asian;thai · $$
Photo by Jeremy · owner-provided
Neighborhood
24th & L Street
South Omaha
Flavorful & Cultural10 local spots
FoodCultureZooGardensLatinoTacos
South Omaha grew up beside the stockyards, and South 24th Street is still the kitchen. Mexican, Lao, and bakery cases sit in storefronts that have fed the neighborhood for generations. Johnny's Cafe, a block west on 27th, has been the steakhouse of that world for more than a century.
The Henry Doorly Zoo and Lauritzen Gardens are east of here, toward the river, and they are worth a separate day. This stroll stays with the groceries, the bakeries, and the dining rooms on the 24th Street corridor.
Order more than you planned. The counters are used to it.
Best for
Foodies, culture seekers, families
The story
South Omaha was an independent city from 1886–1915, built around the Union Stockyards — once the world's largest livestock market. Waves of immigrants (Czech, Polish, Irish, Lithuanian, Mexican) came to work the yards. The stockyards closed in 1999, but the neighborhood's multicultural DNA endures. South 24th Street is now the heart of Omaha's vibrant Latino community, with some of the most authentic Mexican food between Chicago and Denver.
South 24th Street Stroll
- 1Start at Laos Thai, S 24th St, Omaha, NE
- 2Continue to Jacobo's Grocery, 4621 S 24th St, Omaha, NE
- 3Continue to Johnny's Cafe, 4702 S 27th St, Omaha, NE
- 4Continue to El Dorado, 5025 S 24th St, Omaha, NE
- 5Continue to International Bakery, S 24th St, Omaha, NE
- 6Finish at Taqueria El Rey, S 24th St, Omaha, NE
Happening here
- May 5thCinco de Mayo
Mariachi, street food, folklorico dancing on 24th Street.
- NovemberDia de los Muertos
Community altars, face painting, and celebration of life.
Explore South Omaha
South Omaha grew up beside the stockyards, and South 24th Street is still the kitchen. Mexican, Lao, and bakery cases sit in storefronts that have fed the neighborhood for generations. Johnny's Cafe, a block west on 27th, has been the steakhouse of that world for more than a century. The Henry Doorly Zoo and Lauritzen Gardens are east of here, toward the river, and they are worth a separate day. This stroll stays with the groceries, the bakeries, and the dining rooms on the 24th Street corridor. Order more than you planned. The counters are used to it.
The essentials
Walk stops, neighborhood icons, and the rooms with something on the calendar in South Omaha.
bakery · $ · Open · until 9 PM
mexican · $ · Open · until 10 PM
Taqueria Tijuana
All places in South Omaha
43 places
restaurant · pizza
Open · until 12 AM
A South Omaha pub pouring beer and cocktails since 2020, with pizza, wings and subs.
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restaurant · american;burger;sandwich;beer
Open · until 3 PM
Casual eatery in the zoo serving burgers & snacks amid nature-based decor & animal views.
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restaurant · greek · $$
Open · until 7 PM
Family-owned since 1983, opened by brothers Laki "Bill" and George Sgourakis.
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restaurant · Mexican · $$
Open · until 3 PM
A South Omaha Mexican restaurant and nightclub since 1996.
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restaurant · greek · $$
Open · until 8 PM
The signature is a prime top sirloin cooked to order, with two sides and pita.
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restaurant · mexican · $$
Open · until 9 PM
Breakfast is served at both the Omaha and Council Bluffs locations.
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restaurant · Barbecue Restaurant · $$
Open · until 8 PM
No-nonsense counter-serve dishing up hearty platters of smoked meat & classic Southern sides.
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