Ogallala is a city in Keith County, Nebraska, United States. it is also the county seat of Keith County. The city had a population of 4,823, according to the 2021 census.
Ogallala has quite a fascinating Wild West history. However, today, Ogallala is a quiet, little metropolis of fewer than 5,000 mostly law-abiding, peaceful residents and is famous among Lake McConaughy visitors.
There are quite some nice places to visit in Ogallala, its restaurants are also one of its top attractions.
It’s a delightful tourist destination that lets visitors experience a side of Nebraska’s history that they can’t find elsewhere.
Are you planning a food tour of Ogallala? Here are the best restaurants in Ogallala, NE.
Best Restaurants in Ogallala, NE
1. The Driftwood Restaurant
The Driftwood Restaurant is one of the top restaurants in Ogallala, NE. Its flavorsome meals, snacks, and drinks are so amazing that their dining room quickly gets filled with customers, especially on weekends. They divided their food menu into two classes, namely appetizers and entrees.
They whet their customers’ appetites with fried Brussels sprouts, fried pickle stackers, spinach artichoke dip, Boom Boom shrimps, and ranch cheese curds.
They also serve Bavarian pretzel bites, calamari, Bob Gibson high-heat cheese curds, husker kegs, steak bites, crab Rangoon nachos, chilly cheese fries, bone-in or boneless wings, and so on.
They offer delivery services. However, when their dining room is full, they decline delivery orders to avoid prolonged wait times. Congestion happens mostly on weekends.
How about some Sauteed shrimp and Cavatappi pasta served with spicy sauce and green pepper? You can also try their crunchy jumbo shrimp with cocktail sauce and French fries. They also have specials for kids.
They’re closed on Sundays and Mondays. However, they’re open for business on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 11 am – 8 pm. Their kitchen opens from 11 am – 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Their bar stays open until 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Address: 118 N Spruce, Ogallala, NE, 69153. Phone: 308-284-7053.
2. Open Range Grills
There are many options for food lovers on the Open Range Grills combo platter. The Open Range Grills offers avid consumers sweet potato fries served with cilantro mayo sauce.
They also offer ‘yardbird’ sticks served with ranch dressing or barbeque sauce, fried green beans, mushroom fries, and bull chips.
Furthermore, they serve onion rings, rangy bull fries with cocktail sauce, and fried pickles, among other dishes that don’t only satiate hunger pangs but also entertain the taste buds.
They care about your feedback and would more than like to hear from you.
They open for business from Sundays to Thursdays, 11 am – 9 pm, and Fridays to Saturdays, 11 am – 9 pm.
Address: 1108 North Spruce St., Ogallala, NE 69153. Phone: (308) 284-0899.
3. Front Street Steakhouse and Crystal Palace Saloon
Front Street Steakhouse is one of the best places to eat in Ogallala, NE. It features lunch specials for certain weekdays, except Tuesdays, because they’re usually not open for business on Tuesdays.
They alternate between various dishes served as their daily specials each weekday.
Some of their specials on Mondays are barbequed brisket sandwich and steak fries, pulled pork sandwich and steak fries, French dip and steak fries, and so on. You can almost count on the steak fry component of their Monday special combo.
Chicken pot pie, green chili-smothered burrito, hot beef sandwich with mashed potatoes, tuna salad sandwich and steak fries, and barbequed brisket sandwich served with steak fries are some of their Wednesday specials.
Some Thursday specials include green chili-smothered beef burritos, taco salad, meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans, Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and corn, and so on.
On Fridays, you’ll likely get a two-piece chicken served with mashed potatoes and green beans or broiled corn on the cob, chicken, fried steak, mashed potatoes and corn, French dip with steak fries, and so on.
Front Street Steakhouse opens from 11 am – 8 pm from Mondays to Thursdays. Then, it opens from 8 am – 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 8 am – 2 pm on Sundays.
Address: 519 E 1st St, Ogallala, NE 69153. Phone: +1308-284-6000.
4. 3 Margaritas
3 Margaritas is a Mexican restaurant focused on preparing top-quality Mexican cuisine. It is one of the outstanding Ogallala restaurants.
Some of 3 Margaritas’ mouth-watering appetizers are guacamole salad served on a bed of lettuce, and chicken taquitos, which are deep-fried rolled corn tortillas stuffed with chicken.
They also offer Mexican pizzas, which are large flour tortillas that are lightly fried and covered with cheese, and Camarones, which are medium-sized prawns sautéed in butter with mushrooms and special mild tomatoes served in a bed of rice and jack cheese,
They also serve quesadillas, which are large flour tortillas stuffed with cheddar cheese, tomatoes, onions, guacamole, and sour creamed served chicken, beef, or chorizo (also known as Mexican sausage).
3 Margaritas also serves tasty traditional broth gently cooked precisely at boiling point with crispy chicken breast, deep-fried tortilla strips, and slices of avocado topped with jack cheese and presented with chopped onions and coriander leaves.
Their chicken broth, made with chicken breast and seasoned veggies served with a side of chopped onions, cilantro, and fresh jalapeno, is a must-try.
Treat yourself to 3 Margaritas’ “ensalada tapatia,” made of grilled steak or chicken.
It comes in a combo of romaine, lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, corn, onion, avocado, black olives, whole beans, deep-fried corn tortillas, and ranchero cheese seasoned with 3 Margaritas’ vinegar dressing.
3 Margaritas offers dine-in and curbside-pickup services but doesn’t take delivery orders.
This is one of the best places to eat in Ogallala, NE. They’re open for business from 11 am – 9 pm daily.
Address: 401 Stagecoach Trail, Ogallala, NE 69153. Phone: +1 308-284-1195.
5. Perking Chinese Restaurant
This restaurant is known for its authentic Chinese cuisine. Its menu lists a wide variety of dishes, including vegetarian and meat options.
The restaurant is an excellent place to relish a meal with friends or family. They offer takeaway services, but sadly, they don’t take delivery orders.
They’re open for business and close daily from 11:00 am – 8:30 pm.
Address: 112 E A Street, Ogallala, NE 69153. Phone: +1 308-284-8300.
6. Valentino’s Restaurant
If you’re looking for a great Italian dining experience in Ogallala, NE, then you shouldn’t miss Valentino’s Restaurant. It is one of the top restaurants in Ogallala, NE.
This eatery serves a wide variety of traditional Italian dishes and some unique specialties that you won’t find anywhere else. Their award-winning pizza pasta is a must-try.
The personnel at Valentino’s are friendly and attentive, and they’re always happy to help you pick the perfect dish for your taste.
The restaurant has a cozy, romantic atmosphere that is perfect for that special moment with a loved one.
And the best part is that Valentino’s is affordable, so you can enjoy a delicious, nourishing meal without breaking the bank.
Valentino’s is open for lunch and dinner, so you can enjoy desired meals at any time.
For lunch, the restaurant offers a variety of salads and sandwiches, as well as a wide selection of pizzas.
Dinner list includes various pasta and entrees, including some unique seafood dishes.
And if you’re searching for something special to take home with you, the restaurant also has a long wine list that includes some of the best Italian wines.
So whether you’re looking for a casual dining experience or an elegant evening out, Valentino’s Ogallala is a no-brainer. They take orders online.
Their hours of operation are from 11:00 am – 8:00 pm.
Address: 55 River Road, Ogallala, NE 69153-3037. Phone: +1 308-284-3603.
7. MI Ranchito Restaurant
MI Ranchito Restaurant is one of the top Ogallala restaurants. The restaurant is known for its delicious Mexican food.
The menu has a variety of traditional Mexican dishes on its list and some American favorites.
The food is never stale and cooked to perfection. The service is also excellent. The service providers are friendly and attentive.
They make sure every customer has a great experience.
The restaurant has a casual atmosphere. It is a great place to go with family or friends. The prices are very reasonable.
The MI Ranchito Restaurant is open from 11:00 am – 8:00 pm daily.
Address: 112 Prospector Dr, Ogallala, NE. Phone: +1 308 284 2066.
8. Runza Restaurant
The Runza is is a great place to eat. The food is luscious, and the service is excellent.
The restaurant is positioned in a historic building, and the interior has a lot of character.
Runza sandwiches embody seasoned ground beef with a top-secret recipe of spices, seasoning, onions, and cabbage, all enclosed in mouth-watering bread, fresh-baked and never stale.
Runza sandwiches have made a household name for themselves through multiple generations of foodies in the Midwest who all identify with it as their signature sandwich.
The Runza burger is one of a kind. They make it right after you order. Can burgers get any fresher than that?
This taste bud enthraller is made with fresh, one hundred percent ground beef that is never frozen.
You can relish it with your choice of topping. The Runza burger is probably the only thing in the world that can make you think, “Maybe I shouldn’t have a Runza sandwich today. Instead, I’ll have this one.”
The tantalizingly colorful Runza salad is made garden-fresh with incredible flavorsome toppings.
One look at the mouth-watering sight, and you’re hypnotized with your hand reaching for your wallet to make an order and make what your longing eyes have seen your own.
The menu features all of the traditional Runza favorites and some new and exciting items. The prices are very reasonable, and the portions are generous.
Runza also features kids’ specials. The Runza Restaurant is definitely worth a visit if you’re ever in Ogallala, NE.
Runza offers dine-in and drive-through services. You can also order online at franpos.com.
Runza opens from 10:00 am – 9:30 pm daily.
Address: 205 Stagecoach Trail, Ogallala, NE 69153. Phone: +1 308-284-3800.
Are you considering more exploration of Nebraska? Here is our list of things to do in Lincoln, and restaurants in Beatrice for a fun vacation.
9. Golden Village
Golden Village food is out-of-this-world great, and the service is wonderful. I confidently recommend this restaurant to anyone looking to give themselves a great treat, as it’s one of the excellent Ogallala restaurants.
Try Golden Village’s various chicken dishes. Curry chicken, chicken with veggies, chicken with cashew nuts, almond chicken, chicken lo mien, chicken chow mien, and lemon chicken.
They also serve garlic-sourced chicken, Kung pao chicken, sesame chicken, and so on. There are various chicken dishes, among other delicacies, which you can give yourself the pleasure of relishing at the Golden Village Restaurant.
If you’re vegan, it will please you to know that Golden Village also caters to vegan needs with their luscious, expertly crafted vegetarian dishes that don’t only ensure your health and fitness but are also made to please your taste buds.
At Golden Village, even vegans can be sure they’re not missing anything in the world of luscious meals because the Golden Village chefs make sure vegans don’t sacrifice taste for quality, health, and fitness.
Vegans can try out Golden Village’s veggie delight, veggie chow mien, veggie low mien, veggie fried rice, tofu and veggie combo, curry veggie, sesame tofu, and so on.
Golden Village offers dine-in and takeaway services but doesn’t honor delivery requests.
Golden Village business hours are Mondays through Saturdays, 11:00 am – 9:00 pm.
Address: 405 E 1st St, Ogallala, NE 69153. Phone: +1 308-284-9812 to call them.
10. Country Pride
Country Pride is known for its great food and friendly service. It is one of the best restaurants in Ogallala, NE.
Country Pride has a wide variety of menu items, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner items.
The restaurant also has an extensive provision for drinks with your meal. So country Pride is a great place to eat if you’re looking for good food and service.
Try their chef’s buttermilk biscuits and creamy sausage gravy with two cooked eggs, golden buttermilk pancakes, and crispy bacon or sausage, and you’re sure to come back for more. They offer “grab ‘N’ go” services.
They open for business as early as 6:00 am and close as late as 10:00 pm daily.
Address: 103 Prospector Dr, Ogallala, NE 69153. Phone: +1 308-284-3667
11. McDonald’s
Good old Mcdonald’s, a household fast food trademark, is also well represented at Ogallala, NE. Try Mcdonald’s classic spicy chicken sandwich made with a topping of pepper sauce the way southerners like it and served with fried chicken fillet on toasted potato rolls.
If you like a blend of hot, juicy, and crispy, this is your personal ambrosia.
Mcdonald’s offers drive-through and dine-in services. They also take delivery orders.
They’re open to serving the public between 5:00 am to 12:00 am daily.
Address: Exit 126, 301 Stagecoach Trail I80, Ogallala, NE 69153. Phone: +1 308-284-2274.
12. Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen’s fast confections are one of a kind. It’s a fast-food restaurant that is popular among locals and tourists alike.
Dairy Queen offers a wide variety of menu items, including burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, ice cream, and more.
Dairy Queen is a great place to stop if you’re looking for a quick meal or snack to satiate your hunger pangs.
Dairy Queen offers dine-in and drive-through services but doesn’t take delivery orders.
Dairy Queen opens for business from 10:30 am – 9:00 pm daily.
Address: 200 Texas Trail Dr, Ogallala, NE 69153. Phone: +1 308-284-4102
13. Taco John’s
If you’re hunting down the best tacos in Ogallala, NE, then you need to know that Taco John’s is a hideout for the best tacos in Ogallala. Go get them!
This restaurant is famous for its delicious tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. The tacos come in a variety of flavors, including beef, chicken, and pork. The burritos are also packed with flavor, and the quesadillas are cheesy and juicy.
In addition to its great food, Taco John’s also has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The waiters are always happy to help you order, and they’ll make sure you’re satisfied with your meal.
So if you’re in the state of mind for some delicious Mexican food, be sure to stop by Taco John’s in Ogallala, Nebraska. You won’t be disappointed!
Taco John’s opening hours for business are 7:00 am – 9:00 pm.
Address: 302 Oregon Trail Dr Suite 1, Ogallala, NE 69153. Phone: +1 308-284-8226.
14. Arby’s
Arby’s is a leader among quick-service eateries and has branches the world over. Their Ogallala unit is waiting to awe you with its delicacies.
Arby’s buffalo chicken wrap is made of chicken nuggets, leaf lettuce, red onions, tomatoes, buffalo sauce, parmesan peppercorn ranch, and artisan wrap.
The colorful, mouth-watering sight of this delicacy prepares the human body for instant nutrient absorption. The chefs at Arby’s know their craft.
Arby’s offers dine-in and drive-through services without delivery services.
Arby’s opens to serve the public from 10:00 am – 10:00 pm daily.
Address: 65 River Rd, Ogallala, NE 69153. Phone: +1 308-284-3917.
15. Wendy’s
Wendy’s is a fun place to be with family and friends. The professional chefs at Wendy’s “know their onions.” They do an excellent job of putting delicacies together that will make a lasting impression on your taste buds and bring you back for more.
You’ve got to try the bourbon bacon cheeseburger triple at Wendy’s. It’s loaded with ¾ pounds of never-frozen, fresh beef, topped with applewood-smoked bacon, crispy onion, American cheese, and a steaming-hot bourbon bacon sauce.
That’s true bacon and true bourbon in the sauce. It’s the real deal! And this is just one of the multiple culinary wonders at Wendy’s.
Wendy’s offers dine-in, drive-through, and delivery services.
They’re open for business from 9:00 am – 10:00 pm daily.
Address: 103 Pony Express Ln, Ogallala, NE 69153. Phone: +1 308-284-2980.
Map of the Best Restaurants in Ogallala, NE
To get around during your trip to Ogallala, here is a map of the best restaurants in Ogallala with markers of the top places to eat in Ogallala, NE.
Are you considering more exploration of Nebraska? Here is our list of things to do in Scottsbluff, restaurants in Gretna and restaurants in Scottsbluff for a fun vacation.
Plan a Trip to Ogallala
Ogallala restaurants are as varied in style and options as they’re many. Therefore, following our lead, you can’t get it wrong trying to find the best restaurants.
Have a fun trip. Don’t forget to give us your review about the restaurants.