The Omaha Food Guide: Steaks, Reubens and the Blackstone Block

Yes, get the steak. But Omaha's food scene stopped being only about beef a decade ago, and the interesting eating now happens on a few specific blocks. Here's what's actually worth your three or four meals.

The steak, done right

The Drover's whiskey-marinated ribeye is the local institution and the order to make if you only have one steak dinner. Book several days ahead on weekends. For a downtown alternative, the classic chophouses near the Old Market do a fine job without the drive.

The Blackstone block

Stirnella for pasta and a serious cocktail list, plus coffee, tacos and a couple of great bars — all within one walkable stretch. If you have exactly one night and want to feel like you found the good part of town, spend it here.

Old Market, for the atmosphere

Kitchen Table for a small, seasonal menu and house-made everything. Then dessert at Ted & Wally's and a walk under the string lights. It's touristy in the best sense: it delivers.

Benson, late

Dive bars, live music and cheap late-night food. Go Friday or Saturday after ten, when something is always on.

The quick list

• Best splurge: a marinated ribeye at The Drover.
• Best single block: Blackstone, between 39th and 40th.
• Best cheap lunch: Block 16, counter service, under $15.
• Best dessert: Ted & Wally's in the Old Market.
• Best Saturday morning: the Omaha Farmers Market, May through October.