bathrooms were sleek and modern, with walk-in showers. I felt spoiled staying there.

 

Hard Rock Casino & Hotel Sioux City bathroom

Our bathroom did not have a tub (or a glass of wine), but we did have a huge shower. Photo courtesy Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City

The Hard Rock Hotel Dining

There are three restaurants at the Hard Rock, plus room service. We tried Main + Abbey, which is definitely the Date Night place to be in Sioux City. Reservations would be smart.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City restaurant

Main + Abbey is a gastropub inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City. Photo courtesy Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City

Rather than order entrees, we split several appetizers and order drinks. If you do the same, I recommend asking them to be brought as they’re prepared rather than all at once. It cuts down on some coming out lukewarm. We had a couple that were cold, and our waiter was super quick to replace the dishes with hot ones.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino restaurant dining room

The dining room at Main + Abbey. Photo courtesy Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

We tried poutine, shrimp pierogies, street chicken tacos and split the onion soup and shrimp bisque. Wondering what to order? The pierogies were so good, the the poitine while heavy, was very flavorful. Those are superb, but next time, I think we’ll go with entrees and just one appetizer.

Your meal will include free beer bread and ends with square of chocolate sea salt caramels. Delicious!

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino has a big buffet, and whenever I walked by it, there was a line to get in, so they must be doing something right.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City restaurant

I love the lobby of the World Tour Buffet – those are cassette tapes lining the walls. Photo courtesy Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City

There is also a grill within the casino called Fuel, where you can load up on burgers and the like.

Room service looks to combine the offerings from Fuel and Main + Abbey, with clever names thrown in to keep the music theme going.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino room service menu

The room service menu at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Entertainment at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

This is a hotel and casino combo, so a lot of people are there to gamble. That’s not my scene, so I ventured in only briefly. It’s a very popular spot that Saturday night.

If you’re hoping to avoid the casino part, it can be done easily. However, if you’re hoping to see a show at Anthem, you’ll have to enter the casino to get there.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City bar

The bar at Anthem. Photo courtesy Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City

Anthem is a large venue that looks deceptively small from the outside. During our visit, we saw Jon Lovitz (thank you, Hard Rock, for the complimentary tickets!). There is a nightly show there from music to stand up.

You never know who you might meet at the Hard Rock. Lovitz stopped into the karaoke party the night before his show.

Jon Lovitz at Hard Rock Casino & Hotel Sioux City

This photo with Jon Lovitz was not taken at karaoke.

There are tons of shows on the calendar, but one annual event to keep on your radar is Saturday in the Park. Held in July, this is a free, all-day event presented by Hard Rock Hotel & Casino features huge acts. The 2018 Saturday in the Park is July 7 with Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit headlining. Get more details here.

What else you should know

Hard Rock Casino & Hotel Sioux City quote

This is decidedly an adult playground, from the drinks at check in to the casino.

The pool is outdoors and seasonal, so only pack your suit if you’re staying between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

There is gift shop where you can get your Hard Rock gear. And if you’re the guilt-ridden kind of parent, you can get a cute teddy bear or something for the kids you left at home.

What’s near the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

The hotel is within walking distance to some bars and restaurants, as well as some of the city’s other great attractions: Sioux City Art Museum, The Public Museum, and a cool trail along the Missouri River. There’s also a movie theater and the Orpheum Theater nearby. Again, it’s all walkable (unless the weather stinks). It’s also near Jackson Street Brewing if you’re into trying local beer.

If you go

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City

Where: 111 Third St., Sioux City, Iowa

Cost: Rates vary depending on the season and day of the week you stay. It’s high-end so expect high-end prices. Comparing different dates, you can save almost $100 staying during the week than on the weekend.

Website

 

Plan your getaway with these posts:

Couples Getaway To Sioux City (guide to eating, entertainment and where to stay)

My Sioux City Bucket List (for visits with and without kids)

Inside the Sioux City Public Museum

Filed Under: Iowa Tagged With: , ,
Next Page »