Jake Michnick
Google
I recently visited Plank Provisions in Omaha after receiving a 50% off coupon as part of a promotion showcasing their new menu. Naturally, as a seafood enthusiast, I was all in! I rallied the family for a downtown stroll followed by 5 p.m. reservations.
We had a stroller with us, which gave me a bit of anxiety—first time bringing one to a restaurant. I was fully prepared to run it back to the car, but figured I’d ask if they could accommodate it. When we walked in, I politely asked the hostess if there was a place we could stash the stroller. Without so much as a smile, she replied with, “Do you have a reservation?” I said yes, and she responded, “Okay, ‘cause otherwise I was like…” (??) Definitely not the warm welcome you’d expect from a restaurant that wants to be in the elevated dining category. No guidance was given on the stroller, so we ended up folding it in half and tucking it aside, awkwardly. Not a huge deal, but it set a strange tone.
Now, the food...
We kicked things off with cocktails from the happy hour menu. The Strawberry Surfer was light, fresh, and disappeared fast. My mom thought it was strong—I thought it was perfection. I could’ve had a dozen.
For apps, we went a little wild (no regrets):
Maryland Crab Dip: Rich, decadent, and came with perfectly cooked focaccia. So good, but definitely a shareable—just a few bites will do.
Crispy Rice Cake with Spicy Tuna: Great texture on the rice, though I wanted more heat from the tuna and a punchier sauce. Still a fun bite.
Parker House Rolls: We were skeptical at first—they looked burnt—but it turns out that’s part of their flavor profile. Soft, hushpuppy-esque, and absolutely worth it.
Cacio e Pepe Caesar Salad: The winner. If you love black pepper, this salad is a must. I’d order it again and again.
Calamari: A miss. It was mostly fried crumbles with barely any squid filets. The Mexican-inspired sauce wasn’t my favorite pairing. I’d skip this one.
For entrées:
Scalloped Orzo: The orzo itself could’ve used more cheese to make it rich and gooey, but the scallops? Absolute perfection. Some of the best I’ve ever had.
Walleye with Tapenade: Delicious. The fish was well-cooked, the tapenade added a nice salty bite, and the creamy polenta underneath? Chef’s kiss.
Blackened Mississippi Catfish: Great flavor on the catfish, rice was well-seasoned, and the green beans had that ideal al dente crunch. But the crawfish beurre blanc was a letdown—it barely made it on the plate. I’ve seen photos where it's smothered; ours was barely a drizzle.
Our server was excellent—great timing with refills, cleared plates quickly, and got us the check right when we needed it. Love that.
Despite a rocky start, Plank remains a solid go-to seafood spot in Omaha, with a stylish vibe that works for both casual and special occasions. Grab a bite and enjoy a post-dinner stroll along the riverfront—it’s a winning combo.