A charming cafe in Omaha delivers on their promise by prioritizing locally sourced ingredients and serving quick, health-conscious meals that are anything but boring. A one-stop shop in the Ashton Building of Millwork Commons, Clean Slate Cafe is the brick-and-mortar extension of Clean Slate Food Co., a Lincoln-based food delivery service that prides itself on its quality meal prep cuisine and sustainable practices.Â
Whether patrons dine in or grab a meal to go, Clean Slate makes it simple to eat well without compromise. This commitment extends to the company’s recent partnership with Joslyn Art Museum to run the museum’s new on-site Durham Cafe, a decision that highlights their reputation for high-quality healthy food.Â
Clean Slate Cafe caters to the needs of those on the go by offering convenient meals all day, including a breakfast and lunch menu available for dine-in, pickup, or delivery. The grab-and-go fridge stays consistently stocked, ready to be enjoyed at home or in the office. While these options allow diners to enjoy Clean Slate's cuisine wherever they are, nothing compares to experiencing the cafe’s dishes hot, fresh, and made-to-order.
Stepping into the cafe feels both modern and inviting, with its wood and plant accents, open seating, and exposed brick walls. Despite its small size—seating around 25 guests at a time—natural light floods through large windows and makes the space feel bright and airy. The layout facilitates easy flow for diners to stop in for an unhurried meal, or beeline toward the fridge for a quick meal to-go.
The kitchen menu itself is intentionally limited, with only about a dozen made-to-order offerings throughout the day. This streamlined selection allows the staff to focus on the quality and thoughtful execution for which Clean Slate Co. is known, and rotating menu specials add an extra element of surprise.
After reviewing our options, my dining companion and I started easy with the Avocado Toast from the cafe’s breakfast menu—Clean Slate’s take on this favorite of ours exceeded expectations. With a base of housemade sourdough, the toast was generously topped with creamy avocado, pickled red onion, and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. It's a simple breakfast staple that’s hard to dislike, especially when prepared with such care.
For our main course, my companion decided on the Focaccia Chicken Sandwich, which featured a tender, braised chicken thigh with pepperoncini and fennel slaw. Though she was unsure about the sauces and requested them on the side, one taste was all it took for her to add the creamy roasted garlic aioli and the zing of the hot honey vinegar sauce to each bite. Served on housemade focaccia, the sandwich was more substantial than we anticipated, especially for the price.Â
I opted for the Cacio e Pepe, a dish typically associated with comfort food, but presented here with a refined touch. The potato gnocchi was skillfully prepared and coated in a luscious black pepper sauce and a generous shower of pecorino cheese. Though it wasn’t included, I added chicken for an extra $3, which paired beautifully with the fresh ingredients. The broccoli and tomato confit balanced out the heartier elements, while the chervil leaves on top added a delicate herbal note—thoughtful details like these showed the care that went into its preparation.
We also split the White Bean Summer Salad, which, while not intended for sharing, was a refreshing contrast to both of our entrées. This side salad was a blend of white beans, red onion, and asparagus, all dressed in a bright lemon vinaigrette.Â
To round off our meal, we couldn’t resist taking home two servings of the Golden Turmeric Oats, a grab-and-go option that drew our attention for its presentation alone. The vegan-friendly treat featured turmeric-infused oats and creamy coconut milk, complemented by fresh kiwi, strawberries, almonds, and coconut flakes. The colorful ingredient layers made it visually appealing, and the taste was just as good when we enjoyed them later.
While some menu staples remain consistent, our cashier informed us that the chefs are often coming up with new options. Guests at the cafe should always consider taking a moment to check the specials board, as this is where the chefs tend to experiment and showcase their creativity.
The grab-and-go fridge offerings rotate even more frequently, and new selections are available each week. It’s important to note that the cafe kitchen menu is available for ordering only until 3 p.m., though the cafe itself is open until 5 p.m. daily, except on Sundays. After 3 p.m., grab-and-go options remain available. These meals heat up beautifully in just a few minutes, with containers that clearly label the ingredients and nutrient counts.Â
As demand grows locally for health-conscious dining options, Clean Slate Cafe proves that nutritious fast food can be as crave-worthy as it is accessible. For anyone aiming to make healthier choices without sacrificing quality or flavor, a meal from Clean Slate is one that satisfies on every level.
For more information, visit cleanslatefoodco.com.
This article originally appeared in the January/February 2025 issue of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
