While on a business trip to Omaha, I needed a place where I could work for several days outside of…read moremy hotel. I truly couldn't believe my luck when I found The Reading Room. This place is a spectacular little world of wonder and adventure. Over the course of my trip, I got to experience so many different sides of it. I attended an event on a Friday night, enjoyed specialty drinks, and watched a Shakespeare performance. I had so much fun! During the weekdays, I took a few meetings there while enjoying matcha and snacks. On another day, I simply came in to relax and unwind. What I loved most is that The Reading Room somehow manages to be a place for everyone. It's somewhere to meet new friends, get some work done, have a quiet moment alone, or come out and have fun at an event. Kids, adults, cocktail lovers, tea drinkers, readers, remote workers. There's a little something for everyone. And Sam, the owner, is absolutely fantastic. I was spoiled with great conversation, genuine hospitality, and impeccable service throughout my visits. I came to Omaha looking for somewhere to work and left feeling like I had discovered one of the city's hidden gems. I couldn't ask for a better place to spend my time.

I came here for a poetry reading. It is a really great space for that, lots of comfortable seating…read moreoptions. Sound was good. They have a selection of unique cocktails. I chose "Marianna's Marvelous Old Fashioned" which was delicious and also strong. Staff was really nice, and I felt comfortable there. I plan to pay attention to events here and return - or I might even just come here to read sometime and try another delicious cocktail, or maybe a mocktail, next time.

The Trap Room is my go-to spot before any show at The Slowdown--convenient, chill, and consistently…read moresolid. The drinks are great and reasonably priced, with an awesome happy hour that makes it easy to start the night right. I'm obsessed with their hibiscus margarita (on tap!) and the French 75. Perfect little gem near downtown.

Trap Room is a total vibe. Walking in feels like stepping into your great aunt's swanky vintage…read morebasement -- complete with seasonal kitschy holiday decor, velvet paintings, and perfectly moody lighting that sets the tone just right. It's got charm, character, and zero pretension. The service is always friendly, but never fake -- no forced small talk or over-the-top energy, just genuinely cool people who seem to enjoy what they do. It makes the whole experience feel laid-back and easy, like you're part of the regular crowd even if it's your first time. The rotating cocktail menu always has something fun to try, but the real star of the show is their Bloody Mary -- absolutely legendary. Bold, flavorful, and consistently on point. They've also got a patio, which is a great spot to hang when the weather's decent. The location is super convenient, especially if you're heading to or from a show at the Slowdown. Whether you're just stopping in for a drink or planning to linger, Trap Room nails that cozy, quirky neighborhood bar energy.

What a very cool place!…read more Thoughtfully curated cocktails with a flair, make sure you know where you're trying to go when you come into the liquor store. Awesome vibes, very chill lounge. Service was super attentive and thoughtful, feel free to ask for a reading light if you can't quite see all of the menu details.

Ended up here on a random Friday we were in the area and decided to stop in to check out the…read morelocation. There was a little bit of a wait about 25 minutes before we could go in to be seated. The host was very friendly and answered all of my questions while we waited to be seated inside the bar area. Upon Entry the ambiance was dim lighting and very whimsical. For me the seats are very uncomfortable and low. I really didn't like that. No back support unless you sit on the side against the wall but you are really close to other customers. It's a pretty tight nit spot. Drinks are very pretty and many options to choose from. This would be a place to go to just for the experience not necessarily for the drinks.

I went on a Friday night to see some singer/songwriters perform. We walked in and everyone working…read morethere was friendly. It's dimly lit, which is fine because the focus is on the stage. I did not have a drink or anything to munch on. I'm not sure if food is available, but I saw plenty of people ordering drinks from the bar. The seating was comfortable and the sound system worked well. We had a good time there!

Walked in here on a Tuesday night and they had phenomenal karaoke going on...I mean, these people…read morewere GOOD. Usually I'll try my hand at a song or two, but I just sat back and listened to the true professionals. It's a bit small in here with a few bar seats, and some bar tops. There is a small room in the back with 1 bullshooter dart board. In the warmer months, there is a back patio with tables and lights. Otherwise, it's just a small corner bar with great karaoke!

It's the place to be in Omaha to connect with people who "get" me after a long stressful day…read moreworking in a corporate world to unwind.

From the owner: Great place and good atmosphere read more

I love the 60s/70s vibe! The drinks were great and we enjoyed the jazz band, no cover charge, which…read morewas a nice bonus. It had been a few years since I'd last visited, mostly because of the construction and parking hassles in Blackstone, but the new parking structure makes it so much easier now. It had actually been long enough that I didn't even realize they'd added on. I think it's only open on weekends, but it's a great addition to the space.

Another fabulous time here. Came in while bar hopping and it was packed! I love to see this place…read moregetting the love it deserves. We got some drinks, two classic espressos for two classy ladies. It was super fun to head to the back and enjoy live music. The vibes in the blackstone are much happier now with no constructions. Excited to come back for more.

Wanna go out with your girls? Revival House should be your first stop of the night. Interior - a…read morevibe! The bartenders - the friendliest! Good spot for a few laughs and drinks! Drink recommendation - green tea cocktail & mai tai!

Revival House was one of the most unique cocktail bars I visited in Des Moines! Hidden in downtown,…read morethis tiki-themed bar feels like you've stepped into a tropical oasis with bamboo accents, colorful lighting, and fun vintage-inspired décor. The cocktail menu is full of creative tropical drinks, and the atmosphere is what really makes this place stand out! It's cozy, immersive, and the perfect spot for a date night, catching up with friends, or starting an evening downtown. We went on a mini road trip to Des Moines from Kansas City and this was the first spot we visited! Every corner has its own personality, making it just as fun to look around as it is to sip your drink. If you're looking for a cocktail bar that's a little different from the norm, Revival House is definitely worth adding to your Des Moines itinerary.

My boyfriend and I stopped by Catalyst after dinner nearby since it's one of the spots on our…read moremartini passport! I had been before, but it was his first time, so I was excited for him to try it. You walk in through the hotel's main entrance and the bar is tucked away in the back, which makes it feel cozy and a little private. It wasn't very busy when we went. I think this spot would be great for a date night! The bartenders were amazing. They were incredibly friendly, explained the drinks, and checked in on us throughout the night. You can tell they really care about the experience of patrons. Our espresso martinis were great and we really enjoyed them! Every time I've visited, their cocktails have been consistently good, and I love that they offer a seasonal menu to switch things up. They also have a patio that looked like it would be so nice in the summer, but it was too cold for us to sit outside this time. We both loved the decor and overall aesthetic. It feels upscale without being too intimidating, Overall, such a great experience and definitely a place we'll keep coming back to!

A very chic bar with high end cocktails. The bartender curates amazing cocktails that all taste…read moreamazing and he really knows what he's doing

Inkwell is my favorite small, moody cocktail bar in Omaha. My friend and I discovered it because…read moreit's halfway between our houses, and it quickly became our go-to spot. The Old Fashioneds are some of the best I've had anywhere, and Aaron is one of the most talented mixologists in the city. In fact, Aaron is a big reason many people keep coming back. He's exceptional at what he does, and every drink reflects that level of skill. The espresso martinis are fantastic, but the "Not Espresso Martini" was an unexpected favorite that kept us coming back. One of the things I love most is that the menu changes seasonally, giving us a reason to come back and work our way through the new cocktails to find our latest favorite. The bartenders are knowledgeable, welcoming, and clearly passionate about their craft. The atmosphere is cozy, intimate, and full of character. There are actual typewriters throughout the space, which perfectly fits the literary theme and adds to the experience. As a fun touch, my friend always receives a book with her receipt and reads a random paragraph before we leave. It's those little details that make Inkwell feel like a hidden gem rather than just another bar. If you're looking for creative cocktails, talented bartenders, and a unique atmosphere, Inkwell is absolutely worth a visit. Such a vibe.

I've been to Inkwell Bar many times and it's been a reliable go-to for a while now. It's a small,…read moreintimate space--maybe seats around 30, with room for more if people are standing--so don't come expecting a big, loud bar. That's actually part of the appeal. Drinks are solid and consistently well made. Nothing gimmicky, just good cocktails done right. The ambiance is fair but comfortable, and the size makes it ideal if you're looking to have a real conversation with someone without yelling over music or crowds. Location is another plus. It's very convenient if you want a drink before or after a Westside game, or just need a low-key stop nearby. If you're after a cozy, intimate spot with good drinks and a relaxed vibe, Inkwell Bar delivers.