The most atmospheric place to dine is undoubtedly Rick's Café Boatyard, located beside the Missouri River at 345 Riverfront Dr. (tel. 402/345-4545; www.rickscafeboatyard.com). A bustling, airy restaurant seating 1,000 diners both inside and on a huge deck overlooking the river, it's known for its live nightly jazz and fresh seafood but also offers wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, pastas, and steaks, all priced between $8 and $40. In the Old Market, The French Café, 1017 Howard St. (tel. 402/341-3547; www.frenchcafe.com), is a refined restaurant that opened in 1969 as the warehouse district's first restaurant. It serves fusion American/French cuisine renowned for its presentation, with many dishes, such as the chateaubriand, prepared tableside. Dinner entrees run $28 to $47.
For a taste of Omaha's famous steaks, head to Gorat's, 4917 Center St. (tel. 402/551-3733). This family-owned, unpretentious Omaha institution has been serving steaks hand-cut and aged on the premises since 1944 and is a popular hangout of investor Warren Buffet. Seafood, sandwiches, pastas, daily specials, and a children's menu round out the extensive offerings, with steaks and all the trimmings ranging from $16 to $25. Another popular choice is Dundee Dell, located in the quaint Dundee neighborhood west of downtown at 5007 Underwood (tel. 402/533-9501; www.dundeedell.com). Established in 1934, it's famous for its fish and chips and large assortment of sandwiches, all priced below $9, but also available are steaks, low-carb dishes, a children's menu, and one of the largest selections of single-malt Scotch and liquors in the world.
