Heron Bay

"Heron Bay, situated alongside the Platte River, is a dining experience like no other. This restaurant captures the essence of natural beauty and culinary excellence, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for patrons. The setting of Heron Bay is simply breathtaking. The panoramic views of the Platte River provide a serene and picturesque backdrop. Whether you're dining indoors with large windows or enjoying your meal on the outdoor patio, you're immersed in the beauty of the river and the surrounding nature. It's a perfect place for a romantic dinner, special occasion, or just a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life."

"This wasn’t quite what I was expecting upon arrival honestly. The building is quite worn along with the outside seating. They offered a very limited menu that day. I was surprised they didn’t offer a few beers on tap, but they offered a large variety of cans/bottles of beers. I went with the cheeseburger and tots, and my son went with the chicken tender basket with tots. My burger consisted of a large patty and decent amount of toppings. Everything tasted great and arrived fairly quickly. Our server was nice but kind of sporadic on checking on us. My husband ended up going inside to order another beer for example."

"Established in 2002, this hideaway is hidden a few miles south of Springfield and about a mile north of Louisville along Highway 50. While many bars pride themselves on their vast entertainment options of TVs, pool tables, and other bar games, Heron Bay is different in that it encourages its customers to relax and take in the scenery. As one dines outside, soft country music plays over the speakers (or a band entertains on stage), and they can enjoy the sunshine, a cold brew, and be captivated by the activity of the river. Heron Bay is about as laid back as it gets. My girlfriend and I visited in the waning hours of a Sunday night and relaxed at a riverside table as we listened to the chatter of families enjoying the river, admired a couple of cuddly house cats, and took in the beautiful sights of the Platte River. Ordering our meal was interesting as menus are not handed out. Instead, we referred to a chalk board near the entrance that gave us the daily options of a burger, pork tenderloin, Philly, of chili dog with tots or fries. The prices are a bit higher than what a typical bar would charge, but it can easy be argued that part of the atmosphere, experience, and view was priced in! The food was superb. The Philly was different in that it wasn’t shredded beef, but instead strips (almost brisket-like). Philly sandwiches are typically one of my go-to menu items when visiting these small bars, and it was a treat to try one that had a bit of a twist to it. Heaping amounts of gooey cheese and some peppers were added on top, which only added to my experience. I was very happy with my meal! My girlfriend opted for a juicy cheeseburger (notice the golden-brown toasted bun which looks dang-near perfect), and she too thoroughly enjoyed it all! We stopped to chat with the owner Shirley before we left. She told us all about the great floods of 2019 and how the waves would crash against the building’s patio doors, and about the heaping piles of sand that completely covered many of the tables and chairs showcased in the photos. She and her crew have been consistently pushing through struggle after struggle (the floods, COVID, etc.) to bring some top-notch service to their customers. Dining at Heron Bay is reminiscent of dining in your backyard. Firepits, laughter, housecats – it truly feels as if you’re right at home. This is absolutely a bar in which I could see people enjoying drinks with their friends on the weekends on a regular basis as they enjoy the ambiance. It’s a place to relax and unwind, and a small hidden gem for those not wanting to travel too far from the big city of Omaha. Thank you, Heron Bay, for your wonderful service and for treating my girlfriend and I to a fun Sunday evening!"