Step Inside This Massive Dining Hall In Nebraska For An Unforgettable Experience
By Delana Lefevers|Published July 08, 2018
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Delana Lefevers
Author
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
The concept of the dining hall is a food lover’s dream: a whole bunch of restaurants sharing the same space, allowing you to sample some of everything. When you’re with a group of people, the dining hall (or food hall) lets everyone choose what they want without compromise, then enjoy it all together in the common eating space. This trend hasn’t really caught on in Nebraska, but there’s one place giving it a go, and it’s resulted in one pretty incredible place to get a meal.
The state's first dining hall is in, of all places, a mall. Westroads Mall in Omaha is home to Flagship Commons, an innovative food hall concept that goes way beyond the mall food court of years past.
You won't find sad little hot dog stands and fast food places with day-old fries languishing under the heat lamps. Flagship Commons is all about fresh, real food from actual restaurants.
More than 10 quick-service restaurants offer up all kinds of treats here; whether you're looking for a fast snack, a full meal, or just a drink with friends, this unique destination has it all.
Everyone just orders what they want and then heads over to the common seating area. There are large and small tables, bar seating at some restaurants, and even comfy seats near the big fireplace.
There are lots of fun, interesting, innovative foods here that you may not have had the opportunity to try before. I personally recommend the curry fries from Amsterdam Falafel and Kabob.
There are even some restaurants here that don't exist outside of Flagship Commons. Yum Roll and Yoshi-Ya Ramen are concepts that were created just for this space.
The food isn't the only impressive part of the dining hall. The design is at once homey and modern, with whimsical touches like this "food truck" at Juan Taco.
While this space doesn't lend itself well to intimate dining - it's usually pretty crowded and a bit loud - it is a unique experience that just about everyone can appreciate.
Flagship Commons is located in Westroads Mall at 10000 California St., Omaha. Find out more on the mall’s website. For specials, events, and more information about the restaurants in the Commons, check out the Flagship Commons site.
