Upstream Brewing (Omaha, NE)

Upstream Brewing Co. in downtown Omaha has a delicious range of house and seasonal beers. Pair your brew with a pizza, sandwich, or entrée in a cozy pub atmosphere.

By: Alisha Trenalone

I don't visit Omaha very often, but when I do, there's one restaurant that's become something of a habit: Upstream Brewing.

This restaurant is located downtown, in easy walking distance of a secondhand bookshop, a local ice cream maker, and the picturesque Old Market. It's a comfortable spot to get out of the windy weather and enjoy some comfort food and a beer.

Wondering what the local food and drink scene is like in Omaha? Here's what to expect from a visit to Upstream Brewing.

Dining at Upstream

You can make reservations, but during weekday lunch hours, we found it uncrowded and easy to get in.

There is inexpensive parking in a city lot across the street.

For large groups or events, the restaurant has party rooms and lounge areas that can be booked. Some even have pool tables.

The whole place has a casual, cozy feel that hits just right on a cold day (somehow it's always cold when I visit Omaha).

The Beers

You can check out the current list of beers online. Upstream always has some seasonal ones to offer. When I visited most recently, they even had a craft hard seltzer (cranberry), as well as an oatmeal stout and a pumpkin spice hefeweizen.

If you're undecided on which beer to commit to, ask for a sample sip (for free), or order a 4-ounce glass of anything, or a flight of four 4-ounce glasses.

Their beer list even has a nice chart with suggestions based on what your usual flavor preference is.

As for me, I debated the seasonal ones, but in the end I went with one I'd tried before and loved, the Dundee. It's a chocolate-y and smooth Scottish ale. Very malty, which is my favorite type.

They also sell hard ciders from Nebraska maker Glacial Till (another place that does a fabulous lunch, a short drive out of town).

The Menu at Upstream Brewing

The lunch menu at Upstream Brewing is an affordable, mid-range array of pizzas, burgers and sandwiches.

The friend I was with ordered the "Bugeater BBQ Pizza," and I tried a slice too. It was a yummy, cheesy, slightly sweet thin crust pizza.

Regular entrées include steaks, large salads, and several other meat or seafood platters (and one grain bowl).

I ordered the beer-battered fish and chips with apple slaw. It was a tasty comfort-food type entrée.

Upstream Brewing is an enjoyable gathering place in the heart of downtown Omaha. If you visit, let me know which of their beers are your favorite!