Most People Don’t Know These Small Towns In Nebraska Have AMAZING Restaurants

In general, when we want something gourmet and expensive to eat, we head to a city. But small-town Nebraska restaurants have a lot to offer, as well. These eateries serve up food that's as familiar and comforting as anything Mom or Grandma used to make, and they do it in friendly, fuss-free style in their little towns. For this article, we're looking at some great restaurants in small Nebraska towns that have 1500 or fewer residents.

1. Cast Iron Bar and Grille, Stuart

If you're looking for affordable, casual, ridiculously tasty American food next time you're in Holt County, the Cast Iron Bar & Grille is your place.

2. Cunningham's Feed, Arapahoe

Cunningham's is all about comfort food done right. From juicy burgers to mouth-watering steaks to filling pasta - oh, and a full bar - Cunningham's has this small town restaurant thing down perfectly.

3. Hunter's Lounge, Waco

Hunter's Lounge offers a simple menu full of familiar and tasty dishes. But it's more than a place to grab a bite and a drink; this small-town eatery is also a popular local hangout and gathering place. They have live polka nights which always draw a crowd.

4. City Cafe, Newman Grove

Stop by the City Cafe for a delicious breakfast or lunch that you won’t soon forget. The menu is on the small side, but so are the prices, which means you’ll have enough cash left over to order some amazing pie for dessert.

5. Nowhere Special, Linwood

Don’t let this restaurant’s self-deprecating name fool you - it IS special. This little place serves up some incredible - and memorable - steaks. Nowhere Special IS special. We repeat: it IS special.

6. Ole's Big Game Steakhouse, Paxton

Ole's Big Game Steakhouse is pretty famous within Nebraska for its great food and funky decor: more than 200 big game trophies adorn the walls. No, they don't serve elephant or polar bear - just the delicious fare you'd expect from a steakhouse smack in the middle of beef country.

7. Six Mile Cafe, Dawson

Located in a converted gas station that looks like a house from the outside, the Six Mile Cafe serves up huge portions of traditional American food that'll keep you coming back over and over.

8. The Range Cafe, Bassett

Located in the Bassett Lodge, the Range Cafe is a sweet throwback to the 1950s with its period decor and seriously delicious food. They serve the traditional fare that you'd expect in a cattle town eatery with some more modern touches like flavored espresso drinks and specialty sandwiches.

9. The Ritz Cafe, Sargent

This little place in Sargent has all of the home cooking you crave, plus that sweet small-town atmosphere that makes it extra special. Their homemade hamburgers and delicious ice cream get rave reviews. The Ritz Cafe really is puttin' on the ritz.

10. Tub's Pub, Sumner

Tub's Pub is modest on the outside and packed with great food and a friendly atmosphere inside. They're known for their delightfully Midwestern fare, including a special night dedicated to Rocky Mountain oysters.

11. Val Tavern, Valparaiso

The family-friendly Val Tavern is known for its homestyle cooking, particularly its signature dish: broasted chicken.

Obviously, there are tons more small-town Nebraska restaurants that serve amazing food. This is definitely not meant as a definitive list of all the best places to eat - there's at least one in most little towns and villages. And every time you eat at one, you're supporting the local economy in that town - something that's especially important as more and more people move out of these small towns. What are your personal recommendations? Let us know in the comments!