Block 16 is a downtown Omaha restaurant known for its farm-to-table street food and rotating daily specials.
Owned by Paul and Jessica Urban, the restaurant opened in 2012 and quickly gained attention for its creative approach to casual dining.
The dining area is small, with simple wooden tables and chairs spread across two connected rooms. The walls are decorated with framed press clippings, awards, and photos. There’s a chalkboard displaying the day’s specials, and the ordering counter is the focal point up front.
The Croque Garçon burger, made with a beef patty, ham, fried egg, and truffle mayo, was famously praised by chef Alton Brown as the best burger he had ever eaten. I ordered the Frenchie - smash patty, braised short rib, gruyere, caramelized onion, sauce, pickle. The cheese adds a nutty, creamy richness while the onions bring a subtle sweetness that balances the savory meat.
I also had OMAHA FRIES - Topped with wagyu sloppy joe, griddled cheese curds, house ranch, Dorothy Lynch, scallion, and Doritos. Dorothy Lynch is a sweet and tangy salad dressing that originated in Nebraska and has become a regional favorite across the Midwest. It’s often described as similar to French dressing, but creamier and with a distinct flavor that combines tomato base, sugar, vinegar, and a blend of spices. This trash-tastic dish is everything I've ever dreamed of.
Grade: A
