Creighton University Guide: Where to Eat, Drink & Stay in Omaha (2026)

Find the best restaurants, bars, hotels, cafes, and campus landmarks near Creighton University in Omaha, with a saveable map for students, parents, and visitors.

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Creighton University Guide: Where to Eat, Drink & Stay in Omaha (2026)

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Whether you’re a Creighton student building out your go-to list, an incoming freshman getting to know Omaha, a parent in town for move-in, an alum back for a Bluejays game, or a prospective student walking campus for the first time, this guide gathers the restaurants, bars, hotels, and campus landmarks worth knowing around Creighton.

Creighton sits on a compact urban campus just northwest of downtown Omaha, an easy stretch between the skyline and the neighborhoods to the west. Campus itself is walkable, and the city’s best dining and nightlife are close by: the historic Old Market is about a mile south, the revitalized Blackstone District runs along Farnam Street in Midtown a couple of miles west, and the downtown hotels put you within reach of both. Bluejays basketball plays downtown at the CHI Health Center rather than on campus, graduation and move-in fill the downtown hotels, and the College World Series takes over the ballpark district each June, so a car or rideshare helps once you leave campus. Everything below is organized to help you find what you need fast, whatever weekend you’re planning.

Best Restaurants Near Creighton

Creighton’s dining runs from cheap student staples in Midtown and the Blackstone District to the sit-down Old Market rooms you save for a parents weekend or graduation. The list below covers quick weekday bites, casual group dinners, and a few nicer spots downtown.

Featured restaurants to check out

M's Pub

422 S 11th St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

A longtime Old Market institution loved for its cozy dining room and its lahvosh flatbreads, and one of the first names locals give for a proper sit-down dinner. A natural pick when parents or alumni are in town and want something dependable and a little special.

Block 16

1611 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68106, USA

This downtown counter turns out inventive burgers and sandwiches, and its Croque Garçon burger has a serious local following. Cheap, fast, and a favorite of students and anyone who takes lunch seriously.

La Buvette Wine & Grocery

511 S 11th St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

Cozy and European in feel, this Old Market wine bar and grocery is built for a leisurely glass of wine, a cheese plate, or a light lunch. A charming, grown-up stop for parents or alumni with an afternoon to spend.

Gather in Omaha for Food & Drink

1108 Howard St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

A modern downtown spot where big tables and a broad, crowd-pleasing menu make group dinners easy. Handy when you’ve got a mix of students and parents and need a place everyone will find something at.

Le Bouillon

1017 Howard St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

Set in a handsome brick-and-timber Old Market space, this refined French brasserie suits a special dinner or a graduation celebration. One of the better rooms in town when parents want to mark the occasion.

Nite Owl

3902 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68131, USA

Retro and easygoing, this Blackstone bar and kitchen does smash burgers, tots, and stiff drinks, and keeps later hours than most. An easy, fun call for students out in Midtown.

Via Farina Downtown

1108 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68108, USA

In Little Italy just south of downtown, Via Farina fires blistered Neapolitan-style pizzas and pastas in a casual room. A reliable pizza night for students and visiting families alike.

J. Gilbert's Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood Omaha

1010 Capitol Ave, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

Steaks cooked over a wood fire are the draw at this upscale Capitol District steakhouse, an easy walk from the downtown hotels. Save it for a graduation dinner or a night when parents are picking up the check.

Mula

3932 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68131, USA

This lively Blackstone kitchen and tequileria pairs scratch tacos and guacamole with a long list of margaritas and mezcal. A go-to when students want a loud, fun group dinner in Midtown.

Cheeseburgers - Omaha - A Take-Out Joint

4007 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68131, USA

No-frills and to the point, this Blackstone stand griddles simple cheeseburgers and fries to go. Exactly what you want for a cheap, quick bite between classes or before a night out.

Smokin' Oak Wood-Fired Pizza and Taproom

220 S 31st Ave Apt 3103, Omaha, NE 68131, USA

Build-your-own wood-fired pizzas and a taproom of local and regional beers make this Midtown Crossing spot easy and budget-friendly. Good for a fast, casual meal close to campus.

Blue Sushi Sake Grill

416 S 12th St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

Modern and energetic, with an approachable menu and a busy happy hour, this Old Market sushi spot works for groups and mixed tables of students and parents. A safe, lively choice when sushi’s on the agenda.

Best Bars Near Creighton

Creighton doesn’t have a bar strip at its gates, so a night out means heading to the Old Market downtown or the Blackstone District in Midtown. The options range from serious cocktail bars to student sports bars and old-country pubs, so there’s something for students, parents, and alumni.

Featured bars to check out

The Berry & Rye

1105 Howard St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

Dimly lit and intimate, this Old Market cocktail bar takes its Prohibition-era drinks seriously. Best for a quiet, grown-up night rather than a rowdy group, and a favorite of alumni back in town.

Laka Lono Rum Club

1204 Howard St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

Tucked into the Old Market, this playful tiki bar goes heavy on rum and elaborate, over-the-top drinks. A memorable stop when a group wants something with a little theater to it.

Wicked Rabbit

1508 Harney St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

A stylish downtown speakeasy with a hidden-door feel and a serious cocktail program. Good for a more polished night out, or for showing visiting parents that Omaha has a real bar scene.

Slowdown

729 N 14th St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

One of Omaha’s best-known live music venues, this North Downtown bar hosts touring and local acts most weekends. Best when there’s a show on the calendar, but the bar is an easy hang either way.

Mister toads

1002 Howard St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

Cozy and well-worn, Mr. Toad’s has been a low-key Old Market favorite for years. An unfussy place for a pint and conversation, and a reliable alumni reunion spot.

Dubliner Pub

1205 Harney St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

Down a flight of stairs in the Old Market, the Dubliner pours Guinness and hosts live Irish music in a snug, old-country room. A warm, easy spot for a pint with friends or family.

Crescent Moon

3578 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68131, USA

Billed as Omaha’s original ale house, this Blackstone institution pairs a deep beer list with a Reuben that regulars swear by. A great casual stop for beer lovers and an easy pre- or post-game hang.

Alderman's Bar

3216 Leavenworth St, Omaha, NE 68105, USA

Small and no-frills, this Leavenworth dive has a cozy, regulars-heavy feel and cheap rounds. The kind of unpretentious neighborhood bar you go to when you just want a drink and a low-key night.

The Old Mattress Factory Bar & Grill

501 N 13th St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

Right across from Charles Schwab Field and the CHI Health Center, this big bar and grill is built for game days and pre-event crowds. The obvious first stop before a Bluejays game, a concert, or a College World Series afternoon.

First Round

3901 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68131, USA

A Blackstone sports bar with a fun ’90s theme, plenty of screens, and arcade touches. A go-to for students watching a game or bar-hopping through Midtown with a group.

Sullivan's Bar

3929 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68131, USA

This longtime Blackstone bar has held its ground as the district built up around it. Casual and welcoming, it’s the neighborhood option for a relaxed round with alumni or locals.

Best Hotels Near Creighton

There’s no hotel on campus, but downtown Omaha is only a couple of miles away and packed with good options, from full-service Marriotts to boutique and historic stays, plus the restored Cottonwood out in Blackstone closer to Midtown. Rooms tighten around graduation, move-in, big basketball weekends, and the College World Series in June, so book early and refundable.

Featured hotels to check out

Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel

302 S 36th St, Omaha, NE 68131, USA

A beautifully restored historic hotel anchoring Midtown’s Blackstone District, with dining and a handsome lobby bar on site. It puts parents and alumni within walking distance of the Blackstone restaurants and bars, and only a short drive from campus.

Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District

222 N 10th St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

A modern, full-service hotel right on the Capitol District plaza, surrounded by restaurants and bars and an easy walk to the Old Market. A dependable, central pick for parents and alumni who want everything downtown within reach.

The Farnam, Autograph Collection

1299 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

One of downtown Omaha’s sleeker stays, with a design-forward feel and a well-regarded cocktail lounge off the lobby. A good splurge for parents or alumni marking a graduation or a special weekend.

The Peregrine Omaha Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton

203 S 18th St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

A boutique Hilton set in a character-filled historic building downtown, within walking distance of the Old Market and Capitol District. A nice middle ground for parents who want boutique style without leaving the city core.

Magnolia Hotel Omaha

1615 Howard St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

A classic downtown hotel with historic bones and a comfortable, understated feel, a short walk from the Old Market. An easy, well-located choice for parents and alumni who prefer something quieter than the flashier options.

Cambria Hotel Omaha Downtown

740 N 14th St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

A newer upscale hotel in North Downtown, close to the CHI Health Center arena and Charles Schwab Field. The most convenient base for a Bluejays basketball game, a College World Series trip, or a concert at the arena.

Hotel Indigo Omaha Downtown, an IHG Hotel

1804 Dodge St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

A boutique IHG hotel with locally inspired design and a central downtown spot for reaching the Old Market, campus, and the arena. A stylish, right-sized option for parents or a couple visiting for the weekend.

Residence Inn by Marriott Omaha Downtown/Old Market Area

106 S 15th St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

An all-suite hotel with in-room kitchens right by the Old Market, built for longer visits and families spreading out over move-in or graduation week. Practical and well-placed rather than fancy.

Creighton Campus Landmarks

You don’t need a full tour to get a feel for Creighton. These six anchor a first visit, mixing the campus icons with the downtown green space and warehouse district just beyond it, and they’re all on the map.

Featured campus landmarks

St John's Parish Catholic Church

2500 California Plz, Omaha, NE 68178, USA

The soaring Catholic church at the heart of Creighton’s Jesuit campus and one of its most recognizable buildings. Worth a look on any tour, whether for the architecture or a quiet moment.

Morrison Stadium

Morrison Stadium, Omaha, NE, USA

Creighton’s on-campus soccer stadium and home to the Bluejays’ nationally strong soccer programs. A fall match night is one of the best ways to see campus with real energy.

The Old Market

The Old Market, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

Omaha’s historic warehouse district of brick streets, restaurants, bars, and shops, and the natural home base for visitors. Most of the dining and nightlife in this guide sits in or near it, a short trip from campus.

Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront

1001 Douglas St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

A revitalized downtown green space with lawns, a lagoon, and playgrounds, linking the Old Market to the riverfront. An easy place for families to stretch out between campus visits and meals.

Creighton Hall

Creighton Hall, N 24th St, Omaha, NE 68178, USA

Creighton’s original and most historic building, now home to administrative offices and a familiar backdrop for campus photos. A logical first stop to get your bearings on a visit.

Reinert-Alumni Memorial Library

2500 California St, Omaha, NE 68178, USA

Creighton’s main undergraduate library and a central hub for studying near the heart of campus. A useful landmark for orienting yourself, and a window into daily student life.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the best restaurants near Creighton University?

It depends on the occasion. Students lean on cheap, quick spots like Cheeseburgers, Block 16, and Smokin’ Oak, plus Nite Owl and Mula out in Blackstone; parents book M’s Pub or Le Bouillon in the Old Market, J. Gilbert’s for steaks in the Capitol District, or Gather for a big group; and Via Farina in Little Italy and Blue Sushi downtown are easy middle-ground picks. Most sit-down options are in the Old Market or along Farnam Street in Midtown.

Where do students eat on campus at Creighton?

Most everyday meals happen at the two dining halls, Brandeis and Harper, which cover the usual rotation of homestyle plates, grill and deli stations, salads, and made-to-order and allergen-friendly options. For something quicker between classes, the Skutt Student Center food court has Qdoba, Firehouse Subs, and the grab-and-go Jack and Ed's Marketplace, plus Godfather's Pizza and ready-to-eat food at McGloin Market. Coffee runs go to the Starbucks locations in Skutt and the Harper Center. When students want to get off campus, the restaurants in this guide are a short trip south in the Old Market or west in the Blackstone District.

Where do Creighton students go out?

Nightlife splits between the Old Market downtown and the Blackstone District in Midtown. Downtown leans toward cocktails and pubs, with the Berry & Rye and Wicked Rabbit for serious drinks, Laka Lono for tiki, and Mr. Toad’s and the Dubliner for an easy pint, plus Slowdown for live music in North Downtown. In Blackstone, First Round and Crescent Moon draw students and beer lovers, while Sullivan’s and Alderman’s keep it low-key.

What is game day like at Creighton?

Creighton doesn’t play football, so game day here means Big East basketball at the CHI Health Center, the roughly 18,000-seat downtown arena the Bluejays fill on winter weekends. The Old Mattress Factory across the street is the classic pre-game stop, and the Old Market is a short walk for dinner after. Creighton also has nationally strong men’s soccer at on-campus Morrison Stadium in the fall, and its baseball team shares Charles Schwab Field downtown, which hosts the College World Series every June.

Where should parents stay during move-in or graduation?

Downtown is the easy call, a couple of miles from campus. For a memorable stay, the Farnam or the Peregrine; for full-service convenience, the Omaha Marriott in the Capitol District or the Magnolia; and for families settling in over move-in, the all-suite Residence Inn by the Old Market. If you’d rather be near the Blackstone restaurants in Midtown, the restored Kimpton Cottonwood is the pick. Rooms tighten for graduation in May and move-in in August, so book early.

Is the area around Creighton University walkable?

Campus itself is compact and easy to walk, and downtown Omaha is only about a mile south, so the Old Market and its restaurants are a reasonable walk or a very short ride. The Blackstone District and Midtown Crossing are a couple of miles west, and the downtown hotels are spread across the core, so a car or rideshare makes getting around simpler once you leave campus.

How far in advance should I book a hotel for a Creighton game or graduation weekend?

Book as early as you can for graduation in May, move-in in August, marquee Big East basketball weekends in winter, and especially the College World Series in June, when downtown rooms fill up fast. The most central and distinctive hotels go first. Reserve something refundable early, then adjust once your plans firm up.

What should I see when visiting Creighton?

Start on campus at St. John’s Church, the landmark at its heart, and Creighton Hall, the original building most photos feature. Reinert-Alumni Library gives you a feel for daily student life, and Morrison Stadium is worth timing to a fall soccer match. Just beyond campus, the Old Market’s brick streets and the green lawns of the Gene Leahy Mall at the RiverFront round out an easy afternoon, and it’s all on the map.

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