Issue 5.41 by Shout Omaha

5.41 Dec 4-11, 2014

the entertainment weekly of omaha, council bluffs and lincoln

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SCAN ME

December at the Museum 8

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

must-see shows this week

things to do this week

bars and restaurants profiled

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cover story

14 news of the weird 18 picks of the week 22 calendar

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18 picks

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story

December at the Museum It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas By Shout Omaha Staff

If you’re driving down 10th Street towards the Old Market, just before you get to Jackson Street, on your right sits a magnificent art deco-style building that used to be the old Union Station. Today, the Durham Western Heritage Museum occupies the grandiose space and has since 1975. The museum closed from 1995 to 1996 for a $22 million renovation project largely funded by Charles and Marge Durham. For their contributions on the project, the Western Heritage Museum was renamed the Durham Western Heritage Museum the following year. On April 6, 2008 the Durham Western Heritage Museum became the Durham Museum. Every Christmas, hundreds of families flock to the museum for several holiday events. Director of Marketing and Public Relations Jessica Brummer helps man the insurmountable task of putting it all together, which to the outsider looks overwhelming. However, Brummer manages to pull it off with ease year after year. Aside from Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, the museum is packed with activities every day in December. Brummer took a

few moments to talk holidays, volunteers and, of course, Santa.

Shout Weekly: What attracted you to the museum initially? Jessica Brummer: I have always thought The Durham Museum was a true treasure in our city. Not only is the building beautiful, the museum has so many stories to tell. Every day there is something new going on. No two days are alike and I think that is very exciting. People LOVE coming to the Durham during the holidays. What special events do you have going on this year? Christmas at Union Station is always a special time of year and this year is no exception! Our holiday concert series runs every Saturday and Sunday, Tuesday nights we host Family Night with Santa, our Ethnic tree’s exhibit and Ethnic Holiday Festival continue to be popular each year and of course, Noon Year’s Eve! What have you done in the past that keeps so many people coming back year after year?

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I think people consider Christmas at Union Station an annual tradition for their families. Seeing the tree and attending all of the holiday events is something people just do as part of their celebration. It is fun to see people who came to the museum as kids, now bringing their kids. The Holiday Concert Series looks like a very big project. How many people are needed to pull off such an incredible event? How much time goes into planning? It is a huge project. Approximately 50 different musical groups/performers volunteer their time to participate. Our event staff spends countless hours working on the schedule, which you can imagine, is quite an undertaking! What is the goal for the event? Our goal is simple...to give families a holiday experience that they will never forget. We hope that Christmas at Union Station becomes an annual tradition for each and every person that walks through our doors. What are you looking forward to most

this holiday season in terms of events at the Durham? Getting to come to work every day and see that grand tree in our great hall is truly a wonderful experience. I personally enjoy seeing the faces of the children, young and old, when they walk in the door. Everyone is in awe of the tree! You recently had Santa at the Durham, correct? What’s the best part about seeing all the kids line up to see him? Santa is a regular at the museum during Christmas at Union Station! The magic of Christmas is in a child’s eyes when they see Santa. Excitement, anticipation, disbelief. It is all part of the Christmas experience. Of course there are those who are a but reluctant...but they usually come around. Finally, how important are volunteers to the operation? We could not get through the busy Christmas season without the help of our wonderful staff and dedicated volunteers. Christmas at Union Station could not happen without them!

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Lead Story

Indonesia’s holy “Sex Mountain” on the island of Java is still performing its incomprehensible function of making Muslims feel prosperous and optimistic if they have intercourse with strangers, as reported in November by Australia’s “SBS Dateline” TV program. A reporter journeyed to Mount Kemukus (near the heavily populated Surakarta) to observe the mass adultery whose origin dates to the 16th century. Otherwise-devout pilgrims pray, bathe and pair off with other worshippers (repeating the ritual seven times, 35 days apart) to bring themselves the good life -- except that the sex must be with people other than their spouses. Clerics generally denounce the Kemukus experience, but more so since prostitutes (collecting “offerings”) are lately so plentiful at the site.

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Can’t Possibly Be True Comprehensive Pentagon studies of America’s nuclear missile infrastructure released in November (following disturbing reports of readiness failures) included the revelation that nuclear warheads had to be attached with a particular wrench, even though the Air Force owned only one with which to service 450 missiles housed at three bases. Consequently, one official told The New York Times, “They started FedExing the one tool” back and forth. No one had checked in years, he said, “to see if new tools were being made” -- typical of maintenance problems that had “been around so long that no one reported them anymore.” Autumn Canceled: London’s Daily Telegraph reported in November that a gardener hired by the House of Commons had spent a day pulling color-changing leaves from trees on the Westminster Palace grounds -- because it would be more cost-effective than to rake them up after they fell. The gardener (whose name sounds right out of a James Bond adventure -- “Annabel Honeybun”) said she had 145 trees to service. (A local environmentalist lamented denying autumn visitors “one of the few pleasures at this time of year.” Cultural Diversity Various cogs in South Korea’s national machinery paused briefly on Nov. 13 so as not to distract the nation’s high-school-age kids, as 650,000 of them were sitting for the

decisive university entrance exams (which are several levels more important than the SATs or ACTs for American students). Large companies and government agencies told employees to commute later in the morning -- to keep traffic lighter for students traveling to the 1,257 test centers -- and “no-fly” zones reduced noise during the 40-minute period in which students tested aurally on the English language. Latest Spiritual Messages “Santa Muerte” (Our Lady of the Holy Death) might be described as a cynic’s unauthorized byproduct of Roman Catholicism currently festering in drug-cartel-roiled Mexico and Central America and is, according to Vice Media, “the world’s fastest growing” religion. “Saint Death” first appeared only 12 years ago, in the Mexico City barrio of Tepito, and is now a first line of protection for worshippers in danger zones. (Almost 80,000 Mexicans have been killed in drug-related violence since 2006, Vice reported.) Said an author who has studied the religion, “People feel more comfortable asking (Santa Muerte) for favors they probably shouldn’t ask a Catholic saint for.” Pope Francis ordered an investigation in October of the Italian Riviera diocese of Bishop Mario Oliveri, 70, who is known for giving “second chances” to wayward priests from across the country. Reports had surfaced that, among Mario’s priests was one who openly published nude selfies

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on Facebook, another caught publicly flirting with the wife of a port captain, another dismissed from a cruise ship for molesting passengers, and another revealed to have a full-body “tribal” tattoo that he had exhibited while posing with the tattoo artist in the local newspaper. The manager of a church charity in the diocese estimated that about half of the bishop’s 175 priests were delinquents. American Scenes (1) Mmmm, Omelets! A crash of three tractor-trailers on Interstate 24 near Chattanooga, Tennessee, on Nov. 9 left a pileup of one truck’s load of eggs, another’s pallets of cheese, and the other’s boxes of meat. (2) “Drunken Trombone-Playing Clown Fires Gun From Garage, Police Say” (an Oct. 21 story on MLive.com from Grand Traverse County, Michigan, also reported that the man was wearing camo pants). Animal Intelligence Parrots and Snakes: A November story from Leigh-on-Sea, England, reported that a Senegal parrot (apparently feeling restive with its owners on holiday) managed to pick two locks on its cage and fly away. The second lock had been installed as insurance after an earlier lock-picking escape.

Also, a missing African gray parrot was returned to its Torrance, California, owner in October after a hiatus -- in which the parrot had learned to speak Spanish. On the other hand, a hungry 5-foot-long black rat snake in Verona, Pennsylvania, had to be saved by surgery after it failed to distinguish between chicken eggs in a coop (tasty) and a nearby ceramic egg (life-threatening organ failure). Took It Too Far Just Possibly Racist: One of the questions offered in testing by the CharlotteMecklenburg (North Carolina) school district for high school biology in November sought students’ understanding of dominant and recessive genes with this puzzle: “LaShamanda has a heterozygous big bootie, the dominant trait. Her man Fontavius has a small bootie which is recessive. They get married and have a baby named LaPrincess. What is the probability that LaPrincess will inherit her mama’s big bootie?” (Charlotte TV station WBTV was unable to confirm that the school system created the question, even though the question was apparently distributed with other system materials.) Summer “comfort food” season is an opportunity for imaginative (and shameless) chefs to take caloric overload to the next level, annually extending themselves

to build the sweetest (and, generally, the least heart-friendly) concoctions imaginable. Hence, Deep-Fried Candy Corn (in a base of crescent rolls) made its debut this year, along with the Double Donut burger (two beef patties piled with cheese and bacon between “buns” of glazed donuts (1,996 calories and 53 grams of saturated fat). Cry for Help: Mr. Jenya Bolotov, 26, a Russian, became an Internet sensation in November (on Facebook, YouTube and several news sites) by releasing photographs showing a seven-year obsession with modifying his face to resemble that of a platypus. He has stretched eight parts of his face to effect a duck-billed look, with holes on the sides of his nostrils and plugs extending his lips. “I can eat, talk and speak on the phone like everyone else,” he insisted, but is happier now that he can “live differently.” (Some Internet commenters complained that, while Bolotov’s face is certainly “creepy,” they cannot quite conjure up “platypus” from the look.) Least Competent Sheriff’s Employee After consulting with the FBI, military and state law-enforcement and security agencies, the sheriff of Dickson County, Tennessee, concluded that his only option to rescue his departmental records database from malicious malware was to pay a $500

ransom to the creators of the CryptoWall “trojan,” which had attacked and encrypted his files. A total of 72,000 files, including witness statements and other evidence in criminal cases, was temporarily inaccessible after a department computer user clicked on the wrong part of a screen in late October. (PC World reported in August that within the pervious six months, CryptoWall’s developers were estimated to have “earned” $1 million in “ransoms.”) Recurring Themes In the U.S.’s fourth reported case, a state issued a driver’s license even though the applicant was photographed wearing a colander (as a “religious covering,” the only “hats” legally permitted in such photos). Jessica Steinhauser said the motor vehicles office in Hurricane, Utah, simply shrugged at her affiliation with the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster (created in 2005 to offer the proposition that God’s existence is no better “proven” than the FSM’s). s! (Are you ready for News of the Weird Pro Edition? Every Monday at http://NewsoftheWeird.blogspot.com and www.WeirdUniverse.net. Other handy addresses: WeirdNews@earthlink.net, http://www.NewsoftheWeird.com, and P.O. Box 18737, Tampa FL 33679.)

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concerts, family events, comedy, musicals & more Benson First Friday

December 5, at Various Locations in Benson, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Admission is free. Visit www.bensonfirstfriday.com for more information.

The Scoop: Krampusnacht is upon us and

will be celebrated in the streets of Benson, during Benson First Friday. The usual BFF featured artists, openings, and events will be happening, but many special events pertaining to Krampus will also be in full swing. Bad Kid Scavenger Hunt: Help Krampus collect all the naughty children of Benson! Keep an eye out for baby dolls hiding along Maple. Turn in your baby dolls at Sweatshop by 10 p.m., and if you collect the most, you’ll win a prize package including gift certificates to Homer’s, Paperdoll, and more! But everyone who turns in naughty baby dolls gets a reward from Krampus. Featured Krampus Artists: Ramanda Fuelberth, Ryan Rockford Nagel, Kevin Franz, Alex Brown, and Joe Cutler.

Midtown Crossing Holiday Lights Spectacular

November 22-January 1, at Turner Park, Midtown Crossing, 7 p.m. Admission is free. Visit www.midtowncrossing.com for more information. The Scoop: Midtown Crossing is thrilled to ignite the holiday season with the region’s newest highlight – the Holiday Lights Spectacular in conjunction with Miracle at Midtown, the development’s season-long celebration of togetherness and good cheer. A sight and sound experience, the likes of which Omaha has never seen before, the Holiday Lights Spectacular promises an enthusiastic, choreographed blend of light and seasonal music projected onto the Turner Park side of Midtown Crossing’s condominium buildings. The once nightly show will run approximately 20-minutes, beginning at 7 p.m., from Saturday, November 22 through Thursday, January 1, 2015. The best area to view the show is in the middle of Turner Park, facing west. Parts of the show will be visible from the promenade surrounding the park. *If you will be arriving by bus or limousine, please contact Anna Willey, Event Coordinator (402.351.5964 or anna.willey@ mutualofomaha.com) to arrange for parking.

2014 Survey: Omaha Artists

Holiday Lights Festival/ Wells Fargo Family Festival

December 7, at Downtown Omaha, Noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Visit www.holidaylightsfestival.org for more information.

The Scoop: The Wells Fargo Family Festival offers an afternoon of free family fun. Downtown arts and cultural institutions will provide free admission and hands-on activities for the entire family. Free trolley service provided by Ollie the Trolley will connect all participating locations from noon to 5 p.m. Families are encouraged to “Shine the Light on Hunger” and bring non-perishable foods and household goods for donation. Food donation barrels will be located at each Family Festival venue.

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Now-December 31, at W. Dale Clark Library, 215 S. 15th St., 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free. Visit www. omahapubliclibrary.org for more information.

The Scoop: “2014 Survey: Omaha Artists” is an invitation to investigate Omaha’s art world with a sense of curiosity and discovery. Through a cross section of nearly 50 Omaha-based artists, the Michael Phipps Gallery is transformed into a community for artists that has never been viewed collectively. The library becomes the access point for this initiative, establishing and strengthening dialogues between the artists themselves and the larger Omaha community. Artists are Kenneth Adkins, Travis Apel, Scott Blake, Erin Blayney, Les Bruning, Eddith Buis, Jamie Burmeister, Laura Carlson, Andrew Conzett, Mary Day, Diane Degan, Robert Dewaele, Larry Ferguson, Neil Griess, Timothy Guthrie, Jamie Hardy, Phil Hawkins, Victoria Hoyt, Nicholas Jacobsen, Alex Jochim, Heather Johanson, Susan Knight, Paul Konchagulian, Holly Kranker, Renee A. Ledesma, Reggie LeFlore, Caitlin Little, Rich Mansfield, Avery Mazor, Tom McCauley, John Miller, Deborah Murphy, Joshua Norton, Thomas Prinz, Kim Reid Kuhn, Sarah Rowe, Jonathan Seevers, Luke Severson, Colin Smith, Dawn Smith, Iggy Sumnik, Melvin Tingley, Daniel Toberer, Dorothy Tuma, Laurie Victor Kay, Paula Wallace, Maggie Webber, and Shea Wilkinson.

concerts, family events, comedy, musicals & more

entertainment Todd Fink of The Faint (DJ Set) December 6, at House of Loom, 1012 S. 10th St., 10 p.m. Admission is free. Visit www.houseofloom.com for more information.

The Scoop: Todd Fink of The Faint is back for another DJ set, exploring the subversive sounds of techno. And when we say techno, we don’t mean the type of techno people confuse for various genres of EDM. We mean TECHNO, as in the four-to-the-floor aesthetic that has a direct lineage to Detroit. The last time we put down a set of techno at House of Loom back in June, we saw some folks scratch their heads at the start. But by the end, that dance floor was off the meters.

Identity: An Exhibition of You

November 6-January 11, at Durham Western Heritage Museum, 801 S. 10th St., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday thru Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free to $9 for adults. Visit www.durhammuseum.org for more information..

The Scoop: What makes you…YOU? Find out what makes you tick in Identity: An Exhibition of You, the highly entertaining exhibit on display this fall from Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute. This highly interactive event is kid friendly and a chance to learn.

Mythbusters

December 9, at Orpheum, 409 S. 16th St., 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $44.25-$129.25. Visit www.omahaperformingarts.org for more information. The Scoop: The all-new live show

MythBusters: Behind the Myths brings you face-to-face with the curious world of Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage as the co-hosts of the Emmy-nominated Discovery series match wits with each other and members of the audience in a fantastical evening of onstage experiments, audience participation, rocking video and behind-the-scenes stories. With this show, for the first time, fans join Jamie and Adam on stage and assist in their mind-blowing and mind-twisting approach to science.

Holiday Market

December 6-7, at Aksarben Village, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Visit www.aksarbenvillage.com for more information.

The Scoop: Catch up with some of your favorite vendors at the Physicians Mutual and WOWT Holiday Market at Aksarben Village. Shop for great holiday gifts from local vendors under a heated tent at 67th & Center streets. Unique gift ideas include holiday décor, festive foods, homemade crafts and more. Kids can visit with Santa from 2 to 4 pm on Sunday, December 7th, so bring your cameras to capture the exciting event. S h o u t o m a h a . c o m • d e c 4 - 11 , 2 0 1 4

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What’s going on in Omaha? You’ll find out here! Submit calendar listings to calendar@shoutomaha.com. Be sure to include NAMES, DATES, TIMES, ADDRESSES and COSTS, and please give us AT LEAST 7 days notice. Events are included as space allows.

music

winning and multi-platinum selling artists, composer and actor, is one of the most popular and successful Rappers worldwide. To date, Coolio has sold over 30 million records globally and has performed in concerts to adoring fans in Africa, Israel, Russia, Japan, Thailand, Brazil, Australia, and Turkey and throughout Europe. In the diversified hip hop industry, Coolio is one of the few rap artists who has been able to garner mainstream success and critical acclaim. The last Lp entitled “The Return of the Gangsta” was released in August 2006 and Coolio teamed up with long time friend Snoop Dogg for the undeniable hit “Gangsta Walk”. “Return of the Gangsta” sold over 525,000 copies. Coolio, December 5, at Vega, Lincoln, 9 p.m. Tickets are $18-$20. Visit www.vegalincoln. com for more information.

Karrin Allyson On December 6 Omaha native and UNO alumna, Karrin Allyson, will be performing songs from her award winning album, “Yuletide Hideaway” at the Strauss Performing Arts Center on the University of Nebraska at Omaha campus. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $30. Accompanying Allyson will be the UNO Jazz Ensemble and the Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra. The New York Times calls the four-time Grammy nominee “a complete artist … one of the jazz world’s finest.” Allyson’s performance is not to be missed! Tickets may be purchased through Ticket Omaha at Ticket Omaha Box Office at 13th and Douglas Streets, online at TicketOmaha. com or by phone at (402) 345.0606. The show is free to UNO students, faculty and staff presenting current MavCards. Free tickets are limited to seating availability and available only at the door, on the day of the show. Karrin Allyson, December 6, at UNO, 6001 Dodge St., 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30. Visit www.unomaha.edu for more information.

Hot Jazz with Luigi, Inc., December 9, at Mr. Toad’s, 1002 Howard St., 9 p.m. Admission is free. Visit www.mrtoadspub.com for more information. Every Tuesday at House of Loom, it’s everything you love about karaoke with the volume turned up. Don’t be afraid to go crazy: bring your own costumes, create your own choreography, bring your back up dancers or just grab some in-house props we’ll have on hand. Join the community here: http:// www.facebook.com/karaoketheatre. Karaoke Theatre, December 9, at House of Loom, 1012 S. 10th St., 9 p.m. Admission is free. Visit www.houseofloom.com for more information. House of Loom has dedicated its Sunday nights and classic wood floors to all things salsa, buchata, merengue, cha-cha-cha, pachanga, and guaguanco. And to host and DJ the night, they’ve chosen long-time loom collaborator and the most charismatic, talented salsa dancer in Omaha, Mr. Blandon “Salserodalante” Joiner. Every Sunday kicks off with a salsa dance lesson for all levels of social dancers at 7 p.m., and you don’t need a partner. Dancers requested and spectators welcome as we offer fresh mint leaf in our Cuban Bacardi Mojitos.

BOOKS Matt Joyce Award Winning Elvis Tribute Artist Matt Joyce from Little Rock, AK will be back in Omaha performing his Holiday Show! He will sing Elvis’s favorite Christmas songs, blues, gospel, and Rock and Roll! This is a dinner show and open to all ages. Christmas with the King, December 5, at Millard Plaza Ballroom, 5339 S. 139th Plaza, 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $38. Visit www.millardplazaballroom.com for more information.

Festival of Trees Fundraiser, December 5-6, at 322 Molley St., Bennington, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admissions is $1. Visit www. festivaloftrees.com for more information.

Coolio, the multi-talented Grammy Award

Since 1975, Mr. Toad has brought you the finest Jazz Omaha has to offer in our Library. The legendary Luigi Waites held court there for nearly 35 years until his passing in April of 2010. The gig goes on as Luigi would’ve wished, with his band “Luigi, Inc.” holding down the fort with their cool contemporary jazz.

Salsa Sundays, December 7, at House of Loom, 1012 S. 10th St., 7 p.m. Tickets are $7. Visit www.houseofloom.com for more information.

Ring in the holidays with a lighted tree walk, Santa, storytime with Santa, nake sale, silent auction/raffle, and holiday entertainment.

Coolio

are $30. Visit www.sokolunderground.com for more information.

Opeth has spent over two decades steadily amassing a body of work that is at once possessed of a fervent and unrelenting devotion to aesthetic progression (and perfection) while simultaneously scaling the summits of power, mysticism and might aspired to by the group’s hard rock forefathers in Sabbath, Purple and Zeppelin. Opeth with Red Fang, December 5, at Sokol Auditorium, 2234 S. 13th St., 7:30 p.m. Tickets

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Stop by the Echo Coffee Shop on 10th and Worthington Streets for story time every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sit back with a cup of coffee while your kids enjoy a free cookie and story. Story Time, December 6, at Echo Coffee Shop, 1502 S. 10th St., 10 a.m. Admission is free. Visit www.echocoffeeshop.com for more information.

ART Join Cali Commons for a special holiday group sale, featuring affordable works of art and handmade crafts by local artists. Paintings, note cards, magnets, drawings, photography, jewelry, mixed media pieces, and more. From stocking stuffers to artwork that will be treasured for years to come, there is something for everyone on your list. Bonus: they’ll be raffling off a special painting. Get one ticket free when you sign up on our email list at the door.

org/soiree. “Olson Kundig: Anthology,” the first comprehensive exhibition focusing on the firm’s creative process, showcases the artistic, historic, and cultural influences and design explorations that have shaped Seattle-based Olson Kundig Architects’ practice over the past five decades. Founded by Jim Olson in 1966, Olson Kundig Architects has grown from a Pacific Northwest-focused architecture firm into an international design practice based on the belief that buildings can serve as a bridge between nature, culture and people, and that inspiring surroundings have a positive effect on people’s lives. Olson Kundig: Anthology, December 5-January 3, at KANEKO, 1111 Jones St., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Visit www. thekaneko.org for more information. Born in Lincoln in 1929, Cedric Hartman is an American artist and inventor. He is known for making thoughtful, idiosyncratic work in the architectural realm – and an ever-evolving array of furniture, lighting and hardware. Hartman’s 15-person organization uses the highest quality materials to produce small editions of work for a world clientele of architects, curators, and interior designers. “These are objects of unapologetic luxury. Like couture, they are extravagant in conception and painstaking in execution,” notes architect Charles Gifford. “His architecture, furniture, and in particular, his lighting fixtures are characterized by purity, heft, and authenticity.” Hartman’s work is in the Museum of Modern Art and many private collections. Now 85 years old, he still works at his Omaha studio workshop every day. This exhibition at KANEKO will be the first time Hartman has curated a public exhibition of his work. Selected Works: Cedric Hartman, December 5-January 3, at KANEKO, 1111 Jones St., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Visit www. thekaneko.org for more information. Based in Southern California, Wallace Cunningham is an internationally recognized leader in architectural design. From small mountain cabins to urban townhouses, waterfront residences and museums, Cunningham’s structures respond poetically and functionally to the land – and to the cityscapes in which they are set. His innovative and intuitive buildings fuse minimalist refinement with bold, clean shapes that are designed to enhance the beauty of the spaces his homes occupy. Cunningham’s work reflects his belief that “buildings are not just visual…they need to radiate emotion.” “Wallace Cunningham: reality < an idea” transcends the practical limitations of architecture and captures the spirit of the creative process. This exhibition will showcase architecture unrestrained by reality. When erecting a building, one can never achieve the full idea or reach its true essence. Reality is always less than an idea.

Holiday Arts and Craft Sale, December 6, at Cali Commons, 518 N. 40th St., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Visit www. calicommons.com for more information.

Selected Works: Wallace Cunningham, December 5-January 3, at KANEKO, 1111 Jones St., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Visit www.thekaneko.org for more information.

The original, site-specific exhibition “Olson Kundig: Anthology” will be on display at KANEKO from Sept. 25, 2014 through Jan. 3, 2015. Attend the KANEKO Open Space Soirée to experience the unveiling of this exhibition on Sept. 19. For more information or to register, please go to www.thekaneko.

Leather corsets and top hats. Wooden robots and spring-loaded garter belts. Zephyrs and rocket packs. Nothing says Christmas like magical Victorian-era machinery and twisted debauchery. In the Appollon’s ongoing effort to produce something other than A Christmas Carol during the holidays, the artists are

embracing Steampunk’s alternate history to imagine what Christmas would look like in a steam-powered world full of anachronistic technologies and retro-futuristic inventions. This themed performance, food and art event opens December 5. Exhibit on view December 5-20 during gallery hours: WedSaturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Steampunk Christmas, December 5-20, at Appollon, 1801 Vinton St., 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30. Visit www.appollonomaha.com for more information. Exhibit features two Omaha artists, Mike Beck, Photography, and Juli-Ann Gasper, fabric wall art. Fabric wall art, photography prints, photo note cards, and many unique gift items made by the artists. Gallery Open Saturday and Sunday, Dec 6 and 7, noon to 4 p.m. Mike Beck and Jul-Ann Gasper Opening Reception, December 5, at Caesium Gallery, 4656 S. 60th Ave., 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is free. Visit www.facebook.com/ CaesiumGallery for more information.

a life-changing journey filled with beautiful costumes, exquisite music, perfectly crafted sets and special effects second to none. Perfect for the whole family. A Christmas Carol, December 5-December 23, at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St., 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $36. Visit www. omahaplayhouse.com for more information. Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre : Join Santa, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph and the elves as they solve a North Pole murder and keep Christmas on schedule. Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre, December 6, at Millard Plaza Ballroom, 5339 S. 139th Plaza, 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $35-$40. Visit www.millardplazaballroom.com for more information.

COMEDY

Holiday Group Art Show at The Frame Service in Midtown. Join us for a group show featuring local artists: Kenneth Adkins, Stephen Azevedo, Corey Broman, JJ Carroll, Kelly Connor, Matthew Clouse, Adam Findly, Erin Foley, Pat Oakes, Anne Peterson, Meghan Stevens, and Michaela Williams.

Come with your instrument and your skills to THE 402 music venue in downtown Benson any Monday night. Get your name on the list and get ready to show the world. Each artist is given a 10min slot. All ages are welcome. The 402 Arts Collective wants to provide a venue that is open to all ages, fun for the family, and is a great experience for local musicians. Their hope that seasoned artists along with those just getting started will come share their talent for others to enjoy just for the love of the art. They only ask that you keep it clean, fun, and excellent.

Holiday Group Art Show, December 5, at The Frame Service, 3564 Farnam St., 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free. Visit www. theframeservice.com for more information.

Open Mic Night, December 8, at 402 Collective, 6051 Maple St., 6 p.m. Admission is free. Visit www.402artscollective.org for more information.

THEATRE

Come check out this show Friday night featuring two great teams, each fighting for your votes to come back next week. We have 2X Champions this week starving for a third win. Will they get it? You decide. -BUT I’M NOT TIRED (2-0)- Andre Muldrew, Annie Hilderband, Jon Herman, Rachel Ware, Toby Gastler -AS SCENE ON TVAdam Brownell, Dave Jenowe, Elissa Ami, Lindsey Theis, Todd Dylan. Show up early and see Interrogated at 10pm for $5 or Effin’ Unbelievable Stories at 9pm for $2. -EFFIN UNBELIEVABLE STORIES- https://www. facebook.com/events/1402037243420997/ -INTERROGATEDhttps://www.facebook. com/events/487827771360493/ The Arena, December 6, at Backline, 1618 Harney St., 10 p.m. Admission is $1. Visit www.backlinecomedy.com for more information. Local comedian Dusty Stahl hosts an open mic night every Wednesday. Bring your best material and come on down.

Billy McGuigan Billy McGuigan and his brothers are back! This all-request Beatles tribute show will have you dancing in the aisles and singing along to every song. Share your stories and relive your memories with your favorite Beatles songs. No two shows are the same and every show is a guaranteed exhilarating time. Yesterday and Today, December 5-31, at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St., Show Times Vary. Ticket prices vary. Visit www.omahaplayhouse.com for more information. It just isn’t Christmas without A Christmas Carol. Experience Omaha’s favorite holiday tradition as Ebenezer Scrooge takes us on

Open Mic Night, December 9, at Barley Street Tavern, 2735 N. 62nd St., 10 p.m. Admission is free. Visit www.barleystreet.com for more information. Calling all quizzies and quizzettes. If you are looking for a way to cram some knowledge into your brain and cram some beer down your gullet – why not try to do both at the same time? If you would like a chance to get that beer for free along with a night of fun and facts – you should head down to the Sydney on Tuesdays. Grab a team of 5 or fewer and answer 40 fun questions for lots of opportunities to win great prizes (most of them obviously and awesomely include alcohol). Don’t mind your own quizness.

GOING OUT? GET

Sydney Pub Quiz, December 10, at The Sydney, 5918 Maple St., 8 p.m. Admission is free. Visit www.thesydneybenson.com for more information. S h o u t o m a h a . c o m • d e c 4 - 11 , 2 0 1 4

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council bluffs

712

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401 Veterans Memorial Highway Council Bluffs

Daily Specials

Texas Hold ‘Em @7 Thu & Sun Karaoke Fri & Sat

New Menu Burger infusions and homemade pizza!! $12.00 for a 16’ Large Supreme Pizza!! Call ahead and pick up your pizza or beer at our new Drive-Thru!! 712-366-1669

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spotlight helps to be surrounded by like-minded people (Collabo Comedy guys). There is no better feeling than making a room full of complete strangers laugh by something you said into a microphone. Standup is one of the few remaining forms of actually connecting with people. That’s pretty special. Are you participating in Comedy Week? If so, what are you looking forward to? Collabo Comedy is having a standup showcase at the Barley Street Tavern on Wednesday, July 17 for Omaha Comedy Week. The weekly open will follow. Omaha Comedy Week 2012 opened me to the world of improv and, in my opinion, created a great relationship between the different forms of comedy in the city. I look forward to showcasing the scene’s talent and gaining new fans/performers this year.

COMEDY BOOM Omaha’s New “Scene” Comes Alive By Shout Omaha Staff Omaha has seen an explosion of comedic prowess popping up all over the place lately. There have always been comedy clubs like The Funny Bone and Joker’s that feature comedians quite regularly, but it was nothing like it is today. The OK Party Comedy team more or less kickstarted a whole movement, so it’s more common to hear about a stand up comedian or improv class in the Omaha area. Backline Improv Theatre, Duffy’s Comedy Workshop and Collabo Comedy are just a few new endeavors aiding the cause. Collabo Comedy’s Dusty Stehl took a few minutes to talk a little bit about his craft. –Kyle Eustice I see you majored in mathematics. How do you go from math to comedy? I majored in mathematics because I was studying to be a math teacher. I decided my senior year that I didn’t want to be a teacher, so I just got the math degree. I now work as an underwriter for an insurance company, so I still get to use my math skills. If anything, majoring in mathematics trained my brain to think critically outside the box. I suppose I use those skills in comedy. How did you end up in Omaha and how did you get connected with other

like-minded individuals? I moved to Omaha after college in 2008 and lived with a college buddy. I was working for my fraternity as a traveling consultant (did this for nine months before I started as an underwriter). In 2010, I started thinking about trying standup. A year later, I drove to Lincoln on a Monday night to attend Duffy’s Comedy Workshop. (I had Facebook-friended Richard Reese after seeing him at the Funny Bone in 2010. He’s the one who informed me about Duffy’s.) So the first time I did standup was July 2011. I talked with a few of the comics there and they told me about a Tuesday night open mic in Omaha. That’s where I ultimately met Zach Reinert and Stephen Smith. We have similar comedy goals, so becoming friends was easy. We eventually formed a “group” in early 2012 but had no idea what it actually meant. Jack Comstock started doing standup several months after we did and we asked him to join in June 2012 right before we did our first show. What do you think about Omaha’s blossoming scene? I am extremely excited about the comedy scene in Omaha! When I started, you could get quality stage time maybe twice a week now you can get on stage nearly every night of the week. The talent level in this city is quite impressive and should be taken seriously. OK Party Comedy should be given a lot credit for helping the scene get to where

it is. They also inspired us to form Collabo Comedy. Did you come up with Collabo Comedy? Originally, the name of our group was Collaboration Comedy. We helped each other with jokes and would sing “comedy collaboration” to the tune of “Troy and Abed in the Morning” from NBC’s Community. So Collaboration Comedy just made sense as a name. We only recently shortened the name to Collabo Comedy. We felt it would be much more marketable. We started an open mic at the Barley Street Tavern in October 2012. It took a while to get it where it is today. At first, comics were allowed 12-15 minutes of stage time as we only a dozen or so comics showing up. After the first of the year though, attendance increased and now we average about 25 comics per week (5-6 minutes per set). We’ve had several people do standup for the first time at our open mic, including our fifth member, Kyle O’Reilly. This guy brings a style and energy previously unseen in the Omaha comedy scene, so was a great fit for the group. What do you like about being on stage? What is comedy? I like being able to be myself on stage. I can say/do the things I want to say/do but can’t say/do at my job or in public. Standup has been an outlet for me to truly be myself and even discover further who o truly am. It

What do you think of the comedians that just go up there and take cheap shots at the audience? I don’t really care what someone does on stage as long as it’s funny. I don’t believe in censoring people. I don’t think any topic is off-limits. But if you go up there and talk about a touchy subject and it’s not funny, the audience will let you know. As far as “cheap shots” go, it depends. Did that particular audience member deserve it? Was it funny? Again, I’m okay with anything as long as it’s funny and doesn’t ultimately destroy an audience member’s comedy fandom. What is the future of Omaha comedy? The future of Omaha comedy is bright. The scene is still very young - only about two years old. Collabo Comedy, OK Party Comedy, and the individual comedians are working hard and getting better all the time. The growth in the past two years has been amazing! I can’t wait to see where we’re at in two more years! Do you ever get nervous before a performance? I rarely get nervous anymore. The last time I got nervous was before my set at OK Party’s From Comedy Festival back in May. There were comics there from all over the country and I was taking some risks by doing some of my goofier offthe-wall material. I wasn’t nervous of the crowd, but of my peers. All was well in the end - I didn’t suck. When I do get nervous, I just tell myself to go up there and have fun. If you can connect the fun the crowd right away, you’ll be fine. Oh, and I also get a bit nervous at the Funny Bone - especially when the room is packed. There can be a lot riding on your performance - future gigs, connections with professional comics, etc.

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90th & Fort, Omaha 30

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Nebraska Crossing Outlet Mall, Gretna

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dining nibbles

Written by Jim Delmont

STEAK HOUSES ANTHONY’S.. 72nd and F streets. 331-7575. Closed Sunday. One of the old-line steakhouses, big and friendly. A good family spot. Huge menu. BROTHER SEBASTIAN’S STEAKHOUSE AND WINERY. 1350 S. 119th St. 330-0300. Seven days. Not old and not new, this 1980s steakhouse that resembles a California monastery has a great salad bar, romantic little rooms with fireplaces and a great party room. Prices remain reasonable. CASCIO’S. 1620 S. 10th St. 345-8313. Seven days. Been here forever and still cookin.’ This venerable steak emporium has been a mainstay of the College World Series crowd. CHARLESTON’S. Just north of West Dodge Road at the Boys Town exit. 431-0023. Open seven days. Don’t let the chain ID fool you – this is a top notch restaurant – casual, with an eclectic menu that includes upscale burgers, lots of salads, fish entrees, steaks, sandwiches, soups, ribs, crisp veggies and rich desserts – including a knockout bread pudding. Management is the key to success here. The ambience is gaslamp hideaway with a bar area popular on weekends. THE DROVER. 2121 S. 73rd St. 391-7440. Open seven days. Tucked away on a side street, this longtime steakhouse favorite draws customers from the medical neighborhood at 72nd and Mercy Road. Cozy fireplace, good service. 801 CHOP HOUSE (in the Paxton House). 1403 Farnam. 341-1222. Open seven days. Formerly the Paxton Chop House, this beautiful, masculine spot is a twin to one in Des Moines and a major draw for elegant service and classic steakhouse fare. Perfect for memorable occasions, but Sunday night specials are affordable for anyone. FLEMING’S. Next to Regency Court Shopping Center (south side). 393-0811. Open seven days. Big deal wine offerings here from climate controlled wine closets. Very attractive main dining room with some extra nooks and bar-side service, too. Char-grilled steaks are reasonably priced, with huge sides, and some major seafood offerings. Excellent service and a very nice ambience for a special evening out. GENJI STEAK HOUSE. 14505 W Center Road. 333-8338. Popular Japanese, group-style “teppanyaki” cooking with items sliced and diced on a hot metal surface, then tossed about in entertaining ways. Very healthful meals, with lots of protein (several kinds of beef, plus shrimp) and delicious chopped vegetables. Reasonably priced and fun for kids and adults alike. JERICO’S. 11732 West Dodge Road. 496-0222. Open seven days. Longtime family-run steakhouse known for its prime rib. JOHNNY’S CAFÈ. 4702 S. 27th St. 731-4774. Closed Sunday. One of Omaha’s most famous steakhouses, it was opened in 1922 by the Kawa family at the stockyards, where the family still operates it. Many loyal customers love the place for lunch or dinner. JOHNNY’S ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE. 305 N. 170th St. in Village Pointe. 289-9210. Open seven days. Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Dean Martin would have loved this place – tricked out like a Hollywood 1940s supper club, Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse is one of an Iowa-based chain offering Italian pasta favorites along with steaks and chops. Desserts, made on the premises, are popular.

KOBE STEAKHOUSE OF JAPAN. 16801 Burke 402-391-1755. Seven days. Long-running Japanese steak house offers healthy cuisine, entertaining chefs, reasonable prices and an attractive Regency location. KONA GRILL. 295 N 170th St. 779-2900. Kona Grill is a sushi restaurant with lots more, including very imaginative appetizers and entrees with Hawaiian, Chinese, japanese and American touches (macadamia nut chicken, satay, potstickers, steamed soybeans, saki-marinated bass, sweet chili-glazed salmon and even a meatloaf made with sweet Italian and Louisiana sausage!). Loads of interesting dipping sauces, too, plus full sushi offerings LONE STAR STEAKHOUSE & SALOON. 3040 S. 143rd Plaza. 333-1553. Open seven days. Last of a chain here, they do a good job with burgers and sandwiches, homemade soups and chili, sirloin and ribeye, their own salad dressings, and good service. MAHOGANY PRIME STEAKHOUSE. 13665 California St. 4454380. Boasting the top two per cent of Nebraska prime beef, this once very expensive spot also offers Australian lobster, grilled salmon filet with capers, shrimp and crabmeat; plus lots of salads, lamb, porkchops, bacon-wrapped scallops, king crab legs and a famous house martini. Prices have moderated recently. OMAHA CHOPHOUSE. Omaha Marriot, 10220 Regency Circle. 399-9000. This is the latest entry at Regency, which once had Allie’s and the fabulous Chardonnay fine dining restaurant. Now it’s a steak place with the usual cuts, plus seafood, fancy sandwiches, various chicken entrees, salads and a pretty extensive wine list. OMAHA PRIME. 415 S. 11th St. in the Old Market. 3417040. Closed Sunday. Mo Tajvar’s beautiful Old Market spot has a lovely bar area and a handsome room for his prime cuts of beef in this second floor Old Market beauty, complete with rear views of the Old Market Passageway and a smoking room behind glass. A la carte and expensive, like other “prime” beef establishments, but offering a lot of visual charm. OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE. 7605 Cass St. 392-2212; 2414 S. 132 Street. 697-1199; 10408 S. 15th Street. 991-9275. Open seven days. From the opening of the Cass Street original, this Florida-based chain has been one of the most successful chains here. Basically an American steakhouse, it puts up an Australian façade, but the menu offers steaks, ribs and chicken plus baked potatoes, slab fries and barbecued chicken. You can toss a shrimp or two on the Barbie, too. Omahans love them all. PICCOLO PETE’S. 2202 S 20th St., 342-9038. In South Omaha since 1933, Picolo Pete’s is a classic Omaha Italian steakhouse, with Italian pastas to augment the steaks – plus big salads, burgers, hot roast beef, many breaded items, many fish, kids menu and even pizza. Try the chicken gizzards – folks love them. Prices are low to moderate. PINK POODLE. 633 Old Lincoln Highway in Crescent, Iowa, just east of I-680. 545-3744. Closed Monday. The famous doll collection is gone, but lots of folks think this rustic-style atmosphere and the steak and prime rib specialties are worth the short drive. Steaks, chops, lots of seafood, gizzards and livers, and an inexpensive children’s menu. SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE, 222 S. 15th St. 342-0077. Seven days. Across from the Public Library and very near the Holland Performing Arts Center, Sullivan’s is a handsome, friendly ’40s-style steakhouse down-

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r e n CoProcket DAILY SPECIALS

TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

4201 S 38th st Omaha, Nebraska 68107 (402) 505-7377 Mon-Sat 9am-2am Sun 10am-2am

HAPPY HOUR

10am-6pm Daily $250 aluminum pints $275 12oz. Bottles

dining nibbles town featuring fine steaks and seafood, top-of-theline martinis, and an enormous wine choice from its 15,000-bottle cellar with an hand-cut Italian stone floor. 360 STEAKHOUSE at Harrah’s, One Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluffs, (712) 329-6000. This upscale steakhouse sits at the top of Harrah’s Hotel, on the 12th floor, offering a unique view of the Omaha skyline. The menu offers elegant beef entrees, seafood (lobster, tiger shrimp, scallops), lots of interesting sides and salads. Private dining room available. BOURBON BBQ & STEAK at Ameristar Casino, 2200 River Road, Council Bluffs, (712) 328-8888, has replaced the Waterfront Grill there with a menu chock with barbecued pork and chicken items, plus some steaks, salads, sandwiches, seafood in an eclectic mix. Less high hat than its predecessor, it aims for a more regular crowd, including kids. FINE DINING BISTRO 121. 12129 West Center Road. 697-5107. Former location of Claudia’s, this handsome spot is now Walter Hecht’s new version of his Old Vienna Restaurant, a south Omaha fixture for decades. This Swiss chef offers European fare, including liver dumpling soup, escargot, mussels, Provencal shrimp, duck, lamb and veal entrees, plus risotto with grilled chicken and even Oysters Rockefeller – and you can get a New York strip steak, too. Some of the same plus excellent sandwiches, salads and soups at bargain lunch prices. Lots of California wines. Hecht is a real veteran of the

Omaha dining scene. THE FLATIRON CAFÈ. 17th and Howard streets. 344-3040. Closed Sunday; dinner only six days. Steve and Kathleen Jamrozy have established the gold standard for Omaha restaurants in a lovely room in a triangleshaped building reminiscent of old New York, complete with huge window walls and a tree-shaded patio. Great service, great food, very popular with Orpheum-going crowds all year. LE VOLTAIRE. 155th Plaza at West Dodge Road (north side). 934-9374. Closed Sunday, Monday. French owner-chef Cedric Fichepain has combined Paris with Alsace in his unpretentious suburban bistro, where the menu offers what you’d expect: French onion soup, bouillabaisse, escargot, duck liver, duck confit, coq au vin, filet mignon and even crepes suzette. Nice wine choices, good service, intimate, very reasonably priced. LIBERTY TAVERN. In the Hilton Hotel, at 1001 Cass St., across from the Qwest Center. 998-4321. Open seven days. This fine dining restaurant now has a unique and appealing outdoor dining area, California style, that seats 80 – it’s centered on a modernist fireplace and you can order from the indoors restaurant.menu or the less expensive bar menu. The indoors area is attractively modern and has a menu reflecting the “farm to table” movement, with an emphasis on locally provided items, including Iowa pork and Nebraska chicken. Chef Michael Rhodes is doing upscale comfort foods: corn chowder, corn fritters, sweet potato and duck hash, seafood pot pie, flatiron steak,

meatloaf, mac and cheese, but also elegant steak and fish entrees. The big deal dish is the imperial Wagyu beef strip steak from Blair, Neb., with Iowa Maytag blue cheese butter. Creative desserts add to the fun. V. MERTZ. 1022 Howard St., 345-8980. V. Mertz has to be one of the two or three best restaurants in Nebraska. Irresistibly attractive at the grotto level of the Old Market Passageway, it provides a womb of old brick, wine racks, sprays of flowers and an ancient Roman style wall fountain, it is perfectly romantic, half- hidden and mysteriously likeable. Executive Chef John Engler oversees a menu that makes the best of organic produce from nearby Crescent, Iowa, lamb, beef and seafood. Artisan cheeses are available after dinner along with some sumptuous desserts. The wine selection is extensive and sophisticated (a semi-finalist for wine service in the James Beard awards). V. Mertz is one of the city’s most expensive restaurants but is worth it (the tasting menu is $100). NEIGHBORHOOD Anchor Inn, 5413 S. 72nd St. 402-341-1313. anchorinnbar.com – Home of the famous watermelon – and still the best party in town – the Anchor Inn offers daily lunch specials, including the new roasted chicken! Keep an eye our for some new dinner specials in the very near future. Until then, do your stomach a favor and take it to the Anchor Inn for some of “Junior’s Jumbo Hot Wings” or the “Flour Sandbar Nachos.” And that’s just for starters. Make sure to try “Anchor Inn’s Famous 1/2 Pound Burger” or “Anchor Inn’s Famous Chicken Sandwich.” BAILEY’S BREAKFAST AND LUNCH. 1259 S. 120th St. 9325577. Comfort food done with flair. For breakfast; all your favorites, featuring Omaha’s finest Eggs Benedict – 6 varieties, (and Crepes, too) topped with Hollandaise made fresh every day. Come try the best bacon you will ever eat! Breakfast served all day.

And treat yourself to some of Omaha’s finest Salads, Soups, and Sandwiches, plus Chicken Fried Steak, fresh Angus burgers, and Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas. When is the last time you had really good Egg Salad or Chicken Salad??? Open 7 days a week 7:00 – 2:00. BARRETT’S BARLEYCORN. 4322 Leavenworth, 558-5520. A neighborhood place with burgers, phillies and other sandwiches. Daily specials and a sports bar ambience. BENE PIZZA AND PASTA. 12301 West Maple Road. 4980700. Open seven days a week. Retro pizza spot with ‘70s look – sandwiches, too. BIG FRED’S PIZZA GARDEN. 119th and Pacific streets. 3334414. Open seven days. Hugely popular pizza joint that attracts crowds all the time, especially on weekends. Sports bar atmosphere with lots of noise. BILLY FROGGS. 1120 Howard St. in the Old Market. 3414427. 8724 Dodge St. (397-5719; 84th and Giles. Open Seven days. The original on Howard Street has a very nice tree-shaded outdoor dining area and all three pull in a younger crowd for burgers, hot dogs, pub fare and a broad selection of domestic and imported beers. Good hang-out spots. BOB MONKEY’S NOODLE ZOO. 4950 Dodge Street. 932-9971. Offbeat lunch place with soups, salads and sandwiches. BRAZEN HEAD IRISH PUB. 319 N. 78th St., just off West Dodge. 393-3731. Seven days. Irish pub, close to the real thing (the owners imported some parts of it from Ireland). Mixes Irish/English fare with American pub favorites. Huge beer list. BREWBURGERS. 4629 S. 108th St. 614-7644. Lots of TVs – lives up to its name.

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dining nibbles BUFFALO WILD WINGS. 48th and L streets (734-8088); 76th and Dodge streets (343-9464); 10525 S. 15th St. (9919464); 146th Street and West Maple Road (492-9464); 4287 S. 144th St. (861-9464). Popular wing spot with lots of beer. CAFFEINE DREAMS. 4524 Farnam St. 932-2803. Multi-level outdoor seating, under the trees, is a dream here, in this ‘60s kind of coffee house. Great brew plus pastries, sandwiches, granola, smoothies and the like. THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY. 10120 California St. at Westroads. 393-1166. Seven days. Enormous chain restaurant done up in exotic architecture and interiors that resemble a British officers’ club in Egypt in the 19th century. Big operation with a huge menu: glamburgers, white chicken chili, Asian fare, fish ‘n chips, all kinds of sandwiches, soups, salads; imaginative items mixing culinary styles – crabcake sandwich, Cuban sandwich, stuffed mushrooms, pizza, fried zucchini, mini corndogs, steaks, beef ribs, pork chops, salmon, tuna, shrimp scampi and, of course, lots of different cheesecakes. It would take months to work your way through this menu. Good family spot. CHEESEBURGER IN PARADISE. 168th and West Dodge Road (Village Pointe). 289-4210. Outrageous Caribbean/island décor frames a restaurant with all kinds of exotic burgers and sweet-flavored specialties and tropical drinks. DOC & EDDIE’S BBQ. 168th and Harrison (on west side of 168th, a block north of Harrison). 895-7427. Bare bones spot where the food is everything. Established

by Dr. Jeffrey DeMare, a pediatric physician, and his late partner, Eddie Vacek. Tasty, slow-cooked meats – does a lot of take-out via drive-through. DON CARMELO’S. 2647 S. 159th Plaza (333-5256) In Rockbrook at 108th and Center Streets (933-3190); 3113 N. 120th St. (333-5256); 1024 N. 204th Ave (289-9800) New York-style pizzerias offering pizza, calzones and similar fare. THE DUNDEE DELL. 5007 Underwood Ave. 553-9501. Seven days. Dundee classic known for its fish and chips, hot sandwiches and burgers. A neighborhood spot with a big following (especially at lunch), its bar has well over 100 imported beers plus some superb Scotch offerings. FAMOUS DAVE’S. Several Omaha metro locations, including a new one at Eagle Run on West Maple Road. This chain BBQ spot has good basic BBQ fare, plus lots of sides, generous portions, nice atmosphere and good service. FIREWATER GRILLE. 7007 Grover Street, in the Comfort Inn. 452-FIRE (3473). Live music and offbeat island cuisine in this Hawaiian-themed bar/restaurant attached to a motel. FUDDRUCKERS. 7059 Dodge St., 556-0504. 16920 Wright Plaza #118, 932-7790. Fuddruckers boasts the “World’s Greatest Hamburgers,” and they have a big variety of them. Good spot for kids. GOLDBERG’S GRILL & BAR. 2936 S. 132nd St., 333-1086 and

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GOLDBERG’S IN DUNDEE, 5008 Dodge St., 5562006. Especially popular at lunch with sandwiches, soups, burgers, salads. HARKERT’S BBQ. 4865 Center St., 554-0102. Old time and small BBQ spot favored by insiders. Hickor-smoked meats and sides. Does a lot of take-out. JAMS. 7814 Dodge St. 399-8300. Closed Sunday. One of Omaha’s best restaurants and one of the most popular. Mark Hoch’s long room with a bar is still a cool place, with an eclectic, inventive menu that changes often but always offers a two-tier selection ranging from inexpensive burgers, sandwiches and meatloaf to very original, often Southwest-inspired entrees. Great bar is a watering hole for thirtyish and fortyish singles. Not easy to get a table on weekend nights, but worth the wait. JAZZ: A LOUISIANA KITCHEN. 1421 Farnam St. 342-3662. Now that Butsy Ledoux’s is closed there aren’t many Louisiana-style places around here, but Jazz offers a version of Cajun and Creole fare that resembles a place you might stumble into just off Bourbon Street. JOE TESS’ PLACE. 5424 S. 24th St. 731-7278. Closed Monday. Oldtime neighborhood place famous for fish, fish, fish (trout, walleye, tilapia) and all fresh, plus shrimp, oysters – many fried items, with the catfish renowned, but they do steaks, chicken and other entrées on their huge menu. Chicken and fish sandwiches galore, plus seafood stews and chowders. Lots of sides, kids’ menu. The “famous fish” is served on rye bread for $6.50. Pitchers of beer, cream cheese cakes. Big Friday night crowds. Prices are low, but cash preferred. Live fish market, lots of carryout business. KING KONG. 4409 Dodge St., 553-3326. 5250 S. 72nd St., 932-6420. 3362 S. 13th St., 934-8988. Don’t let the name fool you – this is basically a Greek restaurant, with

excellent gyro’s, but they do burgers and phillie sandwiches and lots more. LA BUVETTE WINE BAR AND DELI. 511 S. 11th St. in the Old Market. 344-8627. Open seven days. Despite the limited offerings, La Buvette is one of the city’s better restaurants. Technically (in France) a bistro is a wine shop that also offers food – that’s La Buvette. It is crammed with bottles of wine and you can have a terrific dinner consisting of only wine, fine cheeses and baguette French bread – and that’s the truth. But they do have appetizers and entrees, too: foi gras, pate’, mussels, salmon, chicken, lamb shanks, veal cheeks and other bistro fare. French doors open to make the whole place a sidewalk café. La Mesa, 156th and Q streets; 110th and Maple streets; 84th and Tara Plaza; Hwy 370 & Fort Crook Rd, Bellevue, and Council Bluffs (Lake Manawa Exit). Voted as Omaha’s best Mexican restaurant 8 times times in a row., La Mesa offers free chips and salsa, great portions and a fun atmosphere. The menu is broad, with everything from classics, such as burritos, fajitas, enchiladas, tacos, tamales and tostadas. Specialties include Chilaquiles Mexicanos, the El Magnifico, Chicken Chipolte Salad and El Patron (shrimp). La Mesa offers over 100 tequilas, the largest selection in the area! LANSKY’S PIZZA, Pasta and Philly, 4601 S. 50th St., 7311919; 3909 Twin Creek Dr., Bellevue, 502-0555; 1131 N. Broadway, Council Bluffs, (712) 329-5400. Philly steak sandwiches and pizza – they dominate here. LE PEEP, 2012 N. 117th Ave. 991-8222; (other locations in Pepperwood Village at 156th and West Dodge, and at 177th and West Center Road). Aneel and Hope Taj oversee three locations where everything is fresh and the huge pancakes rival those at the Market Basket (ask for pecans and bananas in yours); eggs Benedict and other egg creations are ambrosial, bacon and sau-

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dining nibbles sages lean and substantial, huge list of omelets, but also lunch items, too, as they are open until 2 p.m. Great table service and high quality food. LISA’S RADIAL CAFÈ. 817 N. 40th St. 551-2176. Open seven days for breakfast, Friday only for dinner. Lisa Schembri and family run a very special place here – a neighborhood breakfast spot that brings a touch of California to Omaha (Lisa did culinary studies there). In a very old building they offer one hundred different kinds of French toast, elegant egg dishes, every kind of pancake, a vast number of omelets, Farmer Brothers coffee and downhome cooking on Friday nights. THE MARKET BASKET. 87th and Pacific streets in the Countryside Village Shopping Center. 397-1100. Breakfast and lunch seven days; no dinner on Monday. One of Omaha’s little wonder restaurants, long a favorite with the carriage trade, especially for breakfast and lunch. Liz Liakos’ place is also a bakery, with two dining rooms and she has waxed on the breakfast lunch business while also endeavoring to build up the dinner business with a succession of top notch chefs. Coffees and teas here are wunderbar, as are the pancakes, quiches, French toast, egg dishes, potato dishes, muffins, pastries and everything breakfast. Liz has homemade ice cream, elegant luncheon sandwiches – some longtime favorites such as the Custer and the herb roast beef; marvelous salads, all kinds of sophisticated touches in soups, burgers, sides, desserts. Chef Justen Beller does a fusion Euro-American dinner menu at bargain prices. Great Sunday brunch, too. This restful, tasteful little place would be right at home in the Fine Dining section of this publication. MCKENNA’S BLUES, BOOZE AND BBQ. 7425 Pacific Street. 393-7427. Seven days. Opened almost twenty years ago with a Texas/Louisiana road house look and menu, McKenna’s has popular BBQ offerings that are less sweet and drippy than most (brisket, pulled chicken and pork, ribs), plus New Orleans gumbo, and great side dishes, including baked beans, a creamy red potato salad, Louisiana red beans and rice, melt-in-your-mouth cornbread and more. Good desserts, too. M’S PUB. 422 S. 11th St. in the Old Market. 342-2550. Seven days. With La Buvette, M’s is one of the Old Market’s top neighborhood restaurants and pubs – and one of the city’s better dining spots. The bar has been hugely popular since the place was opened in 1972 (it is now run by Ron Samuelson of Vivace, with Anne Mellen). Pub fair shares the menu with exciting dinner specials. The Iowa grilled pork sandwich is famous as is the Omaha grilled beef sandwich. The salad, appetizer and sandwich lists go on forever and the sophisticated evening fare includes ribeye, halibut, pastas, salmon, halibut, and duck breast, but the burger/sandwich/salads are available all day, too. This is a great place with wonderful ambience and tends to be jammed at lunch and dinner. MILLARD ROADHOUSE. 13325 Millard Ave. 891-9292. Seven days (brunch on Sunday, too, plus lunch buffet other days). Karen Menard’s family-style restaurant favors downhome cooking (broasted chicken, chicken-fried steaks, French dip and other hot sandwiches, roast beef Phillies, grilled cheese, liver and onions, prime rib, pork chops). Great for kids and reasonable on the pocket book. MIMI’S CAFE. 301 N. 175th Plaza, 289-9610. A wide array of appetizers, homemade soups, unique salads and seasonal features are waiting just for you at Mimi’s. Signature sandwiches and burgers include an excellent Meatloaf Ciabatta sandwich and a succulent patty melt. A fish market, great steaks and chops as

well. Don’t forget the espresso bar and wine menu. NEWMAN’S PASTA CAFE. 2559 S. 171st St., near West Center Road (Lakeside Plaza). 884-2420. Open seven days. Another “oodles of noodles” spot in the fastservice mode. In addition to lots of noodle dishes, you can get Thai lettuce wraps, fresh mozzarella drizzled with olive oil, Thai curry beef, chicken Florentine, spicy Thai peanut noodles and cranberry spinach salad with almonds. Pastas are Asian, Southwest, stroganoff, Japanese. Desserts include key lime pie, cotton candy and pastry tubes. NICOLA’S in the Market. 13th and Jackson streets in the Old Market. 345-8466. Lunch Monday-Friday; dinner Tuesday-Sunday. Italian meets Mediterranean at Nicola Nick’s Old Market trattoria where you can browse through a menu sporting authentic country Italian favorites: eggplant, cheeses, Italian sausage and ham ingredients, a wonderful lasagna Mediterranean, grilled chicken, stuffed pastas. But the star of the menu is ravioli in many tempting, delicious combinations. Sauces here are important and the long pasta menu will intrigue. Excellent little spot with bargain prices considering the care taken in preparation NOODLES & COMPANY. 203 S. 72nd St. 393-0586 and 16920 Wright Plaza, 330-1012. Open seven days. Like Newman’s, it’s an “oodles of noodles” spot in fast-service mode (no servers). There are at least a dozen noodle dishes, plus chicken/vegetable pot stickers in a mostly Asian style but with Wisconsin macaroni and cheese, too, and some Italian pastas. Flat Tire beer is available, but few desserts. OZONE. 7220 F St. 331-7575. Ozone offers hand-cut steaks, slow-cooked prime rib, baby back ribs, classic salads, Southwest-inspired appetizers, steak and pork tenderloin sandwiches, rosemary chicken, plus live entertainment. PETROW’S. 5914 Center St. 551-0552. Closed Sunday. Diner style restaurant in older Omaha neighborhood, Petrow’s is a legend. They offer soda fountain goodies (old-fashioned malts and sundaes), hot sandwiches: pork tenderloin, French dip; their own chili, liver and onions, chopped beef steak, onion rings, waffle fries, footlong hot dogs, reuben, smoked turkey melt, chicken fried steak, classic Nebraska burger; homemade pies, floats and freezes and lots more. Forget about calories here and dream your way back to the ‘60s, when it opened. PIZZA KING. 1101 N. Broadway, Council Bluffs, (712) 323-9228; Longtime family-run spot has T-bones, a filet mignon, a NY strip and a Rib Eye, plus Alaskan King Crab – and, of course, plenty of pizzas. Big place, reasonable prices. PIZZA SHOPPE. 6056 Maple St. 556-9090. The mission of the Pizza Shoppe Collective is to provide a unified vehicle of expression to artists and a positive atmosphere of performance within the community. The Collective will host a combination of local/national concerts, gallery shows, theater performances, dance, poetry, comedy, and ethnic cuisine in an effort to support the restoration of spirit within all art forms, so that we may encourage all to support each individual perspective of the human condition. And their pizza is pretty darn good, too! QUAKER STEAK & LUBE. 3320 Mid-America Drive, Council Bluffs. 322-0101. Quaker Steak & Lube markets itself as “America’s No. 1 motor sports family restaurant.” Buckets of chicken wings with nearly 20 different sauces – some tongue-tingling hot.

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dining nibbles RICK’S CAFÈ BOATYARD. 345 Riverfront Drive (6th Street). 345-4545. Open seven days. They keep changing the name – is it Rick’s Café Boatyard or Rick’s Boatyard Café? Either way, the huge place offers a view of the Missouri River and seats as many outside as inside. This is a place for drinks, the view and lots and lots of seafood: fresh, fried, every which way. Huge menu with something for everyone. RUBY TUESDAY. 10387 Pacific St. (One Pacific Place). Open seven days. 391-3702. Ruby’s is a chain survivor because of its ever-changing menus, attention to detail, good service, and an always good salad bar. The interior has been spiffed up a bit recently, but the menu remains eclectic and family-oriented. This is one of the city’s best chain restaurants. SAM & LOUIE’S NEW YORK PIZZERIA 6920 N 102nd Circle. 445-4244; 2416 Cuming St. 884-7773; 2062 N 117th Ave. 496-7900; 7641 Cass St. 390-2911; 1125 Jackson St. 884-5757; 541 N 155th Plaza 965-3858; 2062 N 17th Ave. 496-7900. 5352 S 72nd St., Ralston 505-9200; 14208 S St. 895-0811; 607 Pinnacle Dr, Papillion. 6140077. Open seven days. New York style pizza with hand-tossed crusts, plus a load of other items – salads, Stromboli, calzones, hoagies, burgers, sandwiches, lasagna and other pastas. SGT. PEFFERS. 1501 N. Saddle Creek Road. 558-7717. 13760 Millard Ave. 932-6211. Authentic, old world ingredients and techniques provide delicious traditional specialties and the unique. Sgt. Peffers offers call ahead take out service for the gourmet on the go, as well as home delivery and catering. Recipes are designed to

offer low sodium, low cholesterol and low sugar while providing complex carbohydrates and protein. SHUCKS FISH HOUSE & OYSTER BAR. 1218 S. 119th St (402827-4376), and also in the Shops of Legacy, SW corner of 168th & Center (402-763-1860, just north of Lifetime Fitness). Open 7 days a week. Have you ever been to a fish shack on the coast? You’ll like Shucks! Open 7 days a week. Shrimp or Oyster Po’ Boys, Fried Clam Strips, Shrimp, Walleye, Calamari and Oysters (all VERY lightly breaded). Plus Crab Cakes, Clam Chowder, Gumbo, Salads and Daily Fresh Fish Specials. Featuring a large variety of Oysters on the Half Shell, shucked right in front of you. Significant Happy Hour 2-6, every day. SPIRIT WORLD. 7517 Pacific St. 391-8680. Closed Sunday. By far the best deli in Omaha, Spirit World is a wonderful place to wander around in, loaded as it is with imported wine, cheeses and other food items. Much of the business is take-out but there is sit-down for the terrific deli salads, sliced meats, gourmet sandwiches, soups, hot specials, cheese plates, desserts and other goodies. A bit expensive (lots of the deli salads are $12/pound), it is worth it. STOKES. 646 N 114th St. and 12th and Howard streets, in the Old Market, 498-0804. A Southwestern restaurant known for imaginative mixing of styles, sauces, foods – always in an eclectic direction. Don’t expect pure mom and pop Mexican or predictable Tex-Mex. This place has a mind of its own – the enchiladas slathered with white and poblano sauces and the steak tacos are renowned. It is regularly recognized

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by Wine Spectator Magazine for wine offerings and service. Lots of exotic drinks and drink specials. Nice patio at the Old Market location. The original is in Miracle Hills.

do raspberry-glazed chicken breast, shrimp linguini, bacon-wrapped shrimp, braised lamb shank, and smoked gouda beer soup. A fun place for lunch, dinner or some food at the long bar.

SUMMER KITCHEN CAFÈ. 1203 Cornhusker Road, Bellevue, 291-4544. Three Omaha locations. Another Omaha restaurant-cum-bakery place for downhome family fare and lots of pies, cakes and pastries. Big on breakfast and lunch (many specials at lunchtime) and for dinner – again lots of specials (pot roast, hot turkey dinner, hot beef sandwiches, chicken specials, etc.). Great cakes, pies and breakfasts (all day).

WHEATFIELDS. One Pacific Place (1224 S. 103rd). 9551485. Open seven days. Ron Popp started with the Garden Café operation years ago and has continued the restaurant-cum bakery concept with his very popular Wheatfields, an attractive and popular spot in One Pacific Place. The garden room is cool and nestled in greenery and the main dining room is packed most of the time. There is a huge bakery off to one side. Breakfasts are big here with all the usual egg dishes, plus casseroles, waffles, French toast, pancakes, fruit dishes, quiche and lots more; lunches offer Midwestern sandwich favorites, plus entrees with a Mitteleuropa touch (a Swiss hotel salad, fondues, Swiss baked steak, spaetzle, Alsatian baked beef), plus a cornucopia of other dishes beyond counting (honey-baked chicken, eggplant Romero, a $10 fruit bowl, untold salads with 15 homemade dressings). Dinner has a Euro touch, too, with Dusseldorf and Black Forest casseroles, halibut Lyonnaise, Swiss steak, beef and noodles, but also steaks, seafood and BBQ ribs! How they do it all, I don’t know, but their basic stuff is very good, as are the cobbler desserts, pies and cakes. On top of all this, they have nightly specials.

TANNER’S BAR AND GRILL. 156th and West Maple Road. 884-5100. Open seven days. Big sports bar with burgers and pub food, it is famous for its “Blair wings,” a hotter version of the restaurant’s regular chicken wings. At Tanner’s they mix up five gallons of fresh salsa each day. Lots of happy hour and other drink specials TGI FRIDAY’S (3 locations). 3636 N. 156th St. 965-8443. 17535 Gold Plaza 330-8443. 10000 California St. 3902600. Eclectic chain restaurant that does good lunch business. Menu is all over the map: Mexican, Asian, American, Italian – potstickers to surf ‘n turf; fajitas to burgers; buffalo wings to BBQ ribs; Cobb salad to shrimp scampi; sirloin to honey mustard chicken sandwich; nachos to Cajun shrimp pasta. How can they do it all? Well, they try. Bar, reasonable prices. UPSTREAM BREWING COMPANY. 11th and Jackson streets in the Old Market (344-0200) and 171st and West Center. 778-1161. Open seven days. Big, friendly restaurants for family dining – the original in the Old Market is a gem, with perhaps the best bar in town. Locals own and run Upstream with meticulous attention to detail. The menus are fairly imaginative despite all the comfort foods: pot roast, meatloaf, halfpound burger, pork schnitzel, pizza. But they can also

ZIO’S PIZZERIA. 1213 Howard St. 344-2222. 7834 West Dodge Road 391-1881. 12997 West Center Road 3301444. Usha and Daniel Sherman founded the Zio’z chain in 1985 – an instant success. The thin-crust New York style pizzas, with hand-stretched, homemade dough, have a huge range of toppings, are transfat free and use natural chicken. Pastas are fresh, some vegetarian, and offer a vast range of sauces. Hot wings, calzones and hoagies are also available. Desserts are few but rich and tasty. These are exceptionally well run restaurants, eager to please.

bar briefs

Hey, bar owners, do you want your bar included here? Send a note to editor@shoutomaha.com The Lauter Tun Fine Ales and Spirits, 3309 Oak View Drive #102, 402-934-6999. thelautertun.com – You’ll find a large selection of craft and import beers on tap and in bottle, as well as craft spirits from around the country. Rather have a cocktail? The Lauter Tun’s cocktail list uses only fresh ingredients and well crafted spirits. Choose from one of their signature drinks, or go old-school with a classic. Check out the Lauter Tun’s weekly cocktail and beer specials. And there’s live jazz and acoustic music. Anchor Inn, 5413 S. 72nd St. 402-341-1313. anchorinnbar.com – One word: Watermelon! It’s the famous watermelon cocktail, at the Anchor Inn, still the best party in town. You’ll find all kinds of drink specials at the Anchor Inn to go along with a ton of food specials, including the all-you-can-eat fish fry (5-10 p.m.), which comes with fried and coleslaw ($8). Door 19, 1901 Leavenworth St., 402-933-3033 – Thursdays is “Singles Night” featuring drink specials. On Fridays, it’s karaoke. Firewater Grille, 7007 Grover St., 402-452-3473. firewatergrille.com – Located inside the Comfort Inn & Suites, the Firewater Grille has specials every night of the week – including “Monday Monday Madness,” with $2 off burgers and $7 domestic pitchers and 25-cent wings. Wednesday is “Ladies Night,” and Friday is “Luau Night.”

Bluffs. thelube.com – Mondays are kids eat free nights, with prizes and fun for the kids; Tuesdays are all you eat wings for $11.99; Wednesdays are bike night, with live music, a beer garden and any burger for $5.99; and Thursdays are classic car nights, with a DJ and her garden. La Mesa, 156th and Q streets; 110th Street and West Maple Road; Ft. Crook Road and Hwy 370, Bellevue; Lake Manawa Exit, Council Bluffs. la-mesa.com – Today, La Mesa serves over 10 locations in Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri and Kansas. In addition. expansion plans for more locations are in the works. The ingredients of success for La Mesa include a stable, strong employment team which recognizes performance through management advancement. In fact, many of La Mesa’s employees have over 10 years of service. It’s this consistency that is reflected in every meal La Mesa serves. La Mesa’s “authentic” taste is created from family recipes made with only the freshest quality ingredients. Each location is decorated to promote a fun, colorful atmosphere and create a unique customer experience. Finally, La Mesa’s prices make it an affordable value for the entire family to enjoy. La Mesa is committed to striving for excellence and is annually recognized as the “Best Mexican Restaurant” in many of its markets. Holiday Lounge, 7846 West Dodge Road, 402-391-4442. – Where tradition meets today, the Holiday Lounge is right in the middle of Omaha, and offers DirectTV, big screens and a fun atmosphere.

Spearmint Rhino Gentlemen’s Club, 2449 N. 13th St., Carter Lake, Completely renovated, the world-renowned Spearmint Rhino Gentlemen’s Club is now open. Look for a special deal on their ad in this week’s issue of Shout!

The Pipeline, 1300 S. 72nd St. – Hawaii’s own Pipeline beach is brought to the Omaha crowd with legendary college night and a fun bar atmosphere. The drinks are always cold and the scenery is sure to please the eyes, with burgers and Phillies cooked to order. Monday is half-priced wings! Specials every night of the week!

Quaker Steak & Lube, 3220 Mid America Drive, Council

Argus 109, Carlisle Hotel, 10909 M. St. – Wednesdays offer

Happy Hour all night, no cover and $1.50 wells and $1 draws. Thursdays is Ladies Night (ladies are free, fellas, $5). There’s also a “Hot Bikini Contest” on Thursdays! On Fridays everyone free until 11 p.m., $5 after. And Saturdays are “Club Night”! Maloney’s, 1830 N 72nd Street, Omaha, Ne Largest Irish Whiskey selection in Omaha, 35 to choose from! 10 beers on tap and large selection of import bottles and liquor. The place to be! Great Prices, Trivia on Tuesday’s, Awesome place to watch a game or just hang out. Glo Lounge, 3201 Farnam St., glomidtown.com - It’s dinner and a movie with accommodating style. Glo Lounge is new and it’s located right inside Midtown Crossing’s Cinedine Theatre. The perfect end to a first date, Glo “breaks the ice” for you with smooth drinks and a relaxing bar staff ready to meet your every need. Check them out online for additional drink and daily specials. Marylebone, 3710 Leavenworth St. – One of Omaha’s longtime popular bars is now serving lunch again, with daily specials worth checking out. The bar also has a great patio area for those who want to take their drinks outside. And for baseball fans, the Marylebone has your favorite team TV with their MLB package. Rock Bottom, 1101 Harney St., rockbottom.com – With an ideal Old Market patio that is always hopping, the Rock Bottom offers award-winning beers from across the country - all in one spot. The best part? You’ll never have to say, “I’ll take another please,” because you can pour it yourself. That’s right. Their party booths are equipped with a tap just for you and your friends. The Sydney, 5918 Maple St., thesydneybenson.com – One of Benson’s most popular bars, the Sydney offers great drink specials and the best in local live music. On Mondays, the Sydney offers $1 PBRs from open to close! And on Sundays, there’s free pool from open to close! Get outside and enjoy one of those on the patio! Rehab Lounge, 2615 S. 120th St., rehabomaha.com – A new lounge on the scene, Rehab offers themed nights, signature drinks,

comfortable seating, and exceptional customer service. North Shore Tavern, 102nd Maple St., northshoreomaha. com – Bike Night at the North Shore Tavern is back on Mondays, so bring your hog! With 16 beers on tap, foosball, darts, pool, it is a great hangout place. Especially if your are a fan of Major League Baseball. Catch all the action of MLB at North Shore. Gator O’Malley’s, 12143 W Center Road, gatoromalleys.com – Want a taste of the Down Under? Gator O’ Malley’s is the place for you. There’s a wide host of drink specials. They are open daily with late night kitchen specials and nightly entertainment options. Monday’s are “Micro Madness” with $1 off all micro beers; Thursday’s offers live blues music; and Fridays and Saturdays it’s the hottest bands live. La Buvette, 511 S. 11th St., labuvetteomaha.com – Another popular outdoor drinking spot for our Facebook friends, who recommended this Old Market staple. La Buvette is a retail wine shop, wine bar and deli with an emphasis on French wines. Club O/O Dining, 1015 Farnam St., odining.com – O Dining offers food on the downstairs and the upper area of the restaurant is reserved for lounging, that’s where Club O comes in. Every Friday and Saturday, get table service, celebrate birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties! Get an amazing view of the Gene Leahy Mall, too! Rose & Crown, 515 S. 20th St. – Our Facebook friends highly recommended the outdoor patio at Rose & Crown. We agree – it’s a classic, complete with a seaside vibe courtesy of fish nets and other coastal garb. Eat the Worm, 1213 Howard St. – Feel like getting crazy? Eat the Worm is the place for you! With a tequila list extending past 75 varieties, your group is bound to get a little naughty. Divided among three styles: blanco, reposado, and añejo, the wide range of flavors are sure to meet anyone’s palate. So whether you are tasting from the bottom of the shot glass or the naval of someone intriguing, Eat

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bar briefs the Worm is sure to facilitate bad behavior! ENERGY SYSTEMS OVATIONS, 1200 Douglas St. - Ovations is a laid-back destination for wine, drinks and appetizers located on the first floor of the Holland Performing Arts Center. The bar is a casual gathering place before and after performances, including Omaha Performing Arts’ and Omaha Symphony events. The Old Mattress Factory, 501 N. 13th St., themattomaha. com – Enjoy the new Happy Hour Specials at the Matt, which has an amazing outdoor drinking area! Every M-F from 3-6 PM and Sun-Thurs from 10PM-1AM...Happy Hour @ The Matt will make you happy! $4 Martinis, Well Cocktails and House Wine, $1 off all Tap Beers and $.75 off all Domestic Bottles. Phoenix Food & Spirits, 12015 Blondo St., phoenixfoodandspiritsomaha.com – Another popular choice for outdoor drinking from our Facebook friends. Live music, KENO, Golden Tee, Buck Hunter, Bowling, pool tables, dart boards, jukebox and the list keeps going! Food and drinks are plentiful as well! Sandwiches and burgers are served daily until 10 p.m. with endless daily drink specials to swallow it all down. Shuck’s Fish House Oyster Bar, 16901 Wright Plaza, 1218 S. 119th St., 19th and Leavenworth, absolutelyfresh.com – Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, Shuck’s is an ideal place to throw back and beer along with an oyster on the half shell from their broad selection. Louis Grill & Bar, 5702 N.W. Radial Highway, louisbar.com – Live goldfish races, washer tournaments and plenty of drink specials. Yes you heard right! Real entertainment comes in a new form at Louis’ Grill & Bar. With authentic Chicago dogs, the food here gives you a great taste of what you’ve been missing everywhere else. A Benson staple since 1934, Louis brings new experiences to the average bar goer. Barrett’s Barleycorn Pub & Grill, 4322 Leavenworth St., barrettsomaha.com – Watch the big game (or any game!) and enjoy their great selection of cocktails and beers. While you’re at it, they’ve also got a fantastic food menu, so you can make a night of it! Enjoy the great outdoors on their wonderful patio, or get right into the action on our great sand volleyball court. O’Connor’s Irish Pub, 1217 Howard St., oconnorspub.com – Established in 2003, O’Connor’s is a locally owned and operated authentic Irish pub that has been the headquarters of the St. Patrick’s Day parade and hundreds of other local events. They take pride in serving you the best Hibernian sustenance in downtown Omaha. Go on down pull up a chair and have a Guinness with Katie and the gang. Mister Toad, 10th and Howard streets, mrtoadspub.com – Since 1970, Mr. Toad has been one of the most popular Old Market bars, with arguably the most popular outdoor patio, which our Facebook friends pointed out to us in droves. Shamrock’s Pub & Grill, 5338 N. 103rd (Fort), shamrockspubandgrillomaha.com – Enjoy live music at Shamrock’s while taking in sweet drink deals during their Happy Hour Mon.-Fri. from noon to 7 p.m. There are also food specials like the “Bucket O’ Beer” and “Basket O’ Wings” for just $20 on Sundays and Mondays! Get lucky at Shamrock’s for your next night out! Papa Chris’ Chicago Originals, 7024 Maple St., papachris. com – Check out Gimme Mondays for free swag and prizes. Enter to win t-shirts, free food & drink, posters, & more. And there’s open mic Tuesdays, as well as Wednesday Game Night – FREE Wi-Fi, board games, galore, darts, beer pong, poker, and more! And Turnsday’s at Papa Chris’ – YOU get to be the DJ every Thursday night with Turnsday’s presented by Papa Chris’. Play your favorite tunes, dance to the music, vote for your favorites. Visit turntable.fm for more information. Big Red Restaurant & Sports Bar, bigredrestaurantandsportsbar.com – Don’t just watch your team win ... experience the thrill of victory at Big Red Restaurant & Sports Bar. With fresh food that is made to order, including humongous fresh, never-frozen half-

pound burgers, Big Red is taking the love of sports here in the heartland to new levels, giving you dozens of high-def TVs, daily drink and food specials and the thrill of live ball draw keno. Plus, at many locations you will find: Sand volleyball courts and leagues, outdoor, year-round eating areas, and 14-foot super screens. Sullivan’s Bar, 3926 Farnam St., sullivansbar.tripod.com – An Omaha icon since 1954, the neighborhood bar is famous for dollar pints on Mondays. Entertainment includes open mic night on Tuesdays, Karaoke every Thursday, DJ every Saturday, and frequently scheduled live bands. Tucked away in the heart of midtown, Sullivan’s atmosphere makes you feel right at home while enjoying a cold one. Zin Room, 316 S. 15th St., zinomaha.com - Located in the main level of the Hotel Deco, The Zin Room offers decadent food and sophisticated customer service. Eye capturing scenery from the wait staff to the decorative elements, Zin Room is the perfect place for an after work cocktail. Two stories, the vibrant new restaurant fits the needs of both the business man to the Indie sole searching for the newest hot spot in town! It’s comfort meets style and its now right here in the heart of downtown. Amerisports Bar, 2200 River Rd., Council Bluffs, ameristar. com – Contemplating where to catch the big game? Amerisports Casino & Bar is your place! Filled with 34 flat screen monitors, and one mammoth 167’ mega-screen, you are sure to catch every second of the action. Throughout the week, live entertainment pulls in a vibrant rock and roll crowd and with Amerisports extensive menu options, you’ve practically got a full night packed. In addition to everything to offer inside, Amerisports also provides free parking in the multi-story parking garage with a valet option available. The Penthouse Lounge, 84th & K St., 402-331-9851, penthouseloungeomaha.com – This cozy bar offers a variety of options to young professionals such as yourself. The Penthouse Lounge brings comfort and style to the Omaha metro region with new horizons and a variety of entertainment options. With Saturdays now housing Karaoke, Penthouse is a fun and relaxing venue to enjoy great drinks and good company! Burke’s Pub, 6117 Maple St. – One of Benson’s popular collection of bars, Burke’s offers spirits with an Irish flare. You’ll find a large selection of beer on tap, as well as a nice variety of micro brews. Feel like a game? Try Burke’s Golden Tee or Silver Strike Bowling or Keno while you’re throwing one back. In addition to all these options, Burke’s brings your “Happiest Hour” seven days a week! Bushwackers, 7401 Main St. jmmbushwackers.com – From live music to dance lessons to great food and drinks, Bushwacker’s is the place to be when you want to kick up your heels and throw a few back. There’s live music every weekend, free couples dance lessons on Wednesdays and Friday night line dancing! With the feel of the South in your very own town, Bushwacker’s is a creative change of pace for everyone! Caddy Shack, 2076 N. 117th Ave. caddyshackinc.com – It’s bar is about as legendary as the classic “Caddy Shack” the movie. But no worries, you don’t have to have a good golf swing to be warmly welcomed here. Caddy Shack offers a large open area for games and socializing. Their drink specials are sure to blow you out of the water too! Monday’s is “Bomb” night with the chance for you to order your favorite bomb shots at a measly $3! California Bar, 510 N. 33rd St., calibaromaha.com – Established in 1937, this little gem, hides behind its simple exterior. Targeted towards the college crowd, California Bar makes going out affordable on the student crowd. For everyone else, California Bar hosts Happy Hour Mon-Fri from 4-6 pm and Mondays are FREE Pool day! Candlelight, 5031 Grover St., thecandlelightlounge.com – The Candlelight Lounge is the self-described “official home of the 68 oz. Fishbowls and $1 Busch Lights.” Known for their School Daze Thursdays, the Candlelight has been serving up the specials for 19 years. With a huge dance floor, pool tables, darts and keno, the Candlelight has something for everyone.

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bar briefs

Crescent Moon, 3578 Farnam St., Omaha, beercornerusa. com – Ever searched for the “odds” of Omaha? “Das Boot”, Hurricanes on tap, Belgian and German beers and a late bite to eat? Yes, Crescent Moon has it all! The three-in-one bar has one of the easiest bar crawls in the Midwest; housing the Huber House, Crescent Moon, and Max & Joe’s. Tucked away in midtown, this hidden secret is a great gathering place for friends and definitely worth exploring!

Harrah’s Stir Live & Loud, 1 Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluffs. , harrahscouncilbluffs.com – In addition to being a token of Harrah’s Casino, Stir Live & Loud hosts a wide range of local and regional talent weekend nights . From Indie to Alternative Folk Rock, Stir is one of the area’s best live music venues during the summer. Take the short drive across the border and get ready for great drinks and good music. Homy Inn, 1510 N. Saddle Creek Rd. - Feel like being fancy? Homy Inn is infamous for their champagne on tap! This “small feel” bar offers big taste with their variety in bottled beer and eclectic crowd. In the heart of North Omaha, the Homy reaches out to its patrons with a wide range of fun activities to partake in while enjoying a cold one. Board games, peanuts, and fun music are the common threads that make this hidden secret something worth talking about. Hooters, 12405 W. Center Rd. & 2910 23rd Ave., Council Bluffs – You may only think of Hooters as a place for great wings, but it turns out this dining hall has the full package. With a combination of choices for sauces, Hooters is sure to please you in more ways than one! Drinks and a friendly wait staff are more than enough reason to stick around after a long day’s work. If it’s breaded or naked, the Omaha and Council Bluffs Hooter’s Staff are sure to strip you down and meet all of your dining and drinking needs! I Don’t Care, 3346 N. 108th St. 402-763-2800 – The first thought after a rough day at the office is usually where is the best place to forget your worries and enjoy a stiff one. Upon walking in, the warm hospitality of bar staff actually does care as they invite you to leave your baggage at the door. Awesome drink specials and a variety of gaming units such as Golden Tee, Pool and Darts let you stick it to the boss man and say, “I Don’t Care”. Come let loose and blow off some steam in this nice little getaway. BOGIE’S BAR & GRILL 3305 Old Maple Rd, Omaha, NE 68134 (402) 493-8000 Dance the night away on the weekends, Great food and if you need to crash there is a hotel right next door! $1 Pints on Thursday’s. STOLI’S LOUNGE 715 N 120th St, Omaha, NE 68154 (402) 614-2662 Newly remodled, under new ownership, check out their awesome gameroom. CHOO -CHOO BAR & GRILL 14240 U St, Omaha, NE 68137 (402) 895-6617 Hours: Mon - Thu11AM - 10:30 PM Fri - Sat11AM - 11PM Sun12:00 PM - 10:00 PM New Owner, Great lunch specials, Stop in and see Vicki during the day! Omaha’s Best Hot Wings, Cold Beer and Warm Friends!

TWIN PEAKS 17330 W Center Rd., Omaha, Nebraska 68130 (402) 333-8001 Hours Mon-Sun 11AM-12AM Hot Girls, Man food, Ice cold beer and all the sports you can handle, in a hearty lodge atmosphere. THE GOOD LIFE SPORTS BAR 1203 South 180th Street |Omaha, NE 68130 Hours 11AM - 2AM (402)933-2947 formerly known as the Drafthouse, under new ownership, featuring over 20 brand new flat screen TVs with the NFL, NHL and MLB ticket package good food, good times, good life! THE HIVE ROCK CLUB & GALLERY 1207 Harney Street, Omaha, Ne., 68102 Open Everyday 3:11PM-2AM Dance Party Weekends, Live Music, Craft drinks & Loccal Art 9TH STREET TAVERN & GRILL 902 Dodge St, Omaha, NE 68102 (402) 315-4301 Look no further than 9th Street Tavern and Grill with 27 TV’s for you to stay up to date on all of your sporting events. An upscale sports bar that delivers the finest service and excellent atmosphere. Drink inside or outside on the patio featuring a welcoming fire pit. Home of the Bierock! SAINTS PUB MIDTOWN CROSSING 120 S 31st Ave, Omaha, NE 68131 (402) 932-1911 An upscale sports bar located in the Midtown Crossing mixed-use development next to the Mutual of Omaha campus. Established in 2012, Saints Pub Midtown Crossing offers a full menu, over twenty flat screen televisions and a large outdoor patio. Saints Pub Midtown Crossing is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. until 2:00 a.m. JERRY’S BAR 6303 Military Ave, Omaha, NE 68104 (402) 5533343 Open daily noon to midnight. Jerry’s is a neighborhood bar with a retro vibe and friendly faces behind the counter. Great prices, unique beer selection and killer cocktails! Mom alway’s said “Nothng good happen’s after midnight!” OFFICE WEST LOUNGE 1266 S 119th Ct, Omaha, NE 68144 (402) 330-1122 A great place to meet up with coworkers after work or have a business meeting in our Jack Daniels room! COHEN & KELLY’S LOUNGE 13075 W Center Rd, Omaha, NE Stop in for a friendly visit and enjoy our drink specials and Happy Hour. CHROME LOUNGE 8552 Park Dr, Omaha, NE 68127 (402) 339-8660 Your place for refreshing beer, strong liquor, and great live music! LAVISTA KENO 7101 S 84th St, La Vista, NE 68128 (402) 5379090 LaVista Keno has been in business over 20 years providing Keno at the best rates in the state. With a great prices and great food and drinks from our in-house diner and bar, we provide a great atmosphere for any keno fan. We also accommodate smokers with our in-door ventilated smoking room. PERRY’S PLACE 9652 Mockingbird Dr, Omaha, NE 68127 (402) 592-3230 Hours Food is great, service is amazing and it has such a friendly appeal. Heated smoking area, patio, pool tables & more.

FOX AND HOUND 506 N. 120th Street (402)964-9074 Omaha’s best spot to watch Pay Per View events! Good food and a frienly atmosphere. 36 Beers on tap, ping pong, darts and more!

BREWSKY’S Several locations in Omaha, www.brewskys.com You’ll find great outdoor patios, and an extensive line up of sorts programming.

ARENA SPORTS BAR & GRILL 3809 N 90th St, Omaha, NE 68134 (402) 571-2310 Hours Mon-Sat 11:00AM-2:00AM Sun 11:30 AM-2:00AM Omaha’s best live music EVERY Friday & Saturday night with NO COVER CHARGE! Enjoy the Arena’s full bar selection and huge menu while playing KENO, pickle cards, pool, darts, shuffleboard, Golden Tee, Silver Strike Bowling, Buck Hunter, and Bartop Games.

WHISKEY TANGO 311 S. 15th Street, Omaha, Ne., 68102 (402)813-6944 Yee-haw! Get your two-step on in this upstairs country night club! Featuring LIVE country music, and dance parties on the weekends.

WILSON & WASHBURN 1407 Harney St, Omaha, NE 68102 (402) 991-6950 Featuring 24 craft & import beers on tap, a robust list of wines, scotch, and cordials, and a made from scratch kitchen, Wilson & Washburn lives up to its billing as a serious comfort station.

VARSITY SPORTS CAFE 9735 Q St, (402)339-7003, 14529 F St, (402)715-4333, 4900 Dodge St,(402)934-4989, NE Corner of 36th St & Hwy 370, (402)932-0303, Serving up the best pizza, coldest brews & sporting events at four locations near you. Hey, bar owners, do you want your bar included here? Send a note to editor@shoutomaha.com

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