Within walking distance of most downtown hotels is the Old Market. Flanking the Old Market's brick roads are fan-favorite local restaurants including M's Pub, Gather, Blue Sushi, and Block 16. If you're in search of a more upscale dining experience, try the Boiler Room or Le Bouillon. La Buvette is also a great option if you appreciate a wine and cheese pairing! For breakfast, we'd recommend Kitchen Table. Bar-wise, we love Mercury and the Wicked Rabbit for cocktails and the Dubliner and Mr. Toads for everything else (although you can find a beverage on just about any corner!).
Situated just west of Downtown, the Blackstone District is a compact area packed with great local restaurants and bars. Mula and the Blackstone Meatball are great options in the area if you're looking for dinner. For cocktails and light bites, pop over to Nite Owl or the Red Lion Lounge. Or, check out the Crescent Moon (home of the Reuben sandwich) and then head down to Huber House, the bierhall in the basement of the Crescent Moon, to take on Das Boot.
Should you have the time and energy, take a quick walk around the recently-renovated Gene Leahy Mall or a longer walk over the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge - but be careful, you'll end up in Iowa if you go too far! The Omaha Henry Doorley Zoo is a wonderful place to spend your afternoon as well. For the art or history lovers, you can check out the Kaneko Art Center or the Durham Museum. You also can visit Lauritzen Gardens, which has both indoor and outdoor exhibits if weather permits.
First and foremost - Go Big Red. For those of you in search of a sports bar, check out the Session Room, the Old Mattress Factory, DJ's Dugout, or Lefty's.