City: Omaha, NE

Category: Restaurants

Description: When you get to Nebraska, you’re for sure going to hear one word pretty soon after your arrival, and that word is “Runza.” Runza is two things: a chain of fast-food restaurants based in the state, and a sandwich. Runza, of course, serves Runzas. The first one, created in 1949, is pretty much the same today: It’s a thick pocket of homemade bread dough stuffed full of ground beef, onions, cabbage, and a secret blend of spices, then baked and served hot. Runzas are really popular in Nebraska—so much that Nebraskans who live elsewhere or those who had a Runza during a visit and had a later craving can order them frozen shipped to their home and bake them at their leisure. Today, Runzas come in the original form and as a Cheese Runza, a Swiss Mushroom Runza, a Cheeseburger Runza, a Barbeque Bacon Runza, and a BLT Runza. The restaurant also sells great, handmade burgers and tasty fries and onion rings, which are available combined as “Frings.” Runza restaurants are all decorated the same: a forest green, gold, and wood scheme with booths, tables, and a Nebraska-made menu.