What's your favorite dive bar?

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Thu Apr 24, 2014 4:38 pm

Interesting that the Homey Inn was included. I know some in this thread only thought of dive bars as mostly locals. The Homey definitely pulls from all over Omaha.

Greg

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Thu Apr 24, 2014 4:45 pm

Greg S wrote:Interesting that the Homey Inn was included. I know some in this thread only thought of dive bars as mostly locals. The Homey definitely pulls from all over Omaha.

Greg

When Elk came to Omaha for the Senior Open at the OCC, he asked his driver to take him to Omaha's best Dive Bar, and ended up at the Homey Inn and just mingling with the crowd. I heard it was great... He couldn't get over the Champaign on Tap...

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Fri Apr 25, 2014 8:55 am

Yeah I think it's one of Omaha's classic bars. We go there a lot during hockey season after UNO games, been doing that since their first year. Had been going to the Homey though years before that.

We have some friends that come up for the CWS, and they always want to go the the Homey, Green Onion, the Holiday and the Interlude.

Greg

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Tue Nov 04, 2014 6:02 pm

Coyote wrote:
Brad wrote:
HitThatDive wrote:My favorite dive bar in Omaha is Brass Monkey 36th and V. Best kept secret in town.
According to Scuba Steve from Hit that Dive, the Brass Monkey closed down for good as of today.
Brass Monkey bar to reopen with new owner

Andrea Kszystyniak: World-Herald staff writer wrote:Hatterman said he wants to bring the Brass Monkey, at 5611 S. 36th St., back to what it once was. He plans to continue to focus on craft beers and also wants to expand on the bar’s whiskey and bourbon menu.

Tworek and Hatterman said they hope to have the bar open by St. Patrick’s Day. They’re not sure if that will be possible; the bar is still waiting for a liquor license.

Brass Monkey bought by barkeep from Hatterman, and will be renamed Crossbones, but still have all th Craft Beers.

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Wed Jan 12, 2022 10:49 am

Greg S wrote: Wed Feb 29, 2012 8:27 am Interlude or Green Onion for me.

Didn't Interlude at 76th & Pacific used to be Candlelight like 25+ years ago?

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Wed Jan 12, 2022 10:52 am

ChadJK wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 10:49 am
Greg S wrote: Wed Feb 29, 2012 8:27 am Interlude or Green Onion for me.
Didn't Interlude at 76th & Pacific used to be Candlelight like 25+ years ago?

The fact that you're responding to a 10 year old comment is fantastic.

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Wed Jan 12, 2022 1:14 pm

Louie wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 10:52 am The fact that you're responding to a 10 year old comment is fantastic.

I try and search for the business name before I post. If I find a post (or reply) about it I use it. Sometimes that means I resurrect some really old posts. I figure if that is an issue then any posts that haven't had new replies in over x years would be locked to prevent any new replies.

Post by **Brad** » Wed Jan 12, 2022 2:56 pm

ChadJK wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 1:14 pm I try and search for the business name before I post. If I find a post (or reply) about it I use it. Sometimes that means I resurrect some really old posts. I figure if that is an issue then any posts that haven't had new replies in over x years would be locked to prevent any new replies.

I do the same. The search actually works really good if you get in there an mess with a couple settings.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Thu Jan 13, 2022 9:13 am

ChadJK wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 1:14 pm
Louie wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 10:52 am The fact that you're responding to a 10 year old comment is fantastic.
I try and search for the business name before I post. If I find a post (or reply) about it I use it. Sometimes that means I resurrect some really old posts. I figure if that is an issue then any posts that haven't had new replies in over x years would be locked to prevent any new replies.

Lol Im not judging no worries

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Thu Jan 13, 2022 10:09 am

As far as “dive bars” go- The Underwood, Pat and Mike’s, Brothers, The Tree House and Danny’s were all good choices for me..

There are others for sure, but those come to mind right off the top of my head…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Thu Jan 13, 2022 3:59 pm

I have a list of bars "to try" someday. Not because I've heard great things about them, but because they've been around so long I can remember seeing them as we drove by when I was a kid and they're still there today. Mostly a lot of South O neighborhood bars. Poop Deck, Sundowner, The Neighbers, Andy's, etc. I keep saying I'm going to take a Saturday, grab my brother, and go have like one beer at each of them one after another.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Thu Jan 13, 2022 4:29 pm

ChadJK wrote: Thu Jan 13, 2022 3:59 pm I have a list of bars "to try" someday. Not because I've heard great things about them, but because they've been around so long I can remember seeing them as we drove by when I was a kid and they're still there today. Mostly a lot of South O neighborhood bars. Poop Deck, Sundowner, The Neighbers, Andy's, etc. I keep saying I'm going to take a Saturday, grab my brother, and go have like one beer at each of them one after another.

Dive Bar Crawls are excellent.

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Thu Jan 13, 2022 4:34 pm

ChadJK wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 10:49 am
Greg S wrote: Wed Feb 29, 2012 8:27 am Interlude or Green Onion for me.
Didn't Interlude at 76th & Pacific used to be Candlelight like 25+ years ago?

I lived in an apartment in 96 behind NFM. It was the Interlude then and I think it had been for quite some time.

Greg

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Thu Jan 13, 2022 4:42 pm

I only remember it being Candlelight because I went there in probably 1993 when I was underage with a group of older people. We got in the door on a Friday evening before they had the bouncer stationed at the entrance checking IDs. Once the bouncer was there they sort of assumed everyone inside was of age. That was a trick I used a lot back then. Anyway, I'm pretty sure it was called Candlelight, but I may be wrong. I guess I could pop into Interlude one of these days for a drink and just ask them what year they first opened.

Of course, I could just be remembering all of this wrong too.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Thu Jan 13, 2022 4:59 pm

ChadJK wrote: Thu Jan 13, 2022 4:42 pm I only remember it being Candlelight because I went there in probably 1992 when I was underage with a group of older people. We got in the door on a Friday evening before they had the bouncer stationed at the entrance checking IDs. Once the bouncer was there they sort of assumed everyone inside was of age. That was a trick I used a lot back then. Anyway, I'm pretty sure it was called Candlelight, but I may be wrong. I guess I could pop into Interlude one of these days for a drink and just ask them what year they first opened.

Is this the same Candlelight as the one on Grover?

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Thu Jan 13, 2022 5:04 pm

Louie wrote: Thu Jan 13, 2022 4:59 pm Is this the same Candlelight as the one on Grover?

I don't believe so.

Uffda · Post by **Uffda** » Thu Jan 13, 2022 6:36 pm

When I lived in O! use to visit Beer City and Donohue’s Pub after a long day in school

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Mon Apr 17, 2023 12:09 pm

I stopped in at "Best Pub" last week. It's this little dive bar located in the Super 8 near 144th & I-80. I've drove past it for years and been amused at its existence there. So, after work one day I just decided to go have a beer there and check it out.

It's sort of what you'd expect. Small bar. A few TVs and a pool table. Capacity is probably 50 people. Gets some hotel guests plus some neighborhood regulars. Not a wide selection of beer or liquor (though, they did have two IPAs from Pint Nine in cans as one of their regulars likes them). Everyone was friendly. The karaoke DJ was chit-chatting with the bartender as he was setting up and he was really wanting to share his political opinions with everyone in ear shot. I avoided eye contact. lol Outside of that, everyone was friendly and the bartender seemed happy to see a fresh face.

I was informed it's the only Super 8 in the country with a bar inside. Though, the hotel it's inside has changed brands several times. I believe it went from a Budget Inn to a Rodeway Inn to a Red Carpet Inn to the current Super 8. The bar is independently owned and not operated by the hotel owners. Apparently, this bar has been there quite a while.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Mon Apr 17, 2023 12:22 pm

That place has always piqued my curiosity

skip · Post by **skip** » Mon Apr 17, 2023 1:21 pm

Saw this thread pop up and now I'm craving a $5.50 mini pitcher from the greatest dive bar in Omaha's "urban" part of town...... Rose and Crown

Gotta love that patio

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Mon Apr 17, 2023 1:40 pm

Louie wrote: Mon Apr 17, 2023 12:22 pm That place has always piqued my curiosity

There used to be another one on the other side of 144th in the Quality Inn. Best Pub is on the west side of 144th near Sapp Bros and this would be on the east side near Cracker Barrel. I think it was called Q Lounge and before that maybe Sunrise/Sunset/Sunsomething. It's been closed for several years now. The current owner of Best Pub mentioned both bars used to be owned by the same guy.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Mon Apr 17, 2023 1:43 pm

skip wrote: Mon Apr 17, 2023 1:21 pm Saw this thread pop up and now I'm craving a $5.50 mini pitcher from the greatest dive bar in Omaha's "urban" part of town...... Rose and Crown

Gotta love that patio

All those mature trees they built around, so cool

ThreeGGG · Post by **ThreeGGG** » Fri Nov 14, 2025 9:26 am

Brownies.

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Fri Nov 14, 2025 9:58 am

I really feel like the definition of dive bar really got expanded in the last 10-15 years. It used to be a really rundown bar where it was obvious very little was spent on decor and maintenance. You know, the kind that makes you wonder why the fire marshal, health department, or building inspector hasn't stepped-in. Now, it seems any bar that isn't an upscale cocktail, whiskey, or wine bar now fits the definition of "dive bar." Dive bar has become synonymous with neighborhood bar and corner bar. I'm not a fan of this change.

Habits76 · Post by **Habits76** » Fri Nov 14, 2025 10:11 am

Corner Pocket has to be the most dive bar I've been to in Omaha. This is a stop I make from time to time while riding the south O trail and always have a good time. The only drawback is you need to hold your breath when you use the restrooms. lol

I agree, some of these bars listed are far from dive bars, at least IMO.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Fri Nov 14, 2025 12:43 pm

ChadJK wrote: Fri Nov 14, 2025 9:58 am I really feel like the definition of dive bar really got expanded in the last 10-15 years. It used to be a really rundown bar where it was obvious very little was spent on decor and maintenance. You know, the kind that makes you wonder why the fire marshal, health department, or building inspector hasn't stepped-in. Now, it seems any bar that isn't an upscale cocktail, whiskey, or wine bar now fits the definition of "dive bar." Dive bar has become synonymous with neighborhood bar and corner bar. I'm not a fan of this change.

I agree with that. Seems like a dive bar is more of a concept than a reality now. I have really not gotten around to many of them. Old Dundee was the one I spent the most time in, and there was literally a hole in the wall in the bathroom, which I guess they took pride in, because they never fixed it

and I was cool with it. Its just part of it.

My definition of a dive bar, it has to be small, the parking has to be in the back, there has to be at least one hole in the wall, and it has to have been built prior to at least 1960.

omaha79 · Post by **omaha79** » Mon Nov 17, 2025 11:08 am

Down in Bellevue, I end up at the Century Lounge a ton. That's my dive bar of choice.

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Mon Nov 17, 2025 11:16 am

omaha79 wrote: Mon Nov 17, 2025 11:08 am Down in Bellevue, I end up at the Century Lounge a ton. That's my dive bar of choice.

I worked my way through several bars in the 68005 like 11 years ago. I hit-up Cubby's Bear Trap, Century Lounge, Pat & Wally's, Babe's, and Doug's Town Tavern.

omaha79 · Post by **omaha79** » Mon Nov 17, 2025 11:28 am

ChadJK wrote: Mon Nov 17, 2025 11:16 am
omaha79 wrote: Mon Nov 17, 2025 11:08 am Down in Bellevue, I end up at the Century Lounge a ton. That's my dive bar of choice.
I worked my way through several bars in the 68005 like 11 years ago. I hit-up Cubby's Bear Trap, Century Lounge, Pat & Wally's, Babe's, and Doug's Town Tavern.

You can do a decent dive bar tour in Bellevue. Some of those aren't there anymore, I think. I have done the bellevue pub crawl and that's fun in March around March Madness and St. Patricks day. I've never done Babe's. Been on the list.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Mon Nov 17, 2025 12:06 pm

omaha79 wrote: Mon Nov 17, 2025 11:08 am Down in Bellevue, I end up at the Century Lounge a ton. That's my dive bar of choice.

Never been there, but it certainly looks the part. Looked at the pics and thought there's no elbow room! Oh yeah, there is Elbow Room at 50th & Center. One of the few dive bars I've been to. It fits the bill, comfy size, entrance in the back, old, street fronting building, nasty bathroom, quite enough table games.

I don't go to the bar anymore, but back when I did, the more endearing memories include walking into a cozy space in the winter, out of the elements, out of danger, looking out the window with all the traffic passing close by, snow falling, etc.

Old Dundee, Elbow Room, and Crescent Moon were the ticket for me.

Post by **nebugeater** » Mon Nov 17, 2025 12:50 pm

The place I miss going to is Starsky's on S 13th Street. DOn't remember when they closed, but it has been a while. When I worked in the area, it was a go-to occasionally after work

ProgKingHughesker · Post by **ProgKingHughesker** » Mon Nov 17, 2025 12:57 pm

Busguy2010 wrote: Fri Nov 14, 2025 12:43 pm
ChadJK wrote: Fri Nov 14, 2025 9:58 am I really feel like the definition of dive bar really got expanded in the last 10-15 years. It used to be a really rundown bar where it was obvious very little was spent on decor and maintenance. You know, the kind that makes you wonder why the fire marshal, health department, or building inspector hasn't stepped-in. Now, it seems any bar that isn't an upscale cocktail, whiskey, or wine bar now fits the definition of "dive bar." Dive bar has become synonymous with neighborhood bar and corner bar. I'm not a fan of this change.
I agree with that. Seems like a dive bar is more of a concept than a reality now. I have really not gotten around to many of them. Old Dundee was the one I spent the most time in, and there was literally a hole in the wall in the bathroom, which I guess they took pride in, because they never fixed it and I was cool with it. Its just part of it.

My definition of a dive bar, it has to be small, the parking has to be in the back, there has to be at least one hole in the wall, and it has to have been built prior to at least 1960.

It’s been this way for at least 30 years, this is from a mid 90s Simpsons episode

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Mon Nov 17, 2025 12:58 pm

omaha79 wrote: Mon Nov 17, 2025 11:28 am You can do a decent dive bar tour in Bellevue. Some of those aren't there anymore, I think. I have done the bellevue pub crawl and that's fun in March around March Madness and St. Patricks day. I've never done Babe's. Been on the list.

The VFW at 9501 S 25th St in Bellevue has a bar that's open to the public. It may be worth checking out. Drinks are cheap!

Post by **nebugeater** » Mon May 18, 2026 2:48 pm

DOnohue's Pub is getting new ownership

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AfNRU3ZR2/

After nearly 26 unforgettable years, the time has come for us to pass the torch and officially announce the sale of the bar to new ownership.
This decision did not come easy. For more than two decades, this place has been so much more than just a business — it has been a second home, a gathering place, and a community filled with incredible people and unforgettable memories.
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to our family, friends, loyal customers, and amazing staff who stood beside us throughout this journey. Your support, laughter, hard work, and friendship made this place what it became. We truly could not have done it without you.
Over the years, these walls have witnessed so many special moments. We celebrated birthdays, engagements, graduations, weddings, victories big and small, and countless nights of laughter and friendship. We also came together during difficult times, remembering and honoring those we lost along the way. Through it all, this bar became a place where memories were made and lifelong connections were formed.
To every person who walked through our doors, shared a drink, worked a shift, played a song on the jukebox, cheered during a game, or simply spent time with us — thank you. You helped create something truly special.
While this chapter is coming to an end for us, we are excited for the future of the bar and know it is moving into good hands with Frank! He would love to meet you, so please stop in to welcome him! He plans to keep things the same for now, and we hope you continue to support Frank and create many more great memories here for years to come!
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for 26 amazing years. The good times, friendships, and memories will stay with us forever.
Erin Go Bragh! Na Zdrowie!

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Tue May 19, 2026 8:24 am

there are a lot of good dives in CB.

Andrews
Hard Luck
O'Face (keystone on tap)
Mike's
Goldmine (also has an amazing breakfast)

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Tue May 19, 2026 10:01 am

thenewguy wrote: Tue May 19, 2026 8:24 am O'Face (keystone on tap)

Aren't they permanently closed?

Habits76 · Post by **Habits76** » Tue May 19, 2026 10:22 am

thenewguy wrote: Tue May 19, 2026 8:24 am there are a lot of good dives in CB.

Andrews
Hard Luck
O'Face (keystone on tap)
Mike's
Goldmine (also has an amazing breakfast)

I'd add Caddy Shack and 3rd Base to that list as well.

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Wed May 20, 2026 8:02 am

Habits76 wrote: Tue May 19, 2026 10:22 am
thenewguy wrote: Tue May 19, 2026 8:24 am there are a lot of good dives in CB.

Andrews
Hard Luck
O'Face (keystone on tap)
Mike's
Goldmine (also has an amazing breakfast)
I'd add Caddy Shack and 3rd Base to that list as well.

3rd base has some of the best burger specials around. And their wings are pretty damn good, almost on par with salty dog. Well maybe not quite as good but they are close

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Wed May 20, 2026 8:08 am

ChadJK wrote: Tue May 19, 2026 10:01 am
thenewguy wrote: Tue May 19, 2026 8:24 am O'Face (keystone on tap)
Aren't they permanently closed?

maybe? I've seen cars parked there, so i assumed they were open but it could just be people using the lot.

OverlookedFarm · Post by **OverlookedFarm** » Thu Jul 30, 2026 3:12 pm

1. Ez's Place (Great Coors Light, always low key and friendly)
2. Arthur's (RIP)
3. 49r (RIP)
4. Brothers (RIP)
5. Howard St Tavern (RIP)
6. Lude
7. Old Mill Lounge (If you haven't nearly burned the place down on a -15* night, you haven't lived)
8. Cohen & Kellys (Old bankers hangout)
9. Fan Tan Club (Look at someone the wrong way, you might find the express exit)
10. Pipeline Tavern (Win a $1000 throwing $20 on a horse at the track and come here and watch the world go by overlooking 72nd)
11. Smuggler's Inn. (Your fake make have got you in, but half of Millard high teachers are there too)