Business Details
35 Years
experience
Experience French Wine & Cuisine in Omaha
Since 1991, La Buvette has been a cornerstone of Omaha's Old Market neighborhood, offering a unique blend of French-inspired cuisine, curated wine selections, and artisanal grocery offerings. Our establishment was founded by Mark and Vera Mercer with a vision to create an intimate gathering space that reflects the community's diversity. We specialize in daily changing menus featuring house-made bread, seasonal specials like Boeuf Bourguignon, and an extensive wine collection available for on-site consumption or retail purchase. Our team, led by owners Vera Mercer and managers Erin Clark and Matt Focht, maintains a commitment to quality through traditional baking methods and carefully sourced ingredients. The wine program allows guests to select bottles from our shelves at retail prices with a modest corkage fee, creating an accessible yet sophisticated experience.While we do not offer reservations or takeout, our walk-in service encourages spontaneous social interactions in our indoor and outdoor seating areas. The grocery section provides premium products including house-made bread, charcuterie, cheeses, and specialty pantry items for creating memorable meals at home. Our operating hours accommodate both weekday diners and weekend crowds, with extended evening service on Fridays and Saturdays. The restaurant's design and service philosophy prioritize creating a welcoming environment where guests can enjoy exceptional food and wine in a relaxed setting.
Services
Wine Bar
French Cuisine
Daily Specials
Artisanal Grocery
Bakery
Corkage Service
Outdoor Seating
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We bake fresh bread daily using Parisian methods
- Our wine program offers retail pricing with minimal corkage fees
- Daily changing menus feature unique French-inspired dishes
- We curate artisanal grocery products for home entertaining
- Owners have maintained neighborhood presence for 30+ years
What people say
Unique wine selection
Freshly baked bread
Daily changing specials
Charming neighborhood vibe
Knowledgeable staff
Services
Wine Bar
Our wine bar offers an extensive selection of domestic and imported wines. Guests may choose bottles from our shelves at retail prices plus a modest corkage fee. The program includes daily glass specials ranging from $4.95 to $15.95, with over 50 varieties available by the bottle.
French Cuisine
We serve classic French dishes with daily changing specials. The menu features house-made bread, traditional recipes like Boeuf Bourguignon, and seasonal ingredients. Meals are served until one hour before closing with options for both casual diners and special occasions.
Artisanal Grocery
Our grocery section offers premium products including house-baked bread, imported cheeses, charcuterie, and specialty pantry items. Customers can purchase ingredients by the pound for creating gourmet meals at home, including olives, vinegars, and oils.
Bakery
Daily bread baking follows Parisian methods using traditional techniques. Freshly baked loaves are available for restaurant guests and grocery customers, complementing our cheese and charcuterie offerings with authentic French flavors and textures.
Corkage Service
Guests may bring personal wine bottles for consumption with our corkage fee structure. Fees range from $4.50 for standard bottles to $25 for outside bottles, allowing flexibility while maintaining quality service standards.
People
Mark Mercer
Co-Owner
Co-founded La Buvette in 1991 with his wife Vera. Brings decades of hospitality experience and maintains active involvement in the restaurant's operations and community engagement.
Vera Mercer
Co-Owner
Co-founder with Mark Mercer since 1991. Oversees daily operations and wine program development. Combines French culinary traditions with local market knowledge to maintain the restaurant's unique character.
Erin Clark
Manager
Manages restaurant operations with extensive experience in hospitality. Works closely with owners to maintain service standards and implement evolving wine and food offerings.
Matt Focht
Manager
Key management team member responsible for operational oversight. Collaborates with owners to ensure consistent quality in food service and customer experience.
Questions
What are La Buvette's operating hours?
We're open Monday-Thursday 10am-10pm, Friday-Saturday 10am-11pm, and Sunday 11:30am-9pm.
Can I bring my own wine?
Yes, with a corkage fee of $4.50 for standard bottles or $25 for outside bottles.
Do you offer takeout or delivery?
We don't provide delivery or takeout meals, but our grocery section offers premium products to take home.
Are reservations available?
We operate on a walk-in basis only to maintain our intimate, spontaneous atmosphere.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash and major credit cards for all purchases.
Do you have outdoor seating?
Yes, we offer seasonal outdoor seating that's particularly popular during good weather.
Reviews (4)
Erica K.
Jan 24, 2022
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This was my second time here. I can't believe I didn't write a review before this. I really enjoy the feeling of La Bauvette. It feels very old town. It's comfortable and there are a ton of options. Literally every food item we ordered was amazing. There were three of us and we shared a good bit of food together. Two of us shared a bottle of wine and the third ordered their own. The wine was awesome. They gave plenty of bread as well. The young man that was working in the kitchen worked so incredibly hard and he did such a nice job. Our server didn't seem to interested in conversation
Kaitlin C.
Jan 18, 2022
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What a great cozy spot for a date night! The vibe inside was right and the wait staff were very knowledgeable and friendly! The food was amazing! Most dishes come with a pile of bread and butter. I will be dreaming about their brioche and will be stopping back in for a loaf soon! Come ready to carb load .
Let's talk wines. We were overwhelmed with all of the options so we stuck to the by the glass menu our first go round. The Tempranillo was a great wine pick! (Forgot to note the vineyard/vintage). You can also browse their extensive collection sorted by regions/varieties and pay the
Let's talk wines. We were overwhelmed with all of the options so we stuck to the by the glass menu our first go round. The Tempranillo was a great wine pick! (Forgot to note the vineyard/vintage). You can also browse their extensive collection sorted by regions/varieties and pay the
Jonathan H.
Jan 02, 2022
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We picked up from Dario's for our wedding anniversary.The Wagyu short ribs were soft and delectable and the veggies paired wonderfully. The charcuterie board was the perfect starter for this meal. And my wife loved the salmon with roasted potatoes and vegetables. Highly recommend Dario's for a dinner meal!
Jakob Phillips
Dec 31, 2021
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Take your chances here. Ive heard good reviews, but I went with my partner for their birthday and we regret it.
-Please wait to be seated was posted everywhere.
-We waited to be seated for 20+ minutes without a single word from staff.
-A staff member cleaned a table directly in front of us while we browsed the food menu, others made eye contact with us; none of them acknowledged we were present.
-Eventually, I brought this to the attention of a server as they were chit-chatting behind the counter. Their response: We are also a grocery store. I thought you were browsing. This
-Please wait to be seated was posted everywhere.
-We waited to be seated for 20+ minutes without a single word from staff.
-A staff member cleaned a table directly in front of us while we browsed the food menu, others made eye contact with us; none of them acknowledged we were present.
-Eventually, I brought this to the attention of a server as they were chit-chatting behind the counter. Their response: We are also a grocery store. I thought you were browsing. This
