You’re driving down a two-lane highway between Omaha and Lincoln, surrounded by nothing but rows of corn and the occasional red barn. Suddenly, there’s a sign. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t have neon lights or a spinning mascot. But the parking lot is packed with pickup trucks and SUVs, stretching out toward the horizon. This is Round the Bend Steakhouse Ashland Nebraska, and if you haven’t been, you’re missing out on the literal soul of Nebraska dining.
Honestly, it’s kinda weird to find a world-class steakhouse in the middle of a field. Most people expect fine dining to happen in a skyscraper or a trendy downtown district. But owners TJ and Tifini Olson have built something different here. It’s a place where you can wear your work boots and still eat a ribeye that would cost a hundred bucks in Chicago.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
First off, don't just show up on a Saturday night at 6:00 PM and expect to sit right down. You’ll be waiting. Probably an hour. Maybe two. But that’s sort of the point? People grab a drink at the bar, lean against the wooden rails, and actually talk to each other. It’s a "real evening out," as TJ likes to say.
The restaurant is located at 30801 East Park Highway. It’s technically on the edge of Ashland, near South Bend and Mahoney State Park. If you hit the Platte River, you’ve gone a bit too far.
The Famous Bull Fries: Let’s Talk About the Elephant in the Room
You can’t talk about Round the Bend Steakhouse Ashland Nebraska without talking about the "Testicle Festival." Yeah, you read that right.
For over 30 years, this place has been the epicenter of a very specific Nebraska tradition: eating bull fries (also known as Rocky Mountain Oysters). If you’re squeamish, look away. But if you’re adventurous, these things are actually delicious. They’re breaded, deep-fried, and served with a side of courage.
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- The Annual Event: Held every Father's Day weekend.
- The 2026 Date: Mark your calendars for June 20, 2026.
- The Vibe: Live music, cold beer, and a 10,000-square-foot "Ball Room" (yes, the pun is intended).
- The "One Nut Wonder": For the skeptical, they literally sell a single fried testicle for two dollars. Just to say you did it.
Most people say they taste like chicken gizzards or maybe a really tender fried mushroom. Regardless of the flavor, it’s a rite of passage. If you survive the Ball Eating Contest, you basically earn your Nebraska citizenship on the spot.
Why the Beef is Actually Better Here
Beyond the novelty of fried bits, the core of the business is the meat. They aren’t just buying whatever is cheapest at the warehouse.
Everything is Certified Angus Beef. They wet-age it for at least 30 days. Most importantly, they hand-cut every single steak in-house. When you order the "Round the Bend Cut" of Prime Rib, you’re getting two pounds of meat. Two. Pounds.
The kitchen uses a simple charbroiler. No fancy molecular gastronomy. No foam. Just salt, pepper, a proprietary seasoning blend, and fire.
A Menu That Doesn’t Try Too Hard
The Olsons use the KISS method: Keep It Simple, Stupid.
They know their audience. The people coming in are farmers, ranchers, and families from the city looking for a "real" meal.
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On Mondays, they do a half-pound burger for nine dollars. It’s made from the trimmings of their hand-cut steaks. No fillers. Just pure beef. Tuesdays are for Chicken Fried Steak with "above average" canned corn. That’s their actual description, which is the kind of honesty you just don't see anymore.
The Story Behind the Steak
This isn't some corporate chain. Ron Olson started the place in 1995. His son, TJ, and daughter-in-law, Tifini, took the reins in 2012.
The transition wasn't exactly smooth. A month after they bought the business, their daughter was born 13 weeks premature. They spent two months in the hospital while trying to figure out how to run a massive steakhouse. That kind of pressure creates a certain type of resilience.
Then came 2020. When the world shut down, they were told they had 28 days until bankruptcy. Instead of folding, they "pivoted." That became their mantra. They started selling "meat bundles"—huge packs of steaks and burgers—to people who couldn't get meat at the grocery store. They even included two rolls of toilet paper in every bundle. They sold out in minutes.
That community connection is why people drive from three counties away just for lunch. They aren't just buying a meal; they're supporting a family that actually cares about the industry. TJ even opened the Bella Meat Market on-site so you can take those same steaks home.
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Planning Your Visit: The Practical Stuff
If you're coming from Omaha or Lincoln, it’s about a 20-to-30-minute drive. It’s the perfect stop after a day at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum or Wildlife Safari Park.
Operating Hours:
- Monday - Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday - Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed (This is a firm rule—they value family time and their faith).
What to Order:
Honestly, the Prime Rib is the king here. It’s available Thursday through Saturday. If you’re there during the week, go for the Cowboy Bites (steak tips seared with cowboy butter) or the Sweet Corn "Husker" Nuggets.
Price Point:
It’s fair. You can get out for $15 with a lunch special, or you can drop $80 on a massive slab of Prime Rib. There’s no dress code. You’ll see suits next to overalls.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Calendar: If you want the full "nuts and bolts" experience, plan for the June 20th Testicle Festival in 2026.
- Avoid the Rush: If you hate waiting, go for a late lunch on a Wednesday. The Petite Sirloin special is a steal.
- Stock Your Freezer: Bring a cooler. Stop by the Bella Meat Market inside the restaurant before you leave to grab some Certified Angus Beef for your own grill.
- Explore the Area: Make a day of it. Visit Mahoney State Park first, work up an appetite on the trails, and then head "round the bend" for dinner.
Round the Bend Steakhouse Ashland Nebraska is more than just a place to eat. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best things aren't found in the city—they're found at the end of a long highway, surrounded by corn, served by people who know your name.