Don’t be dissuaded by the unassuming strip-mall storefront in central Omaha. The moment you step inside Jams Midtown, you’ll know you’re somewhere cool. Dark wood and glass give Jams a modern but connected-to-the-classics feel. Ambiance from the nearly full-length bar on one side and mirrored wall on the other makes the space feel hip.

Four televisions hang behind the AAA Three Diamond eatery’s bar, and the liquor bottles sit in an almost ornamental fashion. A row of high-top tables lines the center of the room, and banquette seating hugs the mirrored wall. A couple of nooks feature lower tables, and a backroom allows for event space or overflowing dining.

Taste the food, and you’ll know why they need overflow space.

They offer daily specials on food and drinks, like a 20-ounce bone-in ribeye steak and a fancy martini. But you’ll be more than satisfied with the traditional menu if you’d prefer to go that route.

Take, for example, the midtown meatloaf. Served open-faced on sourdough bread, it’s covered in red pepper gravy and topped with three delicately fried onion rings. Completing the dish are mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans and baby carrots.

It’s so good, it may tempt a companion to steal your potatoes—even though she loves her grilled chicken enchilada, a popular choice from the Ole, Ole, Ole! section of the menu, which also includes lobster tacos. Another perennial Jams favorite is the coconut chicken salad, which offers an intriguing mixture of artichokes, avocado, herb mustard vinaigrette and raspberry sauce. The short rib grilled cheese sandwich is pure indulgence, with meat so tender it nearly melts in your mouth. Desserts won’t disappoint either, especially the classic carrot cake.

People who brunch will be delighted to know Jams offers this meal on Saturdays and Sundays. The menu features a chef’s breakfast burrito that changes weekly; Jams Benedict with salmon, crab cakes or braised short ribs; maple bacon French toast with house-made bourbon maple syrup; plus, selections from the main menu. Make it a celebration with bottomless mimosas or the Jams signature bloody mary.

In the winter months, live music gives Jams a different vibe on Thursday nights. Tucked into the front window space near the bar, local musicians play from about 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Top it all off with speedy, smiling service, and you have an experience you’ll want to repeat. You can do it again in central Omaha, or you can visit Jams’ other two locations—downtown and west Omaha.

AAA Inspector Notes:

“This small eatery focuses on a fresh seasonal menu that highlights the wide array of local produce and meat available while drawing inspiration from all sides of the globe. It can be a bit of a culture clash when looking at the menu and seeing Far East-inspired ginger pork dumplings lined up next to Southwest short rib tacos and poblano macaroni and cheese, but that only adds to the experience here. Guests are encouraged to try something new and most will not be disappointed with the offerings.”