Discover Kearney, NE’s, Food and Drink Scene
Kearney offers a full menu of culinary delights and thirst-quenching beverages.
A bustling city in the heartland of America, Kearney, NE, is a culinary haven that attracts residents and visitors alike. Here, the locals understand and embrace the simple joys in life, like finding solace and camaraderie in the restaurants, breweries, wineries, taphouses and pubs that grace the city’s landscape. These establishments serve as gathering places where individuals come together to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship behind every bite and sip. Get ready to embark on a captivating exploration, as we delve into the food and drink scene in Kearney, NE.
Places to Eat in Kearney, NE
S.A.M. Que: Prepare to be enchanted by S.A.M. Que’s tantalizing flavors. What started as a beloved presence at festivals and events has blossomed into a brick-and-mortar restaurant on Third Avenue. S.A.M.’s has a full menu that features items like flatbread pizzas, sandwiches, sliders and baked potatoes, but it is known for its delicious barbecue and burgers. The restaurant smokes all its meats in-house and fries its chips daily. Plus, its sides are original recipes.
The Alley Rose: For over three decades, The Alley Rose has been a local favorite in downtown Kearney. While here, you can immerse yourself in an elevated dining atmosphere, where award-winning cuisine and meticulous attention to detail merge seamlessly to create an unforgettable experience. From street tacos to a diverse list of mac and cheese, The Alley Rose is sure to have something for everyone. Make sure to try the black and bleu mussels.
Coppermill Steakhouse: Since 2016, Coppermill Steakhouse has been a destination for steak connoisseurs. Indulge in the unique menu, which showcases steaks, succulent seafood and an array of delectable pasta dishes. Plus, the restaurant works with local producers to provide fresh, quality meat and produce. In addition to food, the restaurant offers a wide selection of wines, bourbons, scotches and handcrafted cocktails – not to mention an inviting ambience.
Joy’s Table Pasta & Steak: A delicious culinary journey awaits at Joy’s Table Pasta & Steak, which has been voted Kearney’s Best Italian restaurant since 2019. Its exquisite dishes are crafted from simple, everyday ingredients. A few must-try menu items include fried ravioli, tuxedo pasta, chicken parmigiana and salt baked sea bass.
Places to Drink in Kearney, NE
Thunderhead Brewing Co.: Unleash your taste buds at Thunderhead Brewing, a destination for local beer enthusiasts. From the Cropduster Mid-American IPA to the refreshing Golden Frau (an American pale wheat beer), you’ll love sipping its selection of handcrafted beverages. Pair your brew with appetizers, like a pretzel with mustard, artichoke dip and cheese breadsticks with marinara, or choose from one of the delicious stone oven pizzas.
McCue’s Nebraska Taproom: Tucked away on the historic bricks of downtown Kearney, McCue’s Nebraska Taproom is a hidden gem. Home to an impressive selection of Nebraska craft beers, wines and spirits, everyone is sure to find a drink they’ll fancy. Try the Cowboy Trail Amber Ale, Unlock the Time Dragon IPA or Niobrara Valley Vineyards Prairie Peach and Sandhills Cherry wines.
Barista’s Daily Grind: Awaken your senses at Barista’s Daily Grind, a coffee shop known for its delectable coffee and inviting atmosphere. The Grind serves up a wide selection of espresso drinks, specialty beverages, teas and drip coffee. If you’re hungry, the shop also has a menu full of tasty dishes, like a breakfast burrito, a cinnamon roll and biscotti.
Upper Room Brewery: Discover tranquility at Upper Room Brewery. Here, you can find a beer that resonates with your palate, learn about the brewing process and simply do your own thing. The brewery strives to be a place where people can both laugh with friends as well as study and read. Check out the Manna sour, Sunrise IPA and Billy Lager märzen.
Kearney, NE, Restaurant Week
Every September, food takes center stage in Kearney for the six-day Taste Kearney Restaurant Week. This event serves as a platform for local restaurants and bars to promote their businesses and fosters a sense of community by encouraging patrons to support local dining establishments. For the event, participating restaurants create special menu items that are not available on their regular menu.
“Taste Kearney lets us market and highlight what is unique and awesome about Kearney restaurants,” says Rylie Mills, the marketing director for the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce. “Last year, we launched an app that allowed patrons to log in and check into restaurants and participate in a contest. I had just 30 days to really get that rolling, as I began my role in August and Taste Kearney is in September. With one year under my belt and more time to plan, I am excited to be able to build on the successful Taste Kearney Restaurant Week we hosted last year.”
Locals love Taste Kearney, as it allows them to try new cuisines and restaurants, enjoy multicourse meals at discounted prices, and, of course, eat local.
“The Kearney Area Chamber takes pride in the outstanding restaurants we have,” Mills says. “With an impressive number of restaurants and bars, there is fantastic food and beverages that are matched only by exceptional service. Showcasing the dining establishments in the Kearney area is an effortless task because we genuinely have the finest ones around. Our goal is to encourage Kearney area residents, neighboring communities as well as visitors to indulge in the remarkable local options during our popular Taste Kearney Restaurant Week.”
Salivating yet? Kearney offers a unique food and drink scene that’s hard to match. Find more tasty dishes and beverages here.
Get to Know Kearney, NE
Want to learn more about living and working in Kearney, NE? Check out the latest edition of Livability Kearney, Nebraska.
