Spaghetti Works (Multiple Locations)

[ChadJK]

Spaghetti Works - Omaha
502 S 11th St
Omaha, NE 68102
(402) 422-0770
https://www.spagworks.com/spaghettiomaha

Spaghetti Works - Ralston
8416 Park Dr
Ralston, NE 68127
(402) 592-1444
https://www.spagworks.com/spaghettiralston

Defunct Locations:

Spaghetti Works - Des Moines
310 Court Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 243-2195
https://spagworks.com/des-moines

Spaghetti Works - Lincoln
228 N 12th St
Lincoln, NE 68508
(402) 475-0900
http://lincoln.spagworks.com/

There doesn't seem to be a dedicated Spaghetti Works thread (just some mentions of openings and closings in other threads). So, now there is one.

It was opened by Rusty Harmsen and Artie Abariotes in 1974. Though, it's been sold a couple times and is now owned by the Stokes family through Spaghetti Works Restaurants, Inc.

[ChadJK]

At one point in time, I think every kid in my family tree in Omaha has considered this their favorite restaurant. I've eaten more birthday dinners here than I can remember. I will say, they're very accommodating for large parties. I'm a little burnt out on the place as it seems like I'm at one of their locations every month for some special occasion I'm obligated to attend.

It's been around forever and people seem to have a love/hate relationship with it. Though, the fact that it's survived 50+ years in what is arguably a tough business to be in says something about its popularity.

[zippy]

I had a friend who would refer to the Ralston location as "Pasta La Vista, baby"

[djc311]

At one point in time, I think every kid in my family tree in Omaha has considered this their family restaurant. I've eaten more birthday dinners here than I can remember. I will say, they're very accommodating for large parties. I'm a little burnt out on the place as it seems like I'm at one of their locations every month for some special occasion I'm obligated to attend.

It's been around forever and people seem to have a love/hate relationship with it. Though, the fact that its survived 50 years in what is arguably a tough business to be in says something about its popularity.

We like the place - reasonably priced (for now still) and you get a decent amount of food... especially if you can down a full plate and get a second one.

Do wish they had one further out west - I've never had anything other than their spaghetti... I think they might have pizza and things like lasagna, but never veered off the regulars I know I like.

[Toto]

The splat factory. I want to like spaghetti works because its locally owned but they gotta be using laxatives in their sauce.

[Louie]

It was opened by Rusty Harmsen and Artie Abariotes in 1974. Though, it's been sold a couple times and is now owned by the Stokes family through Spaghetti Works Restaurants, Inc.

Artie's family still owns and runs Mr. Toad's.

[skinzfan23]

Just went to the downtown location last night to celebrate a birthday. It was pretty busy for a Monday night, but with "kids eat free" I am sure that is why. Haven't been there recently, and like everywhere else I think they did raise their prices but it was still reasonable for the whole family. $13.49, I believe for the regular pasta.

[djc311]

The splat factory. I want to like spaghetti works because its locally owned but they gotta be using laxatives in their sauce.

LOL, first time I've heard that... we've never had issues. Must be the "specific" sauce you're getting. We even get the salad bar each time with a lot of their ranch. Who knows what that's made out of, but we've been OK.

[jag42]

I had a friend who would refer to the Ralston location as "Pasta La Vista, baby"

Now that's funny

I love Spaghetti Works. My favorite meal to get there is lasagna with a sausage link and mushrooms on the side.

[ChadJK]

My one menu complaint at Spaghetti Works (let’s be honest, it’s SPAGHETTI Works, so as long as there’s spaghetti on the menu, you can’t complain too much) is that they sell Italian sausage links you can add to your pasta, and they have a meatball sandwich - yet they don’t have an Italian sausage sandwich!

This probably only bugs me because I like Italian sausage sandwiches, and, as I’ve already mentioned, I go there a lot. So I’m always on the lookout for something other than their AYCE pasta.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Back in the 1980’s and 90’s, Spaghetti Works had a tomato based chicken liver sauce which was very good. Their white clam sauce back in the day was good too..

Now? Couldn’t say. I haven’t ate at a Spaghetti Works in probably 20 years. They used to be a decent and cheap option; especially for a hungry college student…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[nebugeater]

Back when our kids were young, we went there more often than we do now. I am betting they still have it, but one of my two daughters could never get enough of the peanut butter and jelly pizza on the kids' menu.