The second of three installments on cocktails in Omaha examines our favorite part of the day, happy hour.
Note: It’s always a good idea to call ahead if you have your heart set on a particular item.
13. Krug Park
When to go: Sun noon-4pm
What’s on special: 11 variations on the Bloody Mary ($1 off), Mimosas ($3)
Why we like it: Krug rocks a weekday happy hour too, but the time to go is “Bloody Sunday.” These drinks – made with perfectly seasoned tomato juice and a host of garnishes – are extra bang for your buck, since they can double as breakfast.
6205 Maple St, krugpark.com, 402-932-0038
12. LIV Lounge
When to go: Daily 3-7pm, Sun 4pm-2am
What’s on special: All drinks ($1 off)
Why we like it: LIV’s impressive menu features something for everyone, from Salty Dogs to Sazeracs.
2285 S 67th St, livlounge.com, 402-884-5410
11. The Trap Room
What’s on special: Watch Facebook for announcements.
Why we like it: The interior feels like part hunting lodge and part Brady Bunch living room. To add to the ‘70s quirk, this brand-new bar in the old American Apparel space has Margaritas on tap.
733 N 14th St, thetraproom.com, 402-505-9368
10. Ponzu Sushi & Grill
When to go: Daily 3-6pm, Fri and Sat 10pm-midnight
What’s on special: Cocktails ($5.50), small plates and sushi rolls ($3-8), plus beer, wine, and sake specials
Why we like it: Creations like the Stormy Ginger are great alone or paired with Ponzu’s seafood and sushi dishes.
2110 S 67th St, ponzusushiandgrill.com, 402-614-7757
9. The Lauter Tun
When to go: Thurs 4pm-midnight
What’s on special: Select craft cocktails (1/2 off)
Why we like it: This West Omaha outpost is best known for its stunning selection of craft beer, but they also make a great French 75.
3309 Oak View Dr, #102, thelautertun.com, 402-934-6999
8. Pageturners Lounge
When to go: Daily 4-7pm
What’s on special: All drinks ($1 off)
Why we like it: Come for the stiff drinks, like The Farmer Dave or Pageturner, and stay for the free tacos on Tuesday nights (after 7pm). Rinse with a little sangria. Repeat next week.
5004 Dodge St, pageturnerslounge.com, 402-933-3973
7. The Library Pub
When to go: Wed noon-2am
What’s on special: Fine spirits ($1 off)
Why we like it: Perfect place to get comfy – too comfy? – with a single-malt Scotch or Boulevardier cocktail, and a good book.
5142 N 90th St, librarypubomaha.com, 402-571-6262
6. Pitch Coal Fire Pizzeria
When to go: Mon 3:30-6pm, Tues-Sat 3-6pm
What’s on special: Select cocktails ($5), select appetizers ($5), plus beer and wine specials
Why we like it: The happy hour list of oldies-but-goodies (Cosmos, Martinis) is just a glance at what this bar is capable of, but the drinks go mighty fine paired with the Calabrese Meatball appetizer. For wine, the Monday and Tuesday night $30 “pizza & bottle” special is unrivaled.
5021 Underwood Ave, pitchpizzeria.com, 402-590-2625
5. Plank Seafood Provisions
When to go: Mon-Sat 3-6:30pm, Sun noon-8pm, Fri and Sat 10:30pm-midnight, at the bar
What’s on special: Nautical-themed cocktails ($4), spiked lemonades ($6), small plates ($3.50-12), plus beer and wine specials
Why we like it: Sip on a vodka-spiked peach nectar lemonade on a summer day and maybe you’ll understand.
1205 Howard St, plankseafood.com, 402-507-4480
4. House of Loom
When to go: 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, 5:30-8:30pm
What’s on special: A select martini and a manicure from Sirens Salon for $15.
Why we like it: This deal is a steal! If manicures aren’t your thing, keep an eye on their Facebook page for rotating craft cocktail specials.
1012 S 10th St, houseofloom.com, 402-505-5494
3. Brix – Midtown Crossing
When to go: Mon-Sat 3-6pm
What’s on special: Select cocktails ($6), appetizers ($4-8), plus beer and wine specials
Why we like it: Their newly anointed craft cocktail list – complete with a fabulous Moscow mule – is sure to get a workout this summer on the huge patio overlooking Turner Park.
220 S 31st Ave, brixomaha.com, 402-991-8466
2. IO Street
When to go: Mon-Sat 5-7pm
What’s on special: Menu cocktails ($2 off), small plates ($1 off), plus beer and wine specials
Why we like it: Cocktail expert Binoy Fernandez is becoming something of a legend in the Old Market. Order a Last Word and ask for the story behind it.
1010 Howard St, indianovenomaha.com, 402-342-4856
1. J. Coco
When to go: Mon-Fri 4-6pm
What’s on special: Classic craft cocktails ($5), snacks ($6), plus beer and wine specials
Why we like it: Time-honored staples like the Manhattan are best enjoyed in this 1920s-era building, which was revamped last year.
5203 Leavenworth St, jcocoomaha.com, 402-884-2626
Next month, we’ll be taking a look at the future of craft cocktails in Omaha and beyond.