Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and lunch is a bite before getting back to the business of life. When the two meet in the middle, however, diners have a meal worth celebrating. Every weekend in Omaha, people are breaking bread over brunches that are whimsical, sophisticated, and downright delectable. After a bit of detailed research, Omaha Magazine brings readers several notable brunches, and brunch items, around the metro, including where, and at what times, one can sink their teeth into them. Many restaurants also serve specials on any given brunch day, sometimes elevating their eggs Benedict to filet Benedict or trying a new craft cocktail.
Acadian Grille
725 N. 114th St.
Sundays 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
—acadiangrille.com
Popular “Cajun” cuisine throughout the last hundred years has often been caricaturized by over-the-top TV chefs, but Acadian Grille has made a very mindful effort to respect and reflect on Acadian tradition and recipes passed down through generations. Loved for their reverence toward flavor development through traditional spices and slow soul food techniques, Acadian Grille is making education and cultural appreciation delicious.
Diners can linger over Acadian’s creamy “grits and ?” brunch. The dish can be topped with anything from the “extras” portion of the menu. Andouille sausage or shrimp are two traditional options that often accompany this ground corn staple of Southern cuisine. Note: As of presstime, Acadian Grille had discontinued brunch due to staff issues, but said they hope to bring it back.
Caddy’s Kitchen and Cocktails
115 W. Broadway
Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
—caddyskitchenanD
cocktails.com
This decidedly decadent brunch isn’t for the rowdy crowd, but rather for distinguishing diners looking to enjoy a fun afternoon with friends. Caddy’s punch features apple-flavored whiskey and orange vodka—not one’s average glass of pineapple juice. Bacon bourbon syrup adds a decidedly mature twist to any dish.
A recommended dish is the short-rib Benny—eggs Benedict with short ribs and jalapeño jam on a cheddar biscuit with house-made hollandaise.
Charlie’s on the Lake
4150 S. 144th St.
Saturday and Sunday
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
—charliesonthe
lake.net
Each holiday arrives with a new brunch menu at this Omaha favorite, and a special twist on classic favorites, but every weekend is a celebration of its very own. With a patio for sunny summer days and plenty of room for guests, one can sip a sangria on the patio and peruse a menu of crab cake Benedicts and New England Lobster Rolls.
An elegant choice, however, is the breakfast soufflé, packed with artichoke hearts, ham, bacon, eggs, and cheeses, then topped with sautéed spinach and hollandaise sauce.
Jams
1101 Harney St.
7814 Dodge St.
17070 Wright Plaza
Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
—jamseats.com
Jams has long been known as a go-to spot for weekend dining. With three locations strattegically spaced in the Old Market, almost the exact center of the city, and West O, anyone can access this local favorite.
Here, the chicken and waffles serve as the standout. Jams serves their famous coconut chicken over pearl sugar Belgian waffles with raspberry sauce and two eggs. Also enjoyable is the Jams Fin De Semana Tacos. Short ribs and scrambled eggs are served in a corn or flour tortilla with ancho Jack cheese and cilantro crema.
Jimbo’s DINER
7101 S. 84th St.
Saturday and Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
—lavistakeno.com/
jimbo-s-diner
Housed inside La Vista Keno is Jimbo’s Diner, ready to defeat one’s weekend cravings with traditional American diner fare that’s sure to hit the spot. Any of the stick-to-your-ribs classics will put an end to a patron’s hunger.
The featured dish to try there is the Jimbo’s Jumbo, which threatens to become one’s go-to gut-busting indulgence. Featuring a hand-cut crisp breaded sirloin topped with sausage gravy, hash browns, two eggs served to order, and a choice of biscuits, toast, or pancakes.
ORLEANS ROOM
The Cottonwood Hotel
302 S. 36th St.
Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
—thecottonwooD
hotel.com
Located in the beautiful Cottonwood Hotel in Blackstone, Orleans Room isn’t a standard continental breakfast. Quaint seating and luxurious Art Deco-inspired decor provide the background to a luxurious meal, regardless of whether a diner orders oysters on the half shell or a sumptuous lobster salad with the hotel’s signature Bloody Mary featuring Wheatley vodka.
The choice here is an elevated avocado toast topped with an egg, sprinkled with everything seasoning, and served with caperberry chips and crème fraiche. Smoked salmon can be added for a decadent treat, while a prickly pear mimosa serves a sweet finish.
Lula B’s
902 Dodge St.
Monday-Thursday
7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Friday-Sunday
7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
—lulabsomaha.com
The central location and casual, comfortable setting play second fiddle to the celebratory vibe at Lula B’s near the Capitol District. Even the most indulgent items on the menu feel fresh and mindful, and the high-octane craft cocktails leave brunchers feeling energized instead of nap-ready.
One popular menu item is shrimp tacos. This Tex-Mex favorite is made with crispy fried corn tortillas, sautéed shrimp, fresh avocado, and Mexican slaw, topped with chef’s special cocktail sauce.
PITCH
5021 Underwood Ave.
17808 Burke St.
Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
—pitchpizzeria.com
Everything on Pitch’s brunch menu screams “pick me!” The mid-day menu truly includes breakfast items and lunch items. No “breakfast with a slice of melon” here. The youngsters can eat a pizza while the adults take advantage of the discounts on wines.
The nachos delight diners with a muy caliente experience. Served with salsa verde, pickled red onion, and poblano crema, this dish with a fried egg and achiote-pulled pork is the protein-powered punch to start the day with a kick. Those with a sweet tooth can opt for the decidedly adult marsala waffle with fig sauce, fresh pear, prosciutto, and truffle oil.
STIRNELLA
3814 Farnam St.
Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
—stirnella.com
Every meal at Stirnella is a study in thoughtful touches and unexpected ingredients, and brunch is no exception. Sunday offers a full brunch menu, while Saturday features three specialties and choices of sides such as bacon or hash browns. Specials make unannounced appearances on the regular.
On either weekend day, a short rib hash elevates a humble pie to a Wagyu masterpiece with onion confit and whole-grain mustard hollandaise. Irish coffee reminds diners that they are legitimate grown-ups, while their inner child can smash a plate of banana pancakes with whipped Nutella and candied pecans.
Stokes
13615 California St.
1122 Howard St.
Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
—stokesrestaurant.com
Stokes has long been known as a place to go for a local take on Southwest fare, such as Mayan Fire fettuccine or roasted squash and potato enchiladas. Likewise, the brunch menu offers a large variety of options that leave one stoked to mull over on a weekend morning. The bottomless mimosas will help keep one’s thirst quenched long enough to make a decision.
One item diners with a sweet tooth should try is Banana Bread French Toast—banana bread topped with fresh bananas and served with maple syrup. An upgrade to foster style is available—because sautéed bananas, caramel, chocolate, and powdered sugar can bring out the kid in any brunch-goer.
This article originally appeared in the June 2022 issue of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.