We all have that one special bar or restaurant that we’ve been going to forever. You know, that place where they know your name and you order the same thing pretty much every time because it’s just that good. For plenty of people in Nebraska, that place is the Dundee Dell. This classic neighborhood pub has been an Omaha institution since the 1930s and has only gotten better as the years have passed.
The Dundee Dell’s story actually starts way back in 1920.
TripAdvisor/Phillip S. At that time, John Herzoff established the Dundee Delicatessen in a converted one-car garage. After a few moves and a ton of other changes over the years, the Dell now sits comfortably on Underwood Ave.
What hasn’t changed, though, is the friendly atmosphere, delicious food, and outstanding selection of adult beverages.
TripAdvisor/pgreer Although the restaurant’s current location is pretty large, walking in still feels a lot like walking into your cozy neighborhood bar. Go there long enough and you’ll start to recognize the regulars who eat and drink there as often as possible. Maybe you’ll even become one yourself.
One of the Dell’s most revered aspects is its Wall of Scotch.
Google Local/Dundee Dell Behind the bar is a shelf-lined wall that contains more than 700 types of scotch. You read that right - 700 different types of scotch.
Of course, the drink selection isn’t limited to the stately whisky.
Google Local/Kevin Weiss There are hundreds of liquors available for mixed drinks and a nice selection of beer, both bottled and on tap.
Order your favorite drink (like a bacon bloody mary, for example) to enjoy as you peruse the menu.
Facebook/Dundee Dell It may not be an appetizer in the traditional sense of the word, but it sure will whet your appetite for the delicious feast that is to come.
But if you’re really into the traditional type of appetizer, the fried pickles are the stuff of dreams.
Google Local/JT Lamm Pace yourself because these battered and fried spears are very filling. They’re enough to make you feel like you’ve died and gone to pickle heaven.
Looking over the menu is hard work. Maybe it’s time for another drink?
Facebook/Dundee Dell The menu is a good size, but not overwhelming in scope. It’s so full of amazing choices that picking just one meal is quite the challenge - you’ll want to try them all.
How about sampling the Nebraska classic, the Reuben?
TripAdvisor/TerryBonJovi Get it with pastrami or turkey - either way, it’s the kind of sandwich that can turn any frown upside down.
The sandwiches are on point here.
TripAdvisor/Phillip S. Get a French dip, tuna melt, phatty melt, or Big Easy. Or create your own burger from a selection of meats, breads, cheeses, and toppings.
If you’re looking for some top-notch comfort food, there’s no better place to be.
Google Local/Jon Larsen The famous mac and cheese is one of those dishes that you’ll wish came in a bottomless bowl. It’s perfectly creamy and just the right texture. It’ll remind you of Mom’s timeless recipe.
Being a pub, the Dell offers meals that you could expect to find in a traditional British pub.
Google Local/Jennifer Robinson Lamb stew, bangers and mash, and cottage pie are all solid choices that will transport you straight to England or Scotland.
But the pub’s signature dish - and the one most newcomers have to try first - is the fish and chips.
Facebook/Dundee Dell Get two or three pieces of fish along with potato rounds or sweet potato fries. It comes wrapped up in a paper packet that you rip open to use as a plate. This is the meal that brings in crowds, and not just during Lent.
After dinner, it’s time to settle the stomach with a little scotch.
Facebook/Dundee Dell Pick a favorite type, or try a flight to sample several selections. If you’d like to learn more about this distinctive drink, the Dell hosts a once-a-month scotch tasting event.
Work off a little of that delicious meal (and several drinks) with a spirited game of pool.
Facebook/Dundee Dell There are also several screens to watch your favorite team. For the true pub experience, settle in to watch a football match (that’s a soccer game to us Americans).
Address: 5007 Underwood Avenue, Omaha, NE 68132
TripAdvisor/Phillip S.
At that time, John Herzoff established the Dundee Delicatessen in a converted one-car garage. After a few moves and a ton of other changes over the years, the Dell now sits comfortably on Underwood Ave.
TripAdvisor/pgreer
Although the restaurant’s current location is pretty large, walking in still feels a lot like walking into your cozy neighborhood bar. Go there long enough and you’ll start to recognize the regulars who eat and drink there as often as possible. Maybe you’ll even become one yourself.
Google Local/Dundee Dell
Behind the bar is a shelf-lined wall that contains more than 700 types of scotch. You read that right - 700 different types of scotch.
Google Local/Kevin Weiss
There are hundreds of liquors available for mixed drinks and a nice selection of beer, both bottled and on tap.
Facebook/Dundee Dell
It may not be an appetizer in the traditional sense of the word, but it sure will whet your appetite for the delicious feast that is to come.
Google Local/JT Lamm
Pace yourself because these battered and fried spears are very filling. They’re enough to make you feel like you’ve died and gone to pickle heaven.
The menu is a good size, but not overwhelming in scope. It’s so full of amazing choices that picking just one meal is quite the challenge - you’ll want to try them all.
TripAdvisor/TerryBonJovi
Get it with pastrami or turkey - either way, it’s the kind of sandwich that can turn any frown upside down.
Get a French dip, tuna melt, phatty melt, or Big Easy. Or create your own burger from a selection of meats, breads, cheeses, and toppings.
Google Local/Jon Larsen
The famous mac and cheese is one of those dishes that you’ll wish came in a bottomless bowl. It’s perfectly creamy and just the right texture. It’ll remind you of Mom’s timeless recipe.
Google Local/Jennifer Robinson
Lamb stew, bangers and mash, and cottage pie are all solid choices that will transport you straight to England or Scotland.
Get two or three pieces of fish along with potato rounds or sweet potato fries. It comes wrapped up in a paper packet that you rip open to use as a plate. This is the meal that brings in crowds, and not just during Lent.
Pick a favorite type, or try a flight to sample several selections. If you’d like to learn more about this distinctive drink, the Dell hosts a once-a-month scotch tasting event.
There are also several screens to watch your favorite team. For the true pub experience, settle in to watch a football match (that’s a soccer game to us Americans).
Hours: Sunday thru Thursday – 11 a.m. to midnight (kitchen closes at 10 p.m.)
Friday and Saturday – 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. (kitchen closes at 11 p.m.)
Drop by the Dundee Dell’s website or Facebook page to learn more about the pub’s truly amazing history, take a look at the menu, or keep up to date on upcoming events.
For another classic tavern in Nebraska, check out this one in Columbus that’s been around for nearly as long as Nebraska has been a state.
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