
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.
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Published February 14th, 2009 |
Brian McMillin |
Food, Nebraska, Places |

There are times when nothing sounds more tasty than a simple, well-prepared steak: a thick-cut, juicy piece of meat without the fancy marinades, seasonings or sauces. If so, your taste buds can be satisfied with a stop at Piccolo Pete’s, an old-fashioned Omaha steakhouse that has been in business for over 75 years.
Meals are served with a traditional set of sides. The main course is preceded by bread and real butter, along with a shredded lettuce salad served with your choice of thick, but flavorful dressing. Our bacon-wrapped steaks were complemented by a hot baked potato and small serving of the featured vegetable.
The steaks stand out and the service shines at this traditional Omaha establishment. If you’re in the area, Piccolo Pete’s is open for lunch Monday through Friday and dinner Monday through Saturday.
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Published January 26th, 2009 |
Brian McMillin |
Food, Nebraska, Places |

If you’re in the Sioux City area and looking for a pleasant day trip, a drive through the villages of Northeast Nebraska may fit the bill.
Start your trip with a stop at the Sweet Tooth Drive Inn, a locally-owned restaurant that has been in operation for over 25 years on Highway 20 in Jackson, Nebraska. Grab a couple of their tasty malts for the road with their walk-up window, or have a chili dog and fries at one of the booths in the small dining area.
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Published July 17th, 2008 |
Brian McMillin |
Food, Highways, Nebraska, Places |

When my family comes to visit, I spend a great deal of time weighing potential dining destinations. While I’ll occasionally select a favorite restaurant in the vicinity, I prefer to see their visit as an opportunity to try something new and different. After all, when better to try a new meal than when you’re off the hook for the bill?
A few weeks ago when family was in town, we had narrowed our dinner options down to two restaurants located in South Sioux City, Nebraksa. Instead of the tried-and-true favorite, we decided to try our chances at De Andas, a small Mexican restaurant I had randomly picked from some online yellow pages. I’m glad we did.
De Andas seemed to get everything right: the atmosphere was comfortable; the wait staff was efficient; and, most importantly, the food was phenomenal. Our taste buds were satisfied from the initial serving of chips and salsa to the final bite of fried ice cream.
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Published April 2nd, 2008 |
Brian McMillin |
Food, Nebraska, Places |

If you’re craving awesome homemade ice cream, Ted & Wally’s is an excellent choice. Housed inside an old gas station, this quaint destination lies in the heart of the Old Market district in Omaha.
There is nothing flashy about the atmosphere, and employees seemed to have an indifferent attitude toward their jobs and customers. But, the ice cream is ridiculously good. With innovative flavors that are constantly changing, Ted & Wally’s is definitely worth checking out if you’re in the Omaha area.
Published September 19th, 2007 |
Brian McMillin |
Food, Nebraska, Places |