A little birdie told me Early Bird was the new hot spot for brunch in our city, and we all have to agree. Early Bird is nestled into Omaha’s thriving urbanized district of Blackstone. It’s an alluring brunch hangout, perfect for catering to the hipsters and cuisine connoisseurs of Farnam Street. The ambiance is warm, welcoming, and comparable to an artsy beatnik diner. Early Bird’s welcoming staff and unique menu options leave their customers wanting to come back again and again.
As you walk into the space, bright paintings of cartoon birds devouring delectable dishes greet you. There is a breakfast bar lining the wall, posing a unique set up and ability to people watch as you eat. Michael Bandy, the manager of Early Bird.
“We created a bright and vibrant environment within the restaurant that welcomes people to come dine with us,” said Bandy. “We have this bright mural in the front that says this is a good idea, and when you leave there is a smaller sign that says that was a good idea, to further promote the happiness of the space.”
The wood flooring and light grey walls makes for a happy, open space, perfect for casual brunches or business lunches. However, the setup of the tables is not very functional for small parties of people. There are giant circular booths in the center and lining the sides of the room as well. This is perfect for family outings, but for smaller parties, these tables are lacking.
What they lack in layout, they make up for in their phenomenal food and friendly faculty. Early Bird is special in many ways; they serve breakfast food from opening until closing. My advice to you, arrive hungry and prepared. When asked what makes Early Bird special, Michael Bandy went straight to the food.
“We opened because there was a huge need of a full-service brunch spot with a cocktail menu in Omaha.” said Bandy. “We’re also special because all of our menu items fall under the category of with farm to table.”
If you’re looking to expand your palette, you’ve come to the right place. Items like Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast, Cereal Pancakes, Breakfast Pot Pie, and Donut Kabobs leave you feeling stuffed and satisfied. If you aren’t looking to eat yourself to death, there are a few lighter options. The Greek Goddess is a fan favorite made with fresh berries, granola over Greek yogurt, and a decadent honey drizzle. Early Bird also bridges the gap between breakfast and lunch foods, serving a plethora of sandwiches and handful of soups.
The staff is highly attentive, making sure you’re excited about your dining experience. Above all else, they set the mood of the restaurant. There is a certain energy that flows through the whole place, which certainly wouldn’t be there without the staff.
Another criticism about Early Bird is the fact you cannot make a reservation, Fortunately, there is a slight loophole in the waiting game. If you download the Nowait app, you will be able to skip to the front of the line. The restaurant is always bustling, so make sure to get there as close to opening as you can. And as they say, the early bird gets the worm.
Early Bird is open Monday through Sunday 6:30am-2:30pm and is located at 38thand Farnam Street. So, next time you’re looking for a place to host your next brunch, grab a seat at Early Bird and enjoy.
story by: daisy friedman and photos by: emma reiser
