They have odd hours, only open a few nights a week, it's surprising to me that you can find them on Yelp, there were a number of people in town that thought it was a secret hideaway. It is small, there are no seats at the bar.
The drinks are craft cocktails and all of their beers were carefully selected. The bartenders know their craft well and don't mind sharing cocktail lore with you.
They have live music, all kinds... I might be tempted to call early and find out what..
Short answer, I had a good time, I would definitely go back.
Craft cocktails made by classy mixologists combined with local art and music... that's what makes up the contents of the Side Door, located in a section of Leavenworth most made famous by the adjacent gas station, which has been robbed multiple times that I'm aware of.
The building that houses the bar is a 2,000 SF windowless brick cube (but in a good way), that could easily be missed if you weren't looking for it. Not the best craft cocktails I've ever had, but they offer up some interesting options and differentiate themselves from many other local bars in that regard.
My biggest pet peeve is that on most visits here it's been standing room only - especially when bands are playing - which isn't really an appealing characteristic in a 'relaxed vibe' bar like Side Door.
Somewhat strangely we stopped in on St. Paddy's - who else but me could have suggested that? - and the place was totally empty. That just goes to show that Side Door is the antithesis of a typical party bar.
On any given Friday you'll find the place swarming with midtowners looking for something a little different, however you define that.
If you want to spend $8- $12 for a single cocktail and be judged by hipsters, this is the place for you!
I was impressed with the craft of the bartender, and how "knowledgeable" he was- aka: snobby. Â It was a very delicious drink, but probably not worth $11. Â
They also have live music, which was whining-noise in my opinion. Â Thank goodness for the nice outdoor patio.
Ok place, but if you are not into that "scene" it's not really the place for you.
The service was slow, but the drinks were well-made. The wine selection was tiny, but I found a decent merlot. Prices are high in comparison to most bars in Omaha, but I find them appropriate to the quality of the liquor/effort put into the drinks. The atmosphere is cozy, a bit cheesy (fake candle lamps, uh...). Very loungy. I like the outdoor terrasse most of all. Will probably be back.
Review Source:The Side Door Lounge is a Great, intimate little place on Leavenworth. The bartenders are very friendly and extraordinarily knowledgeable regarding the spirits they sell and their preparation. It's pretty difficult to truly impress me in that respect, but I was blown away by the depth of knowledge I was dealing with. I had my Hendricks martini with a twist and Tina the bartender completed it properly without coaching. She stirred my martini instead of shaking it. She told me "oh we stir all of our martinis here unless asked or if they are one of the flavored ones." Highly satisfactory indeed. The male bartender there, his name escapes me at the moment, introduced me to Chartreuse, A spirit that is truly the nectar of the gods. I will always be grateful for that suggestion. The Prices are a touch high but still well within the reasonable realm.
The bar itself has sort of an eclectic world theme with African and Latin American themed decorations together with various styled artwork on the walls. There are even some formula one auto racing art around. Â Music also was an eclectic mix of mellow world beat stuff. Lighting was soft and warm and overall provided a very cozy atmosphere. The outdoor patio also is pleasant. I was concerned about being bothered by some if the denizens of the area but had no reason to fear.
Overall, reasonably priced drinks, crafted by people who could almost be called artisans in a wonderful low-key and comfortable establishment. Truly worth a special visit.
This in an intimate room where you can gather with friends for a cocktail, a serious cocktail. The bar has a craft approach to their mixology - drinks take time to build, and they are not cheap. At Side Door, like at a nice restaurant, the daily special is the MOST expensive (and most delicious) item on the menu.
The wife and I tucked into the bar early on a Saturday to try a specialty Margarita we heard would be served on that night only. When we arrived, the room was quiet and cozy. Decor is eclectic, a mix of tribal masks and paintings by local artists. The lighting is gentle but not mysterious -- you can see the floor and identify people from across the narrow room. The room itself feels bigger than one expects from seeing the outside of the building.
Our drinks were well made and clever -- the bartender floated a foam of Grand Marnier on Margarita, my Sazerac was garnished with a knot of citrus peel -- and priced accordingly.
While we were among the few customers when we arrived, the bar filled quickly with a broad-based crowd. Some were there, no doubt, for the live music. Others seemed to be gathering with friends for conversation. The atmosphere remained pleasant and welcoming. We will definitely return.
A little gem of a bar on Leavenworth. From the outside you'd never guess it's a quirky, fun place inside. Interesting decor, retro-burlesque videos playing on the TV, bartenders whipping up some interesting and tasty cocktails. My Friday night visit was jam packed with customers of all ages and types - even a couple of creepy guys (not creepy like "I'm going to take advantage of you in the parking lot", but more like "I'm a middle age dude who wears my shirt unbuttoned down to my belly because I think revealing little glimpses of my nipple is sexy" creepy). In their defense, my girlfriend and I had a great laugh.
Girls, two single bathroom stalls, so go with the whole "Men is French for unisex" and you'll be fine. Also, street parking is kinda suck in the winter with the snow, so wear your puffy coat. You won't find $1.50 Miller Lites here, so if that's your speed, go elsewhere.
A friend and I stopped by on a Monday, not knowing that they were closed. They happened to be having a little get together though and let us stay for a few drinks. They have some really tasty options and the bartender was really nice and knowledgeable. I really liked the layout as well and they have a patio (when it's not freezing out!). I'll definitely be going back often.
Review Source:The Side Door Lounge is an excellent new addition to Midtown dwellers young and old. I'm so happy to have such a wonderful and unique place to go to and hang out in my neighborhood.
The staff is friendly and the drinks are premium and yet not ever priced. The atmosphere is eclectic but very warm and inviting. Oh, and you can also order food from Mother India on select nights!
Side Door Lounge is on Leavenworth just down the street from Mother India. Â The owner, Steve Jamrozy also owns the Flatiron.
I had been anticipating the opening of Side Door Lounge for quite a while.  Before the place had even opened  I had predicted that would become my new favorite hangout.  I had such high hopes for Side Door that I was kinda worried I had set myself up for disappointment. Â
That being said...the Side Door Lounge is everything I had hoped it would be and more. Â It is such a wonderful addition to midtown.
Nice atmosphere, great drinks, friendly service, and to top it all off...you can order food from Mother India and they will deliver it to you!
(When you go, be sure to check out the basement  too.)
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