In the heart of downtown Omaha, Block 16 burst onto the scene with burgers that pack a punch.
Owners Paul and Jessica Urban poured their passion into bold, locally sourced eats at 1611 Farnam Street.
This spot quickly turned heads by blending creativity with Nebraska pride, drawing crowds hungry for something extraordinary.
Word spread like wildfire through rave reviews and celebrity nods.
How Block 16 won locals’ hearts
Block 16 captured Omaha’s affection through sheer burger brilliance and relentless innovation.
Founders Paul and Jessica Urban built their dream from sweat equity, transforming a downtown nook into a culinary hotspot by year four.
Alton Brown skyrocketed their fame in 2015, proclaiming the Croque Garcon his absolute favorite burger nationwide—”the best burger I’ve ever had. Period.” This endorsement landed them on national TV, sparking lines out the door and walls plastered with press clippings.
Locals fell harder for the daily specials that keep menus fresh and exciting, like sloppy joes on jalapeño cornbread or funky fungi fries.
Reviewers on Tripadvisor rave about juicy patties from Jon’s Naturals and Truebridge Farms pork, calling it a “gem” with “unbeatable” food.
The unpretentious vibe near arenas fueled event-goers’ loyalty, while creative twists earned top rankings—#2 of 1,510 spots. Families, friends, and solo diners return weekly, hooked on flavors that scream local pride.
No wonder it’s a downtown staple buzzing with energy.
Imagine biting into high-art hand-pattied perfection amid a sea of copycats—Block 16 delivers that every time.
Their commitment to vegan options, gluten-free tweaks, and preservative-free ingredients won over health-conscious crowds too.
Press from Food Network to local blogs amplified the hype, but it’s the consistent five-star bites that sealed the deal.
Omaha’s heart beats for this bold underdog turned legend.
Food Highlights
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Croque Garcon Burger: 1/3 lb Jon’s Naturals patty topped with cheese, ham, sunny-side-up egg, mustard, and truffle mayo on ciabatta—Alton Brown’s top pick nationwide for perfect meat-to-bun ratio. Must-try for indulgent balance.
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Block Burger: Classic 1/3 lb patty with Swiss-American cheese, mayo, mustard, ketchup, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle—street cred essential with 104 glowing reviews for juicy simplicity.
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Pal-Onater: Double smashed bacon and JN wagyu patties, bacon aioli, jam, pickle, and bacon fat onions on sesame bun—bacon lover’s dream overloaded with smoky excess.
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Sailor Burger: House wagyu and bone marrow patty, English cheddar, ale-braised onion, bacon, pickle, mustard on tuxedo bun (add egg!)—charity-supporting flavor bomb praised for hearty breakfast vibes.
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Shroomy: Wagyu patty with Flavor Country Farm mushrooms, havarti, swiss, fried shallots, porcini aioli on brioche—earthy umami hit ideal for veggie-forward burger fans.
Atmosphere
Block 16 pulses with energetic, unpretentious charm in downtown Omaha, where lines snake out the door during peak hours.
Casual seating welcomes families, friends, and event crowds near arenas, blending quick-service speed with welcoming staff.
The vibe screams lively local hangout—busy yet fun, perfect for grabbing bold eats on the go.
Wheelchair accessible with takeout options for all.
Bottom Line
Visit for Alton-approved burgers, daily specials, local ingredients, top rankings, and unbeatable value—pure Omaha magic in every bite!
Address: 1611 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68106
🕔 Mon-Wed: 11 AM–2 PM; Thu-Sat: 11 AM–2 PM & 5–8 PM (closed Sun)