On a recent spring afternoon, my kids and I headed to Freddy’s Custard & Steakburgers in Papillion, Neb., for a treat. We had just finished two soccer games and were planning a walk around the trails at Walnut Creek Recreation Area. For a quick but satisfying lunch, this was a great restaurant in Papillion to head to!

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Freddy’s Custard & Steakburgers. All thoughts, opinions and typos are my own.

What should you order at Freddy’s?

Having only been to Freddy’s one other time to write about it as a cub reporter at The Daily Nonpareil, I wasn’t quite sure what to order. So, I chatted with Mary Seretta, to get the scoop on what’s popular at the restaurant.

Freddy’s was started by a guy name Freddy (surprise!), who opened up his first restaurant in Kansas with the idea of serving up down home food.

The burger that started it all the double steakburger. Unique to Freddy’s is the flat patty that makes up the steakburger. If you haven’t had one, they’ve got a crispy edge that makes them pretty unique.

At the Papillion location of Freddy’s, the bacon and cheese double steakburger and patty melt are more popular in than the original. Being a newbie to Freddy’s, I went with the original. Everything is cooked to order. See the full menu here.

I had fries with my burger (of course), and Freddy’s just might have the best ones in the business. These thin, almost shoestring thin, fries are perfectly seasoned. Freddy’s has two fry sauces in addition to ketchup, and you should try them. The jalapeno version wasn’t spicy, surprisingly.

Other menu items include hot dogs, chili (and therefore, chili dogs), and limited-time food like fish sandwiches. The Papillion Freddy’s just started serving crispy chicken sandwiches, with a spicy option available.

And then there’s the custard. There are a variety of specialties to choose from, as well as sundaes, shakes and concretes (which has the toppings blended in). Or you can order your own creation – there are about 30 toppings to choose from.

I ordered the mint Oreo concrete, which was a delicious treat. The custard is a lot creamier and richer than ice cream I’m used to.

What kids can eat at Freddy’s?

There is a kid’s menu available at Freddy’s, which includes the entrée, fries and drink. One of my kids ordered chicken fingers and the other had a steakburger, which was a pretty generous serving for a kiddo. Glad he was hungry!

They both opted for Dirt ‘N Worms sundae, a tasty treat with vanilla ice cream, cookie crumbles and gummie worms, topped with whipped cream and a cherry.

And, I’ll confess, we also tried the brownie sundae. The chocolate ice cream is a rich chocolate that I loved.

The other frozen treats you might be interested include custard cookie sandwiches. One is made with Oreos, the other made with Nutter Butters.

Tip: If you have dogs with you, Freddy’s has a “pup cup” available to order! These small servings of custard make nice treats for the pups. 

What it look like inside Freddy’s?

Freddy’s has a cool retro look to it, with red throughout. It’s got a pretty nostalgic feel to it.

You’ll find black and white pictures of the real Freddy throughout the Papillion location. Freddy was a Vietnam vet, and it’s interesting reading the captions of the photos to learn more about his history and travels.

Freddy’s is a restaurant chain that involves itself in the local community of each location. This particular Freddy’s, which is right be Shadow Lake Towne Center, participates in a variety of fundraisers, especially for schools. They offer up to a generous 30% donation on profits for fundraising nights. On the day we visited, Mary told me about the effort the restaurant had made to raise money for the Red Cross to support Nebraska flood victims.

What’s near this restaurant in Papillion?

The big draw to the area is Shadow Lake Towne Center, where the Freddy’s Papillion location is located. This is a great outdoor shopping center with a mix of national brands and local stores like Michaels, Bath & Body Works, Chocolatier Stam and Nebraska Brewing Co.

If you head east on Highway 370, you’ll hit two favorite places of mine. The first, is Walnut Creek Recreation Area, which consists of a large lake, a playground, and paved and dirt bike trails.

The other place worth mentioning is Sumtur Amphitheater, which hosts outdoor concerts and has a great lineup of free, family-friendly movies each summer.

If you go

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Where: Shadow Lake Towne Center, 11674 S. 73rd St., Papillion, Neb.

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I’ve been a fan of Billy McGuigan ever since I was reviewing theater for The Daily Nonpareil and I heard him sing the first few notes in “Rave On: The Buddy Holly Experience.” He’s gone on to perform in other great shows too, including “Rock Twist,” opening Aug. 1 at Omaha Community Playhouse. So I have this chance to ask him anything about Omaha…and my mind goes to food. Typical. I’m so glad I asked him what his favorite restaurants in Omaha were, because, you guys, McGuigan’s list is stellar.

Billy McGuigan’s “Rock Twist” runs Aug. 1-12, 2018 at Omaha Community Playhouse. Photo courtesy Christine McGuigan Photography

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Rave On Productions. All thoughts and opinions below are Billy’s. 

Here’s Billy’s take on the Omaha food scene, in his own words:

I would never classify myself as a foodie. Let’s start there. But, after touring the country and world for the past 15 years, I started noticing that I judged a city by its local restaurants and the food in a city in general. San Francisco’s Dungeness crab, New Orleans’ crawfish and any restaurant in Albuquerque are some of my favorite spots in the U.S. Omaha is no exception and I’ve come to love the local flavor of this town. With that, I’ve put together my 10 favorite food spots in Omaha in no particular order. If you haven’t tried these places, please do!

Billy’s favorite restaurants in Omaha

10. Stokes (Old Market and West Omaha)

Billy McGuigan orders an off-the-menu hot sauce to go with the Sharon’s (World Famous) Enchiladas at Stokes. Photo courtesy Billy McGuigan

I first had Stokes when it was located in the 114th and Dodge streets area. After having Sharon’s chicken enchiladas with a side of inner beauty (their off-the-menu hot sauce), I was immediately hooked. Spicy and fresh and delicious. I’ve eaten at Stokes more than any other restaurant in my life.

Favorite Menu Items: Sharon’s (World Famous) Chicken Enchiladas, Koko’s Harvest Salad, Stokes Tenderloin Pueblo

9. Wilson & Washburn (Downtown Omaha)

Wilson & Washburn is located in downtown Omaha. Photo courtesy Billy McGuigan

This place is an experience. It feels very Chicago, very New York. The drinks are finely crafted and the food is so great. The bartenders tend to remember you after a few visits and they learn the way you like your drinks made and typically how you ordered your food the last time you where there. Bonus party room upstairs for private parties as well!

Favorite Menu Items: Scotch Egg, Beet Chips (seriously!), Beet Burger (again, seriously), Braised Short Rib

8. Early Bird (Blackstone)

Billy McGuigan and his kids in front of Early Bird, a favorite brunch spot for his family. Photo courtesy Billy McGuigan

My kids would kill me if this all-day brunch place wasn’t included on this list. It opened last year and I think we’ve been here six times already. Be prepared for a wait because this place is super popular. It is totally worth it. A unique brunch menu filled with both traditional and non-traditional breakfast items (check out the Ka-Bob’s) as well as sweet and savory. The service is also fantastic!

Favorite Menu Items: Ka-Bobs, Corned Beef Hash, Cereal Killer Pancakes (my son Ciaran’s favorite), Morning Pot Pie (my daughter Cartney’s favorite)

7. Mula (Blackstone)

Mula makes borracha beans like Billy McGuigan’s grandmother used to make. Photo courtesy Mula

I’m a complete and total sucker for Mexican food. My grandmother was a Garcia and she made borracho beans so good they could make you cry. Mula makes these and after the wave of nostalgia I got from eating them here, I choked up a bit. A massive tequila selection and a varied selection of unique tacos and tortas.

Favorite Menu Items: Any of their Guacamoles, Camaron Tacos, Carne Asada Torta, Jalapeño Margarita

6. Block 16 (Downtown Omaha)

Billy McGruigan promises that Block 16 is worth the wait. Photo courtesy The Mullers via Block 16

The first time I came here, I nearly didn’t go in because there was such a long line. The guy in the back of the line looked at me and told me it was well worth the wait. I couldn’t agree more. If you’re under the impression that vegan food has no flavor, you should go vegan here. I love this place so much!

Favorite Menu Items: Vegan Sloppy Nick, Vegan Dragon Fries, Vegan Poutine Burrito

5. Yoshitomo (Benson)

Sushi at Yoshimoto is as good as the best Billy McGuigan has tried across the U.S. Photo courtesy Yoshimoto

I’ve been a huge sushi fan since the late ‘90s when I had it for the first time at Sushi Ichiban when it was on the corner on Dodge street. Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to try it all over the country and Yoshitomo is as good as any I’ve ever had. Super classy environment and a menu that rocks!

Favorite Menu Items: Sake Nigiri, Hamachi Nigiri, 3 Kings Maki, Aburi Wagyu

4. Pitch (Dundee)

Pitch manages to make pizza without cheese so good, you don’t miss the cheese. Photo courtesy Billy McGuigan

Full disclosure: I have a dairy allergy. I know, pizza with no cheese? Yeah, it’s hard to find. Pitch’s pizza is so good, it works without the cheese. Try it! Also, those Brussel sprouts. Have you not had these? They are ridiculously good.

Favorite Menu Items: Shrooms Pizza (no cheese), Roasted Brussel Sprouts, House Made Fennel Sausage Pizza (No cheese)

3. Coneflower Creamery (Blackstone)

Coneflower makes a wickedly good, dairy-free ice cream. And a tip from McGuigan: Always add Spanish peanuts. Photo courtesy Billy McGuigan

Speaking of no dairy, do you have any idea how hard it is to find really good, dairy-free ice cream? Look no further. This place is an absolute gem. There’s nearly always a line, but again, totally worth it. The vinyl records and great taste in music also add to the ambiance of this wickedly good ice cream shop!

Favorite Menu Items: Vegan Golden Milk Ice Cream, Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter, always add Spanish Peanuts

2. Red Lion Lounge (Blackstone)

McGuigan’s choice for a place to hang out with friends and enjoy a good cocktail. Photo courtesy Billy McGuigan

“Friends” had Central Perk. “How I Met Your Mother” had McLarens. You know, the iconic place to hang out with friends and have a drink or two. I always wanted one of these and I’m pretty sure I’ve found it in the RL. Limited snack items and amazing craft cocktails. Amazing “Mad Men”-esque decor with iconic black and white photos throughout. If you find Roald Dahl, you’ll find me.

Favorite Menu Items: Candied Cashews, Local Heirloom Popcorn, Rusty Nail, Infusion Vanilla Bean Blonde

1. Farine + Four (Midtown)

The spicy chicken sandwich at Farine + Four. Photo courtesy Farine + Four

You ever hope and dream there’d be a place you could wake up and walk to and grab a great coffee and a sandwich? Farine and Four is this place for me. Nestled in the heart of my neighborhood is this gem. Farine + Four means Flour + Oven in French. It also means they only use four ingredients as the base for all of their breads: flour, water, salt, and levain (yeast). It’s so amazingly good and you have to try it. They open the garage door in the summer and you won’t be able to resist the smells coming from their kitchen.

Favorite Menu Items: Spicy Chicken Sandwich (best you’ll ever have), Egg Sandwich, Peanut Butter Cookie

Billy McGuigan’s “Rock Twist”

If you didn’t know Billy McGuigan before this post, you’ve got to hear the music of this foodie-that’s-not-a-foodie. You can see him in the show, “Rock Twist,” which will be at Omaha Community Playhouse Aug. 1-12.

The show features McGuigan and a 13-piece band performing the music of artists who have impacted McGuigan’s life. There’s everything from Frank Sinatra to The Doors and Chuck Berry. 

Performances of “Rock Twist” are Aug. 1-12, Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $42 each and are available at by calling the box office at 402-552-0800 or go online to www.omahaplayhouse.com.

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Every so often, you just need a huge pancake, right? There are dozens of places to get pancakes in Omaha, and as expected, when I asked my readers on Facebook where to go, they had MANY suggestions. I’ve narrowed down their favorites and added mine to create this list. Here are eight great places for pancakes in Omaha:

Amato’s Cafe & Catering

Where: 6405 Center St.

What to order: They’re known for their ricotta pancakes, which occasionally has added ingredients like peaches or pumpkin.

Claim to fame: Amato’s has been featured on the “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives” and “Man Vs Food.”

Lisa’s Radial Cafe

Where: 817 N. 40th St.

What to order: Their Killer Cakes come with add-ins like chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, peanut butter, or seasonal fruit. My kids will tell you the chocolate chips are the best, I’m old-fashioned and go for plain ol’ pancakes, though.

Note: They only accept cash at Lisa’s Radial. It’s inexpensive, but still something to note.

Vidlak’s Brookside Cafe

Where: 15668 W. Center Road

What to order: If buttermilk pancakes are too tame for you, try the bacon stuffed pancakes or the German potato pancakes.

11-Worth Cafe

Where: 2419 Leavenworth St.

What to order: Like all Caniglia family restaurants of yore, 11-Worth Cafe serves heaping portions. It’s no different with pancakes. Pancakes are pretty straight-forward here, and you can opt to add in only three things: Strawberries, blueberries or peaches.

Note: They often hand out balloons to kids. It’s the highlight of my kids’ day when it happens.

Tip: This restaurant was included in 19 Great Places To Get Breakfast In Omaha.

Farmhouse Cafe & Bakery

Where: 3461 S. 84th St.

What to order: I prefer the Golden Griddle Cakes with blueberries added, but if you feel like branching out, there are German potato pancakes that come with applesauce.

Note: If there’s a wait, not big deal. Go browse Mangelsen’s, the craft store connected to the restaurant.

Tip: This place was included in Kid-Friendly Breakfast Spots In Omaha.

Harold’s Koffee House

Where: 8327 N. 30th St.

What to order: Harold’s has been around since 1958 and has that perfectly homey feel to it. They have fluffy buttermilk pancakes, but if you want to get crazy, try the berry and granola pancake. And always, always, ask for one of their homemade donuts. Totally over-indulgent if you’re already eating a pancake, but trust me on this.

Early Bird

Where: 3824 Farnam St.

What to order: The pancake options are abundant here, good luck deciding. Cereal Killer Pancakes are pretty Instagrammable (Fruity Pebbles or Coco Puffs on a pancake?!). If you can’t decide, you can always get the pancake flight, where you choose any three from the following: Plain, blueberry, chocolate chip, Cereal Killer, pineapple upside down, cinnamon roll, and PB&J.

Note: This is the newest restaurant on the list in one of the trendiest neighborhoods, Blackstone District. Expect a wait if you don’t get there early.

Leo’s Diner

Where: 6055 Maple St.

What to order: I usually check the specials board for pancake specials (lucky you if you arrive on Pancake Weekend). Regular options on the menu are the short-stack and blueberry pancakes.

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