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​Written By Sarah Baker Hansen
It’s 7:30 pm on a wintry Friday night and the parking lot outside of Johnny’s Cafe, a South Omaha landmark, is jammed. 
The scent of seared steak wafts out the heavy, faux-bronze doors as they swing outward, and diners walk into a glowing, ruby-hued time capsule of Nebraska food history. 

To the left is the massive dining room, still crowded on weekends with silver-haired men in sportcoats and ladies in their best blouses being served by reliable staff, many who have worked here for decades. To the right is the dark bar, where guests saddle up – literally sitting on saddle barstools – to sip boozy Old Fashioneds and Manhattans while staring at Husker and cowboy memorabilia covering the walls.

“People come in and they just say ‘I am glad you are here’,” said Jack Kawa, who is 80 years old and has worked at the family business since he was a kid. “We have been here for so long, and I think people still enjoy going out and having a nice prime rib any night of the week.”

JOIN US ALL OF 2022
as we celebrate our
CENTENNIAL YEAR!
Thank You for 100 Years!
We would love to hear your stories over the years! 
Have an old photo? Take a new one? Share your memories with us on social!
#OMAHASTEAKHOUSE    #OMAHAORIGINAL     #JOHNNYSCAFE100YRS 
Sally, Kari, Jack and our Team​
Join us as we celebrate 100 years
We  offer in-house dining, to-go pick up and curbside pick up.
We suggest reservations for both lunch and dinner.
We  have private party rooms that can accommodate 10- 150 guests.
Hours
Closed Sunday & Monday
Lunch
Tuesday - Friday  11:00 - 2:00
Dinner
Tuesday - Thursday  5:00 - 8:00
                Friday & Saturday  5:00 - 9:00
Reservations Accepted, Please Call 402.731.4774
Open Select Holidays, serving a special holiday menu. 


"Love your prime rib, absolutely the best in town…”
"Ox Joints on Tuesdays makes Tuesday the best day of the week!”
"Don't change a thing - iconic, old school and delicious. "