46. O’Rourke’S
City: Omaha, NE
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (402) 435-8052
Address: 1329 O St.
Insider Pick:
Description: A dive bar of the finest sort, O’Rourkes is the kind of place you never get tired of. Decor is not the name of the game, though it’s what you would expect: rough hewn wooden tables carved deep with initials and words, worn red vinyl booths and bar stools, cheap drinks, and friendly, if not sometimes gruff, service. A giant Chicago Cubs banner hangs from the ceiling, and Cubs fans can watch every one of the team’s games at the bar while throwing back a cheap Grain Belt and eating free popcorn from the giant bag propped next to the bar. The jukebox is full of Springsteen, the pool tables are bustling, and the dart games are fierce. O’Rourkes is a certain type of classic.
47. Sandy’S
City: Omaha, NE
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (402) 475-2418
Address: 1401 O St.
Description: If you look closely at the door of Sandy’s, you’ll note that the spot used to be a McDonalds. And though the door (and the floor) of the restaurant remain, nothing else is the same, particularly the beverages. Sandy’s is known for its Elk Creek Water, a drink concocted from a secret recipe; the result tastes like an amped-up version of a screwdriver. Served in pitchers or in a single cup, the drink is powerful, so be aware. Sandy’s is a quieter stop on weeknights; expect large crowds and the potential for a line in the evenings when UNL students are in town.
48. Sidetrack Tavern
City: Omaha, NE
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (402) 438-7776
Address: 935 O St.
Description: The only time—or at least the best time—to go to Sidetrack is on a Husker Football Saturday. It’ll be jam packed, and the Sidetracks Band—Paul, Joyce, and guests—will be playing Husker-inspired versions of popular songs. Yes, it’s for real and, yes, it’s really popular. The bar itself is basically a shrine to the team: Husker posters, prints, license plates, and a giant mural showing fans inside Memorial Stadium are the basics of the decor. The beer is cheap and the crowd is rowdy; it’s the perfect pre-game primer.
49. The Starlite Lounge
City: Omaha, NE
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (402) 475-8826
Address: 247 N. 8th St.
Description: With a retro atmosphere (down to the furniture and lighting), the Starlite Lounge carries the 1950s theme straight through to the drinks. Customers truly feel like members of the Rat Pack as they order era-specific drinks (think gin martinis with a modern, fruity twist), free appetizers on some nights and game nights, which include prizes for winning teams. The music blends modern songs with period-era tunes, and the basement location makes patrons feel like it’s always cocktail hour, no matter the time of day.
50. Tam O’Shanter
City: Omaha, NE
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (402) 474-2394
Address: 105 S. 25th St.
Description: There aren’t too many bars that have red shag carpet covered walls. The Tam O’Shanter is one that’s held on to its vintage decor as well as its vintage prices. Tuesday night is karaoke night, and there’s a daily drink and lunch special. A regular “crappy beer night” puts cheap beer to even cheaper prices, and the “Tammy Tuesday” offers a 6-ounce sirloin for $9.95 all day. Friendly bartenders, pleasant servers, and a fun environment make the “Tam,” as it’s lovingly known, a city favorite.
51. The Watering Hole
City: Omaha, NE
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (402) 438-3054
Address: 1321 E. O St.
Description: The Watering Hole might be more famous for its buffalo wings than it is for its beer; though both are cheap and quite good. The grilled wings—a house specialty—are the most popular choice, and the hole-in-the-wall atmosphere only seems to enhance the tasty bar food and beer that’s always on special. The Watering Hole is also a popular lunch spot, and it’s especially crowded during the noon hour on weekdays. On weeknight evenings, customers who buy a regular price pitcher of beer can get a second one for just a penny.
52. Zen’S Lounge
City: Omaha, NE
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (402) 475-2929
Address: 122 N. 11th St.
Description: A classy cocktail lounge with understated decor and comfortable seating, Zen’s Lounge is one of Lincoln’s classier outfits. Delicious drinks like Bloody Marys and Moscow Mules sit aside house creations like the Raspberry Truffle, guaranteeing something for everyone’s taste. Exposed brick walls and multiple levels of seating, along with comfortable leather couches, make Zen’s a great spot for an after-work drink, a date, or a larger group of girlfriends.
53. The Zoo Bar
City: Omaha, NE
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (402) 435-8754
Address: 136 N. 14th St.
Insider Pick:
Description: For more than 35 years, the Zoo Bar has been bringing jazz and blues of the best kind to Lincoln. Built in 1921, the Zoo is a long, narrow space that’s played host to some of the best jazz and blues men of the time. Intimate tables and seating at the bar make the Zoo a nearly perfect venue for listening to live music; the crowd ranges widely in age but all have one thing in common: a love for good music.
54. The Q
City: Omaha, NE
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (402) 475-2269
Address: 226 S. 9th St.
Description: Lincoln’s answer to a gay and lesbian night club, the Q is the city’s home for regular shows featuring female impersonators, amateur strip night, cabaret, and other events. Nightly drink specials add to the bar’s popularity, and often weeknights don’t have a cover. Friday night’s beer bust brings $2 beers with 50 cent refills. The atmosphere is dark and filled with techno music and flashing lights, with clientele of all ages.
55. The Pla Mor Ballroom
City: Omaha, NE
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (402) 475-4030
Address: 6600 W. O St.
Description: A Lincoln standby—it’s been in business for more than 80 years—the Pla Mor has always been and will likely continue to be the place to do some country dancing. Both country and big band dancing take place at the Pla Mor, and special events (singles night, Elvis night) tie in with the dancing and live music. During its heyday, the likes of Count Basie and Lawrence Welk played the Pla Mor, and though those names are long gone, the cool atmosphere and serious dancing live on.