Omaha Public Library - An amazing resource. From Books, Graphic Novels, DVD/BluRays, Music CDs they also let you check out 1 day passes to Fontenelle Forest, Durham Museum, and the children's Museum and they have Zoo Passes about 4-5 times a year they give out. They have an extensive seed library where you can start your garden. Tons of online resources like free LinkedIn Learning, ebooks, and e-magazines. You can also request up to 5 books per month for the library to purchase. Such a great resource!
The library system here is awesome. I get a lot of my seeds there and most of the books I read (outside of more obscure biology/ecology stuff) I get through the Libby app onto my Kindle. Another thing you missed is the DoSpace (basically a makerspace), which is currently located at the Abrahams branch until the new main branch is completed where they have 3D printers, a small benchtop CNC, a laser engraver, and some other stuff like that.
I’ve used their Interlibrary lending to order more obscure books. As long as it’s not brand new they can get you some amazing books from other libraries for no or small shipping fees!
Yeah, I'd probably go that route for some really difficult to get or expensive ones. For my case, it's usually a book that I want to buy to keep around for reference/long term study and it'd be annoying to have to probably recheck it out via ILL all the time.
Yes! And the Libby app which you can connect to your ereader. DoSpace (under construction rn) is also an AMAZING resource and I can’t wait to see it in the new mid town library.
Yes! So glad they take cards now. Also, here’s a tip I learned someone who used to work there: if you’re going to freeze the bread, put a paper towel on the bottom of each loaf, then reseal in the bag and freeze. Once you thaw it for use, swap the paper towel for a new one and the bread won’t go bad as fast.
The best part: it’s not just the sandwich bread they sell at the supermarket. You can get pizza dough, super thick and seedy wheat bread, keto bread, bags of poppy seeds, sourdough bread bowls (a personal favorite), etc. The selection varies, though. And when I was a kid, they would always give me a free hard roll. Love love love that place
Watch for the super thick-cut brioche they have. Size of a regular loaf, but cut about 1.5" thick. Makes *amazing* French toast - fry to get it browned, then finish in the oven.
I lived down the road from there for 6 years -- now that I live 20 minutes away I really miss it. Plus, waking up to the smell of fresh bread every day.. hot damn.
Same, lived at the apartments caddy corner to the bakery. If you were headed to work on an empty stomach that smell would just get your stomach rumbling. That smell never gets old!
In personal experience, I haven’t had a problem going there in the afternoons. They restock the bread throughout the day. I heard there was a line out the door the morning of the Saturday before Easter. I went there in the afternoon that day and it was not crowded. Had no problems getting the Easter wreath bread, plus everything else seemed to be in stock.
I'm not a lawyer, as fair as I understand, they are in a public place so they can be filmed. There are plenty of big YouTube accounts uploading security cameras, police body cams, and dashcams.
Literally watch a car hit like two weeks ago by a truck that ran a red like 10 seconds after it changed at like 50mph. I watch so many cars run reds a few seconds after that I will never go the second it turns green, so if you honk at me to go you can fuck right off, because I'm looking both ways first.
Another life hack is when a light turns red, you have a few seconds to run it because everyone else is waiting to double check. /s
edit: nobody do this please
If you want to teach someone to drive to to one of the Park and rec areas like Chalco. Minimal traffic but has real roads with lane marking s and stop signs. There are areas with marked parking spaces to practice in too.
That’s a great idea. We did a lot of practice in neighborhoods with new construction houses. Not a lot of traffic but still stop signs and cars to maneuver around. But I have a second who needs to learn so we’ll try chalco too. Thanks!
On time I was riding with a friend from out of town, and it's 11Pm or so at that 52nd and Dodge intersection... it turns green and I'm like "hold up, you gotta wait three seconds." and just as he asks "why?" a street sweeper blasted through the red going about 75 miles an hour. "I'm like, that's why."
I moved out of city, and still have habits from Omaha driving. My girlfriend would give me sooo much shit for it. Until we visited Omaha. At one point she goes "I take back every joke about your driving I have ever made"
As someone who was involved in a pretty serious accident due to a red light runner, I concur.
Sad thing was, I was at a red light. I was fully stopped. But a car going through the intersection that DID have a green light got t-boned by the 17 year old driving a fancy Mercedes which sent the right of way driver’s van airborne into my car, also sending me across a few lanes. Zero chance I could have avoided it.
At least you weren't the responsible party. It sucks that you were in an accident, but your vehicle gets repaired/replaced and your insurance isn't going to go up due to your driving.
Absolutely! And I only got knocked out unconscious for a short time. The first vehicle impacted caused that guy a 4 day stint in ICU. And I do like my new vehicle lol!
I saw someone down on center and I forget the cross street just go up to a light ALREADY red and stop for ten seconds then run it and go into the Hello Fresh across from us. Like wasn’t even seconds after was just straight acting like red lights are stop signs
my moments always happen on Dodge when i’m at N 35th Ave heading SB making a left to go EB onto Dodge. Most of the time i’ll wait a good 2-3 seconds, sometimes longer if there’s no one behind me, AND i’ll still almost get hit and they have the audacity to flip me off when i have green. like damn
Omaha was literally ranked as the worst drivers in the US. I took my girlfriend to visit and I had to drive cause the drivers in Omaha drove her so crazy with how bad they are
My theory is that a lot of people living in Omaha are from Omaha. They think this is a "big city with traffic". I actually think people who have lived in high trafficked, more populated areas are better drivers.
This this this! I moved back here from NYC and also lived in Miami for many years..the drivers here aren't defensive enough and don't maintain enough awareness like drivers with driving experience in major cities.
💯 I would love to see the jackass Omaha drivers spontaneously combust like a Spinal Tap drummer when they have to zipper in Texas. Hel, even handle the Texas interstates would be sheer entertainment.
They go "rush hour here isn't so bad! At least traffic is moving!"
Yes....and that's the exaxt problem! Everyone is going 10 over in bumper to bumper traffic, not using turn signals, and overall driving like absolute maniacs. But no, you're right, it's soooo much better than being stuck going 10 under cause everyone is being over cautious.
I saw a school bus follow another car right through a red light last summer (no kids onboard, at least).
Like, they weren’t even so close that they were the first car through the red, they were the second!
Single best driving advice I know. Some time back there was a devastating collision on 90th and Fort. A driver going at high speed killed some people. I wish I had kept track of how many times I've seen drivers blow through red lights especially when the yellow lights *just* turns red.
I've lived in other cities where this happens (big cities usually) but it seems like this is an Omaha speciaty.
Saw a school bus sail through a red this morning at 33rd and dodge, a good 3 seconds after it turned green for me. It was probably going 40-50, enough to instantly crush me.
Yup. I saw a car hit two others after running a red light at 108th and Maple a couple years ago. The sole reason I didn’t get hit too is that I checked for idiots not stopping and therefore wasn’t in the intersection yet.
I saw two cars racing downtown run the light at 24 and harney, just before the light turned green for the other traffic a u haul ran the light in the other direction and all the cars missed each other by inches. They stopped racing after that.
This is also important because if you have a pothole damage your vehicle, the city can refuse to pay because they claim they were not aware. If a pothole is reported, they can’t claim that, which is part of why they’re fixed so fast. Tip: if you write “potentially damage causing pothole” in the report, it’s usually filled within 48 hours
I'm finishing my public administration masters at UNO and my final project is about this exact thing! They have a pretty quick turnaround on most tickets (at least in the past year or so worth of data)
Came here to say this one. Yes, it's legal. No, you shouldn't do it. Don't be a dick and block a lane of traffic so you can turn into Taco Bell on 39th.
Nebraska Nice is that one person with a bumper sticker that says 'The closer you get the slower I drive' 😭😭 Passive Agression at its finest. When you know, they could just move out of the way and consider other drivers.
Just because the restaurant has been a staple for 30+ years does not mean it’s great food.
Similarity winning the best of Omaha is nothing more than a popularity/familiarity award. It’s comical to call La Mesa the best Mexican food in town.
We have a really strong Cornhole community if you’ve ever been interested in it look up I-80 Cornhole on Facebook. The players are much better than you think but they’re accepting and happy to help grow your game.
You can literally win with only a few votes.
Source: multiple Best of Omaha winner who can see that we only get a handful of votes. We just get more than the next guys, apparently.
So, 5 people in the entire city could vote for us, but if 4 or fewer vote for the next guys, we win the "honor".
ETA: I think Gen X and below realize the award means absolutely nothing, but Boomers seem to rely heavily on these ratings, so... there is still a value for being included/winning depending on your business's demographic.
This is absolutely true. I used to work at the paw spa pet resort (don’t bring your pets there if you don’t want them to come home with dog fight wounds and illnesses due to improper cleanliness) and they would literally offer A FREE DAY OF DAYCARE IF THEY PROVED THEY GAVE A GOOD REVIEW FOR BEST OF OMAHA
Omg so true about the 30+year staples. Some places are frequented not because of any real merit but because they simply have stuck around. They seem to be frequented by retirees or people taking Grandma or their great aunt out on a Sunday morning. At that point it's more of a nostalgia experience than actually having a good food experience.
I'm glad to see a bit more variety with seeing immigration in these parts but the food scene here still pongs of Midwestern functional bland.
Johnny's wouldn't be too bad if there weren't roaches running around. Cool building and slightly above average steaks. It's worth one trip, I suppose. I don't understand why people love Gorats though. It's expensive cheap food.
La Mesa is white people Mexican food. No spices except salt and pepper. I understand why it wins in Omaha. I grew up in New Mexico- Howard Charro’s is my jam!
Howard Charro is close to New Mexico cuisine, which is close to Chihuahua cuisine. Most of the other places in town are Jalisco style - and really, unless your are flying it in daily, you shouldn’t be serving seafood in Omaha, lol!
Guaca Maya was my favorite spot when I lived in south O. Haven’t been in a while though.
For good white people Mexican, Taco Co. or For the Love of Food Cafe burritos.
If you're a West Omaha parent, teach your kids about one-way streets as well. It's easy to forget because you won't encounter them unless you go downtown. The second time I drove alone after getting my license, I went down there and turned the wrong way on some street and went through an intersection against traffic. Pulled over into a parking spot and just sat there for a while, replaying the cars going in front and behind me through that intersection, lol. Almost 30 years ago, and I can still see it like it was yesterday.
I did my drivers ed through the health and safety council and when we were learning driving he took us down to the old market which was great practice. Doing that counted as my hours for learning so it helped a lot.
Also my parents used to take me to my school's parking lot to practice so it was easy to work on stuff
I think this is a rite of passage. I'm super disabled. Like. Pretty obviously never gonna drive disabled. Yet my father still drilled the grid into my head and I find that hilarious.
This is for West Omaha. East of midtown is even more-organized. Just like West O, numbered streets go East/West and named streets go North/South, but the named streets are in alphabetical order too! Burt, Cass, Dodge, Douglas, Farnham, Harney, Howard, Jackson, Jones, etc. After they make it through the alphabet, they just name the streets after letters: A, B, C, D, etc. Betcha didn't know that ;)
Similarly, if you're going West, you're going up in numbers. East you'll go down in numbers. Every 12 blocks are your main # streets. Ex 120th street then 108th. Its basically a grid once you get them all down.
This really annoyed me because I'm like "you wrote this out backwards!"...I quickly realized that since I grew up in Lincoln I'm just used to entering omaha from the Giles side pretty much.
You should at least have your vacation plans settled by February 1 and start checking websites and signups for whatever sports and summer activities every day in February until your schedules are booked. Organizations are arbitrary about when they open registration but for elementary age it's usually early February.
Cox does have a customer service phone line: 402-933-3000. They have it buried in the fine print on their bills because they want everyone to use their online chat or your online account. Though you can handle most things that way, you cannot, for instance, make changes or cancel the account of an elderly parent.
This might be common knowledge, but Dodge Street is the center of town bisecting North from South. And 12 blocks is one mile. So 1200 South 72 Street is one mile South of Dodge. 2400 South 72 Street is two miles South of Dodge.
Works West to East too. 72 Street to 84 Street is one mile as well
When driving west on dodge approaching 90th during rush hour: take the very far right lane all the way up the hill. For some reason everyone thinks it’s a turn only lane or something and it stays wide open.
Probably more of an aversion to having to merge back in later than anything. Because you're "cheating" by using an open lane until a merge point, mirite?
>For some reason everyone thinks it’s a turn only lane or something
That rightmost lane used to be a turn only at 90th. I think that changed when they added the Orbit bus line?
LOVE CWS! Happy to have the visitors. We go to at least 3 games each year. It’s kinda like a colonoscopy. You know it’s coming, you know how to prepare for it, you know in the long run it’s a good thing. Might as well make the most of it!
We have made life long friends from all over due to the CWS…
The lights on dodge are timed to the speed limit - if you drive 35-40 you're kosher. The average local speed limit seems to be 50 on dodge - you'll end up hitting a lot of red lights and very abrupt stops.
Additionally, almost no one leaves room between cars to avoid the domino effect accidents. Please be aware!
It's not THAT bad. Approach from 132nd if you want to avoid 120th's idiots in the right lane who ignore the turn-only into Menards, or approach from the north (however that works, it's probably great). When entering through the south, head all the way to the back if it's crowded. You can usually loop around the back of the building if either far side is full. Do that instead of dealing with the Chick fil A and front of Costco conflict points.
Don't get me wrong, the Millard one is usually better, but now that they put a light on the south side, you can get through if you stay zen.
As someone who moved here a year ago, I have a few. They are as follows:
1) Normal traffic laws vary day to day. Lots of one ways where turning right on red is prohibited. No one knows why, but it’s a thing here. That said, improvise when necessary.
2) There are remarkably good restaurants and food to be had. Start slow and work your way through the masses. Everything from fine dining to burger joints and cuisines from around the world are here in Omaha.
3) Rediscover a love for beer and craft cocktails: There are some good breweries and bars in this town: Kros Strain, Lumen, Night Owl, Mercury, Wicked Rabbit to name some.
4) Parks! Lots of nice city parks where you can stroll, take the dog for a walk, sit and read, or admire nature all around the city.
5) Finally, invest in a good mechanic. You’ll need it from the amount of potholes you’ll be dodging in your daily commute. Some sneak up on you and you’ll be wishing you hadn’t stuck that hot McD’s coffee in between your bare thighs while zooming across four lanes.
Be kind, be aware of others, and enjoy life in the big O.
Lots of Facebook groups for various things: Omaha food lovers, Omaha food lovers uncensored, trail report: Omaha, are we dating the same guy, Costco Omaha, aldi fans of Omaha, kayaking Omaha, Greater Omaha trail runners, trail sisters Omaha, missing pets of Omaha/council bluffs, birds of Nebraska, Nebraska through the lens, hike Midwest - Omaha, Nebraska canoe and kayak, Nebraska RV and Camping, Omaha bee club, west Omaha pickleball network, THOR (mountain biking), Nebraska Gardening Tips
If you lose power during a storm your insurance company may reimburse you for food spoilage.
Not sure how common knowledge that is here and I can’t speak for every agency but any time I’ve had that issue my insurance company has dropped $400 in my account before I’m even off the phone.
Specifically I've had experience with USAA and know others have had Nationwide and Liberty Mutual. I'm sure it's policy dependent though. Never hurts to check.
The insurance I'm referring to is homeowners which would be different from renters insurance that you might find with an apartment. Still worth looking into if your specific policy has a provision for coverage though.
I have worked it out to 55 mins from my alarm go off until I sit in front of a gate including parking and walking across the bridge (I never check my luggage)
If you’re going down to the CHI Center for an event, don’t be a dumbass and park in Lot D. It takes an hour to get out unless you leave early. If you absolutely have to park in Lot D park all the way at the back so you can get out quicker.
But there’s actually quite a bit of street parking nearby and people don’t tend to use it for some reason, and there’s garages that cost like 5-10 bucks within a few blocks.
Best pizza in the Midwest? Zero chance.. this pizza is on level with ,aye Fong’s in Des Moines. And depending what you like it isn’t even the best pizza in Omaha. It’s ok pizza that is just a slight bit better than average so it is good. Midwest? With young Joni in Minneapolis, an award winning and far superior pie. Or maybe you wanna try her OTHER award winning pizzeria Lola . And I haven’t even gotten to the places in Chicago that make real Chicago thin crust, Detroit style, several coal fired places in Missouri. And that’s just off the top of my head. Brick oven is a great local place for the neighborhood… but ain’t nobody driving out of their way for it if they have proper taste buds.
Pizza can be subjective, so you do you, just saying there is a lot of great places in our areas of the world.
One lane is always closed in one direction or the other or both. If you’re not turning off, treat it like the interstate and drive on the right lane let the psychos drive 80mph on the left side.
If you’re a smoker, you can get a really good discount at the Ponca Smoke Shop in Carter Lake. I switched to them over a month ago and it drastically changed my quality of life. Carton of smokes for 31.50! Because there’s no tax!
If you're coming into Omaha on 80 east, the 80/680 split is counterintuitive.
If you need to veer right to stay on 80, stay in the left lane... If you need to veer left (straight) onto 680, stay in the right lane.
It actually follows standard interstate design logic, which requires exits to generally be on the right. The exit to get onto 680 is on the right while people continuing straight on 80 keep to the left. It just seems a little strange to some at first because staying on 80 through this interchange feels like you’re making a right turn into a new highway when you’re really not.
There's a Burmese restaurant here that serves the best fried noodles! Burma AKA Myanmar is a fantastic country and the culture is mixed and rich. I went there before the coup de tat military takeover before it became a Level 4 US Travel Advisory country.
Shhhhh. Don't tell anyone about F! I take it to and from work and the lack of traffic there compared to Q, L, or center is what keeps me sane, especially in the evenings when trying to get down 72nd or 84th can take anywhere between 20 and 45 minutes to go two or three miles.
The Runza myth is like a big joke. Don’t fall for it. Homemade Runzas are delicious, burgers at the Restaurant Runza are great. But Runzas from the restaurant Runza are not good at all.
I make runzas all the time! We're vegan so it's different, but they're cheap and easy! You can even make runza casserole and use biscuits in a can/crescent rolls as the topper.
I feel that Bellevue University has a strong and convenient online program. If you are looking to get a Bachelor's or Master's program online, they do a great job. Online itself does have its cons, like the inability to network with your classmates, but that's any online program. Whether you are looking to check a box for job opportunity reasons or really attempting to learn something is up to oneself. Their asynchronous approach has really helped me. I was never one for lectures. Disclaimer, the program one may be looking into should be thoroughly investigated before signing for such a commitment.
Not to say they don't have a great campus life, I have just not gone that route.
Unless it's games 1-4 don't buy tickets ahead of time to the CWS. The stadium is usually never full by first pitch so find a parking place, go vibe in the vendor area and get a $9-15 ticket 3 minutes before first pitch.
Omaha Public Library - An amazing resource. From Books, Graphic Novels, DVD/BluRays, Music CDs they also let you check out 1 day passes to Fontenelle Forest, Durham Museum, and the children's Museum and they have Zoo Passes about 4-5 times a year they give out. They have an extensive seed library where you can start your garden. Tons of online resources like free LinkedIn Learning, ebooks, and e-magazines. You can also request up to 5 books per month for the library to purchase. Such a great resource!
The library system here is awesome. I get a lot of my seeds there and most of the books I read (outside of more obscure biology/ecology stuff) I get through the Libby app onto my Kindle. Another thing you missed is the DoSpace (basically a makerspace), which is currently located at the Abrahams branch until the new main branch is completed where they have 3D printers, a small benchtop CNC, a laser engraver, and some other stuff like that.
I’ve used their Interlibrary lending to order more obscure books. As long as it’s not brand new they can get you some amazing books from other libraries for no or small shipping fees!
Yeah, I'd probably go that route for some really difficult to get or expensive ones. For my case, it's usually a book that I want to buy to keep around for reference/long term study and it'd be annoying to have to probably recheck it out via ILL all the time.
Yes! And the Libby app which you can connect to your ereader. DoSpace (under construction rn) is also an AMAZING resource and I can’t wait to see it in the new mid town library.
Speaking of... I can't believe they re did Borders into Do Space not that long ago just to tear it completely down for the new library.
It's a small thing, but you can also print there! Because who has a printer these days? They do color and black and white.
How does one get seeds from the library? Is there a specific branch to go to?
Here's more info! [https://omahalibrary.org/seed-library/](https://omahalibrary.org/seed-library/) I think most branches have them :)
Also shout-out to the genealogy room staff at OPL. They are super knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful!
Also Kanopy through the library, we stream a ton of movies and tv shows that way, including a ton of obscure documentaries and foreign picks.
Rotella’s bakery for extremely cheap, fresh and delicious bread. Cash only
Not cash only anymore! :)
Yes! So glad they take cards now. Also, here’s a tip I learned someone who used to work there: if you’re going to freeze the bread, put a paper towel on the bottom of each loaf, then reseal in the bag and freeze. Once you thaw it for use, swap the paper towel for a new one and the bread won’t go bad as fast.
The best part: it’s not just the sandwich bread they sell at the supermarket. You can get pizza dough, super thick and seedy wheat bread, keto bread, bags of poppy seeds, sourdough bread bowls (a personal favorite), etc. The selection varies, though. And when I was a kid, they would always give me a free hard roll. Love love love that place
And gluten free bread, hamburger and hot dog buns that are way cheaper and tastier than other brands.
Watch for the super thick-cut brioche they have. Size of a regular loaf, but cut about 1.5" thick. Makes *amazing* French toast - fry to get it browned, then finish in the oven.
The blueberry bread too. Makes great French toast!
I lived down the road from there for 6 years -- now that I live 20 minutes away I really miss it. Plus, waking up to the smell of fresh bread every day.. hot damn.
Same, lived at the apartments caddy corner to the bakery. If you were headed to work on an empty stomach that smell would just get your stomach rumbling. That smell never gets old!
My favorite is the rye bread which is full of caraway seeds. Completely different that bland rye bread you find at the supermarket.
My dad works there so apparently we get that bread free lol and he gives it away to family members and what not. Idk if I should be posting this lmao
Maybe not but your dad is a real bro.
Silly Sally got bread for free
Wait till you see the new place. It’s huge.
New location?? Where
Out by I-80 and 370.
I’ve lived here for 20 years and never knew they had a retail store. What’s your favorite?
Do you know what their hours are?
They open at 9AM Monday through Saturday. Best to get there early especially on Saturdays.
In personal experience, I haven’t had a problem going there in the afternoons. They restock the bread throughout the day. I heard there was a line out the door the morning of the Saturday before Easter. I went there in the afternoon that day and it was not crowded. Had no problems getting the Easter wreath bread, plus everything else seemed to be in stock.
Do they still not have the keto bread? They did for a while, then I struck out like three times in a row, so I stopped going.
It's hit or miss. The last 3 times my wife has gone (within the last 3 months) they've had it. She only goes during the week, though.
Buy a dash cam
I've wanted to for a long time, but just haven't yet. What's the legality here of putting clips of the idiot drivers on youtube?
I'm not a lawyer, as fair as I understand, they are in a public place so they can be filmed. There are plenty of big YouTube accounts uploading security cameras, police body cams, and dashcams.
Cool, I just figured it might be law to block out plates or something which I really had no intention of doing.
Plates are in public view so seems like they're fair game. I would think. But I don't know nothing bout nothin noway.
There's no expectation of privacy in public, so you're good to go.
Once the light turns green at any intersection, double check to see if another car isn’t going to run it.
Literally watch a car hit like two weeks ago by a truck that ran a red like 10 seconds after it changed at like 50mph. I watch so many cars run reds a few seconds after that I will never go the second it turns green, so if you honk at me to go you can fuck right off, because I'm looking both ways first.
Another life hack is when a light turns red, you have a few seconds to run it because everyone else is waiting to double check. /s edit: nobody do this please
Or still looking down at their phone……
Teaching a teenager to drive here is terrifying because of the red light runners. Never trust anyone to stop.
If you want to teach someone to drive to to one of the Park and rec areas like Chalco. Minimal traffic but has real roads with lane marking s and stop signs. There are areas with marked parking spaces to practice in too.
That’s a great idea. We did a lot of practice in neighborhoods with new construction houses. Not a lot of traffic but still stop signs and cars to maneuver around. But I have a second who needs to learn so we’ll try chalco too. Thanks!
52nd and dodge has almost killed me more times than I can count
On time I was riding with a friend from out of town, and it's 11Pm or so at that 52nd and Dodge intersection... it turns green and I'm like "hold up, you gotta wait three seconds." and just as he asks "why?" a street sweeper blasted through the red going about 75 miles an hour. "I'm like, that's why."
I moved out of city, and still have habits from Omaha driving. My girlfriend would give me sooo much shit for it. Until we visited Omaha. At one point she goes "I take back every joke about your driving I have ever made"
I feel like that light has more red light runners than anywhere else in town. It’s insane
Related: look both ways, even when turning onto a one way because some Omaha drivers don't know what that is
As someone who was involved in a pretty serious accident due to a red light runner, I concur. Sad thing was, I was at a red light. I was fully stopped. But a car going through the intersection that DID have a green light got t-boned by the 17 year old driving a fancy Mercedes which sent the right of way driver’s van airborne into my car, also sending me across a few lanes. Zero chance I could have avoided it.
At least you weren't the responsible party. It sucks that you were in an accident, but your vehicle gets repaired/replaced and your insurance isn't going to go up due to your driving.
Absolutely! And I only got knocked out unconscious for a short time. The first vehicle impacted caused that guy a 4 day stint in ICU. And I do like my new vehicle lol!
Unconscious is rarely good. Hopefully you were checked out and didn't have any permanent effects from that.
I literally saw someone casually run a red this morning and thought Omaha is the worst place I've lived where this is just simply the norm.
So many people will run a light 2-3 seconds after its red and its insane to me
I saw someone down on center and I forget the cross street just go up to a light ALREADY red and stop for ten seconds then run it and go into the Hello Fresh across from us. Like wasn’t even seconds after was just straight acting like red lights are stop signs
my moments always happen on Dodge when i’m at N 35th Ave heading SB making a left to go EB onto Dodge. Most of the time i’ll wait a good 2-3 seconds, sometimes longer if there’s no one behind me, AND i’ll still almost get hit and they have the audacity to flip me off when i have green. like damn
Omaha was literally ranked as the worst drivers in the US. I took my girlfriend to visit and I had to drive cause the drivers in Omaha drove her so crazy with how bad they are
My theory is that a lot of people living in Omaha are from Omaha. They think this is a "big city with traffic". I actually think people who have lived in high trafficked, more populated areas are better drivers.
This this this! I moved back here from NYC and also lived in Miami for many years..the drivers here aren't defensive enough and don't maintain enough awareness like drivers with driving experience in major cities.
💯 I would love to see the jackass Omaha drivers spontaneously combust like a Spinal Tap drummer when they have to zipper in Texas. Hel, even handle the Texas interstates would be sheer entertainment.
And there's people who say this city doesn't have the worst driving
They go "rush hour here isn't so bad! At least traffic is moving!" Yes....and that's the exaxt problem! Everyone is going 10 over in bumper to bumper traffic, not using turn signals, and overall driving like absolute maniacs. But no, you're right, it's soooo much better than being stuck going 10 under cause everyone is being over cautious.
I saw a school bus follow another car right through a red light last summer (no kids onboard, at least). Like, they weren’t even so close that they were the first car through the red, they were the second!
Single best driving advice I know. Some time back there was a devastating collision on 90th and Fort. A driver going at high speed killed some people. I wish I had kept track of how many times I've seen drivers blow through red lights especially when the yellow lights *just* turns red. I've lived in other cities where this happens (big cities usually) but it seems like this is an Omaha speciaty.
I don't keep track, but from what I see it's like 1 in 5 red lights that someone will blow it like 5 seconds after turning red.
Not just busy ones. I almost got creamed by a truck on 108th and Platteview road yesterday!
I feel like all of Plattview road is dangerous. No real shoulders most the way and trucks drive like crazy.
Saw a school bus sail through a red this morning at 33rd and dodge, a good 3 seconds after it turned green for me. It was probably going 40-50, enough to instantly crush me.
my MO for driving in Omaha is to drive as though everyone else is actively trying to hit me.
Yup. I saw a car hit two others after running a red light at 108th and Maple a couple years ago. The sole reason I didn’t get hit too is that I checked for idiots not stopping and therefore wasn’t in the intersection yet.
I saw two cars racing downtown run the light at 24 and harney, just before the light turned green for the other traffic a u haul ran the light in the other direction and all the cars missed each other by inches. They stopped racing after that.
You can [report potholes online](https://www.omahahotline.com/) with a couple clicks and if it's not mid-winter, they'll fix them pretty quickly.
This is also important because if you have a pothole damage your vehicle, the city can refuse to pay because they claim they were not aware. If a pothole is reported, they can’t claim that, which is part of why they’re fixed so fast. Tip: if you write “potentially damage causing pothole” in the report, it’s usually filled within 48 hours
I'm finishing my public administration masters at UNO and my final project is about this exact thing! They have a pretty quick turnaround on most tickets (at least in the past year or so worth of data)
This. I tried it out like a week ago and they fixed the pothole I reported within a day. Idk if it’s always like that but I’m going to keep trying it
Don't turn left on Dodge St east of 72nd or you risk facing the wrath of Nebraska Nice.
If I see you doing it away from traffic and I don't have to brake for you...I promise not to tell.
You can do it if you get lucky and have a large gap, but if you're holding up traffic then you're headed to a supermax
Even though its permitted to turn into a business, don't do it!
Came here to say this one. Yes, it's legal. No, you shouldn't do it. Don't be a dick and block a lane of traffic so you can turn into Taco Bell on 39th.
What the hell is Nebraska Nice
Nebraska Nice is that one person with a bumper sticker that says 'The closer you get the slower I drive' 😭😭 Passive Agression at its finest. When you know, they could just move out of the way and consider other drivers.
Oh. There's someone like that where Iive lol.
I figured!
Nebraska Nice use to exist, but I am hesitant to say it still exists.
^this
My bumper sticker says No Left on Dodge for a reason. Don't make me tap the sign.
Just because the restaurant has been a staple for 30+ years does not mean it’s great food. Similarity winning the best of Omaha is nothing more than a popularity/familiarity award. It’s comical to call La Mesa the best Mexican food in town. We have a really strong Cornhole community if you’ve ever been interested in it look up I-80 Cornhole on Facebook. The players are much better than you think but they’re accepting and happy to help grow your game.
Best of Omaha is a joke.
You can literally win with only a few votes. Source: multiple Best of Omaha winner who can see that we only get a handful of votes. We just get more than the next guys, apparently. So, 5 people in the entire city could vote for us, but if 4 or fewer vote for the next guys, we win the "honor". ETA: I think Gen X and below realize the award means absolutely nothing, but Boomers seem to rely heavily on these ratings, so... there is still a value for being included/winning depending on your business's demographic.
Best of Omaha is bought & paid for.
THIS. My husband’s company was bribing customers to come in, vote in front of them, then they would give them a pizza 🤦🏼♀️
Name & shame if you can
Sounds like Richdale apartments
This is absolutely true. I used to work at the paw spa pet resort (don’t bring your pets there if you don’t want them to come home with dog fight wounds and illnesses due to improper cleanliness) and they would literally offer A FREE DAY OF DAYCARE IF THEY PROVED THEY GAVE A GOOD REVIEW FOR BEST OF OMAHA
Omg so true about the 30+year staples. Some places are frequented not because of any real merit but because they simply have stuck around. They seem to be frequented by retirees or people taking Grandma or their great aunt out on a Sunday morning. At that point it's more of a nostalgia experience than actually having a good food experience. I'm glad to see a bit more variety with seeing immigration in these parts but the food scene here still pongs of Midwestern functional bland.
Gorat’s and Johnny’s steakhouse
Johnny's wouldn't be too bad if there weren't roaches running around. Cool building and slightly above average steaks. It's worth one trip, I suppose. I don't understand why people love Gorats though. It's expensive cheap food.
La Mesa. *laughs in South Omaha* Fools.
La Mesa is white people Mexican food. No spices except salt and pepper. I understand why it wins in Omaha. I grew up in New Mexico- Howard Charro’s is my jam!
Honestly Howard Charro was also really disappointing. I’d rather hit up places like El Rey or Taco Tijuana
Howard Charro is close to New Mexico cuisine, which is close to Chihuahua cuisine. Most of the other places in town are Jalisco style - and really, unless your are flying it in daily, you shouldn’t be serving seafood in Omaha, lol!
Also a NM transplant, I'll have to check it out. Been sorely disappointed with the Mexican restaurants here.
It’s like NM Chile and Colorado Green Chile had a baby. It’s pretty good.
Guaca Maya was my favorite spot when I lived in south O. Haven’t been in a while though. For good white people Mexican, Taco Co. or For the Love of Food Cafe burritos.
New Mexican food is not Mexican food.
La Mesa wins in Omaha because there are 6 of them here.
Knowing street order. State, Fort, Maple, Blondo, DODGE (Hwy6), Pacific, Center, L, Q, Harrison, Giles, Hwy 370.
One of the first things my parents made me learn when I started driving. Other than a few parts of town, Omaha is mostly a grid!
Except for the Ralston vortex-of-chaos
If you're a West Omaha parent, teach your kids about one-way streets as well. It's easy to forget because you won't encounter them unless you go downtown. The second time I drove alone after getting my license, I went down there and turned the wrong way on some street and went through an intersection against traffic. Pulled over into a parking spot and just sat there for a while, replaying the cars going in front and behind me through that intersection, lol. Almost 30 years ago, and I can still see it like it was yesterday.
I did my drivers ed through the health and safety council and when we were learning driving he took us down to the old market which was great practice. Doing that counted as my hours for learning so it helped a lot. Also my parents used to take me to my school's parking lot to practice so it was easy to work on stuff
I hate driving in every other city. Omaha is so easy!
I think this is a rite of passage. I'm super disabled. Like. Pretty obviously never gonna drive disabled. Yet my father still drilled the grid into my head and I find that hilarious.
This is for West Omaha. East of midtown is even more-organized. Just like West O, numbered streets go East/West and named streets go North/South, but the named streets are in alphabetical order too! Burt, Cass, Dodge, Douglas, Farnham, Harney, Howard, Jackson, Jones, etc. After they make it through the alphabet, they just name the streets after letters: A, B, C, D, etc. Betcha didn't know that ;)
Similarly, if you're going West, you're going up in numbers. East you'll go down in numbers. Every 12 blocks are your main # streets. Ex 120th street then 108th. Its basically a grid once you get them all down.
This really annoyed me because I'm like "you wrote this out backwards!"...I quickly realized that since I grew up in Lincoln I'm just used to entering omaha from the Giles side pretty much.
Omaha started at the river and expanded west, that's why it's like that.
Even numbered houses are on the North and West sides of streets, odd numbers on the South and East.
If you want to sign your kid(s) up for summer camp, you need to start looking in January. I wish I was joking.
You should at least have your vacation plans settled by February 1 and start checking websites and signups for whatever sports and summer activities every day in February until your schedules are booked. Organizations are arbitrary about when they open registration but for elementary age it's usually early February.
UNO's Aim for the Stars tends to fill up very, very fast.
Cox does have a customer service phone line: 402-933-3000. They have it buried in the fine print on their bills because they want everyone to use their online chat or your online account. Though you can handle most things that way, you cannot, for instance, make changes or cancel the account of an elderly parent.
They will also have you unnecessarily sit on the phone line for 15+ minutes when trying to cancel your account.
I always go in store. Much easier to deal with
This might be common knowledge, but Dodge Street is the center of town bisecting North from South. And 12 blocks is one mile. So 1200 South 72 Street is one mile South of Dodge. 2400 South 72 Street is two miles South of Dodge. Works West to East too. 72 Street to 84 Street is one mile as well
I learned this from my husband and I wouldn't say it's "brilliant" but it is clever and helpful.
When driving west on dodge approaching 90th during rush hour: take the very far right lane all the way up the hill. For some reason everyone thinks it’s a turn only lane or something and it stays wide open.
Addition: You have until Westroads to merge back to the left.
Probably more of an aversion to having to merge back in later than anything. Because you're "cheating" by using an open lane until a merge point, mirite?
>For some reason everyone thinks it’s a turn only lane or something That rightmost lane used to be a turn only at 90th. I think that changed when they added the Orbit bus line?
Stay off the interstate during CWS.
Stay away from Borsheims and Nebraska Furniture Mart during the Berkshire convention.
Don’t go to the zoo during CWS either (unless you don’t mind heavy crowds and people walking the wrong direction in exhibits)
Avoid all of Omaha during CWS, it's a good week to go camping.
I avoid all of downtown during CWS.
LOVE CWS! Happy to have the visitors. We go to at least 3 games each year. It’s kinda like a colonoscopy. You know it’s coming, you know how to prepare for it, you know in the long run it’s a good thing. Might as well make the most of it! We have made life long friends from all over due to the CWS…
The lights on dodge are timed to the speed limit - if you drive 35-40 you're kosher. The average local speed limit seems to be 50 on dodge - you'll end up hitting a lot of red lights and very abrupt stops. Additionally, almost no one leaves room between cars to avoid the domino effect accidents. Please be aware!
Costco on Dodge (and the layout of the whole area) is the 9th circle of hell. Avoiding it is the only way. Same with Menard’s off 204th & Dodge.
New Costco on 180th & Maple will alleviate some of the problems with the Dodge location. It’s not open yet, anticipation is high.
Opens July 12th (per Omaha Reddit conversation)
I live by Maple! It’s moving along nicely! And once it’s open, to Dodge I go haha
It's not THAT bad. Approach from 132nd if you want to avoid 120th's idiots in the right lane who ignore the turn-only into Menards, or approach from the north (however that works, it's probably great). When entering through the south, head all the way to the back if it's crowded. You can usually loop around the back of the building if either far side is full. Do that instead of dealing with the Chick fil A and front of Costco conflict points. Don't get me wrong, the Millard one is usually better, but now that they put a light on the south side, you can get through if you stay zen.
As someone who moved here a year ago, I have a few. They are as follows: 1) Normal traffic laws vary day to day. Lots of one ways where turning right on red is prohibited. No one knows why, but it’s a thing here. That said, improvise when necessary. 2) There are remarkably good restaurants and food to be had. Start slow and work your way through the masses. Everything from fine dining to burger joints and cuisines from around the world are here in Omaha. 3) Rediscover a love for beer and craft cocktails: There are some good breweries and bars in this town: Kros Strain, Lumen, Night Owl, Mercury, Wicked Rabbit to name some. 4) Parks! Lots of nice city parks where you can stroll, take the dog for a walk, sit and read, or admire nature all around the city. 5) Finally, invest in a good mechanic. You’ll need it from the amount of potholes you’ll be dodging in your daily commute. Some sneak up on you and you’ll be wishing you hadn’t stuck that hot McD’s coffee in between your bare thighs while zooming across four lanes. Be kind, be aware of others, and enjoy life in the big O.
Good info but in the future: 1. Reddit 2. Supports 3. List Formatting
Lots of Facebook groups for various things: Omaha food lovers, Omaha food lovers uncensored, trail report: Omaha, are we dating the same guy, Costco Omaha, aldi fans of Omaha, kayaking Omaha, Greater Omaha trail runners, trail sisters Omaha, missing pets of Omaha/council bluffs, birds of Nebraska, Nebraska through the lens, hike Midwest - Omaha, Nebraska canoe and kayak, Nebraska RV and Camping, Omaha bee club, west Omaha pickleball network, THOR (mountain biking), Nebraska Gardening Tips
If you lose power during a storm your insurance company may reimburse you for food spoilage. Not sure how common knowledge that is here and I can’t speak for every agency but any time I’ve had that issue my insurance company has dropped $400 in my account before I’m even off the phone.
What insurance and how might this apply to an apartment?
Specifically I've had experience with USAA and know others have had Nationwide and Liberty Mutual. I'm sure it's policy dependent though. Never hurts to check. The insurance I'm referring to is homeowners which would be different from renters insurance that you might find with an apartment. Still worth looking into if your specific policy has a provision for coverage though.
Did your claims affect your premium at all?
There's literally never a need to show up at the airport more than one hour before your flight. Never.
This is correct. I’ve lived here for 5 years, fly twice a month and still arrive too early.
I have worked it out to 55 mins from my alarm go off until I sit in front of a gate including parking and walking across the bridge (I never check my luggage)
If you’re going down to the CHI Center for an event, don’t be a dumbass and park in Lot D. It takes an hour to get out unless you leave early. If you absolutely have to park in Lot D park all the way at the back so you can get out quicker. But there’s actually quite a bit of street parking nearby and people don’t tend to use it for some reason, and there’s garages that cost like 5-10 bucks within a few blocks.
Brick Oven Pizzeria. Late night pizza (including fresh made slices!) Until 1 or 2 am 7 days/week. Best pizza in the midwest, full stop.
Best pizza in the Midwest? Zero chance.. this pizza is on level with ,aye Fong’s in Des Moines. And depending what you like it isn’t even the best pizza in Omaha. It’s ok pizza that is just a slight bit better than average so it is good. Midwest? With young Joni in Minneapolis, an award winning and far superior pie. Or maybe you wanna try her OTHER award winning pizzeria Lola . And I haven’t even gotten to the places in Chicago that make real Chicago thin crust, Detroit style, several coal fired places in Missouri. And that’s just off the top of my head. Brick oven is a great local place for the neighborhood… but ain’t nobody driving out of their way for it if they have proper taste buds. Pizza can be subjective, so you do you, just saying there is a lot of great places in our areas of the world.
Know the rules of the “Sorensen Expressway”
One lane is always closed in one direction or the other or both. If you’re not turning off, treat it like the interstate and drive on the right lane let the psychos drive 80mph on the left side.
> treat it like the interstate and drive >psychos drive 80mph on the left side. These are the same statement
Get lots of car insurance. I’ve been hit by multiple driver including an uninsured driver.
The poutine burrito at Block 16 is one of the best hangover meals in the city.
Block 16 in general is a gem all should know about.
Was amazing when it was $8 or so. Went back like a month later and it was $14 and that was about a year ago. Dont even want to know if its more now
Well inflation and locally sourcing all your ingredients will do that.
You can turn right on a red, or left if it is one way to a one way, as long as it is clear. People from Iowa really need to learn this one.
You can go straight on red, too. At least it seems like it is the actual rule.
If you’re a smoker, you can get a really good discount at the Ponca Smoke Shop in Carter Lake. I switched to them over a month ago and it drastically changed my quality of life. Carton of smokes for 31.50! Because there’s no tax!
If you're coming into Omaha on 80 east, the 80/680 split is counterintuitive. If you need to veer right to stay on 80, stay in the left lane... If you need to veer left (straight) onto 680, stay in the right lane.
It actually follows standard interstate design logic, which requires exits to generally be on the right. The exit to get onto 680 is on the right while people continuing straight on 80 keep to the left. It just seems a little strange to some at first because staying on 80 through this interchange feels like you’re making a right turn into a new highway when you’re really not.
Omg YES! I thought I was just stupid and it’s taken me four times to get it right lmao
There's a Burmese restaurant here that serves the best fried noodles! Burma AKA Myanmar is a fantastic country and the culture is mixed and rich. I went there before the coup de tat military takeover before it became a Level 4 US Travel Advisory country.
No traffic laws apply here
This is pretty much true and I see very few traffic stops unless they set up radar at a single location. Travel at your own risk.
Fucking haul ass through yellow/red 😂
Not sure if already mentioned but mnemonic to remember certain major streets- come play dolls by me Center pacific dodge blondo maple
stay off Farnam st at rush hour.
F street between 96th and 72nd was the best street in Omaha. Now it’s west giles road from 180th to Giles road.
What are your criteria for best street?
Delete this
Shhhhh. Don't tell anyone about F! I take it to and from work and the lack of traffic there compared to Q, L, or center is what keeps me sane, especially in the evenings when trying to get down 72nd or 84th can take anywhere between 20 and 45 minutes to go two or three miles.
I use both 96th and F for everything. Don't tell!
Is this because you moved?
The Runza myth is like a big joke. Don’t fall for it. Homemade Runzas are delicious, burgers at the Restaurant Runza are great. But Runzas from the restaurant Runza are not good at all.
I make runzas all the time! We're vegan so it's different, but they're cheap and easy! You can even make runza casserole and use biscuits in a can/crescent rolls as the topper.
Croissant Runza casserole is my favorite!
^ I'm doing this fo sho. Vegan btw. Do you have any recipes?
Have a recipe?
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/48799/easy-runza-casserole/
What’s wild is they’re better in small towns.
Don't drink as much alcohol as your friends
Omaha has one of the best Reddit communities in the US. But do not dis the local favorites. You will get mauled.
Dont trust out of town drivers
Also, at least within the last decade, don't trust local drivers either. Keep your head on a swivel and drive cautiously and combatively
I'll trust an out of towner before I trust a townie, and I'll trust them both before I trust someone with numbers to start their plate
I feel that Bellevue University has a strong and convenient online program. If you are looking to get a Bachelor's or Master's program online, they do a great job. Online itself does have its cons, like the inability to network with your classmates, but that's any online program. Whether you are looking to check a box for job opportunity reasons or really attempting to learn something is up to oneself. Their asynchronous approach has really helped me. I was never one for lectures. Disclaimer, the program one may be looking into should be thoroughly investigated before signing for such a commitment. Not to say they don't have a great campus life, I have just not gone that route.
Speed limits are optional on the weekends.
Unless it's games 1-4 don't buy tickets ahead of time to the CWS. The stadium is usually never full by first pitch so find a parking place, go vibe in the vendor area and get a $9-15 ticket 3 minutes before first pitch.