Nebraska is usually seen as a relatively flat state, so you won’t find many towering state forests here. But if you want to enjoy the state’s natural beauty in one of the most unique ways, head to a humble little fried chicken restaurant in Omaha. The Alpine Inn is the best place to dine under a tree in Nebraska. The tree here isn’t just decorative, though. This one-of-a-kind restaurant makes sure not to waste a single bit of its delicious fried chicken — and you can expect to see some fuzzy fellow diners enjoying themselves in the tree as you dine!
The old-school European-style stained-glass window welcoming you to the Alpine Inn lets you know this isn’t an ordinary Omaha restaurant. This out-of-the-way local bar and grill isn’t just known for good food — it’s known for one of the most unique dining experiences in Nebraska.
Inside, you’ll find an old-school bar stocked with local spirits and beer on tap. The simple menu leans heavily towards fried chicken — any way you’d like it, including some unusual cuts. The menu includes a range of fried chicken with sides, as well as gizzards, livers, wings, and tenders, along with shrimp. The crispy-fried crust on each piece is so good that you’ll want to lick it clean. But in case you’re too full, the restaurant is famous for feeding its chicken scraps to its on-site animals, including its pet cats.
But they’re not the star attraction here — there are actual raccoons living in the large tree outside overlooking the dining room. These curious, playful, and often mischievous critters are always on the lookout for their next meal. Although they’re separated from the diners by glass panes, the tree provides shade, and its resident raccoons put on quite an entertaining show you can watch as you dine. It’s sure to put a smile on your face!
If you’re lucky enough to have a seat right by the window, you might want to film some of the hungry little bandits’ antics. At the end of your meal, you and the raccoons will feel the exact same way — stuffed with good chicken and most likely ready for a nap.
Have you been to the Alpine Inn in Omaha for one of the most unique dining experiences in Nebraska? Let us know if you enjoyed this unusual and fun way of dining under a tree in Nebraska, or you can tell us about your favorite place to dine in the state by filling out our nomination form…