Brad wrote: Wed Jan 18, 2023 8:40 pm
Its time to re-thing that whole restaurant space. They need a cozy little lodge bar and grill up front that is closed off from the massive buffet and dining room. Use the little cozy lodge most days and save the big space for the few days a year they actually need it. There really needs to be a wall to separate it and hide it when not in use. There really should be nice patio connected to the cozy lodge bar and grill that is always open on nice days. Why go to a state park if you cant enjoy the outdoors. Heck, may be even garage doors in the cozy bar and grill that open to that patio.
What's been there for the past few decades isn't working anymore, time to move in to present.
Agree, we went to the Sunday brunch last year and thought it was really good but the space needs updated, maybe a nice patio with fire pits and the view.
The Platte River Rumble returns on October 13, 2023. Hear from Omaha head coach Cliff Cisar and Junior runner Maddie Yardley before the Omaha hosted event gets underway Friday afternoon.
Brad wrote: Wed Jan 18, 2023 8:40 pm
Its time to re-thing that whole restaurant space. They need a cozy little lodge bar and grill up front that is closed off from the massive buffet and dining room. Use the little cozy lodge most days and save the big space for the few days a year they actually need it. There really needs to be a wall to separate it and hide it when not in use. There really should be nice patio connected to the cozy lodge bar and grill that is always open on nice days. Why go to a state park if you cant enjoy the outdoors. Heck, may be even garage doors in the cozy bar and grill that open to that patio.
What's been there for the past few decades isn't working anymore, time to move in to present.
https://carlsatmahoney.com/ is going in here and I was told they added a patio space and completely redid the bar with more TVs and new furniture everywhere (haven't found pictures). The people opening it run a catering business in central Nebraska and a restaurant in Ord. Going to use this kitchen space to try and get more catering jobs in the east part of the state, but will have a dine in menu too.
Also was told the Lodge got covid relief money and is being completely renovated, set to reopen this summer.
ASHLAND, Neb. — For 11 years Blur Events has put on 'Sip Nebraska' at Mahoney State Park. On May 10 and May 11, hundreds will flock to try over 120+ tastings of wine, craft beer and hard cider. In Ashland, Nebraska, festivalgoers can find live music, artisan vendors, food trucks or even do some goat yoga. Organizers also have lodging and campsite available at Mahoney. For more information and tickets head to Slur Events
LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - This weekend, Ashland is the hub for wine, beer, and cider connoisseurs around Nebraska. About 30 miles northeast of Lincoln, local breweries from across the state are coming together at Mahoney State Park to show off their craft. It’s Blur Event’s 11th annual Sip Nebraska. Guests said they look forward to attending the event every year, and this year the event features some new faces ready to share their product with the community. Local businesses around Nebraska are serving hundreds of people at this weekend’s two-day event. What started as a wine festival in 2014 has branched out to cideries and breweries in the state. Guests ventured from tent to tent where 23 vendors poured their finest selections, with food truck stops, live music, and games serving as a break from the sun. Co-owner of Blur Events, Stacy Leners, said on Friday 600 people showed up to the event. She said on Saturday, she expects that number to double.
Carl’s has actually been at the lodge for a few years. I could be wrong but it has changed hands a few times in the past 5 years. I can’t remember if Carl’s was there and replaced or if they were the one who replaced the previous restaurant. Maybe they are coming back and that’s why the sign was added.
skinzfan23 wrote: Sat Jun 06, 2026 12:18 pm
Carl’s has actually been at the lodge for a few years. I could be wrong but it has changed hands a few times in the past 5 years. I can’t remember if Carl’s was there and replaced or if they were the one who replaced the previous restaurant. Maybe they are coming back and that’s why the sign was added.
They posted today that they’ve been open three years but are closing in August.
skinzfan23 wrote: Sat Jun 06, 2026 12:18 pm
Carl’s has actually been at the lodge for a few years. I could be wrong but it has changed hands a few times in the past 5 years. I can’t remember if Carl’s was there and replaced or if they were the one who replaced the previous restaurant. Maybe they are coming back and that’s why the sign was added.
They posted today that they’ve been open three years but are closing in August.
Saw that last night, wasn't able to share it then, and forgot about it this AM. Guessing they had a three-year lease
What they have done with that restaurant spot the last few times has been so underwhelming.
For the record NEBUGEATER does not equal BUGEATER !!!!!!!
I’m guessing that people who plan trips to Mahoney don’t exactly have dining on their radar. However it would be nice if Nebraska’s signature state park could attract a noteworthy restaurant to fill that beautiful lodge building. Maybe something akin to what the Arbor Lodge Lied Center has. It very well could become a reason people would take the time and trouble to leave Omaha or Lincoln for a day trip.
nativeomahan wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2026 4:10 pm
I’m guessing that people who plan trips to Mahoney don’t exactly have dining on their radar.
I know I sure don't. And for me as someone who doesn't often visit Mahoney, my outsider's perception of Carl's (I didn't even know the name before Brad posted it) is:
1. A hotel restaurant, which to me means unnecessarily expensive
2. Located at an attraction with very little nearby, which to me means even more unnecessarily expensive
and now that I know about Carl's and looked at the menu
3. There's absolutely nothing special about it. It's like someone at Sysco had a focus group about what would be a great menu for a cliche small town restaurant trying to be fancy, and be easy to thaw and toss on a grill or in a fryer.
Nothing about this says flagship Nebraska state park. Carl should at least try to feature Nebraska products on the menu.
nativeomahan wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2026 4:10 pm
I’m guessing that people who plan trips to Mahoney don’t exactly have dining on their radar.
I know I sure don't. And for me as someone who doesn't often visit Mahoney, my outsider's perception of Carl's (I didn't even know the name before Brad posted it) is:
1. A hotel restaurant, which to me means unnecessarily expensive
2. Located at an attraction with very little nearby, which to me means even more unnecessarily expensive
and now that I know about Carl's and looked at the menu
3. There's absolutely nothing special about it. It's like someone at Sysco had a focus group about what would be a great menu for a cliche small town restaurant trying to be fancy, and be easy to thaw and toss on a grill or in a fryer.
Nothing about this says flagship Nebraska state park. Carl should at least try to feature Nebraska products on the menu.
IT was worse than that. It is like they were shopping from the Sysco discount rack of things about to expire.
For the record NEBUGEATER does not equal BUGEATER !!!!!!!
The park states in this Jul 15 release that they are working on a plan for the late summer and fall season. Wonder if there is a plan and if there will be an announcement. Would not surprise me at all if it sits empty untill at least things ramp up again in the spring.
For the record NEBUGEATER does not equal BUGEATER !!!!!!!
