EVERETT'S
Hoppen Hierarchy:★★★★
District: Benson
Elevated bar food with fun twists
Perfect For: Casual Dining; Takeout; Lunch
Standout Dishes: Bubba Wings; Everett’s Way No. 2 Pulled Pork Sandwich; Peanut Sauce Wings; Jill’s Famous Brownie & Ice Cream; Brussels Sprouts; Hand-Cut Fries
Nothing at Everett’s is as simple as it seems.
The humble location and small dining room are impeccably clean, but aren’t flashy. And the menu is filled with down-home dishes like wings, burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, and fry baskets.
But Everett’s is another example of why you shouldn’t judge restaurants based off the surface. Because if you did, you’d miss this wonderful joint and the popping flavors flying out of its kitchen.
That’s because nothing on this menu is as simple as it seems. There are no shortcuts here. The pork is braised for more than 20 hours to achieve maximum flavor and tenderness. The wings are brined, fried, and finished on the grill before being tossed in a housemade sauce. The fries are hand cut, and the signature dessert… well, it bears Grandma’s name for a reason.
Everett’s (the name pays homage to the owners’ late grandfather) is a cozy space with classy wood floors, inviting Edison lights, and somewhat limited but comfortable seating. There are several large televisions for big games. The restaurant also shares a door with Brokedown Palace, the bar next door, where it sells food late nights to patrons next door. It’s a comfortable space perfect for grabbing beers with buddies or taking the family for dinner.
What the one-page menu lacks in size it more than makes up for in intentionality and attention to detail. Each dish is thoughtfully constructed and finds good balance. The Everett’s Way sandwiches (which can be ordered with pulled pork or chicken) are a perfect example. One option has a Mexican flair with white cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and vibrant red and green salsas, pulling in a touch of heat with freshness. You can also opt for Asian profiles on your sandwich with peanut sauce and a crunchy slaw.
But the best combo might be Everett’s Way No. 2 option. The succulent hunks of pork combine with a hit of salt and fat from crispy bacon and some acid from a delicious apple cider vinegar slaw, and the sweetness of a Carolina BBQ sauce pulls everything all together.
The sandwich comes with some of the city’s better fries. Though a bit more salt would be welcome, the Hand Cut Fries have the perfect crisp bite to them and are only elevated with a dip in the housemade aioli or house ketchup (pumped up by a tiny horseradish punch).
Delicious as the massive sandwiches are, the House Brined Wings are the star of the show at Everett’s. The brine injects the poultry with flavor and ensures the flesh remains juicy and moist. A quick trip in the deep fryer adds just the right level of crunch, and a finish on the grill brings those beautiful crispy bits and texture. And you’ll be hard-pressed to find larger wings in Omaha.
All of Everett’s house made sauces are unique and bring something different to the table. The Medium Hot have just the right amount of heat and buttery buffalo flavor, and the Saucy Rossy mixes in BBQ sauce for a sweet/heat combo. If you really want something unique, go for the sticky Peanut Sauce wings, which have a slightly sweet yet peanut-forward flavor.
The best of the bunch are the Bubba wings. These beauties are fried, tossed in Medium Hot, grilled, and finished with Garlic Parmesan, ultimately creating a buttery, garlic-y flavor with a pleasant underlying heat and nuttiness from the parmesan.
The Brussels Sprouts are a must-add appetizer to any order. Fried, tossed in a honey glaze, and spattered with a cooling lime crema, these plump bulbs are worth a visit alone.
Whatever your entree, do your best to save some room for dessert. Jill’s Famous Brownie and Ice Cream, a confection created by one of the owner’s mothers, is the definition of fudgey decadence. A soft, gooey brownie is layered in a blanket of rich chocolate sauce and topped with an asteroid of sweet vanilla ice cream. It’s sinful in all the right ways.
Everything at Everett’s is constructed with care, and you can taste it. There’s genuine thought put into every plate. The service is attentive and friendly, and your table is likely to be visited by co-owner Tyler Thiesen for a welcoming check-in at some point.
When you enter Everett’s for the first time, you might describe it as simple and straightforward. You’ll leave thinking it’s spectacular.