About Front Street Steakhouse & Crystal Palace Saloon
Front Street Steakhouse & Crystal Palace Saloon is a one-of-a-kind Western-themed restaurant and theater in Ogallala, Nebraska – the state’s historic “Cowboy Capital.” Established by local partners in the early 1960s, it opened its doors in 1964 to celebrate Ogallala’s Wild West heritage. Front Street is built as a half-block-long replica of a 1870s frontier town (nebraskapublicmedia.org ) (visitkeithcounty.com ). The complex includes a classic Nebraska steakhouse and bar, a free cowboy museum, a gift shop, and the famous Crystal Palace Saloon theater. In fact, this entire venue is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (visitkeithcounty.com ) (nebraskapublicmedia.org ), reflecting its role in preserving local history. Ownership remained local through generations (notably town vet “Doc” Rezac ran it until 2016 (ogallalafrontstreet.com ) (www.flagshippublishing.com )) and today it is owned by longtime Ogallala residents Stacey and Kathleen Bauer, who have invested heavily in modern upgrades. Despite renovations, it retains its vintage charm – think wooden boardwalks, swinging saloon doors and Longhorn decor (www.flagshippublishing.com ) (www.zillow.com ). The atmosphere transports visitors back to the end of the Texas Trail, complete with Old West knick-knacks on the walls and live piano music (www.flagshippublishing.com ). Its capacity is modest – seating is at wooden tables and bar stools – which creates an intimate, immersive experience. Front Street matters to Ogallala both economically and culturally: it draws over 50,000 visitors a year from across the country (nebraskapublicmedia.org ) and anchors the Western Trails Creative District, anchoring Ogallala’s historic narrative (nebraskapublicmedia.org ). Visitors love it for the hearty steaks and unique atmosphere, and it’s earned a reputation as a must-see roadside attraction (visitkeithcounty.com ) (nebraskapublicmedia.org ).
Events and Programming
The signature event at Front Street is the “Crystal Palace Revue” – a summer dinner-and-theater show that has run nearly every year since 1964, making it Nebraska’s longest-running summer stock theater (visitkeithcounty.com ) (nebraskapublicmedia.org ). From late May (Memorial Day) through mid-August, the saloon comes alive with nightly performances (June shows Thu–Sat; July/Aug shows Wed–Sat) (ogallalafrontstreet.com ) (ogallalafrontstreet.com ). Each evening begins with an authentic Old West gunfight staged on the front porch or street at about 7:00–7:15 PM, drawing spectators outside. Then the doors swing open and the Crystal Palace Revue starts. The show itself is a vaudeville-style musical comedy, featuring a dozen or more cowboy characters and dancing saloon girls. It blends history and humor: songs and skits reference Ogallala’s past (and even the 1884 Crystal Palace saloon shootout) in a tongue-in-cheek way (panhandlepost.com ) (nebraskapublicmedia.org ). Actors (mostly local high school and college students) play cowboys, pioneers and frontier women, often breaking the fourth wall with audience participation. After the show ends, patron favorite saloon music continues (the house pianist even jokes about being “the slowest gun in the West” (www.flagshippublishing.com )). Between May and August, performances run Wednesday through Saturday nights, with additional Thursday/Saturday shows in June (ogallalafrontstreet.com ). Outside of summer, the venue is quieter – the steakhouse remains open for breakfast and dinner (weekends 7 AM or 8 AM start times) (ogallalafrontstreet.com ) (www.roostcafeandbistro.com ), but live entertainment is generally just during summer. In addition, Front Street hosts private events year-round in its banquet hall (with a new elevator and full catering kitchen) (www.zillow.com ), so community parties and corporate gatherings happen off-season. Overall, the programming is very consistent: a cowboy shootout and revue show each evening in tourist season, plus regular restaurant hours daily (open Monday–Saturday for lunch/dinner, Sunday brunch) (ogallalafrontstreet.com ) (www.roostcafeandbistro.com ).
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for the Crystal Palace Revue must be purchased separately from your meal. The best way to secure seats is by calling the Front Street box office at (308) 284-6000 to reserve and pay for tickets in advance (ogallalafrontstreet.com ) (ogallalafrontstreet.com ). Adult tickets (age 13+) cost $18 each, children (5–12) are $7.50, and kids 4 and under attend free (ogallalafrontstreet.com ). These prices are fixed (plus tax) and typically the same each year, although organizers recommend reserving early because seating is limited (ogallalafrontstreet.com ) (panhandlepost.com ). For groups of six or more, Front Street requires a deposit or pre-payment when booking (ogallalafrontstreet.com ). When you call, the staff can arrange dining and show reservations together – note that dinner reservations must be made by 6:30 PM if you plan to eat before the 7–7:15 PM show (ogallalafrontstreet.com ). If you arrive without a reservation, you can still attempt door sales, but seats often sell out on busy nights (panhandlepost.com ) (ogallalafrontstreet.com ). There is no online box office for shows – all ticket sales are handled by phone or in person. The venue does accept major credit cards for restaurant and ticket purchases. No refund policy is advertised, but given the cast is seasonal, it’s safest to book only if you plan to attend. In short: book early by phone, pay there, and ask about a combined dinner-and-show package so you get the best seating. (ogallalafrontstreet.com ) (ogallalafrontstreet.com )
Seating and Layout
Front Street’s interior is designed to recreate a classic Western saloon. The performance area is on the saloon floor – a small raised stage at one end with bartops and swing-nou doors. Patrons sit at plain wooden tables and chairs, or perch on bar stools directly in front of the piano and bar (nebraskapublicmedia.org ). The tables are arranged very close to the stage and each other, creating an immersive environment: actors will come off stage and walk around tables, even through the aisles. Some seating is available at narrower front tables near the bar; those spots and the side tables near the stage generally offer the clearest views. There is no formal tiered seating or balcony for patrons; the building does have a second-story “front” facade above the saloon (used in scenes) but guests remain on the ground level (www.flagshippublishing.com ) (nebraskapublicmedia.org ). In practice, seats are not individually assigned in advance; instead, reservations hold tables by party size. We recommend larger groups book well ahead and arrive together, and smaller parties arriving early tend to choose front-row tables. Since the theatre is small, there is no true “general admission” standing area, but casual walk-up diners often grab a stool at the bar if tables fill. For sightlines, the middle-front tables near the stage are often called the best seats, though even at the back of the saloon you can hear and see the show clearly because of its intimate scale. One tip: if you have your heart set on a particular view (for example, close to the piano), arrive before the show starts to claim it. As for sound and lighting, the revue is done without any heavy audio equipment – the music is from the piano and voices are unamplified. The acoustic in the wood-lined saloon is surprisingly good for the live acting. Overall, the layout encourages audience participation and close viewing: prepare to sit elbow-to-elbow with neighbors and embrace the communal Western saloon vibe (nebraskapublicmedia.org ) (www.tripadvisor.com ).
Getting There and Parking
Front Street Steakhouse & Saloon is located at 519 East 1st Street in Ogallala, Nebraska – just off U.S. Highway 26/30. From Interstate 80, take the Ogallala exit (Hwy 26/30) and head north toward town. The venue is on the right within a few blocks; big signs and even a waving cowboy silhouette on a billboard help identify it from the highway (www.flagshippublishing.com ) (www.city-data.com ). Ogallala is small, so use local roads. There is a large free parking lot on-site behind the restaurant, plus some street parking along 1st Street. Most parking is free of charge (the city does not meter). During show times, you’ll almost always find convenient parking either in front or behind the building. If that lot fills, adjacent street parking on side streets is available.
Public transit options to Ogallala are very limited, as it’s a rural town. Intercity buses (Greyhound and FlixBus) stop at the TA Travel Center (103 Prospector Dr.), which is about 0.5 miles south of Front Street. From there, it’s a short walk or local taxi ride north on 1st Street. There is no local city bus or train service in Ogallala. If using rideshare (Uber or Lyft), coverage is spotty in Western Nebraska, but you can often request a pickup from Interstate exits or main streets. Taxi service in Ogallala is minimal, so the most reliable way to get here is by personal vehicle. Front Street’s main entrance faces 1st Street, and rideshare or taxi drop-offs are best at the front door. Followers of Route 80: note there’s no shuttle, so plan to drive or get dropped off.
Inside the Venue
Stepping inside Front Street feels like entering an Old West town painted on the frontier. The decor is authentic vintage-style: walls are lined with historic Western photos, Longhorn steer heads and buckboards, and period artifacts. The main dining room (steakhouse) has hardwood floors and vintage lantern-style lighting, creating a warm, rustic atmosphere (www.flagshippublishing.com ) (www.zillow.com ). The central bar is a showpiece – a spectacular 19th-century-style wooden bar top (donated by local ranching families) with carved motifs. Guests at the bar can order from an impressive drink menu (craft cocktails, bottled local beers, and regional favorites like root beer or sarsaparilla on tap). The bar also includes a baby grand piano; during lunch and early evening you’ll often hear piano tunes as background music (www.flagshippublishing.com ) (www.zillow.com ). (The décor includes a sign above the piano joking “Don’t shoot the piano player!” as an old saloon gag.)
The full menu is classic American steakhouse fare. Signature offerings include Nebraska wheat-fed ribeyes, sirloins and T-bones, as well as unique more-local items like grilled buffalo burgers, bison rib, and even buffalo poppers. Appetizers range from jumbo shrimp cocktail and cheese curds to Rocky Mountain oysters (bull testicles) for the adventurous (www.roostcafeandbistro.com ) (www.city-data.com ). They also have a kids menu and some vegetarian options (like a veggie burger and salad). Meals come with sides (mashed potatoes, creamed corn, etc.). Service is friendly and down-to-earth; many servers are actually cast members in the revue. Customers in reviews frequently praise the large portions and quality of the steaks (ogallalafrontstreet.com ) (ogallalafrontstreet.com ), so arrive hungry. The bar’s beverage program features several Nebraska craft brews (one reviewer noted a jalapeño-hot beer and even a dill-pickle beer that got raves (ogallalafrontstreet.com )), local wines and classic cocktails.
Key amenities inside include: a new elevator and multiple handicapped-accessible restrooms (www.zillow.com ) (the building was extensively upgraded in recent years for ADA compliance and modernization). The venue has two floors: the ground floor holds the restaurant, saloon, and gift shop, while upstairs now includes a banquet event room (for private functions) accessible by elevator (www.zillow.com ). Wi-Fi is not advertised (wifi is spotty in rural Nebraska, so assume minimal connectivity). Coat racks are near the entrance (no formal coat check). Near the entrance is a bright general store/gift shop filled with cowboy hats, Western souvenirs and an actual tiny museum of local artifacts (visitkeithcounty.com ) (ogallalafrontstreet.com ). Don’t miss the free Cowboy Museum room: it has original gear, chaps, vintage photos and even a replica old jail and dentist office to wander through (ogallalafrontstreet.com ) (www.city-data.com ). Another section showcases the local Prairie Pro Rodeo Museum (historic rodeo saddles and posters) (www.zillow.com ). All museum and store exhibits are free to enter whenever the restaurant is open. Guests are encouraged to explore before or after meals. Overall the vibe is very casual and immersive – you may feel as if you’ve “arrived off the cattle drive” just by opening the front doors (nebraskapublicmedia.org ). The blend of restaurant seating with live music and the museum makes every visit both a meal and an experience.
Nearby Amenities
Front Street is located in downtown Ogallala, so a number of restaurants, bars and hotels are within a short walk or drive. Immediately next door (one block east) is **Golden Village**, a Chinese-American diner, and around the corner is **Caroline’s Omelet House** (famous for breakfast omelets) (evendo.com ). The popular **Driftwood Cafe** (American comfort food) is half a block away to the west (evendo.com ). For drinks, **Second Chapter Brewing** (a local craft beer pub) is 0.5 miles north (evendo.com ). Sports fans might also hit **308 Lounge** (a bar with pub food) about a mile south. For lodging, there are a few motels very close by: the Best Western Stagecoach Inn and Grey Goose Lodge are less than a mile south (www.city-data.com ), and they can arrange shuttle rides for late returns. Other nearby attractions: Boot Hill Cemetery (old Galveston-style graveyard, a quick sunset stop (www.city-data.com )) and the Ogallala/Keith County Historical Museum. Outdoor recreation at Lake McConaughy State Park (10 miles north) is also common – many visitors combine a day at the lake with an evening at Front Street.
Practical tips: Arrive at least 10–15 minutes early for your showtime. If you plan to eat dinner before the show, booking a table by 6:30 PM is advised so you can finish before curtain. Parking is free, but on busy summer nights you may need to walk a block. Interstate travelers should be aware that Front Street is about half a mile north of the main I-80 exit. There is no Uber drop-off lane, so typically cars let off guests right in front. If you’re staying late, the streets are safe enough for walking, or call a taxi from one of the motels.
What Makes This Venue Special
Front Street Steakhouse & Saloon is unique for marrying Old-West history with a classic Nebraska dining experience. Architecturally, it’s designed as a true 1800s frontier town – complete with faux storefronts, boardwalk and saloon – a very rare sight today (nebraskapublicmedia.org ) (visitkeithcounty.com ). Its main claim to fame is the Crystal Palace Revue – a nightly summer show running almost every year since 1964 (visitkeithcounty.com ) (nebraskapublicmedia.org ) – that you won’t find anywhere else. The show’s blend of live country singing, period dance numbers and live-action gunfights means it’s equally famous among locals and travelers. Beyond the show, Front Street has also hosted countless Nebraska cowboys, rodeo stars and even future Miss Nebraska titleholders in its cast (www.flagshippublishing.com ), so it is deeply woven into local culture. Customers continually note the restaurant’s authenticity – from the “smell of sawdust and gunpowder” in the saloon to the hands-on artifacts in its free museum (www.flagshippublishing.com ) (www.tripadvisor.com ). Economically, Front Street is often credited with making Ogallala a destination rather than just a highway stop. It draws roughly 50,000 visitors a year (many coming because of the show and cowboy heritage) (nebraskapublicmedia.org ), supporting other local businesses. Indeed, the town’s tourism office says it's the single biggest reason people pause here. Lastly, its story itself is special: the original founders hoped to preserve Ogallala’s “Gomorrah of the Plains” past, and today Stacey and Kat Bauer continue that legacy, later adding modern conveniences (like a new elevator and upgraded kitchens) while keeping the Wild West soul intact (www.flagshippublishing.com ) (www.zillow.com ). For performers, the experience is also special – the all-local rotating cast gets to act out genuine local lore each night (nebraskapublicmedia.org ) (www.flagshippublishing.com ). In short, there’s an authenticity and intimacy to Front Street – guests really do feel they “just arrived off the cattle drive in Ogallala,” something you can’t get anywhere else (nebraskapublicmedia.org ).
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The facility now has an elevator and is wheelchair-accessible (www.zillow.com ). Restrooms have been updated for ADA compliance, and ramps are in place. Bring a wheelchair or scooter if needed, but note that indoor space between tables can be tight. The ground floor (saloon and steakhouse) is level entry. Service animals are welcomed, but pets are not allowed inside.
Arrival: Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your show or reservation. This allows time to park, visit the museum/gift shop (free and highly recommended), and get settled. Note that the gift shop and exhibits may close earlier than dinner service, so if you want to browse, go earlier in the evening (www.tripadvisor.com ). Dinner reservations for pre-show meals should be made by 6:30 PM on show nights (the salute-to-the-flag turn-if-any). If you only have a show ticket, come by 6:45 PM at the latest; doors open around 6:50 PM for a 7:00 PM start (ogallalafrontstreet.com ). Late arrivals may find seating tough.
Dress Code and What to Bring: The atmosphere is casual Western. Many guests enjoy wearing cowboy hats or boots, but it’s not required – simply come comfortable (think jeans or a casual shirt). Women often choose casual summer dresses or denim; nothing formal is needed. You might prefer layers – inside can be cooler when the air conditioner or fans run. Don’t forget your camera or smartphone – photos are welcome and encouraged (especially of the gunfight and singing girls), just be discreet with flash during the show. Also bring cash or credit card: the menu items are moderately priced (entrees typically $15–25) and the bar takes cards. Tip your servers – they double as show staff! Backup cash is useful since the nearest ATM is a block away.
Children: The show is family-friendly (no profanity, focus on old-time history and comedy). Kids might particularly love the costumes and the interactive parts. Children’s tickets (free under 5) include the same experience as adults, and a kids menu is available. The venue can get loud during the finale, so consider ear protection for very young children. The museum displays (cowboy gear, old dentist’s office, jail cell) are also hits with families. Expect to pay $7.50 per child (5–12) if you’ve purchased a meal or show.
Common Pitfalls: Don’t underestimate time – eating and watching a 60–90 minute show leaves enough time for a night out, but arriving exactly at 7:00 PM means missing the gunfight opener (www.tripadvisor.com ). Also, while Wi-Fi access might exist, don’t rely on it – cell phone service is better on the patio or street. Parking is free but limited, so if the lot looks full, there’s street parking one block over on Spruce or midtown. Finally, note state law: it’s illegal to carry any firearm on the premises (even though it’s a saloon) – but you won’t need to worry since the performers’ guns (blanks only) are provided.
Seasonal Notes: If you’re coming during summer, expect the last show by early August (the traditionally last gig is around Aug 8–9 (ogallalafrontstreet.com )). In winter you can still dine there for breakfast or lunch on weekends (until 2 PM) and enjoy the decor, but the theatre will be closed. During holidays, check posted hours (e.g. Christmas Eve, closures). The upstairs event hall is sometimes rented out for holiday parties, so there may be extra decorations in December.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do tickets cost for the Crystal Palace Revue show?
Tickets are modestly priced: $18 for adults (age 13 and up) and $7.50 for children 5–12 (ogallalafrontstreet.com ). Children 4 and under enter free. These prices are for the show only (tax not included) – dinner is extra. Prices are fixed (no seating tiers).
How do I purchase tickets? Can I buy them at the door?
The preferred way is to call Front Street at (308) 284-6000 and reserve your seats in advance (ogallalafrontstreet.com ). You can pay by phone or upon arrival. If seats remain, you could buy at the door on show night, but advance booking is strongly recommended because the show often sells out.
Where is Front Street Steakhouse & Saloon located and how do I get there?
It’s at 519 E. 1st Street, Ogallala, NE 69153 (ogallalafrontstreet.com ). From I-80, exit into Ogallala on Hwy 26/30 and drive about half a block north. The historic “front street” facade is easy to spot. There is ample free parking on-site and on adjacent streets.
Is Front Street wheelchair accessible?
Yes. While the decor is old-West style, the facility has been upgraded. There is a wheelchair ramp at the entrance and an elevator to reach all levels (www.zillow.com ). Restrooms are handicap-accessible as well. If you need special accommodations, the staff can assist.
Are children allowed in the saloon and show?
Absolutely. The Crystal Palace Revue is family-friendly, and kids are welcome. Children under age 4 get in free (ogallalafrontstreet.com ). There’s even a children’s menu. The free museum and interactive show usually delight younger audiences. Just watch for a mild gunshot noise at the start of each show (it’s only blanks).
Is there a dress code?
No dress code is enforced – casual is fine. Some guests enjoy wearing Western-style clothing (cowboy boots or hats), but it’s not required. Plan to dress comfortably: think jeans, shirts, casual dresses. The dining area is casual with a fun saloon vibe.
Is there parking at Front Street?
Yes. A large free parking lot is provided behind and beside the building. Street parking on 1st Street is also free. You generally won’t need to pay for parking. On busy nights, if the lot fills, just find a nearby metered lot or city parking – but that rarely happens.
What public transportation serves Front Street?
Ogallala has no local bus system. The nearest commuter option is Greyhound or FlixBus at the TA Travel Center (about 0.5 miles south). Otherwise you’ll need a car, taxi or ride-share. Uber/Lyft availability is very limited in rural Nebraska, so driving is easiest. Taxi service (from the motel area) can also drop you off at the front entrance.
How is the seating arranged? Are seats reserved?
Seating is at wooden tables and bar stools on the saloon floor. There are no numbered seats – Front Street works with reservations. Your table is held for you, and you can sit where you like within it. We recommend telling them your party size when booking so the host can prepare an appropriate table. Early arrivers can choose front spots; otherwise you’ll be shown to the next available table close to the action (nebraskapublicmedia.org ).
Where should I sit for the best view?
Front-row tables near the stage are prime viewing spots, as is the bar. Because the stage is on the same floor as diners, any seat at a table in the saloon has a good view. If you enjoy seeing the piano or the musicians, sitting at a bar stool or the front corner table is ideal. Wherever you sit, you’ll feel part of the show.
Can I use my phone or camera during the show?
Photography is allowed and many customers snap shots of the show. However, please turn off flash during the performance so you don’t startle the actors. Cell phone reception inside is modest – you may get better signal outside or near the bar. There is no official Wi-Fi provided, so don’t count on internet during the show.
Is the Cowboy Museum free, and what does it include?
Yes, the Cowboy Museum is completely free to enter during business hours (ogallalafrontstreet.com ). It contains authentic Old West artifacts – clothing, saddles, spurs, and educational exhibits about Ogallala’s role at the end of the Texas Trail (ogallalafrontstreet.com ) (www.city-data.com ). You’ll see reproductions of an 19th-century barber shop, jail cell, undertaker’s parlor and more. It’s a highlight for history buffs and kids alike.
Are there hotels or motels nearby?
Yes. Two of the closest lodging options are less than a mile away: Best Western Stagecoach Inn and Grey Goose Lodge in east Ogallala (www.city-data.com ). Both offer standard motel rooms and can be booked online or by phone. They’re walking distance, but they also offer shuttle or can call a quick ride if you return late. No luxury resorts sit downtown, but several smaller motels and campgrounds lie within a few miles.
What is the schedule for the Revue show?
The Crystal Palace Revue runs from late May (Memorial Day weekend) through early August. In June shows are on Thursday through Saturday nights; in July and August they expand to Wednesday through Saturday (ogallalafrontstreet.com ). Each night’s program starts about 7:00 PM (gunfight around 7:15), and most performances end by 8:30–9:00 PM. Always call ahead or check their Facebook for exact dates each year – the season schedules can shift a week or two.
How long is the Crystal Palace Revue show?
The show itself (once underway) lasts about an hour (www.tripadvisor.com ). Don’t miss the pre-show gunfight, which starts around 7:15 PM. In total, factor 90–120 minutes from start to final bow. The earlier dinner portion takes additional time, and crowds often linger for drinks after, so plan on a 2–3 hour evening.
What are Front Street’s opening hours?
The steakhouse and saloon serve breakfast (weekends), lunch and dinner daily. Monday–Friday hours are roughly 11 AM–8 PM, Saturday 7 AM–8 PM, Sunday 8 AM–2 PM (ogallalafrontstreet.com ) (www.roostcafeandbistro.com ). The Crystal Palace Saloon show only runs nightly during the summer schedule. The house may close earlier on certain holidays – it’s best to call on major holiday dates.
