City: Omaha, NE

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (402) 556-6464

Address: 4432 Leavenworth St.

Description: Thin crust pizza served on a plastic tray and cut into squares is the signature—and most popular—dish at midtown Omaha’s La Casa Pizzeria. The other notable feature of La Casa is the original sign out front of a man strumming a mandolin; his neon hand strums up and down over his neon body and he’s fondly known as Peppi. La Casa opened in its current location in 1950 and has a strong local following—the restaurant is decorated simply, with local artists’ work on the walls, red and white checkered tablecloths, and a separate bar that doubles as a waiting area and overflow dining room on busy nights. The simple pizza is baked in a singular way and takes a bit longer, so expect a bit of a wait but know that it’s worth it. Pizzas come with pre-selected toppings—think margharita, four cheese, and a delicious pesto pizza—or with the toppings of the diner’s choice. For a real treat, consider the double crust pizza (which is just what you imagine it is). The toasted ravioli is a great appetizer, as is the antipasto plate. Other Italian standards round out the menu: lasagna, calzone, Italian sandwiches, eggplant and chicken parmesan, and Italian pasta dishes galore.