In just a few short months, Nebraska will lose one of its unique treasures that many of us grew up loving. The Bohemian Café in Omaha announced that it will be closing its doors for good on September 24th, 2016. The restaurant has been in business since 1924, making it one of the oldest eateries in the state. It’s been operated by several generations of the same family and frequented by many generations of patrons.
The Bohemian Cafe has been a fixture of South Omaha at 13th and William Street for just about as long as anyone can remember.
flickr/Jeremy Brooks
The vibrant building displays the type of styling that you’ll find in the real Bohemia. The owners always liked to call the café “Omaha’s European Connection.”
flickr/Christa Burns
Stepping into the restaurant, you’ll see “Libor’s” set into the tile in the archway above the door. Libor was the name of the family who bought the restaurant in 1947; the same family has been operating the restaurant ever since.
Facebook/Bohemian Cafe
In the beautiful entryway you’ll find one of the largest collections of Jim Beam decanters in the world.
Bohemian Café
All through the restaurant are examples of good-natured humor and a laid-back atmosphere.
flickr/Stefan Krasowski
Hand-painted woodwork and old world decorations make you feel like you could be dining in Prague. The servers all wear traditional Czech outfits to further immerse you in the unique experience.
Bohemian Café
I remember bringing these cool paper placemats home after a meal at the Bohemian Café - I just thought they were too fun to leave behind.
Yelp/Darrin Q. See the Bohemian Girl? The restaurant used to sell them full of Jim Beam. Hopefully you bought yours when you could, because they stopped selling them a number of years ago.
Boiled beef is among the most popular dishes at the restaurant. Liver dumpling soup is another that patrons could never get enough of.
Yelp/James K. Everything - everything - is made from scratch right in the kitchen.
The Czech Goulash is a divine experience - but for the ultimate Bohemian Café experience, it’s dumplings and kraut all the way.
Yelp/Kristen M. And don’t forget a plum dumpling or a fresh kolache for dessert!
Patrons enjoy bellying up to the bar to enjoy a pivo (beer) or two while chatting with friends.
Bohemian Café
There was always music playing - whether it was recorded or live, the restaurant always provided some extremely entertaining polka.
Bohemian Café
After 50 years of running the classic Omaha eatery, the current owners have decided it’s time to hang up their aprons and retire. They still hold out hope (and so do we!) that someone will come along to buy the business and keep the tradition alive. But if that doesn’t happen, you’ve only got until the end of September to visit this wonderfully unique restaurant.
flickr/Jeremy Brooks
flickr/Christa Burns
Facebook/Bohemian Cafe
Bohemian Café
flickr/Stefan Krasowski
Yelp/Darrin Q.
See the Bohemian Girl? The restaurant used to sell them full of Jim Beam. Hopefully you bought yours when you could, because they stopped selling them a number of years ago.
Yelp/James K.
Everything - everything - is made from scratch right in the kitchen.
Yelp/Kristen M.
And don’t forget a plum dumpling or a fresh kolache for dessert!
Losing the Bohemian Café feels almost like losing a part of our collective family, given all of the memorable meals enjoyed here by generations of Czechs and non-Czechs alike. What are your favorite memories of this beloved restaurant? Share them in the comments!
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