Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo

One of Omaha's claims to fame is the Henry Doorly Zoo. Over the years, it has earned a reputation as one of the best zoos in the Midwest. Like most zoos, Henry Doorly Zoo has continued to evolve. The days of housing an animal in a small inhumane cement prison, I mean cage, are passing by (not quickly enough though). Efforts to give the animals the very best environment and surroundings possible are always being attempted. While this practice is better for the animals, it also allows the zoo to become more ascetically appealing for visitors, which leads to more popularity that gives the zoo more financial stability.  This financial stability in turn allows the funding of even better exhibits in the future (a domino effect if you will).

The Henry Doorly Zoo has grasped this concept and for the most part the zoo is very modern and pleasing for visitors and the animals. It has upgraded the environments of its animals and has plans to improve the dated exhibits that are quite depressing to see. Expansion is on the horizon for the zoo since they are in the process of buying the empty Rosenblatt Stadium right next door. Obviously, upgrades, improvements, and expansion require a lot of time and money to succeed and be implemented effectively. This reality means that some of the more unpleasant and outdated exhibits will be around for a while, just keep in mind that the future of the Henry Doorly Zoo will be brighter than it already is.

Most of the Henry Doorly Zoo's exhibits are very interesting, updated, and worth a visit to the zoo in itself. The Lied Jungle, Scott Aquarium, the Desert Dome, and Kingdoms of the Night exhibits are the flagships of the zoo. Also, the state-of-the-art "Berniece Grewcock Butterfly and Insect Pavilion" and "Expedition Madagascar" exhibits are brand new features that are definitely worth seeing.  The Hubbard Gorilla Valley and the Simmons Aviary are pretty cool too.

The zoo has some dated displays that are desperate for some improvements. Bear Canyon is somewhat interesting but lacks any natural feel with all of the concrete. The outer edge exhibits are favorable because of all the wide open space for the animals but the layout is extremely out of the way and cumbersome to get to. Plus the elephants are gone now which does not make it seem worth going on the long trek. The worst and most depressing exhibit is the Durham Cat Complex, which is a glorified concrete feline prison that smells of cat excrement and death.  Just remember that despite these less-than-stellar exhibits, which can be easily avoided, the zoo is a great place to go.

For those that plan on going to the zoo several times in a year, the zoo offers memberships that make the zoo even more enjoyable. A family can make their money back in two visits. The best part of having a membership is that you can just go to one exhibit and leave without feeling you have wasted your money and entire day. The zoo experience is even more enjoyable, especially the Scott Aquarium, if you go right after it opens to avoid the crowds. Expect to bump into a lot of people and do a lot of waiting if you go to the zoo on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

Overall, the Henry Doorly Zoo is great place to go if you are looking for something to do any day of the week all year long (except Thanksgiving and Christmas). Check out all of the exhibits at your own pace (avoid the not-so-great ones, trust me) and you will be very impressed with one of the best zoos in the Midwest which continues to improve.

Throughout the year I will be focusing on some of the zoo's exhibits individually because of its immense size and variety. As I hinted earlier, you can spend the whole time at one exhibit during a zoo visit and be totally satisfied. I will provide more details about the exhibit than were given in this overall article.  So, stay tuned for more zoo information!

Henry Doorly Zoo website
Map

Additional Exploring Omaha articles on Henry Doorly Zoo:
Lied Jungle
Scott Aquarium

MY RATING (out of 10):
8(++++++++++)

Eclipse Tavern

What are the attributes of a bad bar?  Is it horrible service, pricey drinks, an evil bartender, or an awful atmosphere?  Certain bars have some of these characteristics and others incredibly fail in every category imaginable.  Bars like this force people to swear never to return or have toothpicks jammed under each of their fingernails rather than to experience one more second.  Sometimes it just takes one glaring problem or experience to make an establishment appear on someone's "forbidden" list. The Eclipse Tavern in Omaha is one of those places.  I most likely will not be showing my face there anytime soon.

There's nothing like getting the feeling that you are unwanted and a nuisance right when you walk into a bar and order a drink.  It makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  The bartender gave me an evil look when I asked what type of imports they served.  She was even more peeved after I said I would just have a Miller Lite (I think she believed that I thought Miller Lite was an import!).  It's not like she was very busy.  There was hardly anyone in the bar.  One person in our party was served a whiskey and Coke that was made with improperly mixed Coke. Another was told they did not have any coffee even though a coffee drink was on their so called menu which was a table placard sitting at our table.

Another aspect of the bar that was sketchy involved their advertising.  On the outside of the building they have a nice looking lighted sign that reads "Eclipse" with a martini adjacent to it.  When we spotted the sign with a martini glass from Pacific Street, we mistakingly thought the establishment was a martini bar.  Come to find out, Eclipse is basically a sports-bar where patrons order buckets of beer and watch sports. There is nothing wrong with that but the martini glass was misleading.  One of their bright spots is that they have an abundance of TV's scattered throughout the bar.  I think Eclipse would be a decent place to watch a game if you don't mind poor service.

Deep down I hope my experience was not indicative of an usual night at the Eclipse Tavern.  I understand that bartenders have bad nights, but it only takes one less-than-stellar experience for a bar to get a bad reputation.  Word travels fast these days with the internet and mobile devices. That's just the way the bar business is.  So, I would keep driving when you see the sign with a martini glass.  I wish we would have.

Map

MY RATING (out of 10):
3 (++++++++++)

Bison Witches Bar & Deli

When people go to a bar to eat they expect to find burgers, french fries, and other grease oriented foods on the menu.  Sometimes this is exactly what we are looking for, but sometimes we desire a non-burger option while we soak down some drinks. This is where Bison Witches Bar & Deli comes into the picture. They offer the non-burger or non-fried food alternative.  This concept is what makes Bison Witches unique.  They have combined a bar and a deli into one satisfying place that offers a large selection of deli-type sandwiches, soups, and appetizers.

As I scanned over the menu the last time I was there, I noticed that I have tried all of their sandwiches (I used to live right across the street), and I have never been disappointed. The T.A.C., Loretta, and Beef and Brie are my favorites. If you are a light eater, I would urge you to order a half of a sandwich because they are gigantic.  However, the best item on their menu is not a sandwich at all.  It is the Chicken and Cheese Nachos. They are excellent.  Not only are they extremely good, you get a ton of nachos (they are served on a serving tray, not a plate, a tray). For those of you that are like me and enjoy a nice bowl of soup, you will like Bison Witches. They have their usual soups (i.e. chili and Wisconsin cheese) and a soup of the day that never disappoints.  Not only do they have good food at Bison Witches, your bill will not give you whiplash after you look at it. A huge sandwich (that comes with chips) and a drink will be less than $10.

The bar portion of Bison Witches, which is integrated nicely with the rest of the establishment, is effective.  They have a large selection of beers (domestic, micro, and imported) and always seem to have really good specials for all kinds of beers on different nights.  I have never ordered a mixed drink or any hard alcohol from the bar at Bison Witches for some reason.  It seems that beer complements a deli sandwich more effectively than something with hard alcohol.  For the people who enjoy non-alcoholic beverages, like a Coke, you will be in heaven.  Sodas come in huge glasses and have free refills.  And speaking of refills, the service is usually always good.  In all of the times I have been to Bison Witches (which is a lot!), I have had only one bad experience with a server.

Bison Witches location is perfect and will only get better as Lincoln continues to enhance the downtown area.  It's located at 1320 P Street, right in the middle of Lincoln's entertainment heartbeat.  It alone is worth a trip downtown, but it is also a good supplement to the evening for those already heading to the area for some other reason.  Bison Witches is right next to the Coffee House and Rococo Theater and blocks from the Lied Center, the downtown theater, the Haymarket, and many other attractions in the area.

All of the criteria (good food, service, atmosphere/location, and price) that go into making a high quality establishment are easily found at Bison Witches.  You can get some quality non-greasy food (and a lot of it) while you enjoy a beverage of your choice in the perfectly located Bison Witches.

Bison Witches website
Map

MY RATING (out of 10):
9 (++++++++++)

Biaggi's Restorante Italiano

Generally when someone suggests eating at a "restaurant chain" in the presence of a foodie, the foodie will be either raise their nose in disgust or urgently suggest dining somewhere else, preferably somewhere that is locally owned. Unfortunately, I find myself resorting to these tactics when someone suggests places like McDonald's or Applebee's. While I do not consider myself a foodie, I do seem to appreciate the food, service, and atmosphere more at a locally own establishment. Plus, I feel like I am supporting the local community more directly than when I dine in a restaurant whose corporate offices are back east somewhere. The point is (without getting too "Rah! Rah!" for local businesses): I believe there is more of a likelihood that I will have a better dining experience at a locally owned restaurant.

Now this does not mean that all restaurant chains should be avoided like the plague. There are some very impressive restaurants that fall under this category. For instance, chains like Ruth's Chris Steak House and Firebirds are examples of places with extremely high quality dining. And, as of last Friday, I am adding Biaggi's Restorante Italiano to my list of eye-opening restaurant chains. Biaggi's absolutely stunned me! I was not expecting what they had to offer. Places like Biaggi's completely destroy my theory, and attitude, about restaurant chains.

Omaha's Biaggi's is conveniently positioned north of Dodge at 137th Street (Boys Town exit). Its proximity to Dodge and the center of Omaha allows people from all corners of the city to drive there both in a short period of time and with ease. Once you get out of your vehicle and walk toward their building you begin to get a feel of Biaggi's atmosphere which is of pure elegance. The wood and white tablecloth scheme is extremely tasteful and the place is impeccably clean.  As far as the service goes, it was outstanding. Our waitress was there when we needed her and she was very polite and helpful.

And the food! The food was spectacular. I highly recommend the fettuccine with lobster, the chicken cannelloni, and the complementary bread with dipping sauce. The house salad was good but it did not overwhelm me like the previously mentioned dishes did. The portions are quite generous so be prepared to walk out of the restaurant moaning and holding your gut. And, I feel their prices are very reasonable for the highly stimulating culinary experience that you get at Biaggi's.

Let us learn from this article that just because a restaurant is part of a chain, it does not necessarily mean that it will be mediocre at best. Several chains do a great job in duplicating what allowed them to become a chain in the first place. In fact, Biaggi's easily trumps a great portion of Omaha's locally owned eateries.

Biaggi's website
Map

MY RATING (out of 10):
9 (++++++++++)