Just off I-80 in South Omaha an unassuming strip mall on the corner of 50th and F holds a delectable secret—a food sanctuary producing consistent, unmatched flavors you won’t find anywhere else, The Corner Kitchen. Self-described as Mexican street food with global influences, this restaurant lives up to its ethos, offering a delightful fusion of Mexican, Asian, American, Caribbean, and Latin dishes all under one roof.
As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted by an inviting atmosphere, with custom art pieces matching their menus hanging on the walls. The interior features around 10 cozy tables, a counter for ordering, and a big chalkboard menu that dominates the scene. The upbeat Hispanic music playing in the background sets the perfect mood for an exciting dining experience. You order at the counter when ready and the kitchen thoughtfully courses out each dish, made to order.
The menu at The Corner Kitchen is a masterpiece of creativity, freshness, execution, and beautiful plating. Its varied options provide guests with combinations where flavors play harmoniously together, often with unexpected twists.
Take, for instance, the Chipotle Miso Ramen: chipotle-seasoned chicken breast, oyster mushrooms, bok choy, miso broth, and a perfectly jammy egg. The miso broth introduces an umami-adobo flavor that elevates the dish to new heights, and the ramen noodles strike an ideal balance between firm and chewy.
They cater to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free guests, their selections not only abundant but enticing a to a number of palates and preferences. Among these options, the Korean Equites stands out—a cheesy dish featuring fresh corn with a hint of chili oil. The Elote Tots, served crispy with a generous smothering of sriracha mayo and cotija cheese, are a must-try.
The burrito selection is eclectic, blending and rolling various culinary influences into flavor-packed flour tortillas. The Nashville Hot Chicken Burrito, a twist on the trendy southern sandwich, comes with mango slaw, rice, and salsa macha, balancing heat and flavor. Another standout is the Chilango, featuring Beef barbacoa, longaniza, sweet corn, rice, and cacahuate salsa—a flavor explosion that leaves you craving more. My only regret was not asking for more salsa for my leftovers.
A recurring theme of the Corner Kitchen menu is the combination of unexpected flavors that and textures merge seamlessly to create a complete, cosmopolitan culinary experience. Don’t pass up the opportunity to try their tacos with handmade corn tortillas, especially on Taco Tuesday. The Korean Pork Tacos are a personal favorite, combining sweet, savory, smoky, and spicy elements, topped with a crunchy Korean coleslaw, green onions, and black sesame seeds. Another plus—all the salsas are served on the side with limes, allowing you to easily tailor each bite to your liking.
For the dessert course, The Corner Kitchen continued to impress with its sweet offerings. I savored the Elote Flan, a delightful creation featuring a corn-flavored custard paired with luscious caramel ice cream. Flan, like so many other desserts, is often considered an art form, and was expertly executed here—light yet rich, with a simple yet elegant combination of ingredients that provided both comfort and luxury. The velvety sweet corn custard harmonized beautifully with the rich caramel ice cream, creating a medley of flavors. Unable to resist temptation, I also indulged in the ‘Chocoflan’, a decadent treat combining chocolate cake with velvety vanilla custard—a perfect choice for those who may be hesitant about the corn custard. Both desserts shone brightly, but my heart leaned toward the Elote Flan for its unique and unforgettable flavor profile.
Presentation at The Corner Kitchen is yet another standout feature. Whether it’s a single taco, a heaping bowl of ramen, or a side of Elote tots, everything is plated beautifully, turning every meal into a visual delight. The price points represent an amazing value considering the quality of the dining experience offered. What’s even more commendable is their commitment to showcasing local farmers on the menu, making it not only a great deal for your taste buds but also a meaningful investment in the community. The Corner Kitchen’s convenient hours, from 11am to 9pm, ensure that no matter your schedule, you can savor their delicious offerings. The menu remains consistent throughout the day, with specials that change regularly. For those seeking a beverage to accompany their meal, the restaurant offers a selection of Mexican beers, seltzers, and rotating frozen drinks, often featuring seasonal margaritas.
Remarkably, this restaurant has been open for just a year and a half, yet it’s already making waves in Omaha’s culinary scene by pushing the boundaries with their unique combinations of styles and flavors. With its creative and delicious dishes, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone looking to embark on a culinary adventure that borders and expectations alike.
For more information, visit facebook.com/cornerkitchenoma.
This article originally appeared in the November/December 2023 issue of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
This article originally appeared in the November/December 2023 issue of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
