By DANNAH SHURLING and TERESA SPAGNA
Creighton Digital Storytellers

The city of Omaha is home to two universities and seven colleges, which means that thousands of students become new residents each year. While these students are drastically different from one another in terms of background, they generally have one common love: food. Some of them may find their solace in late-night Taco Bell runs, others may want to explore what the city uniquely has to offer, but all of them have to do this on a student budget.

There are hundreds of restaurants and food establishments to choose from, both locally owned and national chains, so how does one not get overwhelmed? That’s what we are trying to solve.

To begin this conversation, we asked several people in various stages throughout their college career and beyond to tell us about their favorite places to eat and why that place stood out among the hundreds of choices.

One restaurant that people couldn’t stop talking about was Lisa’s Radial Café, a small locally owned breakfast spot located on the corner of 40th and Cuming Street. When you walk in, you’re immediately greeted by the tightly packed tables, classic diner aesthetic and a sign on the window that states it is “cash only” with a complementary ATM located in the back.

Once you are seated, you will be presented with a simple breakfast menu with anything from an omelet, pancakes or a sample of all the breakfast classics. Lauren Gay, a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences at Creighton University, said that locally owned restaurants are her favorite and that the “brunch is just classic pancakes, eggs, bacon, etc., but it’s so good.”

The prices at Lisa’s are just right for a college student too, especially considering the portion sizes. If you find yourself here on a Saturday or Sunday morning, you may have to wait a little while, but you will leave knowing that you made the right choice.

Justin Stoeckle,, who is the assistant director for transitions in the Student Leadership and Involvement Center and also completed his undergraduate degree at Creighton University, said that he appreciates the feel and vibe of Lisa’s and while the food is inexpensive, the quality is great.

Lisa’s Radial Café has been serving Omaha residents delicious breakfast food since the year 2000. While the original owner, Lisa Schembri, passed away in late 2016, her husband and children continue to keep the friendly family feel alive.

By keeping it in the family, there is a homey and welcoming quality that you just can’t find anywhere else. Plus, who doesn’t want to cozy up with a cheap plate that is overflowing with comfort-food goodness? Adults, teenagers and college students alike can find something here that feels like grandma just pulled it out of the oven.

So next time you are craving a home-cooked meal, head on over to Lisa’s for a local experience that will leave you not only with a full stomach, but a full heart.