It looks like our hotel is actually in Council Bluffs, just across the river.

We're busy all day, but could use recommendations on low-keyed places to grab dinner and maybe a drink or two in the evening.  It'll need to be quiet enough that we can have a conversation, to debrief from the day's meetings.

Thanks in advance.

What are you looking for? Restaurants that serve alcohol? Or restaurants then bars?

For food:
McAlister's deli is pretty decent food (no alcohol though), generally quiet. It is a "chain" restaurant, in that there are locations all over the midwest. Meals are around $10-$12
Abelardo's, lots of locations, pretty cheap, pretty authentic Mexican, but no alcohol.
There are a few good sushi joints, Tokyo sushi is the best (yes alcohol).
Le Bouillon: real good french food, very authentic. A little on the pricey side, but fairly expensive ($15-25 a plate, yes alcohol, mostly wine, some drinks. If you go, ask about the punch for the day).
Texas Roadhouse: Yes, it's a chain, but pretty decent steaks. Also Johnny's Cafe, although they are a hair on the pricey side (15-25 a plate).
Gerda's German Restaurant: Supposedly pretty good German food, never been there myself.
Also, buffalo company, it might be a bit busy, as it's next to a few bars, but is hands down the best buffalo chicken sandwich you will ever have. Also serves alcohol.

Oh, and John's Gyros, in Bellevue. Rated best of Omaha for like 3 years running. Super quiet place, doesn't serve alcohol. But you also get the added benefit of saying hi to an arfcommer (I work in the same building)

Knowing the guy I'm traveling with, a great bar or beer place, with decent food.

Thanks for the tips.


I was very impressed with UpStream Brewing.  Food was good, service was great, and it was exactly the atmosphere we were looking for.  We ended up going back a second time, with a couple of the customer's out-of-town folks.