31. Dc’S Saloon
City: Omaha, NE
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (402) 344-3103
Address: 610 S. 14th St.
Description: A slick finished wood dance floor takes up the bulk of DC’s Saloon in downtown Omaha, and for good measure: Country dancing is the to-do activity in this gay bar. Weekly events—leather night, men-only nights—take place in the bar’s basement, and, for those who don’t know the country steps, lessons take place on a regular basis before the music starts for real. A well-stocked bar and reasonably priced drinks make DC’s popular for cowboys and non-cowboys alike.
32. Flixx
City: Omaha, NE
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (402) 408-1020
Address: 1019 S. 10th St.
Description: What started as a video bar has become one of the city’s more popular gay bars. The lounge area includes a number of television screens playing dance music videos, and there’s a Wii available for patrons to play, as well as a number of pool tables. The cabaret show bar plays host to Nebraska’s best female impersonators as well as other weekly events including burlesque shows, Drag Queen Bingo, and other fun stuff. Check the Flixx website for an updated schedule.
33. The Max
City: Omaha, NE
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (402) 346-4110
Address: 1417 Jackson St.
Description: Just inside the door of the Max is a sign that reads The Best Dance Club in the Midwest. Two dance floors, a handful of bars, and an outdoor patio complete with a rainbow color-change fountain make the Max a memorable club; the music and the anything goes atmosphere make it unforgettable. Go here on Halloween, New Year’s Eve, heck, even Thanksgiving night to find a full-fledged dance party ready to welcome you into its open, loving arms.
34. Redneck Saloon
City: Omaha, NE
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (402) 733-6365
Address: 3421 S. 84th St.
Description: Boots and cowboy hats in every nook and cranny decorate the interior of this self-proclaimed “redneck cowboy bar.” Dancing is the real attraction here, as the bar’s center is occupied by a huge dance floor where patrons two step and line dance. Professional dancers on staff lead dance lessons and dance with shier patrons; most nights there’s a $3 cover. Reasonably priced pitchers and a fun atmosphere make Rednecks a must-stop for country music lovers.
35. Whiskey Tango
City: Omaha, NE
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (402) 813-6944
Address: 311 S. 15th St.
Description: Downtown Omaha’s most popular country bar, Whiskey Tango has tons of events that draw huge crowds. The way to be in the know is to become a fan of the bar’s Facebook page, where a full schedule of events, concerts, viewing parties, and shows are updated on a regular basis.
36. The Bar
City: Omaha, NE
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (402) 474-6592
Address: 1644 P St.
Description: The closest bar to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Fraternity Row, the Bar is a popular Greek hangout. On nice evenings, the Bar’s large patio is a popular hangout spot; regular drink specials and live music round out the Bar’s offerings.
City: Omaha, NE
Category: Nightlife
Address: 124 N. 13th St.
38. Bodega’S Alley
City: Omaha, NE
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (402) 477-9550
Address: 1418 O St.
Description: If you’re looking for a place that’ll definitely be playing the Grateful Dead or Phish on the jukebox, then Bodega’s is your stop. The bar’s laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff and a clientele that definitely counts as casual make this a popular stop for college-aged patrons and older.
39. The Brass Rail
City: Omaha, NE
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (402) 474-5741
Address: 1436 O St.
Description: A big hangout for Nebraska Cornhuskers football players, students in UNL’s Greek system, and Husker fans on game day, The Brass Rail is one of Lincoln’s most well-known downtown bars. Playboy magazine ranked it as one of its top 100 college bars in 2006, and was the only Nebraska bar to make the list. Specials on food and beer are offered on Nebraska game day as well as all the other weekend nights surrounding a game. Live bands often take to the stage, and the best way to keep up to date on the bar’s schedule is to follow it on Facebook, where weekly updates are the norm.
40. Cliff’S Lounge
City: Omaha, NE
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (402) 476-7997
Address: 1323 O St.
Description: Cliff’s is known for its powerful cocktails and vintage vibe. In operation since 1969, though now in a new, more modern location, Cliff’s kamikazes are strong stuff. The drinks come in a variety of expected flavors (banana, watermelon, raspberry) and some creative ones (bongwater, gold digger, painkiller, and roaring lion, just to name a few). The most popular one, though, has to be the Sharkwater: an icy blue concoction that doesn’t even carry a hint of alcohol in the flavor. Those looking for a more traditional beverage can check out the bar’s weeknight happy hours from 4 to 8 p.m., which include half-price bottled beer and $6 buckets. Other specials include $5 kamikazes from 8 p.m. to close on Tues and Thurs, and free appetizers at 5 p.m. on Fri.
City: Omaha, NE
Category: Nightlife
Address: 1412 E. O St.
42. Duggan’S Pub
City: Omaha, NE
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (402) 477-3513
Address: 440 S. 11th St.
Description: Duggan’s Pub posts its savory lunch specials every day on its Facebook page. With daily grub like meatloaf, all-you-can-eat spaghetti, chicken corn chowder, and enchilada casserole, the place is clearly popular for more than just drinks. It’s a popular place for after-work drinks; and in the evening, it’s a regular venue for live music.
43. Empyrean Brewing Company
City: Omaha, NE
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (402) 434-5959
Address: 729 Q St.
Description: Empyrean is Lincoln’s answer to a craft brewery. Operating since 1997, Empyrean serves its brew at two restaurants: Lazlo’s and Fireworks. The brewery is named after an ancient paradise that existed at the highest point in the universe, and the beers are inspired by this idea of paradise. All the beers are unfiltered, unpasteurized, and free of preservatives and animal products. Better World Wheat, Chaco Canyon Honey Gold, and Third Stone Brown are some of the more popular standard beers, and Empyrean also produces a wide variety of seasonal beers. Every few weeks, the brewery produces something limited-run; these special beers are only served at the restaurants.
44. Iguana’S And Voda Lounge
City: Omaha, NE
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (402) 476-8850
Address: 1426 O St.
Description: Iguana’s is one of Lincoln’s most popular college bars and Voda—a vodka and martini lounge—operates in the same space but with an alley entrance. Voda specializes in martinis, mojitos, and other cocktails, while Iguana’s is focused on wings, beer, and more classic mixed drinks. Both bars run regular specials: Voda’s Friday special begins at 4 p.m. and includes free appetizers and $2 off house martinis. Iguana’s most popular special has to be its 75 cent draws of Coors Light and Miller on Thursday nights.
45. Marz
City: Omaha, NE
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (402) 474-6279
Address: 1140 O St.
Insider Pick:
Description: Marz is probably Lincoln’s swankiest bar. From the outside, it’s hardly noticeable: The flat front and dark windows don’t give even a hint of the lushly colored, singularly lit space. Giant colored globe lights are strategically placed throughout the two-level space, which specializes in delectable appetizers and posh cocktails. People gather around the long bar or in the half-moon shaped booths along the bar’s east wall. It’s a popular spot for after work as well as late night, and the food is substantial enough to work as an evening meal.