Most crowded straight bars have at least some hostile undertones about them at some point in the evening courtesy of natural selection and male competitive demonstration. It's part of the background noise of mundane forces at work to undermine quality adult entertainment everywhere like bad lighting, corn syrup and YA literature.
Then there are also gay bars like The Omaha Mining Company where that hostile background buzz evaporates like someone turned off the fluorescents at the office. Located on Leavenworth in the sweet spot between Douglas County Jail and urban blight, The Omaha Mining Company has been a home to the local gay community, in one form or another, since the late-60s. It was on the fringe and still is. Thankfully, it's a much safer fringe now than it once was because street parking gets tight on the weekends. Use a spotter or carpool because many of the spaces across Leavenworth are reserved for law enforcement.
Inside, The Mining Company has a fun, inclusive, working-class dive bar feel. Of course there is the humor one hopes to find at their friendly, all-inclusive, neighborhood: street signs that read as double entendres in their current context: Elevated manhole, 69th Street, Rainbow Boulevard. It's PFLAG-family friendly bar fun for all. If you've never been or just haven't been in awhile, it's worth checking out.
My first trip back to The Mining Company since 2013 was inspired by an invitation to a Youth Emergency Services charity event by Drew Dietz, president of Big O! Bears and featuring celebrity guest Mr. North American Bear 2017, A.J. Perdew. The place was packed with people and positive vibes. The staff was hustling and harried, but never rude. The clientele, many sporting harnesses, could not have no been more welcoming.
One of the best features of The Omaha Mining Company came about six years ago when a rear storage area was converted into a most impressive dance floor. Encompassing three stories and the width of the building, this beautiful, mirrored space is large enough to work as an entirely separate venue for shows.
Knowing people has its privileges. To wit, President Dietz gave me a tour of The Mineshaft, The Omaha Mining Company's basement sanctum. The Mineshaft is not for everyday use. It's a special events/party room just this side of a speakeasy. It resembles nothing so much as a 70s era rumpus room for swingers, perfect for gear night, club meeting, socials or just hanging with the fellas.
Besides the bears at the bar were beers on tap: Budweiser, Bud Light, Shock Top, Stella Artois, Stella Artois Cidre, Michelob Ultra, Goose Island IPA and Woodchuck. Pitchers are only $7.75. Bottles of Bud, Bud Light, Brunette Nut Brown and Summit Seasonal are $4. Corona, Modelo, Best Damn Root Beer, Oskar Blues Old Chubb, Heineken and Sam Adams are $4.75. Happy hours are Monday through Friday from 4 to 8 p.m.
Tuesdays and Thursdays free pool, Wednesday's karaoke is from 8 to 12. Second Saturdays are Gear Night and every 4th Saturday is Bear Bar in The Mineshaft. read more
