If you're not opposed to a quick jaunt south on Highway 75, not far from Offutt AFB lies the quiet, little hamlet of Plattsmouth. The old main drag is pedestrian-friendly. The shops on Main Street have a time-gone-by vibe thanks to the 150-year-old buildings housing them. There is the occasional influence of youth culture, tattoos and face piercings peering out from behind the coffee shop and thrift store register. The parking is plentiful, spacious, free and diagonal the way the Founders intended. Holiday decorations are still a priority here. Unfamiliar faces are not uncommon and the welcome signs outside truly reflect what's going on inside.
One will quickly note that a good deal of traffic comes from the surrounding five counties to park in front of the eclectic mix of businesses and attractions. Sisters Cafe features some of the best Thai food in Cass County (German is unfortunately off the menu these days). There is also Two Gypsies Quaint Goods and Reading Room, Herban Coffee Lab, River House Soda Fountain and The Museum of Shadows for students of the paranormal and other looky-loos.
In the center of all of this is DC's Waterhole Bar which has been owned by the same family for 35 years, according to Kelly Kindelin, the bar's day manager. Kindelin opens his doors at 5:30 a.m. for his coffee crowd and said the bar is your typical small town locals bar. Many patrons trek to and from Omaha daily and bring their friends from the big city. DC's is certainly in that "drink like your grandad" category. It's small enough to be cozy, and big enough for a party or two. It's friendly but not intrusively so, inexpensive but not cheaply done, historic but not falling down.
I discovered this out-of-the-way watering hole while antiquing in the area with my better half. We expected to be in and out of Plattsmouth in short order, but shopping is hungry work. Shopping led to dinner across from DC'S and since everything else was going so well, we thought we could risk a townie bar. The friendliness was contagious and the pints were all $2.25 or less. A birthday potluck was quietly raging and we were even invited to grab a plate by the celebrants. Gold had been struck.
DC's has two happy hours daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday with an additional 50 cents off every drink. Thursdays at 9 p.m. is karaoke night, Saturdays are for football and food by the bar, but patrons are always welcome to bring a dish for the crowd as well.
On tap, DC's has Budweiser, Bud Light, Miller Light, Samuel Adams and Brickhouse Red Ale on rotating, seasonal tap. The 12-ounce draws are are $1.75, domestic pints and frosty mugs are $2, $2.25 for Samuel Adams and seasonals. When there's not a potluck going on, bar food includes frozen pizzas and enchiladas.
February 24 will mark the bar's Tenth Annual Soup Cookout, a friendly competition to determine whose homemade soup wins over the crowd. No entry fee. The winner receives the Golden Ladle for best soup. The odds on favorite is this correspondent's French Onion.
Make the drive and check it out. I know I'll be back. read more
