Omaha Staycation
There is a new trend in the travel industry post-coronavirus: staycations. This is good news for people living in and around Omaha and Lincoln because there are so many amazing hotels, restaurants, and entertainment districts in the area, all of which have taken the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and fun experience! If you haven’t played tourist in your own backyard, now is your chance. Whether it’s a date night, girls’ night out, family outing, couples’ retreat…you name it! Get out, dress up, enjoy yourself, and support our local hospitality industry.
Lodging in Luxury
Towering 12 stories high, the Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District (www.marriott.com/OMADM) delivers that luxury factor. The rooms are sleek with big window walls that give a nice view of the riverfront to the east and the Omaha city skyline to west. As a group of ladies, we appreciated great lighting in the bathroom and a full-length mirror. The large TV is able to connect to Bluetooth or YouTube for some pump up jams before hitting the town. The hotel lobby is pristine with its vaulted ceilings and high-end furniture—great backdrops for your next Instagram post! The check-in and parking process went very smoothly thanks to the large portes-cochère in front to unload our luggage and the attached garage we were able to easily get in and out of with our room key. We were impressed with the made-to-order breakfast menu in the morning, as well. The downstairs bistro, Burdock + Bitters, offers eggs any style, potatoes, bacon, chick apple sausage, or breakfast sausage, along with oatmeal and other seasonal breakfast offerings (hello, avocado toast)— enough to fill you up and kick start your day! There is just something about staying at a hotel that makes you feel a little bit like royalty, especially when the staff is professional, courteous, and willing to go above and beyond to make sure your stay is fabulous with personalized concierge service. Call (402) 807-8000 or visit marriott.com/OMADM to book a room.
Swanky Dining
If you feel like a King or Queen, you might as well eat like one. For sheer allure, nothing beats the fine dining experience at 801 Chophouse at the Paxton (801chophouse.com). Fancying fresh seafood and crustaceans or exclusively aged U.S.D.A. Prime grade beef (top 2% in the country), all unmatched in quality and presentation? 801 Chophouse has earned the rank. Before filling our bellies, we decided to wet our whistles with selections from the seasonal House Crafted cocktail menu. We dubbed the Jackie O’s a perfect pre-dinner sip for its bubbly character and use of homemade elderberry syrup. It’s a lively spin on the classic French 75. The Troon was sweet and unique—it’s amazing how much of a difference freshly squeezed grapefruit makes. Bourbon lovers will tip their hats at the 801 Old-Fashioned, made with an amarena cherry syrup and angostura bitters concocted in-house. The Nearest and Dearest has a bit more complexity to it thanks to the herbaceous hints from the green chartreuse mixed in with notes of chocolate bitters. The drink gets its name from the Uncle Nearest 1884 Whisky, and it gets two thumbs up from our party. Onto the food, we couldn’t resist starting off with the Baked Escargot—a true delicacy emphasized in taste with garlic butter and dill Havarti cheese melted on top. Our wonderful server, Emily, recommended the Seafood Tower for a healthy array of crab legs, lobster, and raw shrimp and oysters. 801 has their own lobster tank in the back, so there is no denying the level of freshness. As a chophouse, what we love about 801 is how their wait staff is versed in each style of signature beefs they offer so that they can not only talk you through your options, but they can actually come to your table with visuals. Emily was amazing—she was able to answer all our questions and made us feel so comfortable. It was educational and guided our selections for the evening. For cuts, we recommend the bone-in filet, which exceeded all expectations in flavor and tenderness. 801 also offers various preparation options—not because the beef isn’t delicious on its own, but a few toppings can really embellish each bite. Our favorite, and a classic, is the Oscar Style—Deshelled Alaskan King Crab, béarnaise sauce, and broiled asparagus spears—an absolute dream combination. In contrast to the filet, we gave high regards the thick, juicy, and marbled Delmonico, which was crested with cognac butter and stewed mushrooms. Nicknamed the “cowboy cut”, this bone-in ribeye is a specialty of the restaurant. In addition, we really ‘oohed’ and ‘aahed’ over the Fried Lobster Bites, which were served in the lobster shell to add a little flare to the presentation and they were very easy to share. The Scalloped Potatoes were nothing short of magical, and we were impressed by how sophisticated the Creamed Corn and Caramelized Baby Carrots were prepared. Beyond what graced our table, our group was mesmerized by the 1920s nostalgia found in the wooden architecture, romantic lighting, and grand back bar. We spent about two hours at the restaurant because we were enjoying ourselves so much. We never felt rushed. It was an unforgettable dining experience! Call (402) 341-1222 to make a reservation 801 Chophouse.
Party Igloos
There is a new craze sweeping entertainment districts across the country that is not only fitting for the winter season, but also for COVID season: igloos! Now in the Capitol District (capitoldistrictomaha.com), you and a small group of friends can reserve your own private igloo for the evening. Each one has comfy chairs, a center table, electric fireplace, and esthetic decorations and lights. Upon check-in in the botanical Ice Lounge, which is located indoors on the lower level underneath Beer Can Alley, your group can checkout complimentary flatware for meals, blankets, board games, small televisions with DVD players, holiday favorites, and pillows. Gloves and handwarmers are available for purchase. There are restaurants and bars in the district that are ready to provide you with their exclusive igloo menu items featuring special deals on apps to share and festive beverages. Annie’s Irish Pub does a $4 YOU-CALL-IT, which includes any beer, well, or call mixed drink. Even though the igloos are clear, we really did feel like we had privacy, especially because the area is blocked off so there is no pedestrian traffic passing by. It’s a very cozy and romantic ambiance—maybe a picture-perfect place for a proposal? If you’re trying to avoid cold winds and the risk of being exposed to COVID, but you’re still wanting to get out of the house, this is it! We recommend bringing a speaker to play some tunes. Each reservation is good for two and a half hours. Call (402) 200-3039 to book your igloo!
