Published September 3, 2026 | Updated September 3, 2026

Very Important Pizza. No, it’s not a joke, it’s the name of the latest stop on my tour of the streetcar line.

Located at 25th and Farnam, its name, VIP, reflects just how passionate this place is about its pizza. It’s also a bit playful, not a shot at long-established favorites such as La Casa and Mama’s or newer spots like Via Farina and Dolomiti and nearby Izzy’s.

Noticing a void in what he calls classic New York style pizza shops in Omaha, owner Dylan Espinoza opened VIP in 2026. Hailing from Sioux City, he learned to make pizza in Greenwich Village, New York. More recently, he worked as the sous chef under David Utterback at Koji. He says that his goal all along, however, was to open a pizza joint. As an owner operator, he keeps his labor costs down allowing him to put the money saved towards top notch ingredients.

The 80s/90s throwback pizza joint vibe is apparent as soon as you step in the door with its vintage sports pennants, magazine covers, and posters that range from Huey Lewis and the News to The Shining, and Seattle Supersonics. Right inside the entrance is the counter sitting in front of an open kitchen with a deck oven on full display. In addition to the posters, it has Tiffany-style hanging lamps that brought me back to Pizza Hut and personal pizzas earned through Book It. The seating options include a variety of low-top tables and chairs, a long bench, a corner booth, and stools that sit along the large east facing windows that light the place up while offering views of the streetcar construction. To the left of the counter is a small game room with theater seats, a few pinball machines and a claw machine for the kiddos or to entertain yourself while you wait. For those wishing to dine al fresco, it also has a patio on the northern end of the building. 

You’ll find the menu sitting above the order counter. On it, VIP offers 14-inch and 18-inch pies as well as pizza by the slice (also available in gluten free), garlic knots, meatballs, salad and ranch, which, according to its website is the best in the Midwest and “Possibly anywhere. It’s that good. Available by the side, bowl, pint, or quart — because once you have it, you’ll want it by the gallon.” I regret to inform you that I cannot confirm nor deny as I failed to order ranch. It’s something I’ll correct for next time. As far as drinks are concerned, it has a half dozen or so beers on tap including local Lumen as well as wine, a few cocktails, N/A options, and a soda fountain with Coke products.

Joined on this trip with my family, we landed on garlic roses, a calzone, and a 14-inch pepperoni, the only variety my son will eat, 9-year-olds, am I right? Served on a tray with paper plates, the pizza features a thin crispy crust. The sauce strikes a balance between sweet and spicy. It’s about as authentic as I’ve found in these parts. The best comparison I can think of is Frank’s. The garlic roses had flaky layers with plenty of garlic cheese, and butter. As good as the pizza was, the stars for us were the garlic roses and calzones.

For now, Farnam remains one-way heading west through The Quarters also known as Farnam Hill and you’ll have to play frogger switching from lane-to-lane to avoid barricades, traffic cones, and other obstacles. Pro tip: the Farnam Street Bridge is still closed so plan accordingly. The good news, however, is that once you arrive you can park in its lot which is shared with Zen Coffee and Next Chapter Books. Located at 2502 Farnam, the building operated as an office for car lots before being absorbed into the adjacent Smoke Pit Barbecue. Recent renovations separated the two storefronts allowing Voodoo Taco to operate from the spot behind Zen Coffee before closing in 2025.

After reading a few reviews, I had high expectations when I stepped inside VIP. While I wouldn’t call it the Most Important Pizza, it is Very Important, in my opinion. Living nearby, it will be a regular visit for us. Drop by and let me know if you agree.

VIP is open Sun-Thurs 11 am to 10 pm; Fri-Sat 11 am to 11 pm; and has a happy hour from 9 pm to close. To learn more, click the link for website: https://veryimportantpizzaomaha.com/

As you know, the change coming to the streetcar line from the Old Market to Blackstone can’t be stopped as it targets a 2028 arrival. Being one of my new favorites, I’m hoping you can help keep VIP around long enough that it can reap the rewards of it.

Along the Streetcar Line spotlights businesses navigating construction along the streetcar route. I’m dropping by to show some support and hope you’ll do the same.

Omaha Exploration, 2026. All rights reserved. Excerpts and links are welcome with full credit given to Omaha Exploration and a link back to the original content.