The Best of Omaha contest, sponsored by Omaha Magazine , began in the mid-80′s. It started with votes from the magazine staff, but eventually expanded to the public in 1992. Readers could vote for their favorite Omaha businesses and services on paper ballots and fax or mail them; but today, all of the voting is done electronically. By switching to online voting, the contest became more secure and added a sense of validity, allowing only one log-in per IP address during the voting period (July 1st – Sept. 30th).
As the contest gained more popularity, the categories also began to expand. There are currently 176 Best of Omaha categories with around 425,000 votes from around 20,000 voters. The five most popular categories are Grocery Store, Mexican Dining, Pizza, Bank, and Italian Dining. Most of the Best of Omaha winners don’t actually advertise with Omaha Magazine; and since the magazine is the only sponsor with its staff calculating the results, the businesses and services nominated in the contest can’t gain any headway by advertising.
The Best of Omaha results come out every year in Omaha Magazine ‘s January/February issue with a readership over 115,000 during the two month shelf-life.
Look up previous Best of Omaha® winners
Use this search form to find a particular company.
1
2011
Appetizers
Upstream Brewing Company
1
2011
Bagels
Bruegger's
1
2011
Barbeque
Famous Dave's
1
2011
Bowl of Soup
Panera Bread
1
2011
Breakfast
Le Peep
1
2011
Brick Oven Pizza
Pitch Coal-Fire Pizzeria
1
2011
Buffet
Valentino's
1
2011
Burrito
Hector's
1
2011
Chinese
China Road
1
2011
Desserts
Wheatfields Eatery & Bakery
1
2011
Family Restaurant
Red Robin
1
2011
French
The French Cafe
1
2011
French Fries
Runza
1
2011
Fried Chicken
Jack & Mary's
1
2011
Greek
Greek Islands Restaurant
1
2011
Hamburger
Stella's Bar and Grill
1
2011
Indian
Indian Oven
1
2011
Italian
Lo Sole Mio
1
2011
Japanese
Kobe
1
2011
Mexican
La Mesa Mexican Restaurant
1
2011
New Restaurant in 2010
Loft 610
1
2011
Organic Dining
McFosters Natural Kind Cafe
1
2011
Pasta
Lo Sole Mio
1
2011
Pizza
Zio's Pizzeria
1
2011
Prime Rib
Jerico's
1
2011
Salad
Jams
1
2011
Sandwiches
Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches
1
2011
Seafood
Absolutely Fresh Seafood
1
2011
Steakhouse
Anthony's Steakhouse/Ozone Lounge
1
2011
Sunday Brunch
Granite City Food & Brewery
1
2011
Sushi
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
1
2011
Thai
Thai Spice
1
2011
Bakery
Rotella's Italian Bakery, Inc.
1
2011
Beer Selection
Old Chicago
1
2011
Child Party Provider
The Amazing Pizza Machine
1
2011
Cocktail Lounge
The Reef at Del Mare
1
2011
Coffeehouse
Scooter's Coffeehouse
1
2011
Family Entertainment
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo
1
2011
Festival
Omaha Summer Arts Festival
1
2011
Happy Hour
Kona Grill
1
2011
Happy Hour
Kona Grill
1
2011
Hot Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings
1
2011
Ice Cream
Ted & Wally's Ice Cream
1
2011
Kids Summer Camp
YMCA
1
2011
Laser Tag
Skate Daze
1
2011
Limousine
VIP Limousine
1
2011
Live Music Venue
Holland Performing Arts Center
1
2011
Margarita
Hector's
1
2011
Martini
Charlie's On the Lake
1
2011
Microbrewery
Upstream Brewing Company
1
2011
Neighborhood Bar
Dundee Dell
1
2011
Omaha Sports Team
Omaha Storm Chasers
1
2011
Outdoor Dining Patio
The Reef at Del Mare
1
2011
Romantic Restaurant
Lo Sole Mio
1
2011
Sports Bar
Brewsky's Food & Spirits
1
2011
Tattoo Parlor
Big Brain
1
2011
Beauty Supply Store
Beauty First
1
2011
Cosmetic Surgeon
Joel Schlessinger, MD/Skin Specialists, PC
1
2011
Chiropractor
Koca Chiropractic Clinic
1
2011
Day Spa
Faces Day Spa
1
2011
Cosmetic Dentist
Dr. Steven Wegner
1
2011
Family Dentist
Hillsborough Family Dentistry
1
2011
Fitness Club
Lifetime Fitness
1
2011
Martial Arts
San-Mai Martial Arts
1
2011
Fitness Equipment Store
Body Basics
1
2011
Nail Salon
Legacy Nails
1
2011
Optical Shop
Millard Family Eyecare
1
2011
Orthodontist
Kort A. Igel, DDS, MS, PC
1
2011
Personal Training Facility
Black Clover Fitness
1
2011
Physical Therapy
Excel
1
2011
Rehabilitation Facility
Brookestone Meadows
1
2011
Tanning Salon
Ashley Lynn's Tanning
1
2011
Apartments
Midtown Crossing
1
2011
Custom Home Builder
Curt Hofer Construction
1
2011
Carpet Cleaning
Steamatic of Omaha
1
2011
Floor Covering
Nebraska Furniture Mart
1
2011
Condos
Midtown Crossing
1
2011
Garage Doors
Norm's Door Service, Inc.
1
2011
Heating & Air
aksarben ARS Heating AC
1
2011
Home Accessories
House of J Decor & Gifts
1
2011
Home Audio Store
Nebraska Furniture Mart
1
2011
Home Builder
Hearthstone Homes
1
2011
Home Cleaning Service
The Maids
1
2011
Home Inspection Service
Amerispec Home Inspection Service
1
2011
Home Remodeling
RD Schuller Construction
1
2011
Interior Design Firm
Interiors Joan and Associates
1
2011
Irrigation
Millard Sprinkler Inc.
1
2011
Kitchen & Bath
Consolidated Kitchens & Fireplaces - CFK
1
2011
Landscaping
Mulhall's
1
2011
Lawn Care
TruGreen
1
2011
Painter
GERST Painting, Inc
1
2011
Plumber
Burton A/C Heating Plumbing & More
1
2011
Pools & Spas
Superior Spa & Pool
1
2011
Window Coverings
A Well Dressed Window
1
2011
Windows & Doors
Omaha Door & Window
1
2011
Antique Shop
Brass Armadillo
1
2011
Convenience Store
QuikTrip
1
2011
Jewelry Store
Borsheim's
1
2011
Beer & Spirits Store
HyVee
1
2011
Florist
Stems at Countryside
1
2011
Lingerie
Victoria's Secret
1
2011
Consignment Store
Big Wheel's 2 Butterfly's
1
2011
Grocery Store
HyVee
1
2011
Men's Apparel
Parsow's Clothing & Sportswear
1
2011
Pawn Shop
Sol's Jewelry & Loan
1
2011
Thrift Store
Goodwill Industries
1
2011
Pet Store
PetSmart
1
2011
Wine Store
Brix
1
2011
Pharmacy
Walgreen's
1
2011
Women's Boutique
Nouvelle Eve
1
2011
Assisted Living Facility
Elk Ridge Village Assisted Living
1
2011
Child Care
La Petite
1
2011
Bank
First National
1
2011
Credit Union
Centris Federal Credit Union
1
2011
Caterer
Catering Creations
1
2011
Dry Cleaners
Fashion Cleaners
1
2011
Employer
PayPal
1
2011
Financial Planning Firm
Feltz WealthPLAN
1
2011
Funeral Home
Heafey Heafey Hoffman Dworak & Cutler Mortuaries & Crematory
1
2011
In-Home Nursing Service
Visiting Nurse Association
1
2011
Internet Provider
Cox Communications
1
2011
LIfe/Health Insurance Co.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska
1
2011
Mortgage Lender
First National Bank
1
2011
Moving Company
Two Men and A Truck
1
2011
Reception Venue
Georgetowne Club
1
2011
Pet Grooming Salon
Bark Avenue Grooming & Daycare
1
2011
Retirement Community
Lakeside Village
1
2011
Pet Sitter
Camp Bow Wow
1
2011
Vet Clinic
Ralston Veterinary Clinic
1
2011
Auto Body Repair
Dingman's Collision Center
1
2011
Auto Glass
Safelite
1
2011
Boat Dealer
Omaha Marine Center
1
2011
Car Tire Service
Jensen Tire & Auto
1
2011
Car Wash
Fantasy's Inc.
1
2011
Exhaust & Muffler Service
House of Mufflers & Brakes
1
2011
General Auto Repair
Jensen Tire & Auto
1
2011
Motorcycle Dealer
Dillon Brothers Harley-Davidson
1
2011
New Car Dealer
Woodhouse Auto Family
1
2011
Oil Change
Jiffy Lube
1
2011
RV Dealer
Apache Camper Center
1
2011
Travel Agency
Travel and Transport
1
2011
Used Car Dealer
Lexus of Omaha
1
2011
Hair Salon
Creative Hair Design Salon & Spa
2
2011
Appetizers
Kona Grill
2
2011
Bagels
Bagel Bin
2
2011
Barbeque
Hartland Bar-B-Que
2
2011
Bowl of Soup
Paradise Bakery & Cafe
2
2011
Breakfast
Summer Kitchen Cafe - Bakery
2
2011
Brick Oven Pizza
Dante
2
2011
Buffet
Grand China Buffet
2
2011
Burrito
Julio's
2
2011
Chinese
PF Changs China Bistro
2
2011
Desserts
Cheesecake Factory
2
2011
Family Restaurant
Texas Roadhouse
2
2011
French
Le Voltaire
2
2011
French Fries
Bronco's
2
2011
Fried Chicken
KFC
2
2011
Greek
Katie's Restaurant
2
2011
Hamburger
Runza
2
2011
Indian
Jaipur Indian Restaurant & Brewing
2
2011
Italian
Spezia
2
2011
Japanese
Hiro Sushi
2
2011
Mexican
Hector's
2
2011
New Restaurant in 2010
Zurlo's Bistro Italiano
2
2011
Organic Dining
Blue Planet Natural Grill
2
2011
Pasta
Pasta Amore
2
2011
Pizza
La Casa Pizzaria
2
2011
Prime Rib
Anthony's Steakhouse/Ozone Lounge
2
2011
Salad
Olive Garden
2
2011
Sandwiches
Jason's Deli
2
2011
Seafood
Bonefish Grill
2
2011
Steakhouse
The Drover
2
2011
Sunday Brunch
WheatFields Eatery & Brewery
2
2011
Sushi
Hiro Sushi
2
2011
Thai
Thai Pepper
2
2011
Bakery
Pettit's Pastry
2
2011
Beer Selection
Crescent Moon, Huber-Haus, Max & Joe's, Beertopia
2
2011
Child Party Provider
Pump It Up of Omaha
2
2011
Cocktail Lounge
Green Onion
2
2011
Coffeehouse
Starbucks
2
2011
Family Entertainment
The Amazing Pizza Machine
2
2011
Happy Hour
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
2
2011
Happy Hour
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
2
2011
Hot Wings
Oscar's Pizza & Sports Grille
2
2011
Ice Cream
Cold Stone Creamery
2
2011
Kids Summer Camp
Hummel Day Camp
2
2011
Laser Tag
Zzzap! Laser Adventures
2
2011
Limousine
Extreme Limo
2
2011
Live Music Venue
Quest Center
2
2011
Margarita
Roja Mexican Grill + Margarita Bar
2
2011
Martini
Sullivan's Steakhouse
2
2011
Microbrewery
Lucky Bucket
2
2011
Neighborhood Bar
Tanner's Bar & Grill
2
2011
Omaha Sports Team
Omaha Nighthawks
2
2011
Outdoor Dining Patio
Mark's Bistro
2
2011
Romantic Restaurant
Mahogany Prime Steakhouse
2
2011
Sports Bar
IceHouse Sports Bar
2
2011
Tattoo Parlor
Liquid Courage
2
2011
Beauty Supply Store
Sally's Beauty Supply
2
2011
Cosmetic Surgeon
Popp Cosmetic Surgery
2
2011
Chiropractor
Elsasser Chiropractic
2
2011
Day Spa
Creative Hair Design Salon & Spa
2
2011
Cosmetic Dentist
Jay Samuelson, Cosmetic Dentist
2
2011
Family Dentist
Today's Dental
2
2011
Fitness Club
Prairie Life Fitness
2
2011
Fitness Club
Prairie Life Fitness
2
2011
Martial Arts
Tiger Rock Martial Arts
2
2011
Fitness Equipment Store
Priority 1 Fitness
2
2011
Nail Salon
Martini Nails & Spa
2
2011
Hair Salon
Garbo's Salons & Spas
2
2011
Optical Shop
Midwest Eye Care
2
2011
Orthodontist
Greg Samuelson
2
2011
Personal Training Facility
Endless Possibilities Training Systems
2
2011
Physical Therapy
Alegent
2
2011
Rehabilitation Facility
Immanuel Rehab
2
2011
Tanning Salon
Paradise Bay Tanning
2
2011
Apartments
Harrison Hills
2
2011
Custom Home Builder
Brau Builders
2
2011
Carpet Cleaning
Stanley Steemer
2
2011
Floor Covering
Kelly's Carpet
2
2011
Condos
Riverfront Place
2
2011
Garage Doors
Omaha Door & Window
2
2011
Heating & Air
A-1 United Heating & Air
2
2011
Home Accessories
Z Gallerie
2
2011
Home Audio Store
Stereo West Home Theater Store
2
2011
Home Builder
Charleston Homes
2
2011
Home Cleaning Service
Maids & More
2
2011
Home Inspection Service
Home Buyers Protection Company
2
2011
Home Inspection Service
Service
2
2011
Home Remodeling
T. Hurt Construction, Inc.
2
2011
Interior Design Firm
Interiors Design Firm
2
2011
Irrigation
Nature's Helper, Inc.
2
2011
Kitchen & Bath
Granite Transformations
2
2011
Landscaping
Lanoha Nurseries
2
2011
Lawn Care
Roberts Nursery, Lawn & Landscaping
2
2011
Painter
CertaPro Painters
2
2011
Plumber
Backlund Plumbing
2
2011
Pools & Spas
Continental Pool & Spa
2
2011
Window Coverings
Budget Blinds
2
2011
Windows & Doors
Pella Windows & Doors of Omaha & Lincoln
2
2011
Antique Shop
Second Chance
2
2011
Convenience Store
Kum & Go
2
2011
Jewelry Store
Brodkey's
2
2011
Beer & Spirits Store
Spirit World
2
2011
Florist
Piccolo's Florist
2
2011
Lingerie
Nouvelle Eve
2
2011
Consignment Store
Esther's
2
2011
Grocery Store
Baker's
2
2011
Men's Apparel
Lindley Clothing
2
2011
Pawn Shop
Mid-City Jewelry & Loan
2
2011
Thrift Store
Thrift World
2
2011
Pet Store
Petco
2
2011
Wine Store
HyVee
2
2011
Pharmacy
HyVee
2
2011
Women's Boutique
BCBG
2
2011
Assisted Living Facility
Brookestone Village
2
2011
Child Care
Millard Learning Center
2
2011
Bank
Wells Fargo
2
2011
Credit Union
SAC Federal Credit Union
2
2011
Caterer
Hap Abraham
2
2011
Dry Cleaners
Max I. Walker
2
2011
Employer
Union Pacific
2
2011
Financial Planning Firm
Carson Wealth Management Group
2
2011
Funeral Home
John A. Gentleman Mortuaries
2
2011
In-Home Nursing Service
Home Instead Senior Care
2
2011
Internet Provider
Qwest
2
2011
LIfe/Health Insurance Co.
Mutual of Omaha
2
2011
Mortgage Lender
Wells Fargo
2
2011
Moving Company
Jim's Moving and Delivery
2
2011
Reception Venue
Joslyn Castle
2
2011
Pet Grooming Salon
Susie's Pet Grooming
2
2011
Retirement Community
Richmont Village
2
2011
Pet Sitter
My Pet Nanny
2
2011
Vet Clinic
Gentle Doctor Animal Hospital
2
2011
Auto Body Repair
Dave's Auto Body Co.
2
2011
Auto Glass
Metro Glass
2
2011
Boat Dealer
Valley Marine
2
2011
Brake Service
Jensen Tire & Auto
2
2011
Car Stereo Store
Best Buy
2
2011
Car Tire Service
Walker Tire & Auto Service
2
2011
Car Wash
Russell Speeker's Car Wash
2
2011
Exhaust & Muffler Service
Jensen Tire & Auto
2
2011
General Auto Repair
Walker Tire & Auto Service
2
2011
Motorcycle Dealer
Holstein's Harley-Davidson
2
2011
New Car Dealer
Performance Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Inc.
2
2011
Oil Change
Jensen Tire & Auto
2
2011
RV Dealer
A.C. Nelsen RV World
2
2011
Travel Agency
AAA Travel
2
2011
Used Car Dealer
H&H Chevrolet
3
2011
Appetizers
Espana Restaurant Tapas Bar Paella Sangria
3
2011
Bagels
Panera Bread
3
2011
Barbeque
McKenna's Blues, Booze and BBQ
3
2011
Bowl of Soup
Upstream Brewing Company
3
2011
Breakfast
Dixie Quicks Magnolia Room
3
2011
Brick Oven Pizza
Zurlo's Bistro Italiano
3
2011
Buffet
Old Country Buffet
3
2011
Burrito
Qdoba Mexican Grill
3
2011
Chinese
Rice Bowl
3
2011
Desserts
Delice European Bakery & Cafe
3
2011
Family Restaurant
Spaghetti Works
3
2011
French
Dario's Brasserie
3
2011
French Fries
Five Guys Burgers and Fries
3
2011
Fried Chicken
Alpine Inn
3
2011
Greek
Feta's Gyros & Catering
3
2011
Hamburger
Five Guys Burgers and Fries
3
2011
Indian
The Taj Kabob & Curry
3
2011
Italian
Vivace
3
2011
Japanese
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
3
2011
Mexican
Maria's
3
2011
New Restaurant in 2010
Ingredient Restaurant
3
2011
Organic Dining
Whole Foods Market
3
2011
Pasta
Vincenzo's
3
2011
Pizza
Godfather's Pizza
3
2011
Prime Rib
Farmer Brown's Steakhouse
3
2011
Salad
Charleston's Restaurant
3
2011
Sandwiches
Pepperjax Grill
3
2011
Seafood
Charlie's On the Lake
3
2011
Steakhouse
Johnny's Cafe
3
2011
Sunday Brunch
Upstream Brewing Company
3
2011
Sushi
Kona Grill
3
2011
Thai
Thai Kitchen
3
2011
Bakery
Bread Oven French Bakery
3
2011
Beer Selection
Upstream Brewing Company
3
2011
Child Party Provider
Dave & Buster's
3
2011
Cocktail Lounge
Red Lounge
3
2011
Coffeehouse
Crane Coffee
3
2011
Family Entertainment
Fun-Plex
3
2011
Festival
St. John's Greek Festival
3
2011
Happy Hour
Old Chicago
3
2011
Hot Wings
Wing Stop
3
2011
Ice Cream
eCreamery
3
2011
Kids Summer Camp
Fontenelle Nature Association
3
2011
Laser Tag
Family Fun Center
3
2011
Limousine
Old Market Limousine Service
3
2011
Live Music Venue
Slowdown
3
2011
Margarita
Fernando's Cafe & Cantina
3
2011
Martini
Voodoo Lounge
3
2011
Microbrewery
Nebraska Brewing Company
3
2011
Neighborhood Bar
Dinker's Bar & Grill
3
2011
Omaha Sports Team
UNO
3
2011
Outdoor Dining Patio
Nicola's
3
2011
Romantic Restaurant
V Mertz
3
2011
Sports Bar
DJ's Dugout Sports Bar
3
2011
Tattoo Parlor
Grinn & Barrett
3
2011
Beauty Supply Store
Beauty Brands
3
2011
Cosmetic Surgeon
John Edney, MD
3
2011
Chiropractor
Pearson Chiropractic: A Family Wellness Center
3
2011
Day Spa
Gloss Salon & Day Spa
3
2011
Cosmetic Dentist
Christopher A. Stanosheck, DDS, PC
3
2011
Family Dentist
Joseph Skradski, DDS
3
2011
Fitness Club
Gold's Gym
3
2011
Martial Arts
Mid-America
3
2011
Fitness Equipment Store
Push Pedal Pull
3
2011
Nail Salon
Creative Hair Design Salon & Spa
3
2011
Hair Salon
Seven Salon
3
2011
Optical Shop
Omaha Primary Eyecare
3
2011
Orthodontist
Huerter Orthodontics
3
2011
Personal Training Facility
Personalized Fitness & Nutrition
3
2011
Physical Therapy
Community Rehab Physical Therapy
3
2011
Rehabilitation Facility
Community Rehab Physical Therapy
3
2011
Tanning Salon
Tan World
3
2011
Apartments
The Biltmore
3
2011
Custom Home Builder
McNeil Company Builders
3
2011
Carpet Cleaning
Chem Dry of Omaha
3
2011
Floor Covering
Odermatt Floor Covering, Inc.
3
2011
Condos
The Paxton
3
2011
Garage Doors
Overhead Door Company of Omaha
3
2011
Heating & Air
Thermal Services
3
2011
Home Accessories
Gordmans
3
2011
Home Audio Store
The Sound Environment
3
2011
Home Builder
Heavican Homes
3
2011
Home Cleaning Service
Molly Maid of Central Omaha/CB
3
2011
Home Inspection Service
ServiceOne
3
2011
Home Remodeling
KRT Construction, Inc.
3
2011
Interior Design Firm
The Designers
3
2011
Irrigation
Hoich
3
2011
Kitchen & Bath
Ward's Kitchen and Bath
3
2011
Landscaping
Carson Enterprises
3
2011
Lawn Care
Heartland Lawns
3
2011
Painter
Harwood Services
3
2011
Plumber
ServiceOne
3
2011
Pools & Spas
Classic Pool & Spa
3
2011
Window Coverings
JCPenney
3
2011
Windows & Doors
Champion
3
2011
Antique Shop
Venice Antiques
3
2011
Convenience Store
Bucky's
3
2011
Jewelry Store
14 Karat
3
2011
Beer & Spirits Store
Brix
3
2011
Florist
Janousek Florist
3
2011
Lingerie
Basic Tease Boutique
3
2011
Consignment Store
Plato's Closet
3
2011
Grocery Store
Bag N Save
3
2011
Men's Apparel
Jerry Ryan Clothing & Sportswear
3
2011
Pawn Shop
Easy Money Pawn Shop
3
2011
Thrift Store
New Life Thrift
3
2011
Pet Store
Pets-R-Us
3
2011
Wine Store
Spirit World
3
2011
Pharmacy
Kohl's
3
2011
Women's Boutique
Kajoma's Fashion Boutique
3
2011
Assisted Living Facility
Hillcrest Country Estates
3
2011
Child Care
Kinder Care Learning Centers
3
2011
Bank
Bank of the West
3
2011
Credit Union
Creighton Federal Credit Union
3
2011
Caterer
Attitude On Food
3
2011
Dry Cleaners
Nu Trend Dry Cleaners
3
2011
Employer
UNMC
3
2011
Financial Planning Firm
Horizon
3
2011
Funeral Home
Roeder
3
2011
In-Home Nursing Service
Alegent
3
2011
Internet Provider
Windstream
3
2011
LIfe/Health Insurance Co.
Physicians Mutual
3
2011
Mortgage Lender
First Mortgage Comany
3
2011
Moving Company
Flat Rate Movers
3
2011
Reception Venue
The Durham Museum
3
2011
Pet Grooming Salon
Best In Show Pet Salon
3
2011
Retirement Community
Elk Ridge Village Active Retirement Community
3
2011
Pet Sitter
Dogtopia of Omaha
3
2011
Vet Clinic
Mobile Animal
3
2011
Auto Body Repair
B Street Collision Center
3
2011
Auto Glass
Viking Glass
3
2011
Boat Dealer
SeaLand Marine & Recreation
3
2011
Brake Service
Midas
