Nightlife

As with Omaha’s shopping scene [1], much of the city’s nightlife is concentrated within the Old Market District [2]. And because most spots offer a casual environment, you can explore the city all day and still make plans for a nightcap without a wardrobe change.

If you’re in the mood to dance, head below to The Underground (1017 Howard St., 402/341-3547, 7 p.m.–1 a.m. daily), a three-room bar and dance club that welcomes area DJs in a cavernous environment complete with stone walls.

For something more laid-back—and less loud—try the Old Market Tavern (514 S. 10th St., 402/341-1091, 4 p.m.–1 a.m. Mon.–Sat., 6 p.m.–1 a.m. Sun.), which serves up a variety of cocktails and Kansas City’s Boulevard Beer [3] in no-fuss surroundings.

To perfect the art of the cocktail, Myth (1105 Howard St., 402/884-6985, www.mytholdmarket.com [4], 7 p.m.–1 a.m. Tues.–Wed., 5 p.m.–1 a.m. Thurs.–Sat.) awaits with a sophisticated lounge-style interior and a cocktail menu that just might make you drool. The 2009 sapphire dragon, a refreshing mix of muddled cucumber and watermelon, Bombay Sapphire Gin, and a splash of Simply Limeade, was a regional award-winner.

For a similar lounge-style atmosphere, the Sake Bombers Lounge (416 S. 12th St., 402/408-5566, www.bluesushisakegrill.com [5], 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Mon.–Thurs., 11 a.m.–midnight Fri.–Sat., noon–9 p.m. Sun.) awaits with an extensive sake menu, fish-bowl drinks, and plush seating prime for relaxing or people-watching.

Wine enthusiasts, make tracks to Urban Wine Company (1037 Jones St., 402/934-0005, www.urbanwinecompany.com [6], 3–11 p.m. Tues.–Wed., 3 p.m.–1 a.m. Thurs.–Fri., 11 a.m.–1 a.m. Sat., noon–9 p.m. Sun.), a wine bar that also serves flavorful small bites as well as meat and cheese flights, the perfect accompaniment to the Urban Wine Company’s more than 40 boutique wines served by the glass or 200 served by the bottle.