Cattle Call

Sep 19

A cattle call is a theatrical audition open to everyone. The restaurant by the same name is a nod to theater and film. Cattle Call is located downtown on 16th and Farnam. Everything about this place from the atmosphere, the food and cocktails is a downright show stopper. Established in 2024, Cattle Call took over the space that was previously culprit cafe.

“We wanted a place that felt alive, connected to downtown Omaha, and inspired by the creativity we saw in the nearby theaters. When the opportunity to take over the corner spot of Culprit Café came along, it felt like the perfect stage.”— Cattle Call Restaurant Blog

To the nitty gritty:

The ambiance: A nod to the theater indeed. As soon as you walk into this amazing restaurant you are instantly transported to what feels like New York or Chicago. Cattle call has a chic, cozy & moody atmosphere that is more than perfect for grabbing a quick glass of wine before a show or sitting down for delicious meal. Cattle Call is outfitted with an open kitchen, huge windows, intimate indoor & outdoor patio seating & décor that takes you straight to Broadway. The chef’s kiss to their ambiance is the mood lighting that kicks on when the sun goes down. The staff was so helpful in helping choose our food and our drinks.

The food: Delicious doesn’t even begin to describe how fabulous the food was. The menu is complete with mouthwatering small plates, large plates and dessert. The also have a smaller late-night menu that starts at 10pm. I went to Cattle Call during Omaha restaurant week and ordered from both the prix fix menu and the regular menu and oh..my..days. Everything was beyond phenomenal. We started with the aloo chops and braised beef rib croquettes for a starter and then moved to the pork belly and tagliatelle pasta. With very full and satisfied stomachs we finished with the chai panna cotta and cream puff for dessert. When I tell you, I loved every single bite. The aloo chops were a fried potato pancake with a slight spice to them and a mango habanero sauce on the side to kick it up a notch. The pork belly was tender & flavorful. The tagliatelle was some of the best pasta I’ve had. The desserts were not too sweet and the chai panna cotta was more savory forward. A perfect ending to a fabulous meal.

The beverages: Everything looked and sounded so good I almost didn’t know what to order. They have a menu of house, seasonal and classic cocktails. As well as a beer menu, wine by glass menu and extensive menu of bottles of wine for purchase. At the direction of our wonderful waitress, I ordered a lychee martini and my friend ordered the mango spicy margarita. The lychee martini was perfect. It was just sweet enough & refreshing. The spice from the margarita isn’t too heavy and it’s just the right spot.

My recommendation? You have to check this place out. The food and drinks were beyond phenomenal. The service was great from the moment we walked in the door and the cozy, chic atmosphere takes you to a special place. Cattle call is available for private bookings & is open Tuesday-Saturday from 4pm-1am and Sunday 4pm-10pm.

Remember: eat well, drink better.