Featured Testimonial About Creighton University
When alumni think back on their favorite Creighton spots, restaurants almost always make the list. But it was never just about the food. It was the energy, the inside jokes, the late‑night debates, the scents and sounds etched into Bluejay grads' memories.
These places had an aura and a vibe you just can’t recreate — every characteristic was perfectly suited to the students who sat with friends to chat, laugh, and make lasting memories.
It inspired us to compile a list of Creighton’s most popular, most iconic, indisputable GOATs of food, top MVEs (most valuable eateries!). For the last few months, we’ve been pouring through the University archives and swapping stories with alumni from multiple eras.
The results are below:
Note: Did your go-to spots all make the cut? Do you have a favorite food story to share? Email Jon Nyatawa and tell him about the best restaurants, cafes, diners and bars on or near Creighton’s campus. You could be featured in a future story.
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The best of the best
Beal’s Grill
Located on the southeast corner of 24th and California Streets, Beal’s Grill served Creighton students, faculty and staff for nearly 50 years. Bealburgers and fries were the most popular menu choices, but Beal’s offered breakfast meals and snarky specials like “Sewer Trout,” “Sow Belly” and “Floor-Sweepings Pie.” The beloved dive closed in 1986.
Read our in-depth story about the history of Beal’s Grill
The Smoke Pit
It was one of the go-to late-night spots for students, particularly in the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s. The menu for this barbeque joint included spareribs, sausage, brisket and chicken — also, spaghetti! — all complemented by its signature sauce called “Italian BBQ.” The restaurant opened in 1961 on the corner of 25th and Farnam Streets and didn’t close its doors until 2014. ... At the location now? Zen Coffee Company, which is a popular choice among Creighton students today.
The Blue Jay Bar & Grill
The Jay was the must-visit hangout for multiple generations of Creighton students. And it did offer up more than just adult beverages, pint glasses (were you supposed to take those home?), good music and complimentary Lucky Charms on St. Patrick’s Day. The legendary bar, which closed in 2017, had a food menu, too. And many students took advantage of those cheap eats during their late-night adventures with friends.
King’s Food Host
It was a several-block walk from campus to grab a cheese frenchee at King’s. But, of course, it was always worth it. (Those frenchees were essentially grilled cheese sandwiches that got deep fried). King’s originated in Lincoln, Neb., and it eventually grew into a nationwide chain that peaked in popularity in the 1960s.
Becker Hall (and Irma’s Bistro)
Becker Dining Hall, located between Kiewit and Gallagher Halls, was the convenient option for meals on the west end of campus. For decades. It opened in 1966 and served students until 2018. (Raise your hand if you had a Becker grilled cheese sandwich!) Also, Irma’s Bistro debuted inside Becker in 2001 with a more upscale look and feel — although it was open extra late and one of its most popular items was far from a fine-dining creation: Chicken fingers. Irma’s was named after the late Irma Trumbauer, a popular Creighton cafeteria manager who served students, faculty and staff for 40 years.
Brandeis Hall (and the Knothole)
Opened in 1964 and still in operation today, Brandeis Hall is a centrally located cafeteria on campus, a source of food and fun. Actually, it was initially coined as a “student center.” And in the early years, lower Brandeis was home to the Knothole, a student gathering space that hosted concerts and events. Brandeis has undergone a few renovations over the years, with the most significant of the remodels taking place in 2018. If you stop by today, make sure you bring your sweet tooth and sample the desert bar and ice cream station.
Java Jay
Inside the basement of McGloin Residence Hall, encased with brick-lined walls and tons of good vibes, there was a coffee shop. Thanks to a contest organized by the Inter Residence Hall Government, it earned a name: Java Jay. (Other apparent finalists for the name: Brew Jay and Coffee House). This hangout and study space, from 1998 to 2021, hosted bingo nights, and open mic nights, and the “Creighton” Idol singing competition and so many more “Java Joints.” Aside from coffee, it served soups, salads (did you ever have the taco salad?) and sandwiches — and delicious cookies.
California Tacos and More
An Omaha staple since 1996, Cali Taco is located just west of campus at the corner of 33rd and California Streets. Its popularity has increased over the years, particularly after the restaurant was featured on The Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” in 2008. Its fried, puffy taco shells filled with delicious meat, lettuce and cheese are today still fulfilling one of Creighton students’ must-have cravings.
Starbucks
Yes, the popular coffee chain successfully infiltrated Creighton’s campus just over a decade ago. There are now two locations on campus — one at the Skutt Student Center and the other at the Mike and Josie Harper Center. If you’re feeling a strong desire to roll your eyes right now, we totally understand. But here’s the deal: The lines are packed at both Creighton Starbucks, virtually all day long.
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Alumni survey says: Beal’s
We did conduct a fun, anonymous and completely unscientific poll back in 2025, where we asked alumni to share some of their favorite food spots on or near Creighton’s campus.
Respondents spanned Creighton generations (from the 70s to today). Since most only included their No. 1 picks, surely, some beloved places got overlooked.
The best place to eat at Creighton? Ever?
Overall, the most popular choice was clear: Beal’s Grill.
Cali Taco, The Smoke Pit and The Blue Jay Bar & Grill were also common answers. Check out the word cloud below to see the other restaurants mentioned.
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The best of the rest
Jack and Ed’s
An after-hours food option inside of the Skutt Student Center that opened in 1997. It’s recently morphed into a convenient store to compliment the food service offerings inside Wareham Court.
Wareham Court
It’s a mall-style food court inside Skutt that includes Qdoba, Firehouse Subs and Slim Chickens. Starbucks is right next door. The redesigned space was revealed in 2024.
Johnny Sortino’s Pizza Parlor
Before closing in 2025, the family-owned restaurant served pizzas to Omahans for 60 years. The restaurant was first located near 72nd and Pacific Streets before moving to 78th and L Streets.
The Bleu Ox
A spot credited for its omelets and tenderloin sandwiches that opened in 1966 on 30th Street. There were several locations in Omaha and Council Bluffs (the restaurants in Iowa lasted longer, well into the ‘90s).
St. Joseph’s Hospital cafeteria
A cheap and convenient option for money-tight Creighton medical students through the years. One alum mentioned enjoying the always satisfying fresh fruit.
Ambassador Cafe
A 1976 fire forced this dive to close. At the time, it was coined as one of Omaha’s oldest restaurants, located just around the corner from The Smoke Pit.
Papa Calvetti’s
At 29th and Farnam Streets, this Italian spot opened in the ‘80s and became a go-to meal option for students (particularly those living in the apartments next door).
The Donut Shop
The Donut Shop on 13th Street, its interior decorated with calendar photos of dogs and cats, was actually open overnight. 10:30 p.m. to 11 a.m. Your order: Made-from-scratch tasty treats with delicious coffee (or juice) on the side.
Rice Bowl
Open since 1995, this Chinese restaurant located on Saddle Creek Rd. is regarded as one of Omaha’s best. So, naturally, it’s long been a favorite of Creighton students.
Lisa’s Radial Cafe
Cash only but super delicious, Lisa’s has had a tasty breakfast menu for Creighton students to enjoy. For years, it was just Radial Cafe on 40th Street, just off Cuming Street. “Lisa’s” was added to the name in 2000.
Davis Diner
The mini dining hall in Davis Hall wasn’t open for too long, but it had some delicious malts and shakes. Plus, it served tons of breakfast staples, and a few yummy sandwiches and wraps.
Harper Dining Hall (and Billy’s)
The Mike and Josie Harper Center opened in 2008, and with it came a new campus restaurant: Billy Blues Alumni Grill. A few years later, the space was renovated into a student cafeteria: Harper Dining Hall.
McDonald’s
Nobody’s proud of it, but who can deny a late-night McChicken or an early morning McGriddle? The iconic fast-food chain has a restaurant conveniently located next to campus at 24th and Cuming Streets. Easy on the wallet. Open 24/7. We've all done it.
