Dinker's Bar & Grill Omaha, Nebraska

For years I have driven from Lincoln to the Omaha airport, and back, via Interstate 80 and 480. Near where Martha Street and 480 intersect, there is a little bar that I see that sticks out in the landscaping.  It looks like a tiny dive bar that they built in the middle of a residential neighborhood. I have always been curious what that place was about. Last week after returning from Florida, I found myself at 2:30 in the afternoon starving from not yet eating that day (can't really count 6 soda crackers and three sticks of licorice) so we actually decided to stop by. Granted, I am a foodie who likes more upscale food - but once in a while a cold red beer and a burger with onion rings or fries just hits the spot! 

First, I was correct - it is a dive bar, but has a very "Cheers" feeling.  Most of the patrons are from the neighborhood, or are definitely regulars. I would call it a no-frills, casual, but extremely friendly and inviting place. It is dimly lit but displays numerous TVs for all sporting events and as I found out - a regular stop for Creighton Blue Jay fans.  You order drinks at the bar and you order your food at the back-kitchen counter.  Their claim to fame is "Omaha's Best Burgers" and they are pretty close to the mark.  They are made fresh daily, never frozen, and served on Rotella buns. Their most popular burger is the Haystack - covered with American cheese, honey smoked ham, and a fried egg on top. The hand battered onion rings are very popular. They have daily specials like Hot Beef Sandwiches, Flat Iron Steaks, Chicken Fried Steaks, and New York Strips. Prices are unbeatable and the food is consistent.

I love learning about the history of the places I visit, so I found out this bar was first opened by Anton Kurtz in 1960 at another location. He sold it in 1965 to Frank "Dinker" Synowiecki who moved it to its current location in the Sheelytown neighborhood. The bar reflects the working-class values of the immigrant communities that shaped the area. Like Kurtz, Frank was also the son of Polish immigrants who settled in the South Omaha area.  In 2016, it took five artists to paint a large mural depicting scenes from three original Polish neighborhoods, and it features a four-day Polish Wedding. It is an incredible work of art and adorns the complete side of the building where off-street parking is available.

Dinker's Bar and Grill has been in existence for six decades and is still owned and operated by the family. Located at 2368 South 29th Street, it is open Monday through Saturday. It opens at 11:00 a.m. and closes at 9:00 p.m. except for Friday and Saturday when they stay open until 10.00p.m. It is a cash-only facility and have an ATM on site.  

I invite you to come and give them a try - like maybe when you are headed home from the airport, or if you are just looking for good food, cold beer, and a relaxing atmosphere. I believe you won't be disappointed.

Remember to be grateful......

Until we talk again...........

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