Gather

Gather is the name of a unique restaurant with a farm-to-table ethos. Located in the heart of the Old Market, this remarkable restaurant features a hydroponic vertical urban farm that provides fresh produce for their dishes and cocktails.

Let’s get to it!

The Atmosphere: Located in the heart of the Old Market, Gather is nestled among historic restaurants and stores, but is completely modern upon entering. You are greeted with a huge dining room, outfitted with exposed brick and pipes along the ceiling. The open concept feels modern, spacious, and inviting, and the warm lighting and large, beautiful paintings create a welcoming atmosphere. The real unique piece to this restaurant is just down the stairs to the right of the hostess stand. As you head down the steps, you’ll run into a door that leads to a seating area that has a beautiful view of the hydroponic vertical urban farm.

This urban farm grows a variety of greens, microgreens, sweet basil, and much more. This hydroponic farm is not only convenient but also eco-friendly. Over 300 acres of traditional farmland would be required to service just one location. With this on-site, indoor hydroponic farm, the fresh produce is cut to order with no nutrients or flavor loss (gather-omaha.com).

The Food: The menu is just as unique as the restaurant itself. Gather fresh ingredients from local vendors and items from their own hydroponic farm. If you see GUF on the menu, it stands for Gather Urban Farm and was grown onsite. I started with the soup of the day, a creamy, delicious potato & ham soup, packed with flavor, and had a great consistency. It was a perfect start to the meal. For my entrée, I ordered the Braised Wagyu Short Ribs. They were slow-cooked for 24 hours and tender and juicy. They were accompanied by a silky, smooth potato puree, roasted vegetables, and a beautiful, decadent red wine demi-glace that was a perfect complement to the short ribs. The food was fresh, flavorful, and worth every bite.

The Beverages: Gather had a list of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to choose from. The list of specialty cocktails includes items like the Peach Sevyn-Five, prosecco with GUF Rosemary-infused Gin and Giffard Peche Liquor, and classics like the Old Market Fashioned, where you can choose from a mix of local and commercial whiskey and bourbon brands. I had the Old Market Fashioned with the Local Brick Way Sherry Cask. They also had a lengthy list of different liquors, beers, wines, and Coke products.

Gather is a great place for both food and drinks. Their hydroponic vertical farm and fresh ingredients are worth the trip down to the Old Market. Gather is located on 1108 Howard St and is open Monday-Thursday 5 PM – 9 PM, Friday and Saturday 5 PM – 10 PM, and Sunday 5 PM – 9 PM. Check out their website for more information on their menu, urban farm, and specials. gather-omaha.com

Soup of the Day

Creamy, potatoe and ham soup with a chicken broth base

Braised Wagyu Short Ribs

24-hour slow-cooked local Winterfrost American Wagyu, Red Wine Demi-Glace, White Miso Pommes Purée, glazed Carrots & Asparagus

Hydroponic Urban Farm

Gather’s Vertical hydroponic farm. Located downstairs under the restaurant.