City: Omaha, NE

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (402) 344-0200

Address: 514 S. 11th St. (Old Market location)

Description: Tasty, reasonably priced pub food and a list of house-made beers make the Upstream’s two locally owned locations popular stops on opposite ends of the city. The two-level Old Market location has an open bar and lots of seating on the main floor and a roof deck and pool tables above. The laid-back atmosphere of the West Omaha location has similar decor and an equally welcoming vibe. Hundreds of playing cards stuck to the ceiling in the downtown location catch many a diner’s eye; see it happen in person when magician Joe Cole performs every Wednesday at 7 p.m. The downtown location has lots of happy hour specials on an evening and late night basis, as well as a weekly Sunday brunch. On Monday nights at the West Omaha location, kids eat free off their designated menu. Upstream’s signature burgers, excellent mashed potatoes and french fries, and popular thin crust pizza are menu staples; vegetarians (and even meat eaters) will want to check out their homemade black bean burger that comes with a side of southwestern sauce that’s simply great. Appetizers to sample include the spinach artichoke dip served with homemade beer bread and a great beer cheese soup. The west Omaha location is at 17070 Wright Plaza (402-778-0100).