The Most Scrumptious Music Venues in Omaha

Steelhouse Omaha

★★★★☆ 4.2 (26)

"Great venue. Came here to see Trey Kennedy on his comedy tour. Didn't try any food.Service was fast and easy.Ambiance is super nice with seating that is kinda tight. I was pleasantly surprised how many people can occupy. Sounds system and lights inside are great. All and all great show and great venue. Highly recommend."

Omaha Performing Arts

★★★★☆ 4.2 (55) • $$

"I've been to the Orphuem Theater a few times for:-Beauty and the Beast - Broadway-The Lion King - Broadway-Blue October Acoustic Concert-Wicked - BroadwayThe decor is very nice with huge chandeliers above as you walk into the main lobby.I went and saw Wicked this past weekend and the show was great. But if you sit on the second floor balcony, (Loge), you may not be able to see the top of the stage. My wife and I sat in center Loge, first row and we were unable to see the dragon at the top of the stage. If there was something actually going on at the top of the stage and we weren't able to see it, ($90 a ticket), I would have asked to be seated somewhere else.Overall, the experience at the Orpheum is always great. The decor is really neat to see and the service is always pleasant and easy to deal with."

Mezzo

★★★★★ 5 (1)

"In Malvern's only bar, I did not expect to find the goodness that is inside. A comfortable bar with a GREAT whiskey selection. They do frequent whiskey or cocktail tasting events. And, every night, they have a well-priced whiskey flight. Choose 4 whiskeys from their 4 tiers (1 from each tier) and you get a nice pour from each. There were some staples, like Eagle Rare and Angel's Envy, along with several I'd never had. Their beer selection on draft was interesting, and I got to try my first Keg Creek pour from down the road in Glenwood. A pleasant experience with quite a few locals."

The Lodge at Wilderness Ridge

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (86) • $$

"Delicious food and a nice date or family meal spot. Dinner was fantastic the other night! We started with fried cheese balls with marinara sauce which were great. I had a steak with delicious homemade waffle fries and my friend had the halibut chef's catch of the day with saffron rice and artichoke hearts. We also got the prosciutto Mac n cheese which was our favorite part of the meal. Then we actually managed to make room for dessert and I tried the pumpkin roll with candied pecans which was heavenly. They enjoyed their slice of warm cherry pie as well. It was strange that the dining room was empty except us. I really like the wood hunting lodge feel. I'd definitely go back soon! #ThankYouThursday"

Jazz on The Green

★★★★★ 4.5 (6) • $

"It's always a lovely time at the park to enjoy the sights and sounds of Omaha during Jazz On The Green. If you want a good spot, get there early to claim some prime space. Otherwise plan on being cramped in the back or on the side with a not ideal view of the stage (still, if you're far away from the stage you can hear the music and have a conversations with your buds, which is nice).If you walk through the crowd, some people take JotG seriously. You'll see several blankets covering an area. On top, you'll find the people relaxing in their fancy camping chairs, sipping on wine and enjoying a fine tray of charcuterie that's beautifully laid out atop a chic mini table. Wow. I need to be friends with these people so I can join in on the fun. All I had was a borrowed folding chair and a mini cooler full of a couple Tecates and some Johnny Walker (got to keep it classy, folks).With so much to choose from at Midtown Crossing, you can have a meal beforehand at one of the many quality restaurants, enjoy the show and have a nightcap afterwards -- all without having to leave the area.Plus the show is free. Can't beat that. Jazz On The Green is just one more reason why Omaha is such a great place to live."

O'leaver's Pub

★★★★☆ 3.8 (41) • $

"O'leaver's is the kind of place you just have to go experience for yourself to understand what everyone is raving about. (& I recommend that you do just that.)The interior is kind of small, especially if it's a really busy night, but it feels less like a crowded dive bar & more like an intimate Omaha scene where (for the most part) everyone's just happy to be. The beer garden out back is definitely my favorite aspect of the bar/venue. If the weather is nice & the crowd size is large enough, they have a full bar outside that they'll stick a bartender behind. This is especially nice if the crowd inside is too thick to easily order a drink. The "garden" has an enormous sitting & lounging area all beneath draped soft-white lights & enclosed on all sides, creating the illusion that you're secluded from the bustling side streets & the noise of the city. They also have an impressive list of bands that have played on their small but efficient stage."

The Railyard

★★★★☆ 4.3 (12) • $$

"The Railyard is comprised of a two story squarish building with a hollow center. This center courtyard can hold events such as concerts, big screen movies, sporting events on the big screen, and a beer garden. The building part of the Railyard are restaurants and bars on two levels. It's part of the newer expansion of the Haymarket, so it's new looking and modern-not divey in the least. If you want to catch some free events or watch a big game with comradeship I suggest this venue. We watched the 2015 Women's World Cup where the USA team won, and it was a pretty awesome atmosphere to be in, celebrating with our fellow fans."

Junction Nightclub and Shot Bar

★★☆☆☆ 2.3 (3)

"Junction is simply raw fun. It's a Lincoln favorite for electronic dance music that hosts a variety of national DJ in rotation, with new and established acts from cities like NYC and LA flying in to show their stuff. Their house DJ and booking team know exactly who their audience are and how to get them dancing.It's a very clean club, with a wide open dance floor, and excellent variety of drinks (they specialize in shots - shots shots shots shots). I go there on Friday and Saturday nights and recommend getting there early on Saturday as there will be a line (it moves fast though). The crowd is a very friendly and energized diverse mix of local and international students in their twenties, as well as tourists and folks visiting Lincoln for the weekend.It is one of the BEST run clubs of its size that I've been to particularly because of how safe it is. The security are very friendly and down to earth, but also are laser focused on making sure everyone has a good time without any issues. From what I've noticed, for women, this is one of the safest venues in Lincoln. It's amazing for events - birthdays and celebrations - I hosted my birthday here with a group of 8 guys and girls and had a blast.For those of you specifically reading this to find this out - YES, there's room to dance in this club and people do get down. Whether you've been dancing for years or are just starting out, Junction is very much the place to have fun with other dancers. Expect to see spontaneous dance circles break out - so much fun!Whether you know the moves (or not) to Drake or Taylor Swift or Cardi B or The Weeknd's latest - or a Britney or Adam Levine classic - you'll have fun at Junction. If you want to have a chill night with friends, crave to get crazy and hyped up by the crowd but need to a drink or three to get started, or are already a dance machine out there that can't stop, won't stop, addicted to the music (hi, Alex!), there's something there for you at Junction. Highly recommended!"

Pageturners Lounge

★★★★☆ 3.9 (51) • $$

"Cool neighborhood watering hole in Dundee. As the name suggests, it pays tribute to some great writers- portraits of Mark Twain and other fantastic writers are splattered on the walls. Dimly lit and full of energy, this bar is a classy kind of dive. It's got all the dive feels with some classy traditional furniture and decor. The music here is loud! Either live or stereo- the beat here is quick to awaken the 'night out' spirit within you. Expect a hoarse voice the next day if you plan to converse with friends for a few hours here. Drinks here dabble in both fancier and basic items. We did a titos martini last time and each was $9.5. I've also come for their well known $5 shot/beer special. Friendly staff and always busy. A place to meet locals!"

The BAY

★★★★★ 4.6 (17) • $

"A great study spot--lots of outlets and great coffee.They deserve MAJOR props for making this great place accessible and handicap-friendly!"

Cellar44

★★★★☆ 4.3 (24)

"For a friendly and comfortable atmosphere and, of course, a great glass of wine or one of my favorites, an espresso martini, check out Cellar 44. Every time I am there, McKenzie, the bartender, provides attentive and outstanding service, making my experience great. The owners are pretty fabulous too!"

Beach House Bar & Grill

★★★★☆ 4 (1)

"It's large lot of self serving at bar plus a lady! I went for a specific band daddy Mac and the Flak! They were great 70-80's their 60 plus so was crowd it was a very nice event! Pick a night or two when your type music is playing you won't be disappointed!! Drinks a little high!"

Bushwackers Dance Hall & Saloon

★★★☆☆ 2.9 (34) • $$

"We enjoyed the outdoor Granary area that was celebrating BBQ, Bourbon & Beer with live music on stage. They had a lot of vendors selling BBQ that was really a big hit! Everyone wanted some, along with the bourbon sampling! This made for a fun fall evening outdoors with good food, good drinks and dancing.Inside Bushwhackers was open, serving drinks and offering line dancing.It would be nice to have a few other events during the spring & summer months."

The Astro Theater & Amphitheater

★★★★☆ 3.6 (11)

"Top notch! Elegant,.gorgeous table setting..great upscale vibe, amazing..open bar for beer and wine.. table settings absolutely stunning! Staff and vey attentive..very nice venue ..what an elegant experience! The dinner settings were elegant, dinner and dessert were spectacular. Music was beautiful. Our table of ten was enjoying the time together, chatting, drinking (responsibly) and eating. Garage parking, coat check counter, and a couple an open bars set up. It seemed like we were temporarily in another planet...I didn't want to leave The location was perfectly set in the middle of lots of hot spots to try out...while half our party did venture out..we headed for home before our car turned to a pumpkin.. unforgettable experience"

Slowdown

★★★★☆ 4 (93) • $$

"Super neat venue downtown. I've been for concerts, events, and new years eve. I love this multi level venue. There is ample space for viewing or enjoying the night. The bar is huge and service has been consistently fast. Love the parking situation, with a small lot in the back and lots of street parking in front.They bring in great acts and it's a great place for community building."

Beer Can Alley

★★★☆☆ 2.9 (14)

"My favorite bar in Omaha, every time I come to Omaha I come here. There's 3 bars - an Irish pub, a typical club, and this country bar. The country bar has an amazing ambiance and friendly bartenders, good service. This place is always so much fun."

Bourbon Jack's Honkytonk Bar

★★★★☆ 4 (3) • $

"Service was great,! But the Bloody Mary i had was not! But if you love love music, this is your place to go."

East Of Omaha

★★★★☆ 4 (1)

"First time here from out of town ( bellevue, so like 45min outside of town ) and the place is pretty cool. very open and spacious and looks like they could really rock the place with some music with speakers all along the walls. I was onsite for a concert Southern Nights. The bartenders were quick and friendly and with a big crowd there was no funny business on my receipt! which is great since it was so busy. I didnt order and food but it looked like they did some pizzas onsite but not a full menu kinda place. There are some other concerts coming up i am looking forward to seeing!"

Bourbon Theater

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (31) • $$

"One of the better places in Lincoln to get a drink and/or catch a show. I've only been here a few times, but so far they've always been solid experiences. Just a few weeks ago some people and I went to a rave here in support of somebody's frat or something. No acid (at least that I could tell), but plenty of alcohol and neon, so 2 out of 3 ain't bad XDThere's two bars, one by the entrance and another one in the music venue further back. Their prices are comparable to most other places for beers and mixed drinks. I was having mostly tall boys of Miller Lite just to get drunk, but I also tried a gin and tonic that was mixed very smooth. I've heard their other cocktails are legit, so next time I'll have to try some and tell y'all how they are.Some decent concerts come through here, for Lincoln anyway. Mostly local or regional bands, from what I've seen mostly rock or rap or techno. The music hall itself is kinda small, but it'll fit probably 100 or so people standing and packed in."

Heartland Events Center

★★★☆☆ 3 (3)

"Really cool place where they held former indoor arena football, concerts, and basketball events like the Heartland Hoops Classic which was the reason for my stop here. Place holds 6,000, and it was up to capacity with courtside seats and suites as well. The arena is also set up with several concessions and a cool box office area. Plus a great LED message board and video boards as well. Was incredibly warm, the staff was friendly, and speaking personally- they had a great accommodation for media personnel and those who were there to either cover or broadcast the games."

Holland Performing Arts Center

★★★★☆ 4.4 (43) • $$

"Great experience! Concert hall is perfect view from any seat...(orchestra was GREAT!) social hour with food and drinks very well organized..lots of bars set up and many tables of food set up as well...it was nice and cozy ..temp was not too cold and not too warm..lots of leg room and comfy wide chairs with handicapped seating.great experience with Clint Black!"

Harney Street Tavern

★★★★☆ 4.3 (45) • $$

"I drank a Whiskey drink, I drank a Vodka drinkThey had a Lager drink, they have a Cider drinkBands sing the songs that remind you of the good timesBands sing the songs that remind you of the best timesAnd yes.......... I pissed the night away"

SumTur Ampitheater

★★★★☆ 4.3 (12) • $$

"For the past two years I have attended the Omaha Blues Ed final show here. And each year the band Dilemma has been the best. They have an extraordinarily talented drummer and he kind of carries the group.The sound is great. The show goes off on time. Best road crew that money can buy!And thanks to the Papio-Missouri NRD for purchasing the land for this venue and Walnut Creek. Special thanks to former director David D, Begley for standing firm on the second vote to buy the real estate. If Begley would have switched his vote, there would be no Walnut Creek or Sumtur today."

Country Drive Live

★★★★★ 5 (4)

"I attended a private concert here recently and was so impressed! I have never been to this golf course or area. I was so surprised to see such a huge venue connected!This is a covered open air structure with ample seating, I'd sat 100+ folks could gather here. There is a huge lifted stage and stereos. There is also a huge bar for serving food or drinks. The music was great, super loud, but that's how rock shows go. The service was inside the club house, and the ladies were quick and efficient."

Outlandia Music Festival

★★★★★ 4.5 (2)

"Holy smokes! What a great event. This is a small, chill festival with a great lineup in 2024. We were there for day 2 and were very impressed with the venue, including how they utilized the space to keep lines short. Not a lot of options for food venders but the variety was good. Especially loved the asian truck had appetizers for $5 so made for a reasonable priced snack. Kind of a bummer pizza was only available in VIP..We didn't camp, so can't speak yo that part of the event.A couple opportunities for improvement is the limited amount of information on the website and lack of hand washing station at the bathrooms (there was one at the food area but that was quite a walk). We weren't sure what would be allowed in, and since we took a ride-share in, didn't want to risk it. But chairs of all types/sizes and bags were allowed (we even saw people haul in with wagons and one group had a small pop up tent for their kids to get shade."

The Royal Grove

★☆☆☆☆ 1 (6)

"Friends were told to go to the bathroom outside, because toilets were flooded and the venue was unprepared. The venue staff was unkind from the second I walked in the door. I love this venue so I expected more!"

The Waiting Room

★★★★☆ 3.9 (88) • $$

"i've seen a few shows here, and it's a great! It was a rock show and while it wasn't sold out, it was super packed and the night was very enjoyable. I think the acoustics here were good, and theres really not a bad spot in the house. We didnt have to wait outside or anything but if needed, theres an overhang. The drinks were good, and served quickly. I started with a mixed drink and switched over to beer to be quicker. Love that types of artists that come here, as well as podcasts and comedy shows."

The Drinkery

★★★★☆ 3.6 (7) • $

"The Drinkery! Good ol' Dr. Jack's. I have been coming through the side doors here since coming back to Omaha. they have a DJ that will play almost anything you want to hear. They got rid of big buck hunter which is a stupid game anyways. They have pool tables and Giant Jenga.My favorite thing is the $1 mystery beer. It could be absolute shit, or it could be the last bit of a great keg. that's the fun!Minus a 1/2 star for the stripper pole, though."

Bodega's Alley

★★★☆☆ 3 (14) • $$

"What a fun place! I came to Bodega's Alley for the Nebraska Funk & Soul Alliance Benefit/Concert to see Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal. This was my first time at Bodega's, which I would describe as a bar/small music venue that is laid out in shotgun fashion (long and somewhat skinny from entrance to the back of the building).I was a little worried I was going to feel claustrophobic once people started pouring in for the show. However, there seemed to be plenty of personal space and seating options despite a pretty packed house. There are a few bar stools and very roomy booths, but there is also a lot of standing room. I believe there is also a backroom with some pool tables (I was a little drunk at the point I made it back there...so it is hard to remember) and the bathrooms. So if you want to get out of the crowd, you have a spot to go. I did not see if they had a back patio or outdoor space (I'll update if I find out).The stage is pretty small and located next to the entrance. The sound and lighting were pretty solid (though it was somewhat to hear Josh Hoyer talking at times). The beer options were decent in quality and price.This is not a fancy bar by any means, but I could totally see myself regularly coming here just to hang out and to catch a show. It's a nice local bar that has a lot of interesting shows. I think I f you like Zoo Bar, you'd like Bodega's Alley. They are great complements to each other, and make it easy and fun to go bar or show hopping."

Dog House Saloon

★★★★☆ 4 (9)

"Saturday night drinks on the way home from the Huskers win over the Ducks. Best late night watering hole around!"

Rococo Theatre

★★★☆☆ 2.6 (11) • $$

"I remember this venue as "The Stu," the old Stuart Theater that showed movies in my now way back in the day college days. Now it's all cleaned up, renovated and a gorgeous spot for the right act.The lower level where I was (sorry, I didn't make it up to the balcony) features alternating rows on a horizontal floor plan of tables and booths. The tables are on the side of the aisle closer to the stage with the booths behind them. There are truly no bad seats. I was towards the back and a bit on the side, but I was able to see the whole stage without any problems or having to strain.I do have a couple of small critiques and suggestions. As you walk into the venue, the bar is right in the middle of everything. Normally this is a good problem, but the hallway here is small and the crowd will back up causing problems if you're trying to enter the venue, walk up to the balcony or take the stairs down to the bathrooms (which are super nice bathrooms by the way.) I wish the venue would direct you to your seats and hire servers to come and gather drink orders. Yes, you will have some who just want to walk to the bar, but I think people will tip a server just as they tip a bartender and this could solve the congestion problem. I also wish the venue had a couple of ushers who could help direct people to their seats. When I walked in there weren't any and people were just randomly walking around lost. The ushers arrived later, but acted more like security and though polite weren't as helpful.Since I don't live in the area any more, I don't know how often I'll return to Rococo, but I will say if the right performer is scheduled, I won't hesitate to return."

Stir Cove

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (31) • $$

"Stir Cove is a gem hiding in Council Bluffs, IA!Yellowcard was a childhood favorite of mine and (*gasp*) when I saw they were set to headline a music festival to celebrate the 20th Anniversat of the Ocean Avenue album, I knew I had to go.I got VIP tickets for the Laurel Lounge, a good option if you aren't staying at the hotel and need to get out of the elements. (Re-entry is painless and well run at the entrance/exit.)The grounds were well kept, the stage and video board were nice. Staff was super knowledgeable and kind. Pricing seemed on par. There were many food and drink options. Parking is a non-issue.I'll be coming back!"

Project Project

★★★★★ 5 (1)

"The premier spot in Omaha for experimental/noise/sound art. The space is small but everyone there is great. There aren't chairs set up but someone will be happy to get one for you if you want. No need to feel shy to ask. Almost all shows are free of charge (donations accepted). Beer/wine/pop/sparkling water available at shows.Occasionally there will be a "Noise Brunch". With pancakes. Also: there is a Jack-o-lantern of earplugs. You might need them! Stay safe.All these amenities are free/donation accepted.This is also a visual art gallery. Be sure to stop by on Vinton Second Fridays. Support local. Omaha has a thriving experimental music scene. Check it out!"

Pinewood Bowl Theater

★★★★☆ 4 (22) • $$

"I went here for the first time to see Tenacious D last month and it was an awesome show. The venue was great.This venue was really cool. The amphitheater style is always appealing to me. I had front row tickets but wish it was a tad closer to the performers since the actual stage where they played was about 20 feet back.Parking itself was okay. I wasn't a fan of having to pay but I understand a lot of venues or like that; I'm just not used to it. After getting back to my car after the show and trying to leave was kind of a nightmare. I have no idea how they could improve that, but it needs to be looked at.This is a great place to see a concert and I recommend it!"

The Sydney

★★★★☆ 4.3 (27) • $

"The Sydney is a rad bar in Benson, with an awesome "mom" bartender as she called herself taking care of everyone! They have a great beer selection, cheap shots (2 dollar Sake shots) and its a cool bar to hang in! I played a show there last night and Adam who did sound did a killer job, and they even had a screen for my projector so I didn't have to bring in my own! Bathrooms were good, little outdoor back patio for smokers, and after the concert stopped it went into Karaoke and you know we had to stay around for a song or two of that! All in all great bar, great staff, and a fun night!"