You’ll Always Find Friendly Faces And Home-Cooked Meals At Don’s Bar In Small-Town Nebraska
Sometimes, the only way to discover the best things around you is to go explore. For example, did you know that there’s a little Saunders County town called Memphis? Not many people do, but those who have been there will tell you right away that you should swing by Don’s Bar when you’re in town.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
In case you aren't familiar with it, Memphis is this little spot that's almost smack-dab between Omaha and Lincoln.
The town's population is just a smidge over 100 residents, and it's safe to say that every one of them has eaten at Don's at least once. For many locals - as well as people from surrounding communities - visiting Don's is a standing tradition. The locally-owned business has been serving good times and great food since 1962.
If you've ever been to a small-town Nebraska bar, the inside of Don's will feel pretty familiar. Kitschy decor and Huskers gear adorns the walls along with big-screen TVs that come in handy on game days. The cozy, cabin-like interior is unfailingly inviting and the beer is always extra cold.
The dining room is a place where friends and family go to meet. But even if you're a stranger in town, you'll be greeted by the staff with a friendly smile. It's certainly not a fancy place, but what it lacks in sophistication it more than makes up for in fun small-town personality.
When the weather is warm, sit out on the big front porch with a cold beer and shoot the breeze. In the middle of winter, you can sit near the working woodburning stove inside.
Don's is known to some as a biker bar, but everyone is welcome here. In the summer, people going to and from Memphis Lake State Recreation Area stop in for a bite to eat, and it's a regular stopover for folks traveling between Lincoln and Omaha.
The food is simply delicious. Again, it's nothing fancy - the burgers are a perennial favorite and the Wednesday night all-you-can-eat taco buffet gets a lot of love from regulars. There's a different special for every day of the week, including pork tenderloins, fried chicken, and all-you-can-eat fried fish.
If you're lucky enough to be in town on a Sunday morning, be sure to check out the breakfast buffet at Don's. It gets rave reviews from all who stop in.
Don’s Bar is open from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day of the week. Have you ever visited this endearing small-town watering hole? Tell us all about it in the comments!
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
Love Nebraska?
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
