15 Best Restaurants in North Platte, NE
This article was written by local contributor James May & edited by the Travel Lens team.

When it comes to dining in North Platte, my taste buds have been on quite the culinary adventure.
From mouthwatering steakhouses to cozy cafes, this Nebraska town offers a diverse array of flavors for every palate.
If you're planning a visit to North Platte or simply looking to try something new, you're in for a treat.
I've spent countless hours exploring the local food scene and can confidently say that these 15 best restaurants in North Platte, Nebraska, will not disappoint.
So, loosen your belt and get ready to embark on a gastronomic journey through North Platte's best dining establishments.
North 40 Chophouse

I recently dined at North 40 Chophouse and I must say that it exceeded my expectations!
As soon as I walked in, I was amazed by the beautiful decor and welcoming atmosphere.
To start, I decided to try the shrimp appetizer and Jambalaya soup, which were both delightful.
The sauce on the shrimp was exceptionally tasty, and the soup was a great way to warm up on a chilly evening.
I also sampled some of the craft cocktails from their menu, and each one was unique and delicious.
For my main course, I chose the small filet with bernaise sauce (served on the side), and it was one of the best steaks I've ever had!
It was fork tender, perfectly charred, and seasoned to perfection.
The gratineed potatoes on the side were a fantastic accompaniment to the steak, making the entire meal unforgettable.
I couldn't leave without trying one of the exquisite desserts made by their pastry chef.
The banana pudding was hands down the best I've ever had and the perfect way to end my dining experience at North 40 Chophouse.
To top it all off, the service was outstanding.
Tempura Japanese Restaurant

When I was craving a delicious meal with a variety of flavors, I decided to visit the Tempura Japanese Restaurant in town.
I've always been impressed by their understated kitchen that offers sushi, udon noodles, teriyaki, and even familiar Chinese dishes.
The first thing I noticed was their extensive menu, and I'm usually wary of big menus, but this time, I was delighted by the sheer variety of options.
I tried their popular tempura appetizer and was amazed at how fresh and tasty it was.
For my main course, I decided to go with the sizzling beef and scallop, which was cooked to perfection and had just the right amount of seasoning.
One thing that stood out to me was the quality of their sushi.
I've had sushi from other places in town, but the ones at Tempura were in a league of their own.
The freshness and flavor of the fish was simply outstanding.
Apart from the fantastic food, I was also impressed by their attentive waitstaff, who ensured that my dining experience was top-notch.
Oriental House of Food

Last week, I decided to give Oriental House of Food a try, and it quickly became my favorite spot in town.
The moment I entered the restaurant, I was impressed by the cozy and quiet atmosphere.
I arrived at the restaurant really hungry and ordered their delicious crab Rangoon and two large egg rolls as appetizers.
They were so good that I couldn't resist getting a main course as well.
I opted for the combination meat and shrimp stir fry, which was absolutely mouth-watering.
The dish was served at the perfect temperature, and it was evident that it had been cooked right when I ordered it.
To accompany my meal, I also had a cup of fresh jasmine tea.
Parking at the restaurant was a breeze, especially now that the two-year road construction is finally over.
The Cedar Room

I recently decided to treat myself to a nice dinner at The Cedar Room in North Platte, and I must say, it did not disappoint!
Even though I hadn't made a reservation, I was fortunate enough to be seated immediately, as it was a slow night.
For starters, I couldn't resist trying their fried Walleye appetizer, which turned out to be a great decision - the fish was cooked to perfection, and the tartar sauce was amazing.
Alongside, I enjoyed a refreshing side house salad with a generous amount of toppings and their unique Dorothy Lynch salad dressing.
For the main course, I opted for Butcher Pork Chops – two huge, mouth-watering chops served with a delectable mustard cream sauce.
The loaded mashed potatoes as a side were scrumptious as well.
While I enjoyed my meal, I noticed that another guest had ordered the Ribeye, which looked very appetizing, and they seemed to be enjoying it too.
Merricks Ranch House

Merricks Ranch House has a simple setting and cash-only policy, giving it an old-school charm that's hard to find these days.
I decided to order the Kevin Burger, a popular dish among regulars that includes a classic burger with all the toppings.
During my meal, I couldn't help but notice the diverse age range among the patrons.
It seemed like a popular spot for retirees, but there were also younger folks enjoying their meals.
The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, reminiscent of the diners I used to visit with my grandparents.
Aside from the delicious burger, I also sampled the breaded mushrooms, which were tasty, albeit with a few still slightly frozen at the center.
My dining companion had the patty melt, which was served on delicious rye bread, though the patty itself was on the smaller side.
The mashed potatoes were instant, but that didn't take away from the overall enjoyable experience.
La Pachanga Authentic Mexican Restaurant

I can't help but rave about my recent dining experience at La Pachanga, an authentic Mexican restaurant in town.
The ambiance was inviting, and I was eager to try their gourmet Mexican dishes.
I ordered their green chili pork tacos, which turned out to be an excellent choice.
The flavors were authentic and incredibly delicious, making it my new favorite dish.
I also appreciated that they were able to cater to my friend's vegetarian diet, offering creative variations on their menu.
One thing I found interesting was that La Pachanga is actually a food truck in front of the Eagles Club, making it a unique dining destination.
Despite being the only patrons during lunchtime on a weekday, the quality of the food and service did not disappoint.
I learned that La Pachanga is a family-owned and operated business, which makes their dedication to providing authentic and gourmet Mexican food even more impressive.
They also offer full catering services, which I'll definitely keep in mind for future events.
San Pedro Mexican Restaurant
I decided to have lunch at San Pedro Mexican Restaurant, and it turned out to be a fantastic experience.
As soon as I entered, I was captivated by the casual, traditional atmosphere of the place.
The menu was quite extensive, with pictures of almost every menu item, making it easier to choose what to order.
I started with a large horchata, which was the biggest I had ever seen.
The chips and salsa were authentic, and I even asked for a hot sauce to mix with their house salsa – it was just perfect!
For my main course, I went with the Tacos Marinos with shrimp.
The shrimp was nicely spiced, and the Spanish rice was very tasty.
I also had the chance to try their queso, which was incredibly delicious.
The food was not only great but also arrived quickly.
Luigi's Italian Restaurant

One evening, I decided to treat myself to some Italian cuisine and headed to Luigi's Italian Restaurant in North Platte.
The menu had a wide variety of dishes, including popular options like veal marsala, lobster ravioli, and pizza.
I opted for the lobster ravioli and couldn't resist trying their homemade bread as well.
I could see that everyone, including the large party, enjoyed their meals as well.
As I took my first bite of the lobster ravioli, I was delighted by the rich flavor and perfect texture.
I also appreciated the homemade bread, which tasted fresh and complemented my meal perfectly.
One thing I noticed during my meal was the incredible salad dressing that came with my meal.
It was so good that I couldn't help but think it was made in-house.
After that, I topped of my meal with a sweet Cannoli.
Good Life on the Bricks

Last weekend, I decided to treat myself to a sumptuous meal at Good Life on the Bricks.
This restaurant, known for its BBQ, pizza, pasta, burgers, vegan options, and gluten-free options, has always been a local favorite.
As soon as I entered, I noticed that the place offered seating in three different areas, providing a comfortable and relaxing ambiance.
The service was fast and friendly, and I quickly placed my order.
I chose the Bison sausage and Jalapeno sausage with a side of loaded potatoes and smoked mac n cheese.
The food was delivered fast and hot, and I was amazed at the superb flavors in every bite.
As I was savoring my meal, I noticed other customers enjoying their orders as well.
A couple next to me had ordered the street tacos, mentioning that the meat was very good.
Another patron was raving about the Lemon Drop cheesecake, which I decided to try for dessert.
The cheesecake lived up to the hype - it was absolutely delicious.
The variety of food and drink options at Good Life on the Bricks catered to everyone's tastes.
The extensive menu made me eager to visit again and try their creative pizza options, like the Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Pizza I overheard another diner raving about.
Antonio's Italian Bistro
I decided to treat myself to a delicious Italian dinner at Antonio's Italian Bistro.
I started my meal with the bruschetta, which was heavenly.
Fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic on crispy bread – it was truly the perfect appetizer.
For my main course, I couldn't resist trying the house special, the shrimp and scallop alfredo.
The pasta was cooked to perfection, and the shrimp and scallops were tender and full of flavor.
The creamy alfredo sauce tied everything together beautifully.
As I enjoyed my meal, I couldn't help but notice the stunning artwork adorning the walls.
The beautiful paintings transported me to a charming Italian village, adding to the overall ambiance of the restaurant.
No Italian dinner would be complete without dessert, so I indulged in the tiramisu.
It was one of the best I've ever had – rich, creamy, and the perfect balance of flavors.
Penny's Diner

When I first visited Penny's Diner, I was immediately drawn to its 50s-themed interior and the unique train car design of the building.
As someone who appreciates a good atmosphere, I knew I was in for a treat.
Upon entering, I noticed it was a small space with limited tables, but that didn't bother me as it only added to the charm of the place.
The menu offered traditional American dishes and desserts, and it took me a while to decide what to order as everything looked mouth-watering.
Eventually, I settled on the chicken sandwich, and it turned out to be one of the best I've ever had!
The service was friendly and efficient, which made the dining experience even more enjoyable.
Another thing that caught my eye was the extensive selection of dishes available on the menu, including non-pork sausage for those with dietary restrictions.
I also couldn't help but try their pancakes, which were bordering on perfection.
The hash browns, while not as crisp as I'd like, were still tasty and seemed to be made with little to no oil, which is quite impressive.
As a fan of tater tots, I had to give theirs a try.
The drip coffee was decent and didn't overpower the food.
Although they didn't have espresso, it wasn't a deal-breaker for me.
3 Margaritas
I had an amazing time at 3 Margaritas North Platte recently, and I can't wait to share my experience with you all.
One of the first things I noticed was their extensive drink menu, which included a wide variety of margaritas.
I decided to try one, and it was absolutely delicious.
While enjoying my drink, I was served complimentary chips and salsa.
The salsa was made fresh and had the perfect balance of spice, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
For my entree, I decided to try the tacos al carbon, and they were excellent.
The portion sizes were generous, and the food was served piping hot from the kitchen.
The taste was authentic and reminded me of the Mexican cuisine I enjoyed during my travels.
During my visit, I also noticed that 3 Margaritas had plenty of seating options for both small and large groups.
I could see this being an excellent place for a date night, birthday party, or other large gatherings.
Dave's Place & Lounge
I decided to spend an evening at Dave's Place & Lounge, a long-standing establishment in my town.
I was craving some pizza and wings, and this spot is known for its laid-back ambiance and sports on TV.
I started with their nachos, which were huge and quite delicious.
For my main course, I opted for their Philly Cheesesteak pizza and Garlic Parmesan wings – both were mouth-watering and lived up to the hype.
As I enjoyed my meal, I couldn't help but notice the ample number of TVs around the place, making it an ideal spot to catch a game.
And if you're in the mood for some friendly competition, they also have a couple of pool tables to keep you entertained.
Final Thoughts
North Platte truly has an impressive variety of dining options to satisfy any craving.
From the mouth-watering BBQ at Cartwright's to the delicious sushi at Tempura, there's something for everyone in this charming town.
I particularly enjoy the cozy atmosphere at Luigi's Italian Restaurant, where their homemade bread and lobster ravioli never disappoint.
And for a late-night bite, Penny's Diner is always a reliable choice.
So whether you're a fellow resident or just passing through, I encourage you to explore the diverse culinary scene that North Platte has to offer.
You won't be disappointed!