Bob’s Bar

Once bustling with many shops and businesses, Martinsburg, Nebraksa, has suffered the fate of many small communities.  The town mill closed in the 1920s. The dance hall where Lawrence Welk’s big band performed was destroyed by fire and never rebuilt.  The school was consolidated, and the post office left the town in the 1980s.

While the population’s dwindled and stores have closed, there’s still one major attraction in the northeast Nebraska community.  It’s Bob’s Bar, a popular gathering place serving locals and out-of-towners alike.  The bar features huge hamburgers, tenderloins, and giant portions of greasy (but extremely tasty) appetizers.

You’ll find all menu items are sized for splitting.  For starters, choose from onion chips, french fries, or cheeseballs.  They’re piled high on large plates and will easily serve 2 or more diners.  The burgers are twice the size of the buns, and served with a decent helping of pickles and onions.  Sauces for your meal are in ample supply, with large, squeezable bottles of ketchup, mustard and ranch brought to your table in old cardboard beer cartons.

While the atmopshere is typical of any Midwestern hole-in-the-wall, the wait staff is friendly and efficient, and it’s likely you’ll strike up a pleasant conversation with some of the bar’s regular visitors.  The grill is open seven days a week, and is well worth a stop for any burger fans in the area.

Bob’s Bar
5205 Main St
Ponca, NE 68770
(402) 945-2995

Published February 14th, 2009 | Food, Nebraska, Places | Comments