Ole's Big Game Steakhouse & Lounge
- Admission
- Free to enter (cost of food and drinks applies)
- Hours
- Monday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Sunday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Duration
- 1-2 hours
- Parking
- Free street parking and adjacent lot parking available
- Access
- Wheelchair accessible entrance and dining area
What started as a neighborhood tavern in 1933 has evolved into a legendary roadside steakhouse packed with over 200 taxidermy trophies from around the globe. Visitors dine beneath a massive full-sized polar bear, an elephant, and dozens of other exotic mounts. It is a quintessential, wonderfully eccentric Nebraska road trip stop.
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Opened in 1933 by Rosser "Ole" Herstedt the day after Prohibition ended, Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse & Lounge began as a simple neighborhood tavern. Over the next several decades, Ole decorated the space with trophies from his worldwide hunting expeditions. Today, it stands as one of Nebraska's most iconic roadside stops, blending culinary history with an eccentric museum atmosphere.
Visitors dine beneath a staggering collection of over 200 taxidermy mounts, including a full-size polar bear, a giant elephant, and a towering giraffe. The menu matches the rugged, classic theme, focusing on hearty Nebraska steaks, burgers, and rocky mountain oysters. It is a sensory-overload dining experience that has captivated interstate travelers for generations.
Ratings
restaurantVisitor Tips
- ◆ Make sure to walk around the entire establishment to view the different rooms and their unique mounts.
- ◆ Try the classic Nebraska beef steaks or the famous rocky mountain oysters for an authentic local taste.
- ◆ It is located just off Interstate 80, making it a perfect quick detour for cross-country road trippers.
- ◆ Don't hesitate to take photos, as the staff is very accustomed to tourists documenting the eccentric interior.
Heads Up
- ◆ The extensive collection of real taxidermy animals from around the world may be unsettling for some children or sensitive diners.
- ◆ Peak dining hours, especially during summer road trip season, can result in long wait times.
Common questions
Is the giant polar bear still inside Ole's?
Yes, the iconic 11-foot polar bear harvested by the original owner in 1969 remains on display inside a glass case at the restaurant.
Do you need reservations to eat at Ole's Big Game Steakhouse?
No, Ole's operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not require reservations for standard dining.
Are kids allowed inside Ole's Big Game Steakhouse and Lounge?
Yes, the establishment is family-friendly and children of all ages are welcome to dine and look at the animal mounts.