The Shady Bend Cafe Is Keeping A Historic Local Nebraska Treasure Alive
Enjoying a meal away from our own kitchens is always a treat. This restaurant gives you the joy of not only an absolutely delicious meal but a charming bit of Grand Island history as well. The building that houses Shady Bend Cafe is a beautiful architectural relic that has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 2008, and it’s still a great place to find local history and neighborly people.
The building certainly catches your eye from afar. It was built in 1931 as the main building of a tourist cabin camp. Its location on the famed Lincoln Highway made it the perfect stop for vacationers. When it was new, it served as a gas station, grocery store, public restrooms for travelers, and a diner.
This building is all that's left standing of this former tourist court; at one time there were more than 30 rental cabins, a lake, a park, and even a bison herd.
It was a popular stop for travelers, but locals made good use of it as a gathering place. People were always coming and going - so much so that Shady Bend became a social center of sorts. Back before everyone had phones at home, they would leave messages for each other at the diner/general store.
Eventually, tourism through the area waned and the tourist court was closed. The cabins became apartments for a while and the main building was used for various purposes, including a tavern and a restaurant. The building sat empty for a while and reopened as a restaurant in 2018.
Once again, Shady Bend is a place for people to gather. The restaurant serves breakfast and lunch every day of the week, and there's nothing on the menu that isn't hearty and delicious. Gearing up for a long day? This classic breakfast of eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, and toast will keep you fueled up and full until lunchtime.
If you're so inclined, you can return for lunch. If you do, you'll be greeted with meals like this enormous triple bacon cheeseburger. (There are also regular-size burgers on the menu for those who would rather have a smaller meal.)
Daily specials rotate; you'll find them listed on a whiteboard when you walk in. It's definitely worth ordering from the specials menu, where you'll find everything from biscuits and gravy to liver and onions to steak and so much more.
If you need something a little lighter, there's a well-stocked salad bar where you can fill up on veggies, fruits and various salads. There are always at least two soup options, as well.
One of Shady Bend Cafe's most popular features is its Sunday breakfast buffet. For one low price, you can sample a little of everything - and isn't that what breakfast is all about?
No matter when you visit, your eyes will be drawn to the dessert case. These homestyle pies and cakes are all made right there in the kitchen and taste just like homemade. If you're too stuffed to enjoy dessert after your meal, take a piece or two home - you'll be so happy you did!
It’s wonderful to see this historic building once again full of life. It has regained its role as a place for people to get together and catch up while enjoying a tasty meal. Find out more about this lovable diner on its Facebook page.
You may not be able to set the kids loose to run around here as travelers of decades past did, but this Grand Island playground will let you do just that.
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Address: 3609 W Old Hwy 30, Grand Island, NE 68803, USA
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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.
