As their name implies, the main function of appetizers is to whet the appetite of diners for the meal that will follow. While there’s nothing wrong with serving classic appetizers like chips and salsa or crackers with cheese, there are a few restaurants in Omaha that have gotten culinarily creative and taken the art of the appetizer to a deliciously different level.
Featured clockwise from top left.
Duck Duck Goose Fries at Block 16
1611 Farnam St. | 402.342.1220
Block 16 is taking street food to new heights with an ever-changing, unique menu. They always use fresh, locally sourced ingredients to make their meals. Block 16 is popular among many for their mouthwatering spins on fries. The Duck Duck Goose Fries are at the pinnacle of this popularity, and they are anything but ordinary. This basket is piled high with duck confit, crispy skin, cheese, duck-fat mayo, and gooseberry gastrique. Price: $5.50
PB&J Wings at Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews
1203 Cornhusker Road, Bellevue
531.999.3352
PB&J Wings means exactly that—peanut butter and grape jelly mixed into a sauce into which chicken wings are tossed. A newer restaurant in Omaha, Sickies Garage evokes a grease-monkey vibe while supplying diners with enough drinks to satisfy a Pink Lady or a Greaser. Those unsure about trying this childhood favorite on chicken can order as few as 6 wings in their choice of boneless or traditional, but the online reviews point to more people going for larger orders, and as they serve up to 20 wings, they can satisfy the hungriest of snackers. Price: $8.99-$22.99
Goat Cheese Peppadews
at Pitch Pizzeria
Dundee: 5021 Underwood Ave.
402.590.2625
West Omaha: 17808 Burke St.
402.289.4096
The peppadew is a sweet, slightly spicy South African pepper. At Pitch Pizzeria, they stuff their peppadews with creamy goat cheese and serve them atop a bed of baby greens with a basil pesto vinaigrette. The appetizer is complete with a drizzle of balsamic reduction. The unusual peppadew dish makes for a tasty start to any entrée at Pitch. Price: $10
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
at J. Coco
5203 Leavenworth St.
402.884.2626
Eating lighter or sticking to a vegetarian diet does not mean a diner needs to miss out on their favorite foods. This take on Buffalo wings at J. Coco is spicy and meaty, but without the excess fat and calories. They even come with blue cheese sauce and pickled celery to evoke the experience of eating wings. Price: $9
Lobster Hush Puppies at Railcar
1814 N. 144th St.
402.493.4743
Railcar Modern American Kitchen specializes in the classic American dining experience. Their menu takes creative spins on several traditional dishes. Among the items on their starters menu, diners can find the Lobster Hush Puppies. These are far from the average hush puppy—they are made with bacon, lobster, tomato, and green onion, and topped with a bright, creamy harissa aioli. The plate comes with 5 perfectly fluffy pups ready to be shared among the table. Price: $16
Clothesline Bacon at The West End Omaha
1529 S. 203rd St., Suite 1
402.502.1884
The West End Omaha serves more than typical bar food. An order of crisp roasted brussel sprouts and meatballs on their own would make a meal to go with their signature drinks. But the standout here is the miniature clothesline to which thick cut sriracha honey bacon strips are pinned over half sour/vinegar pickles, allowing the extra fat to drip onto them. Price: $14
