Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse & Lounge
I 80 Exit 145, Paxton, NE, 69155
Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse & Lounge Menu
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Address :
I 80 Exit 145
Paxton, NE, 69155 - Phone (308) 239-4500
- Website https://www.olesbiggame.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
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Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Zina S.
Out of this world! The place is filled with head trophies, and not a space on the wall is free of these items. The service is excellent, the food is ok, but the place is amazing. Overall a fun place to have dinner in the middle of nowhere Nebraska. Oh! And don't expect fine wine to be served, this is not the place. It is very appropriate for its location. I was surprised to see that it has been featured in Saveur magazine. Who would have thunk it?
(3)Zac T.
if stuffed animals (not the toy) bother you then stay away from this place. if you like a decent meal and a great beer in the middle of nebraska, head on down. with third stone brown on tap and buffalo burgers on the menu, you can't go wrong. prices are pretty similar to any food on i80, but ole's does not have runzas. too bad. the waitress, whatever her name was acted like she hated being there, didn't know the beers on tap, and service was relatively slow. we stop here from time to time in preparation to see the family on the other side of nebraska.
(4)Marina V.
It is the thing to do while in Paxton, NE. All kinds of exotic taxidermied animals from all 7 continents, including a stuffed jackalope, bagged by the original owner. Definitely a fun place to visit. The chili was really tasty, but the cheeseburger was okay, very average (I was hoping for some outstanding Nebraska beef I'd had in the past visits to the state). BUT... the place is cool and the staff is friendly. With its interesting history (est.1933) it is like no other... so.... I recommend it :)
(4)Jordan M.
I've never witnessed slower service in my life. Stopped for breakfast and They had a total of 2 patrons and 1 waitress who clearly couldn't even chew gum and walk at the same time, let alone wait on more than 1 table per hour. After waiting 10 minutes we left, wow maybe they ought to rename the place Ole Slow as Snails
(1)Shelby B.
A Vegetarians dream (and by dream, I mean nightmarish venue of severed animal heads watching you eat ;). This bar and grill has been around since 1933 and is full to the brim with hundreds of stuffed big game the original owner hunted on every continent, over the years. We are talking about more taxidermy than Ted Nugent's house! While not a hunter myself, there is an appeal to at least have gone here once. A definite road-side attraction type of place. It would definitely be worth it just to say you have seen it in person, if you happen to be driving down I-80 through Nebraska. Now as to the food, we sampled their lunch fair, and it is decent bar food, nothing exceptional. I had a bacon cheeseburger which was ok, and the fries were good, but a little salty. My wife had the BLT, which had a couple brown spots on the lettuce, and the chips were a bit stale. My daughter got a hot dog off the kids menu, which was huge, but tasted pretty good. Can't speak to the dinner menu as we didn't try it, but they have steaks, prime rib, etc. Overall if you are in the area and up for something different stop and try it. Not so much for the food, but the atmosphere.
(3)Charlie W.
Automatic 5 star, no questions asked. Great atmosphere and unbelievable food. Best place in all of Western Nebraska (west of Lincoln) I have ever been to. If your ever driving through Paxton, it is well worth the stop. Order any peice of meat in any form.
(5)Caliope W.
The Cobb salad is great, if you don't mind being stared at by 45 taxidermic animal heads and 5 tvs, whilst bad country music blares. Do you like eating as you gaze at a real elephant food wrapped in a chain? This place is for you.
(4)Lucy F.
After reading some of the reviews I didn't think my experience was going to be as bad as it was. I ordered the Rocky Mountain oysters and sweet potato casserole. When I got my food my potatoes were cold and my fries were luke warm. I asked the server to take them back. After a couple of minutes my plate came back. My potatoes had been microwaved and my fries had been thrown back in the frier and were very over cooked. This was my first experience at this restaurant and with Rocky Mountain oysters. Let's just say I'd have to be starving to ever go back because it was a huge disappointment. The only positive thing I can say is that I didn't have to pay for my meal which is good since I didn't eat it.
(2)Shannon W.
Bison burger and French dip both very good. Ambiance is a big game hunter's dream. Lots of interesting taxidermy displays. You have to check out the restroom signs for a good laugh :)
(4)Lisa M.
Very cool restaurant! Lots of animals to see! Food is good and servers are friendly. Lots of history in this small Nebraska town restaurant. A must visit Western Nebraska staple.
(5)Jonathan S.
A HAIKU REVIEW Have a burger. Beer. Have it with lions, tigers, and bears, too. Oh my!
(5)Ann W.
Out of prime rib at 640pm, ad said not served b4 5pm. Eaitress non - apologetic abot it "we've been busy". So am I, made special trip to go for the prime rib. No offer of free dessert or anything. Won't be back!
(3)A Z.
Holy macaroni, we got lucky with this one. I just HAPPENED to be looking at a "roadside attractions" app on my iPhone while we were driving through Nebraska on our trip from RI to CO. Strange enough, a restaurant popped up ten miles away. A restaurant as a roadside attraction? How could this be? Oh it can be, and it is. The big attraction however, isn't the food, it's all the big game stuffed heads and bodies you'll encounter when you walk in the door. I also enjoy the fact that this place opened at 12:01am on the day that prohibition ended. The food is nothing spectactular. In fact, my chicken fried steak was downright greasy. That said, it was my first time trying the stuff and I got it without gravy. I think I cursed myself. However, the soda was flat and my salad was super generic and tasteless. My boyfriend did enjoy his burger though. The good news is that the food could have been complete crap and we'd still be glad we came. This place is epic. Have you ever seen a stuffed polar bear before? Maybe.. but how about a freaking stuffed elephant head? Or a giraffe neck and head?? It's almost unsettling to eat here and look into the faces of hundreds of different animals, but at the same time it's more impressive to see how in the world you preserve elephant ears. Seriously, how do they do that? It's a good thing we stopped because nearly every person who we talked to that knew we traveled through Nebraska asked, "did you stop at Ole's?" or "you stopped at Ole's right??" or "OMG on your way back you have to stop at Ole's if you didn't already". So if you're on I-80 and you're looking for a small town to stop in for a weird meal, this is your place. The bonus prize here is that there's a little winery shop across the street. Score!
(4)Toly M.
This plac is for someone who loves to see a large array of stuffed animal heads. Food is not bad, had a tenderloin, was grilled pretty good. A place to stop by to entertain the kids with all the animals.
(4)Maria B.
Overpriced. Lacked flavor. Really not impressed with this place.
(3)Andrew W.
This place is straight out of some book that should have been called "Dining With Every Dead African Animal, Back When Killing Every Animal Was Legal." I've heard stories, I've heard rumors, I then witnessed the stories told and shared and handed down through the generations like a game of telephone. Want to know what the craziest part was? Nothing was lost in translation. It was exactly how everyone explained it to be. Wild and untamed. Image yourself driving down Interstate 80 [that sure is not hard to do] in an old safari Land Rover covered in dry African dust. You pull out your trusty side kick Mr. Rifle after a long wild game pursuit. You set your site, slowly squeeze the trigger and BLAM!!! Nabbing that prized beast and adding it to your world travels collection of other rare and exotic stuffed rarities. That is what is hanging on the walls of this famed establishment while you eat your chicken fried steak. Heavy and deep history of taxidermy upon more taxidermy at its finest staring at you while you sip your Diet Coke and chew your buffalo burger. The food is good, but the themed interior is something to be seen. I'm sure the locals think nothing of it. I personally am glad I took that right at Exit 145 off of Interstate 80 to Paxton Nebraska.
(5)Brian M.
This place is a historic landmark in Paxton. Just cool to walk into. The service was great. Lets get to the point way we visit restaurants to eat. We ordered the combo sampler there was two of everything. A one person app. We ordered two t-bones and one filet. It took over 45 minute and my steak came out cold as ice. The filet had a toothpick through it and the bacon was raw to burn depending what side it was. The coleslaw tasted like sauerkraut. The pre made rolls were honestly the best part of the meal. The waitress apologized that the cook was new and should not be one his own. She comped the app and took half off the steak. Do not come herein a Monday.
(1)Kellie M.
I got to cross Rocky Mountain Oysters off my list of foods to try and sat under a huge moose head. Rock. My dining partner also enjoyed his meal and the taxidermied decor. A good food stop along I-80!
(4)Francis F.
We went here for dinner earlier today and the place had an interesting number of hunting trophies on the wall and tv screens! We were hungry so it wasnt like we thinking about them staring at us while we eat...Service was excellent and food was very delicious! We enjoyed the Chef salad, BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Ole's Prime Rib Large 16oz for the 2 sides included for each entree we got Ole's Sweet Potato Casserole, and Vegetable of the day-mixed veggies; however, we didnt like the coleslaw or the cup of soup-some kind barley beef stew as much... Overall I would go back here if we ever travel from Illinois to Nebraska!
(5)Jackie H.
The food is just okay, but the restaurant itself just keeps getting better and better. Between the taxidermy (and the wormhole back to a less PC era), and their recent renovation which spruced up the booths, floor, and restrooms, Ole's is a place I've been proud to visit every year of my life. EVERY year of my life? Why, yes, and my parent's refrigerator will attest to this fact. There is a picture of me posing next to the jackalope every year from six months to 23 years old. That's what you get when you couple a yearly road trip to Colorado with a father obsessed with tradition and photography. There was a time in my preteen years when I was less than enthused at the prospect of standing on a booth in front of strangers and posing next to a rabbit with horns, but thankfully those years are behind me. I can't wait until my 25th visit to Ole's this coming summer.
(4)Matthew W.
The only big game other than Bison was on the walls. The burger was raw and the wait person ignored us most of the time. I wanted to like it but was seriously underwhelmed. Maybe I'll try it again but I won't go out of my way.
(2)Dennis G.
This restaurant had lots of hunting "trophies", however the kitchen won't win one from us. My buffalo burger came with a piece of lettuce...and needed to ask for more condiments. My wife ordered a steak and it was marginal. Bar was good, and so is the beer. All of the animals and photos are worth the stop, buy don't invest allot in their menu.
(3)Lance G.
Ladies and gentlemen I present to you what may be the finest 1/3 lb. burger in the history of the civilized world. Ole's has a very interesting history olesbiggame.com/history.… but for the link adverse let me give you one quick quote. " On August 8, 1933, prohibition in the United States came to an end. At 12:01 a.m. on August 9, Ole opened his tavern on Paxton's main street." Yeah, my kinda guy, my kinda place. Besides the otherworldly burger I enjoyed a Boulevard Wheat Beer made by Empyrean Ales, proving once again that California doesn't have a lock on good beer. telesis-inc.com/empyrean… . The decor is one of the things that make this place special, with over 200 pieces of taxidermy that Ole collected from all over the world during his lifetime. This man knew how to live. On the north end of the building is a little cafe that opens at 6:00 for breakfast. By breakfast I mean easily one of the top five biscuits and gravy I've had in my life. I discovered this place in 1990 and every since then I've NEVER passed by without stopping. If you've never been to Ole's your life is incomplete.
(5)Jocelyn M.
How many times have you been able to say you've gotten drunk next to a polar bear and coyote? Much like Foster's Big Horn in Solano County, CA, Ole's is a restaurant that can instill awe, uneasiness, and, in some cases, outright anger while you eat your steak and eggs. Ole liked a good hunt to say the least. He killed indiscriminately and proudly mounted each trophy at his place of business for all to enjoy. At first, it's like a natural history museum, without the fake sets... and torsos. Patrons and visitors walk around with interest sparked by various reasons. Some people take photos with their heads in animal's mouths and others admire the decorations over bufffalo steaks. That last generalization would be me! I hadn't had buffalo before, so I thought I'd try it. I can't remember what else we ordered, just that my steak came out like ground beef and wasn't half bad. It's a lot like cow, really, just a bit tougher. We had a nice big beer and shared some fries, both of us occasionally stealing glances at the polar bear to our left. After awhile, it got a bit strange. We started to feel guilty for enjoying the novelty of eating beside the stuffed body of an endangered animal. The giant frosted mug full of Boulevard Wheat (one of the few beers they have on tap) helped ease the guilt somewhat, but in the end we left, happy our tummies were full, but just a wee bit glum from sitting amidst so many trophies and photos of exhilarated people next to dead animals.
(4)Andrew K.
Ole's is a bar right off I-80 in the little town of Paxton. I have driven past Paxton hundreds of times over the years and never knew that a little gem of a bar & grill was just a few minutes off the exit. On the recommendation of a colleague, a group of us on a business trip stopped over. It was fun little place. For the food, which was ok, probably 3 stars...but you don't really go just for the food. The place is FULL of animals on the wall. Normally I find trophy hunters (and their trophies) to be pretty gross, but somehow it works at Ole's. It is a lodge-style atmosphere full of big game! It was an interesting walk around the place while waiting for food. So, while the food is so-so (and I was expecting big game on the menu...more than just buffalo), and it is VERY much a family dinner type of fare...the atmosphere makes it a fun stop.
(4)Lee D.
Roadside Americana at it's best! Not intended to insult any locals, but from an out of towners perspective, it seems you tell someone you are driving I-80 through Nebraska and what do they ask? "Did you stop at Ole's?" Well of course!! And once again, there goes that instant Ole's fraternity bond reminiscing about the stuffed animals greeting you at the entry, on the walls, and throughout, about that tasty Nebraska slab o' meat on a plate, and washing it all down with a PBR! OK, so maybe PBR isn't quite as special anymore? :) But regardless, a trip to Ole's is something that will at least help keep you in anticipation as you drive along I-80 towards exit 145, and then have you entertained with memories as you continue to drive beyond. Originally recommended to me by friends in Nebraska, I've returned many a time to Ole's. The place certainly has "character"! So go with a fun attitude and enjoy!
(4)Mike P.
OK, call it 3.5 stars. As a must see before you die, call it a 4.5; far more nuanced than the Corn Palace and as absolutely authentic as Wall Drug is not. Ole was a killing machine and the resulting mounts and photographs are jaw-dropping. The place is a time-machine with food and a very large bar. This is our country as it stood in the 1940's when men wore khakis and discussed ammunition. The food is certainly edible and the staff is as bright and honestly friendly as you could ask. I happen to enjoy Rocky Mountain Oysters and have always enjoyed those from The Prime Rib in Gillette, Wyoming. Now I have seen Mecca! Ole's oysters are wonderful, well breaded, flavorful and, above all, not in the least overcooked. Done to perfection! The rest of the meal was as I said edible, maybe edible plus a half-star. In a perfect world, Ole's would be parked down the road in Sidney, unchanged and just across from Cabela's World Headquarters. But, in the meantime, do give the place a visit. It cannot last forever.
(3)Josh K.
Nothing says "Nebraska" quite like Ole's. Their food is delicious and fair in price, although I swear each year the prices subtly rise a dollar. The atmosphere is a catalyst to their outstanding establishment. The restaurant is lined with exotic animals or hunted animals found in North America. It's like having a miniature Cabela's around you when eating. If you're ever traveling on I-80 and pass by Paxton, NE, stop by here!
(5)Dasha T.
This is a must-see stop along I-80 in Nebraska.
(4)Sue K.
ole's wasn't my favorite stop on my cross country road trip but it was definitely worth getting off the interstate for. the restaurant/lounge has a long wooden bar in front, a pool table in back, plenty of tables and booths to dine in, and over 200 game hunting "trophies" mounted on the wall. ole's was smaller than i expected, but it made the whole being surrounded by dead stuffed animals thing much more dramatic, if not a little bit creepy. i'm not normally bothered by stuffed moose and buffalo heads..but there was something sad about having a giraffe looking back at me as i ate my steak. it also didn't help that my steak wasn't so hot to begin with- it was bland and chewy, and my meal was at mediocre at best. the good thing about ole's however, is that you don't need to spend a penny there to enjoy it. i was very impressed by the staff considering they deal with tourists all day, they were the picture of midwestern hospitality. you can stop in, order a coke (or nothing at all), look around, take silly touristy pictures, and the bartender will answer all your questions with a smile- even the stupid ones.
(4)Mike T.
When you are heading west on I-80 in the fin state of Nebraska, do yourself a favor when you come to Paxton and take the exit. Grab a room at the local motel, it will be inexpensive. At sunset, walk towards town, which begins once you cross some railroad tracks near a silo. And shortly you will find Ole`s on your right hand side. As you might have already expected from its name, this is not the place to go if you are a vegetarian. Nor should you come in if taxidermy upsets you. Ole`s features meat and lots of it. They have steak, burgers, chicken and some interesting game options on the menu. The prices are affordable, with cheap beer too. And a staff, that is very friendly and welcoming. at this restaurant that you will remember.
(4)Alex A.
Stopped here on our way across the country; the mounts are awesome, worth the stop by themselves! The food was pretty good, I had a steak which was flavorful and cooked well, and my wife had the steak sandwich which she said was delicious. Definitely worth a trip if you're hungry on I-80.
(4)Anthony K.
If you are driving across Nebraska on I-80, this is a mandatory stop at least once (PETA members aside). This place is filled with character and lots of animals that Ole bested and preserved for all to enjoy in this joint. The food is solid bar/diner fare, with a large selection of the typical domestic brews (full menu is available on their website). I always have the cheeseburger and fries and have never been disappointed. The kids will love being surrounded by all types of wild beasts after being cooped up in the car all day. For the dads who have done the driving, check out the Marilyn Monroe portraits above the bar for your reward...
(4)Gena F.
Lacking quality control, terribly disappointed in the food. the steak was colder than the salad and unseasoned. The "sides" are prepared well ahead of time in cups....makng them very dry. The buns were hard and stale. We recommend to have a drink, take a look at the mounts but spend your hard earned money elsewhere.
(1)Fida C.
Eat here (if you like meat). I am a dedicated meat fan, and I love a local steakhouse. This is it. Drove 20 miles on Sunday night from my hotel in the next town to eat here. Lots of locals were driving from their small towns and farms to eat here, too. Had a delicious new york strip with potato and vegetable for much less than city prices. Had a fine slice of cherry pie for dessert. The place is full of trophy animals bagged by the late owner, including the signature polar bear who greets you as you enter the front door. Those suckers are big! Stop here. It's good food and an oasis from a former time.
(5)Mopsie B.
Best kept "secret" of Nebraska traveling! I don't even eat most meats, but Ole's has the best buffalo burgers anywhere! And you can't beat the ambience! Someday, I'd like to have a drink at the bar on a Friday night. Ole's puts Paxton on the map! One tiny suggestion, though: I wish they would consider updating the bathrooms. The women's room stalls don't even have locks.
(4)Jimmy N.
I am stunned to have the privilege of being the first to review Ole's. This place is by far one of the most astounding spots I've ever been to. Getting off I-80 in Paxton, you notice a small town with a grain elevator and a water tower. Sounds pretty typical. Then you see a building with a few parking spaces out front that says "Ole's". You probably saw the signs from the highway, and depending on your level of roadside American intrigue, may have taken the exit for Paxton for this very reason. But you don't know what hits you until you walk inside. Ole Herstedt traveled 5 continents over 35 years and brought back his best accomplishments, now on display at his day-after-prohibition-ended founded tavern. The food may or may not be good, I honestly can't recall, I was so in awe of the giant polar bear staring me down. So many restaurants I review are based on food quality, service, or cleanliness. This place? Who cares. It's Ole's. There's a freaking elephant next to you.
(5)Deana B.
This review is for the food only. I ordered the filet and it tasted like they put it in the microwave. I had better steak at Texas Roadhouse and Applebee's. The sweet potato fries tasted like the Orida frozen fries you can buy at your local grocery store. I guess you go here to see the taxidermy and not the food. I'm originally from Nebraska and I would be embarrassed to tell any of my friends to go here. The waitress was very nice and she deserves more stars. The hostess made us wait even though the place was empty and we could have seated ourselves. He deserves 2 stars. I was with 3 people. Normally one dish will be good. They had the Buffalo steak and that also looked reheated.
(2)kelsy m.
Wow! It's almost unbelievable that this guy started a bar right after the prohibition ended and it has become so successful, now because there are so many stuffed animals and animal-heads from all over the world! I think the food was good, but that's not really what I'll remember. I will remember the African monkey with the sunglasses, the polar bear, the elephant tusks, and more.
(4)J C.
Ole's is a must stop on way to or from denver for me. Took my kids sunday as both are now old enough to have an interest in all the animals. My daughters favorite is giraffe and the long necked ungulate across from the elephant. I had pulled pork this time and it was a pretty generous amount. A friend once told me salad should be eatin from a wood bowl and I would agree. This place is a must stop when crossing nebraska. skip the fast food and stop, as it is definately worth it. Frozen 25 oz mugs of third stone brown by itself makes it worth it. Dont miss the baboon and the dik-dik cause its cool.
(5)Denise P.
My husband and I hosted a large family dinner here (22 of us). We contacted the restaurant well in advance to make reservations. We arrived on schedule early on a Friday evening, were seated quickly when we arrived but things went downhill fast from that point. The service (what there was of it) was dreadful. The food was embarrassingly bad. I ordered very rare prime rib (which they are noted for) and when it was served it was very well-done, overcooked and tough. I requested it be replaced and was told that was the rarest prime rib they had . Nearly everyone in our group had something significantly wrong with their meal. Orders were served completely wrong, several ordered burgers and what was served was charred to the point it was unrecognizable. To make matters worse, the servers were inattentive, we had to repeatedly ask for simple things such as steak knives and condiments. Really a bad experience all around.
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