The Old Market area is one of Omaha’s most popular neighborhoods for its historic charm, abundance of shops, restaurants and businesses, and thriving residential scene. At the onset, a visit to the Old Market can be intimidating because you simply might not know where to start!
That’s why we’re here to break it down for you, offering a list of our favorite Old Market stops. Stroll through the weathered cobblestone streets and admire the old restored buildings hosting a myriad of modern-day shops and businesses. Omaha is proud of its past, which is particularly evident in this neighborhood!
Start With a Cup of Coffee
Start your day right with a fresh cup of coffee from a local coffee shop. We’ve mentioned a few of our favorite shops in Omaha before, two of which are in Omaha’s Old Market!
At Beansmith Coffee’s Old Market location, you’ll receive coffee made with freshly roasted beans straight from their La Vista shop. Beansmith’s commitment to quality, sustainability and community is obvious in the way they make their coffee, do business, and interact with customers. Check out the sleek interior of this modern coffee bar during your next visit to the Old Market!
Photos courtesy of Aromas Coffeehouse and Beansmith Coffee
Aromas Coffeehouse kills two birds with one stone, serving both delicious baked goods (via the Bliss Old Market Bakery portion of their business) and exceptional specialty coffee. This locally owned coffee shop is dedicated to serving the Omaha community — with their welcoming location for residents to gather, their smiling faces inviting you in, and their community-centered Podcast!
Go on a Shopping Spree
What would a thriving urban area be without a good lineup of local shops and boutiques to peruse?
All About Me Boutique is a fun and unique women’s fashion boutique right in the heart of the Old Market. Pick up vibrant, exciting and one-of-a-kind pieces at this fashion hub — and the perfect accessories to accompany your new outfit!
Photos courtesy of McLovin, All About Me Boutique and Black Market Furniture & Antique Hardware
Stop by McLovin, Omaha’s premier men’s clothing store for some of the best brands and trends around. Shop their carefully curated collection of clothing — including contemporary business clothes, stylish sportswear, fashionable weekend gear, and lots of locally made accessories.
Black Market Furniture & Antique Hardware is an inspiring Old Market hardware store stocked with new and restored fixtures and a custom furniture showroom. Their team of expert furniture makers can work with you to create a unique furniture piece using anything from their 15-acre salvage yard in South Omaha.
Another unique shop in the Old Market is the Mangelsen Images of Nature Gallery, a gallery displaying a collection of nature and wildlife photography by noted artist Thomas Mangelsen. This provides a relaxing stop in your day, allowing you to admire the incredible work of this talented photographer.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
Step back in time inside Omaha’s original candy shop, Old Market Candy Shop. This vintage-inspired shop has been serving the Old Market area since 1977, offering all the sweets your heart desires. Browse through their collection of Vermont truffles, international licorice, salt water taffy, Jelly Belly flavors, sugar-free options, and of course — their very own Old Market Fudge.
Ted & Wally’s Ice Cream has served the Old Market with exceptional homemade ice cream since 1984. Their hard work, dedication the community, and wonderful ice cream has made them the best ice cream shop in all of Nebraska!
Photo courtesy of Old Market Candy Shop and Ted & Wally’s Ice Cream
Be Entertained
There are many opportunities for entertainment in the Old Market area, and we think the best form of transportation for getting there is by horse-drawn carriage! Hop on board a carriage on the northeast corner of 11th and Howard Streets with Magical Journey Carriage Service — and travel through Old Market’s cobblestone streets in style.
Visit Blue Barn Theatre for a theatrical performance unlike any other. This theatre exists to enhance the cultural life of Omaha and its surrounding communities by producing professionally executed and boundary-breaking plays that ignite a passion for live theatre. Check out what they have on the schedule this season!
Photos courtesy of Magical Journey Carriage Service and Blue Barn Theatre
Omaha’s Orpheum Theater has been around for nearly a century, and was recently restored to its original splendor. It houses some of the best local and national performers. Head to the Orpheum for a concert, play, comedy show, holiday show or family show — enjoying the rich history of this building all the while.
Grab a Bite to Eat
And of course, the section we’ve all been waiting for. There are many amazing local restaurants in the Old Market area, but we’d like to steer you in the direction of some of our favorites.
Old Market Spaghetti Works has been serving generations of Omaha residents for over 30 years, offering wonderful Italian fare in a restored warehouse in the heart of Old Market.
The Kitchen Table has created a “slow food fast” culture, in which they provide fresh food made with the best local ingredients — for a reasonable price and in a casual atmosphere. Check out their menu to peruse their delectable sandwiches, salads, and small plates. And don’t miss their nightly dinner menu!
Photos courtesy of Boiler Room Restaurant, Kitchen Table and 801 Chophouse
801 Chophouse is of course known for their amazing steaks. Plus, their atmosphere and romantic setting makes them a wonderful dinner destination in the Old Market!
Speaking of romantic, V.Mertz is an intimate dinner spot that makes you feel like you’ve transcended to the streets of Europe. Their menus provide a unique gastronomic experience, weaving classic and contemporary flavors into a progressive and exciting cuisine.
If you missed your opportunity to take mom to Mother’s Day brunch at Le Bouillon, don’t worry. Their menu is packed with surprising flavor no matter what time of the day it is!
The Boiler Room Restaurant exists in the former boiler room of the 120-year-old Bemis Bag Building. This historic space hosts a modern-day Old Market favorite, serving up the finest and freshest ingredients to comprise tasty and innovative dishes.
Sip on a Local Libation
Unwind at the end of an action-packed day with a drink or two from one of our favorite local spots.
Grab a local craft beer at Upstream Brewing. Each batch is brewed on site in a variety of styles — from a hoppy Capitol Pale Ale to a sweet Raspberry Lager, and everything in between! You can enjoy a full meal or just a quick drink in Upstream’s inviting and rustic atmosphere.
The Berry and Rye serves up inventive craft cocktails created by expert mixologists. Get the best of both worlds in this contemporary setting while sipping on a pre-Prohibition-era drink!
Photos courtesy of The Berry and Rye and Upstream Brewing
What are your favorite Old Market stops?
We’d love to know where you like to go in this historic and exciting area!
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