Old Market

THE OLD MARKET

Cobblestone streets lined with unique boutiques, antique emporiums, innovative restaurants, local pubs and tasty sweet shops create the magic of the Old Market Entertainment District. The Old Market and its red brick warehouses were the epicenter of activity back in the 1880s, bustling with produce dealers, buyers and traders, until the late 1950s when the area was threatened with building condemnation. But Sam Mercer, the son of a prominent physician and landowner, wanted to renovate the old buildings for new uses. At the time, Mercer’s idea was said to be foolish; today he is considered a visionary.

The Mercer family still runs one of the most popular restaurants in the Old Market, La Buvette. This quaint European-style wine bar offers a French menu, grocery with bread baked daily and one of the best outdoor side walk café settings in the neighborhood. Other dining standouts in the Old Market include: M’s Pub known for its Lahvosh and Carrot Dog; Blue Sushi and its legendary happy hour; The Monster Club with its horror-themed restaurant and bar; and Le Bouillon, known for the chef’s take on French comfort food.

TIP: Most downtown Omaha hotels are within walking distance and offer complimentary shuttle service to and from the Old Market Entertainment District.

THIS LIVELY 9-SQUARE BLOCK AREA IS UNIQUELY OMAHA AND FILLED WITH NOSTALGIA AND INNOVATION.

Chocolat Abeille Mister Toads

For sweets lovers, you must try a Mud Ball from the Old Market Candy Shop, the cheesecake by the inch at Wheatfield’s, the honey-infused chocolate at Chocolate Abeille, and ice cream from Ted and Wally’s, where premium ice cream is made from scratch and comes in some wild, never-before-heard-of flavors. Oh, yeah ... you also have to visit Hollywood Candy, a wall-to-wall retro candy experience unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

Shopping in the Old Market runs the gamut from boutique clothing shops such as Flying Worm, Nouvelle Eve, and Overland Sheepskin Co. to specialty shops such as Tannenbaum Christmas Shop, Old Market Artist Gallery and City Limits, where nothing is off limits.

Nancy recommends Laka Lono Rum Club – for wheelchair users, this downstairs tiki bar may not look accessible, but employees are happy to escort you down the elevator to enjoy the exotic drinks and atmosphere. In addition to carriage rides and sidewalk musicians that really capture the neighborhood’s charm, the Old Market also offers a distinctive nightlife scene. Laka Lono Rum Club welcomes patrons to paradise with over-the-top fun craft cocktails. Mister Toads and Billy Frogg’s, in addition to their amphibian reference, both offer an eclectic atmosphere and great outdoor patios. The Berry & Rye serves experimental, contemporary cocktails and both Upstream Brewing Company and Brickway Brewery/Distillery create some of the best tasting craft beer around.

Shhhh ... don’t tell anyone, but right outside the Old Market near the Orpheum Theater look for the Looking Glass Cigar and Spirits shop. Go in and ask for the Wicked Rabbit—this secret speakeasy will not disappoint.