Best of Kearney 2023

Best of Kearney 2023 is here – offering Kearney’s finest food and culture! From local flair, international flavors, cafes and pubs, and good old Nebraska beef. Join us and chow down!

Douglas Kearney is a poet and interdisciplinary writer. His works include Sho (Wave Books 2021), which won the Griffin Poetry Prize and Minnesota Book Award Finalist status; Buck Studies; Patter; Black Automaton; and four opera libretti.

Local Flavor

Whether relaxing on a beach, taking a bike ride, or spending quality time outdoors with family and friends, there’s plenty to do in Los Angeles County. There is so much here, from restaurants, cafes, and breweries with outdoor seating to take advantage of the summer sun. Some of our favorites include Kitt’s Kitchen & Coffee, serving locally-grown Calico coffee as well as brunch items and pastries, as well as Angus Burgers & Shakes, known for its handcrafted burgers and out-of-the-ordinary milkshakes which should not be missed!

Kearney is a cultural hub, offering musical and theatrical performances year-round. You’ll find concerts of all sizes at venues such as Viaero Center, Merryman Performing Art Center, or World Theatre; museums include the Museum of Nebraska Art, Fort Kearny Historical Center, and G.W Frank Museum.

Downtown Kearney’s “On the Bricks” district has many locally owned and operated businesses. You’ll find everything from boutiques and barbershops to various museums and taphouses. Every September, Kearney hosts Taste Kearney Restaurant Week to promote local dining options; restaurants create limited-edition menu items available during this week to promote themselves and encourage patrons to “Eat Local.” This event gains popularity year after year – daily promotions make exploring multiple eateries easier! Cruise Nite is an all-out extravaganza for car enthusiasts featuring classic cars and entertainment in Harmon Park!

International Flavor

K-Town offers abundant international cuisine for visitors looking for an upscale eatery experience, whether for leisurely road trips or business visits – leaving visitors satisfied and wallets just a bit slimmer after exploring K-Town restaurants.

Nebraska Ale Works stands out from the competition with its eclectic combination of local craft beer on tap and homemade food made with care from scratch. Co-owners Robby Yendra and Jim Gardner say their restaurant stands out because it focuses on people.

Kearney offers another international flavor through coffee shops across town. No matter whether it is a morning jolt or late-night espresso you crave, these shops provide some of the finest coffee available anywhere.

Cafes & Pubs

Kearney cafes and pubs provide endless dining opportunities – quick snacks or evening socials – when it comes to satisfying your hunger. Choose from American classics to international fare; pair it with craft beer or wine for the whole experience! With such wide-ranging cuisine offerings at these venues, your options for satisfying your appetite will be endless!

Kearney offers more than delicious eateries; it also hosts exciting events throughout the year, from festivals and events such as concerts to shows aimed at helping you unwind from everyday stressors.

Are you in search of an exciting night out? Consider visiting one of the local bars and clubs. Many offer special student deals during the week or weekend, live music events, and dance parties to keep the party going.

By taking a stroll through downtown ‘On the Bricks’ and visiting local shops and restaurants, you can discover new things while meeting people and discovering your city. Plus, you may see some fascinating museums like Nebraska Art, Fort Kearney Historical Center, or G.W. Frank Museum!

Kearney offers an abundance of sporting teams for active individuals and spectators, such as Kearney Convention Center or any area park, for an afternoon of fresh air and exercise.

If you want to enjoy some time outside, why not go biking on one of the many paved trails available or visit a park for some water play? In addition, other outdoor activities, including fishing, camping, and bird watching, could also provide fun and entertainment!

Kearney is an ideal small city to call home. Offering all of the amenities expected from larger cities while remaining more cost-effective and offering that classic small-town feel that so many enjoy, Kearney boasts both older and more recent areas and provides safe surroundings day and night.

National Franchises

Kearney offers an exceptional dining scene. Local restaurants feature both international cuisines and locally inspired options. In addition, Kearney boasts several national franchises. Kearney hosts various festivals and events all year long: Buffalo County Fair with concerts, games, rides, and contests; Gateway Farm Expo for farm shows in Nebraska; Harmon Park Art Exhibit; Cruise Nite car shows are just some of the options offered throughout the year;

Kearney is a small city, which means business owners know their neighbors well and find it easier to build relationships with clients, which enables them to focus on providing quality products and services to clients.

Kearney boasts an elite workforce with skilled, educated professionals. The town’s economy relies heavily on manufacturing and various service industries, contributing significantly.

Furthermore, the city provides various incentives and tax deductions to encourage businesses to thrive here. Again, corporate and sales taxes are lower.

The University of Nebraska at Kearney is an integral component of Kearney’s economy, offering various programs and courses. Students benefit from taking advantage of this educational institution as an excellent place to gain practical experience while developing connections in their field.

The University of Nebraska at Kearney was recently honored as one of the three top 3-Star VETS Index Employers, recognizing employers that exhibit an exceptional commitment to recruiting veterans and military-connected employees and helping them thrive professionally. Their hiring practices and policies were often identified as best-in-class; furthermore, leadership has considerably affected veteran recruitment efforts and educational excellence promotion efforts at the company.