Duncan's Cafe

501 South Main Street
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
712.328.3360
Open Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri 7am to 7pm, Sat 7am to 1pm, Sun 8am to noon, closed Tues
Duncan's Cafe on Urbanspoon

French Dip and Jacket Fries

Attracted to the mysterious nature of a restaurant that doesn't have an online menu but does decide to run a Living Social deal, I couldn't resist trying out the enigmatic Duncan's Cafe across ye ole Missouri. Plus, getting out of my zip code felt really good, even if it was to a place called Counciltucky. (Oh come on guys, as if Omaha is like, sooooo cosmopolitan in comparison.)

Exposed brick and weird giraffe picture equals "quirky country kitchen" feel.

The coffee was watery, and the chili wasn't very edgy. Over the semi-bland but piping hot cup we discussed the Bean Question. (Do beans belong in chili or not?) Here there were just a few kidney beans, a safe compromise for all.

Cup o' Chili, Stack o' Crackers

"I'll have the Skillet Breakfast," I proudly proclaimed, after several minutes poring over the two pages of selections. The exceedingly nice waitress only then informed us that breakfast is not served during the lunch rush. Certifiably bummed that I wouldn't be annihilating a cheesy, hashbrown-y platter, I reluctantly ordered the lunch special of pork and mashed potatoes. I chose green beans over peas. When it came, I imagined myself an old widower, unable to open my own can of green beans at home, sliding the gummy mashed potatoes over my gums, at Duncan's mostly for the friendly faces. The French Dip was above average, with tender beef and savory jus, but the unseasoned "jacket fries" were not much more than floppy, oily potato discs.

The Daily Special--
Points for the Simon-inspired plates.

On the way out I eyed the neon-colored plates of other diners, which were brimming with fried eggs and pancakes. Apparently breakfast ordering was permitted only minutes after I sealed my fate with the pork special. We weren't even able to spend the whole $20 Living Social coupon, as the bill only came to $17. Still, I will be back to Duncan's when I don't feel like Lisa's or Leo's, and I'll be sure to go early enough to score some bacon.

Dunn Deal Cafe

2310 North 16th Street (Just south of Lake Street)
Omaha, NE 68110-2236
(402) 341-3600
Breakfast, lunch and dinner 
Cash only


Half eatery and half convenience store, the building that houses the Dunn Deal Cafe was bustling by noon. The specials board boasted Featherbones and Ham Hocks and Pinto Beans, among other things, but we ordered from the menu. The fried okra and crinkle cut french fries were both a little on the soggy side; maybe ask for them extra crispy. The mashed was definitely mediocre, but the brown gravy made up for it. The fried catfish came on two slices of standard wheat bread with a heaping handful of pickles. Add some mayo and you've got one helluva homecooked sandwich. The chicken fried steak was rich as hell, but what else would you expect from such a dish.


I wouldn't really call it a hidden gem or anything, but if you're looking for a comfy kitchen with soul food staples this is a your place. The breakfast looked awesome (served until 11am), and the folks were friendly. Try it. 

Fried Catfish Sandwich with Fries

Chicken Fried Steak with Mashed Potatoes and Fried Okra--Dig the plate