By J1 Reporter Sofia Marcelino

I’ve been to 30hop a lot of times now, mostly at their Omaha and Cedar Rapids locations and each visit has left a slightly different impression. If I had to sum it up, I’d say it’s a place that’s all about the vibe, with a modern, energetic atmosphere that works well for a night out with friends, a casual dinner, or even a weekend brunch. What stands out to me about 30hop is the atmosphere. The design is sleek and contemporary with lots of clean lines, open space, and natural textures that make it feel both trendy and comfortable. But the rooftops? That’s where they shine. On a warm evening, sitting up there as the sun setsfeels like you’ve found a little pocket of summer in the middle of the city. There’s greenery, soft lighting, and a relaxed buzz of conversation that makes it feel alive without being chaotic. Inside, the space is usually bustling. High ceilings and open layouts give it an airy feel, but the volume can get pretty loud, especially if there’s music playing or it’s a packed evening. A couple of times, I felt like I had to lean in just to hear the person across from me. The menu has a lot of variety, which I appreciate. It’s a mix of American classics with some global twists, bowls, tacos, burgers, salads, and small plates that lean toward the shareable side. Presentation is always solid; dishes come out looking fresh and colorful, like someone took a bit of care to plate things just right. Some dishes have hit the mark for me. The shrimp tempura appetizer was crispy and light, with a tangy dipping sauce that added just the right kick. I also loved the berry salad—it was vibrant and refreshing, with sweet berries, crunchy almonds, and a light vinaigrette that didn’t drown the greens. Perfect for a summer meal. But not everything has been perfect. I remember ordering the carnitas tacos once—probably one of the most anticipated items for me and they were so salty I could barely finish them. The flavor underneath seemed good, but it was hard to enjoy with that much sodium. It made me wonder how consistent things are from day to day or between locations. I eat mostly plant-based when I can, and I did notice that 30hop has some vegetarian and vegan-friendly options—but they’re not always obvious. You kind of have to dig through the descriptions or ask the server. I tried the yakisoba noodles with tofu once, and they were surprisingly good. A little heavy on the soy sauce, but the texture was great and it felt like an actual thought-out dish, not just a salad tossed on the menu as an afterthought. One thing I would love to see is clearer labeling on the menu for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free items. It would make the whole experience a lot more approachable for people with dietary preferences or restrictions. 30hop is a place that does a lot of things right. It’s visually appealing, the rooftop experience is a genuine draw, and when the kitchen is on point, the food can be satisfying. It’s not without its flaws, like inconsistent seasoning or high noise levels, but for casual dining in a vibrant setting, it’s hard to beat. I wouldn’t go there expecting a five-star culinary experience, but if you’re looking for good food in a stylish, upbeat space, 30hop fits the bill.