5 Must Visit Places in Omaha
by Xitlally Velasco
Speakeasy in the Indigo Hotel: Anna’s Place - Downtown (Central)
Anna's Place is Omaha's latest speakeasy located inside the Hotel Indigo Downtown. This pre-Prohibition-inspired bar offers creative, divine cocktails with names inspired by Anna Wilson, Omaha's first madam and "Queen of the Underworld."
The speakeasy doesn’t offer a list of shots, wines, or snacks but it doesn’t disappoint either. Instead, you’ll find 11 original drinks and six twists on Old Fashioned cocktails, priced at $15.
Anna's place is lit with dim, ruby-red lights that set the place with an alluring ambiance. The decor around the lounge consists of sketches influenced by Wilson’s life. Visitors must knock to enter, that is if the door light is green. A red light means the lounge has reached capacity, so you'll have to try again later.
Anna's Place is located at 1802 Dodge St. and is open Monday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.
“The service is stellar, the vibe is awesome, and the cocktails are outstanding.”
Culxr House: Art, Entertainment, Music, Etc. - North Omaha
The Culxr House is a community center that invites upcoming artists, innovators, and activists to grow their talent. They hold various events that collaborate with local and surrounding-area organizations. Events include, but are not limited to, civic engagement forums, open mics, music showcases, and business pop-ups.
The Culxr House offers a membership for their workspace which provides creators with material to continue their development. Apart from exclusive access to their workshop, the membership includes other perks such as half-off admission to Culxr House events and first looks at Culxr Closet and Record Shop new arrivals.
The Culxr House is located at 3014 N 24th St. and is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
“Fantastic community space focused on artists and culture. Marcey Yates is doing an excellent job with the space and word is spreading! ”
The Jewell: Omaha’s Premier Live Music Venue - Downtown Capitol District
Classy. Sleek. Intimate. The Jewell is the epitome of Hollywood beauty.
Omaha's premier live-music venue rests in the heart of the city at The Capitol District, drawing musicians from all over the world. The name "The Jewell" pays respects to Jimmy Jewell, who was a local music promoter. Iconic jazz musicians such as Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole, and Louis Armstrong have performed here.
The venue also offers a cocktail lounge and fine dining, unlike anything else in Omaha. You can enjoy anything from an Omaha strip streak with red wine to jumbo wings with a draft beer. Reservations can be made for this beautiful space to host your private events for up to 140 guests.
The Jewell is located at 1030 Capitol Ave. and is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
“There is no place in Omaha like the Jewell. It’s a true gem. Designed with sound in mind and creating an unforgettable experience.”
Le Smash: Smash Room - Bellevue
Long day at work? Forget the glass of wine and visit Le Smash, the Omaha area's first smash room.
This unique and safe space allows you to relieve stress and tension through catharsis by breaking things such as glass bottles, laptops, printers, or a picture frame with your ex.
While Le Smash provides items, they encourage you to bring your meaningless items to destroy. An individual smash session costs $50 for 20 small items and one large item to break. Guests are required to wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes and must sign a waiver.
Le Smash also holds private events.
Le Smash is located at 4105 Harrison St. and is open Monday through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 1 p.m. to 12 a.m., and Sunday from 12 to 8 p.m.
“Visiting Le Smash helped me relieve my week’s worth of stress and I would definitely recommend!”
Barrel & Vine: Restaurant - West Omaha
Rooftop pool bar, live music, and options for brunch, lunch, and dinner, it doesn't get better than that.
West Omaha's Barrel & Vine is a site to dine, drink, and dance. This swanky spot has a large selection of seasonal specials on its menu, ongoing daily specials, and even options for kids. While guests may enjoy non-ticketed events, some events require a ticket for entry.
Barrel & Vine also hold private celebrations and corporate events by providing massive LED TV screens, an advanced sound system, and award-winning food.
During the summertime, Barrel & Vine opens its rooftop pool day and night club, they offer cabanas to rent. Daytime rentals require a $300 minimum spend and are first come, first serve. Night-time rentals are reservation-only via email: mischief@bvomaha.com.
Barrel & Vine is located at 1311 South 203rd St. and is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. while Saturdays and Sundays are from 10 a.m. to close.
“This place is AMAZING. It’s such a beautiful area and I would definitely be visiting again. Truly a 10/10. ”
Xitlally Velasco is the Marketing and Public Relations Digital Content Curator at Lozafina. Send your tips and story ideas to office@lozafina.com