Omaha, Cheap Eat$

[Coyote]

CHEAP EATS: Taste of Heaven Food Truck



An Omaha food truck is making more than just delicious food. It's making a difference. It's called a Taste of Heaven. The food truck just won the 2023 Reader's Choice "Best of Big O" award.

[Coyote]

CHEAP EATS: J's Smokehouse



PAPILLION, Neb. (KMTV) — The owners of a popular metro food truck are celebrating their new home in Papillion. The restaurant is truly a family affair. It started in a tent outside the mom's karate shop. As 3 News Now Anchor Serese Cole reports, from there it's been nothing but good vibes and a great barbecue. Where there's smoke, there's usually fire. At J's Smokehouse in Papillion — there's both.

There will be a Grand Opening on September 2nd. J's Smokehouse is inside the American Legion Post in Papillion on 230 West Lincoln Street. It's open Tuesday through Saturday. On Thursdays, you can get two tacos for $10.

[nativeomahan]

Two tacos for $10 is somehow a good deal?

[Stan]

Two tacos for $10 is somehow a good deal?

For Boujee tacos, maybe, but I'm kind of cheap. I'd rather do Mexican tacos or even GI Forum on Thursdays than Voodoo Taco or J's Smokehouse.

[Coyote]

CHEAP EATS: Coffee Alley



RALSTON, Neb. (KMTV) — There are dozens of coffee shops in the Metro - but none like Coffey Alley. The owners say after searching, they never saw their culture represented in local coffee shops. So, they opened their own. They've been in business for two months now. As 3 News Now Anchor Serese Cole reports, their cozy cafe gets the honor of being the first. It's a cool, colorful cafe. But this Cafecito serves coffee - Mexican style. "Most of our drinks have some sort of cinnamon," said owner Rosio Granados.

[nativeomahan]

Coffee is very popular in México. A lot of coffee is grown there, and coffee cafes are present everywhere. I’m guessing that this new shop in Ralston will be a success, given that it apparently has a corner on the market in Omaha combining coffee and Mexican/Latin American food.

[nativeomahan]

I tried Coffee Alley (Callejón del Café) today, with my Mexican amigo Angel, who is a big coffee fan. I suggested we check it out, and when he heard they served churros he was all in.
The place is larger than I expected, maybe seating 30-40, and decorated with vibrant colored furniture. The two ladies who co-own the cafe are super friendly and happy to answer customer questions. They indicated that business is good, and helped by the spot KMTV broadcast recently.
They sell several types of whole bean Mexican coffees by the bag, and will grind it for you if that is your preference.
I hope these ladies have latched on to a successful business concept for the La Vista/ Ralston area.

[Coyote]

Cheap Eats: Fig. café at Luminarium



OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — The Kiewit Luminarium has been exciting for downtown Omaha. The museum opened in April and so did a new restaurant inside. It's called Fig. The period at the end of the name is part of the restaurant's brand and a nod to scientific papers. It's an all-day cafe that specializes in fresh, made-from-scratch food. Fig. café offers breakfast, lunch — and even happy hour. The owners already have a popular restaurant in Dundee. That's how they were selected to run the official restaurant along the RiverFront. A visit to the Kiewit Luminarium could stimulate your brain and your appetite.

[Coyote]

CHEAP EATS: Mootz



The top three dream jobs for boys these days are professional athlete, doctor or musician. In this week's Cheap Eats, 3 News Now Anchor Serese Cole is taking you to Countryside Village— where one man's boyhood dream —came true this Summer. Pizza lovers in the Metro have a new dine-in destination. "It's a family vibe pizzeria," said owner Collin Adkisson. It's called Mootz — just like the owner.

Mootz is on the Northwest corner of Countryside Village at 8725 Shamrock Road.

[nativeomahan]

Has anyone in here eaten at Mootz Pizza in Countryside Village? It’s fairly close to where I live but I keep forgetting it has opened there.

[Coyote]

CHEAP EATS: Backyard Elotes



OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — If there's one food most of us in the Cornhusker State can agree on - it should be corn. Well, there's a new place in town that's serving all corn - all the time. As 3 News Now Anchor Serese Cole reports, the owner is hoping the Mexican tradition will soon become a Midwest favorite. There's a new place to get Mexican Street Corn in Omaha. "I tried to make it as Mexican as possible," chuckled Owner Robert Chavez. The bright, colorful space is home to Backyard Elotes.

Backyard Elotes is located at 16827 Q Street. It's open Monday - Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The restaurant opens at noon on Saturday and Sunday. The Traditional Elote starts at $5.50. The Elote Cups are $6 and the Charmo-Nada's are $7.

[Coyote]

CHEAP EATS: Sons of Italy



OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Sons of Italy was established in the 1920s in Omaha to help Italian immigrants adjust to life here in the U.S. The mission now for the fraternal order is to donate to charities, create scholarships and provide a place for community and family. But as 3 News Now Anchor Serese Cole found out, what happens inside that building from September to May is one delicious and enjoyable experience.

Sons of Italy serves the pasta meals every Thursday and Friday from September to May. Thursday the meals are served from 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM. Friday, meals are served from 5:00 - 8:00 PM. Every third Thursday and Friday of the month, the menu changes to Italian Sausage and Mostaccioli.

[Coyote]

CHEAP EATS: Tracks Lounge



If you ask who has the best wings in Omaha, you'll get a variety of answers. But some restaurants are always mentioned. Tracks Lounge is one of them. New owners just bought the neighborhood bar and grill in June. But they're keeping the old tried and true recipes. 3 News Now Anchor Serese Cole paid Tracks a visit and found - it's about more than wings. Tracks has a unique history - and one finger-licking claim to fame. Since 1965, Tracks Lounge has been a fixture in this Omaha neighborhood..

Tracks Lounge is at 1506 South 60th Street. It's open every day at noon. There is more on the menu than just good chicken. The owners say they have great burgers and award-winning Bloody Marys.

[Louie]

As a regular here, this bar having killer wings is just icing on the cake.

[Coyote]

CHEAP EATS: Willie Dogs



OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Many cities in the U.S. have food they're known for. Chicago has deep-dish pizza. If you to go to Philadelphia, you have to get a Philly Cheese Steak and of course Kansas City is known for its barbecue. As 3 News Now Anchor Serese Cole reports, the owner of Willie Dogs - made here in Nebraska - wants his gourmet hotdogs to become Omaha's official hot dog. "I love hot dogs!" That's what Ryan Barry told us. In fact, he loves hot dogs so much - he quit his day job to make his own. "I took about six to eight months to create the recipe," he explained. They're called Willie Dogs.

Willie Dogs is at the Inner Rail Food Hall in Aksarben at 1911 South 67th Street. It's open every day from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Hot dog prices range from seven to nine dollars. This week's special: Burnt End Sausages with House Slaw.