Round the Bend, Ashland NE

Have you ever heard of a testicle festival?? Probably one of the strangest festivals I have ever heard of, but I learned all about this on my recent adventure to Round the Bend Steakhouse located at 30801 East Park Highway in Ashland, Nebraska. Many years ago, after farmers castrated their calves, they would bring the testicles into the local bar and fry them up for patrons. In 1995, when Ron and Vickie Olson bought this bar, their vision was to turn this small gathering into one of the biggest events of the year. The Testicle Festival is now held every year on the Saturday of Father's Day Weekend, and it has more than fulfilled their expectations. They have had record attendance of over 3,500 people and have served over 2,600 pounds of testicles. That is hard to fathom! Live music is provided all day long in this 10 hour event, along with a full bar and non-alcoholic beverages. Not into testicles? The restaurant has many alternative food choices. Son, TJ Olsen, and his wife Tifini, (who took over the establishment in 2012) said "It is the Midwest's best field party and it's legal".

In 2003, they outgrew their original space thanks to the loyalty of their growing customer base, and relocated to their current location. It overlooks the Platte River valley and the views are spectacular. This new location allowed for the addition of "The Ball Room" (pun intended) with 10,000 square feet of space inside, and another 20,000 outside. During COVID, which TJ said was the most challenging time for the restaurant, this new space helped them stay afloat. They could only use 25% of their space and this large room allowed them to keep the doors open and continue to serve patrons. Now, it is available for weddings, social gatherings, and of course, the Testicle Festival. You can check out their website for more information at roundthebendsteakhouse.com.

They might be best known for the Testicle Festival, but Round The Bend Steakhouse is a family-owned restaurant and bar that serves mouth-watering steaks, prime rib, specialty sandwiches, large salads, and of course, testicles. There is a nice bar area fully stocked with beverages, and several TVs for watching sporting events. Round the Bend Steakhouse is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. As a Christian-based family, they are closed on Sundays so their employees can attend church or spend time with their families. I asked TJ what he loved most about this business and he said, "The staff and customers are like family" and he loves being able to work with them. He is genuinely a nice guy who really seems to just love life and finds joy in what he does everyday.

So, I invite you to come visit Round the Bend Steakhouse, enjoy a fantastic meal and gaze at the view of the Platte River valley. I know I will be back again soon cuz ....sometimes "you feel like a nut and sometimes you don't".