Downtown Kearney, which locals call “The Bricks,” has been around for over 140 years, and it is a fantastic food hub for college students. It offers many different high-quality places to eat that can satisfy almost anyone’s taste buds, no matter what they’re craving.
I reviewed nine different spots in this area throughout the week, looking at their main style, their most famous dish, what I personally ate and the atmosphere.
The variety here is huge, ranging from nicer dining to casual sports bars and sweet coffee shops. Regardless, if you’re eating breakfast, lunch or dinner, Downtown Kearney is a great place to eat, making it a necessary stop before and after classes.
The Golden Spoon Scoop Shop is one of the newest places on “The Bricks.” Opening in July 2024, this sweet tooth hub specializes in ice cream. According to my sister, an employee at The Golden Spoon, their most popular flavor is the “Campfire Buttercup Ice Cream.” I ordered the basic vanilla ice cream, and it was very smooth and creamy, with enough flavor to satisfy my taste buds. The whole place looks cute, like a retro 1950s diner, and it’s perfect for a first date or just an easy hang-out.
Fanatics Sports Bar & Grill is one of the most popular spots for sports fans in Kearney. They are famous for the “plate shot,” a unique mixed alcoholic shot they found the recipe for on an old paper plate when the owners first bought the place. Their specialty food item is the “Popper Pizza,” which is inspired by jalapeño poppers. I ordered the bone-in barbecue wings, which were tangy, fresh and had a nice kick of spice. The atmosphere is sporty and dark yet cozy, making it an excellent place to watch any big game.
Alley Rose, which started in 1991, offers a more upscale dining experience with great food, drinks and helpful service. Their signature dish is the prime rib. I ordered it, and it was incredibly juicy, easy to cut and cooked exactly right. The place feels fancy but cozy at the same time. It’s nicer than a typical restaurant but still relaxing and not too dressy.
Thunderhead Brewing Company opened in 1999. It is a casual, family-friendly pub known for its craft beer and stone-oven pizza. Their most popular item is the “Thunderpie” pizza, made with chicken, bacon, pepper jack cheese and jalapeños. I chose their other famous item, the pretzel with mustard. It had the perfect mix of crunch and softness, and the mustard added a great flavor. The atmosphere feels like a classic local bar, kind of like the old TV show “Cheers.”
Chicken Coop Sports Bar & Grill also runs a party venue downstairs and across the street. Their most popular food item is the buffalo wings. I tried them and they were tangy but not as spicy as I had hoped, though they do offer spicier sauces if you ask. The atmosphere is casual and shows appreciation for Kearney’s history and schools, featuring tables made from bottle caps representing UNK and the two local high schools.
Cunningham’s Journal, also located downtown, is a classic bar and grill with a lively pub feel. Though their specialty burgers are popular, a top offering and my personal favorite is the flavorful steak bites. If you stop here, trying the steak bites is a great, savory choice served with a secret sauce that tastes like a more flavorful horseradish. The atmosphere is generally inviting and filled with high energy, especially at night during the weekly bar crawls, making it a good spot to hang out and socialize.
Kitt’s Kitchen & Coffee is a local favorite known for its awesome coffee and delicious breakfast and brunch items made from scratch. Popular items include crepes, salmon bagels and house-made biscuits and gravy. The crepe I sampled was both nicely arranged and delicious. The restaurant’s atmosphere is soothing, offering a cozy, friendly and comfortable atmosphere for a morning meal or coffee break.
Gillies is a vibrant bar and grill restaurant that serves tasty food with a relaxed, welcoming vibe. Famous items include juicy burgers, steak tacos and breakfast burritos. According to my peers, the steak tacos are highly recommended, and they call them the best in town. The atmosphere is laid-back, featuring rustic decorations and a friendly staff, making it great for groups.
The Toasted Goat is a vibrant place known for its amazing toasted sandwiches and rich soups, and it’s actually inside a live music spot called The Otherside. Their top-selling item is “The Oath,” a big sandwich with marinara, provolone cheese, salami, pepperoni and roasted ham. It’s reported to be a very rich and satisfying choice. My go-to, on the other hand, is a sandwich called “Good Vibrations.” It’s made with house bread, shaved turkey, guacamole spread, mayo, shredded lettuce, roasted tomato, pickled red onions and cheddar cheese. The atmosphere is energetic with a punk rock vibe, especially when a band is in town, fitting well with its music venue location.
The nine places that I reviewed prove that Kearney’s “The Bricks” is a top-notch food destination. The selection shows that the area can provide unique, quality experiences, whether you want the new desserts at Golden Spoon or the traditional, nice dinner at Alley Rose. Downtown has lots of different atmospheres – from a casual coffee morning at Kitt’s, to watching the game at Fanatics, or spending a fun evening at Cunningham’s Journal. The wide range of successful restaurants solidifies the area as the main food spot in Kearney.
Regardless, if you’re eating breakfast, lunch or dinner, Downtown Kearney is a great place to find good eats, proving its lasting appeal for over 140 years.
