The best bars & nightlife in Council Bluffs

31 bars & nightlife we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Nightlife · 31 places · showing the latest additions first

Scriptown Brewing Company is a classic beer driven microbrewery in the Blackstone District pouring crisp lagers, a clean Kölsch,…

3922 Farnam St (Omaha)

Scriptown Brewing Company is a classic beer driven microbrewery in the Blackstone District pouring crisp lagers, a clean Kölsch, malt-forward amber, cream ale, IPAs, and a Baltic porter that makes fall feel early. Weekly trivia keeps the taproom lively, and there’s always a no-nonsense pint waiting.

From the Omaha newsletter, September 13, 2026

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Pour Decisions brings curated in-home wine tastings led by Certified Specialist of Wine Meghan Russo, complete with glassware and prices…

4601 Catalyst Ct Ste 1142 (Omaha)

Pour Decisions brings curated in-home wine tastings led by Certified Specialist of Wine Meghan Russo, complete with glassware and prices lower than retail.

From the Council Bluffs newsletter, September 4, 2026

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Just across the river, Full Fledged Brewing Company, Council Bluffs’ first craft brewery, pours house-made beers that nail both classics…

40 Arena Way Ste 2

Just across the river, Full Fledged Brewing Company, Council Bluffs’ first craft brewery, pours house-made beers that nail both classics and creative twists.

From the Bellevue newsletter, August 26, 2026

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Brickway Brewery & Distillery is Omaha’s first brewery & distillery combo since Prohibition, pouring award-winning whiskies and beers right…

1116 Jackson St (Omaha)

Brickway Brewery & Distillery is Omaha’s first brewery & distillery combo since Prohibition, pouring award-winning whiskies and beers right in the Old Market. Foxy Sushi inside seals the deal, and private tours are great if you like your favorite spot with a little nerdy backstory.

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Mercury

Nightlife

Mercury is a contemporary mid-century cocktail lounge pouring award-winning drinks with crystal-clear, hand-carved Clinebell ice and an…

329 S 16th St #3 (Omaha)

Mercury is a contemporary mid-century cocktail lounge pouring award-winning drinks with crystal-clear, hand-carved Clinebell ice and an extensive wine list. Expect late-night snacks, sometimes 80s yacht rock, and regularly changing menus, perfect for a pre- or post-show stop across from the Orpheum.

From the Omaha newsletter, August 31, 2026

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Skip the usual and hop over the river for fresh, on-site pours at Big Grove Brewery & Taproom - Omaha, plus legit taproom eats like giant…

4601 Catalyst Ct (Omaha)

Skip the usual and hop over the river for fresh, on-site pours at Big Grove Brewery & Taproom - Omaha, plus legit taproom eats like giant pretzels with beer cheese, Reuben bao buns, and a dialed-in burger.

From the Omaha newsletter, August 28, 2026

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Upstream Brewing Company has been pouring brews and hearty pub plates since 1996, and they still nail that locals-first feel. Grab a table,…

514 S 11th St (Omaha)

Upstream Brewing Company has been pouring brews and hearty pub plates since 1996, and they still nail that locals-first feel. Grab a table, shoot some billiards between bites, and toast to fresh, fermenter-to-table flavors that make the quick hop from Bellevue totally worth it.

From the Omaha newsletter, August 17, 2026

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Dimly lit basement bar where jazz musicians play, and cocktails are served.

3802 Farnam St (Omaha)

Dimly lit basement bar where jazz musicians play, and cocktails are served.

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Zaska! Beer Co is a small craft brewery in Southeast Nebraska pouring familiar favorites and more adventurous varieties, with a taproom…

3548 Center St (Omaha)

Zaska! Beer Co is a small craft brewery in Southeast Nebraska pouring familiar favorites and more adventurous varieties, with a taproom built for hanging out. Expect beer, music, food trucks, and sports on TV...

From the Council Bluffs newsletter, September 7, 2026

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Barley's

Nightlife

Barley's pours 32 taps of local and craft favorites, from malty stouts to fresh hazy IPAs, and their chefs ditch the traditional bar fare…

114 W Broadway

Barley's pours 32 taps of local and craft favorites, from malty stouts to fresh hazy IPAs, and their chefs ditch the traditional bar fare for burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, and daily specials that actually hit. Stop in this week, or order takeout and make dinner effortless.

From the Council Bluffs newsletter, September 19, 2026

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Stella's Bar & Grill keeps it simple and stellar with hand-pressed patties on paper napkins, fresh-cut fries, and the kind of flavor locals…

106 Galvin Rd S (Bellevue)

Stella's Bar & Grill keeps it simple and stellar with hand-pressed patties on paper napkins, fresh-cut fries, and the kind of flavor locals claim as their own. Family-owned since 1936 and racking up “Best Burger” wins for years, it’s the spot when your craving means business.

From the Bellevue newsletter, September 3, 2026

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The Mile Away

Nightlife

Family-owned and proudly Council Bluffs, The Mile Away nails the comfort-food trifecta with juicy burgers, loaded phillys, and crave-worthy…

20270 Old Lincoln Hwy

Family-owned and proudly Council Bluffs, The Mile Away nails the comfort-food trifecta with juicy burgers, loaded phillys, and crave-worthy sandwiches, plus handcrafted drink specials.

From the Council Bluffs newsletter, August 25, 2026

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Whether you're craving a literary cocktail like Pride & Prosecco, a zero-proof To Chill a Mockingbird, or a charcuterie board starring…

1505 Farnam St (Omaha)

Whether you're craving a literary cocktail like Pride & Prosecco, a zero-proof To Chill a Mockingbird, or a charcuterie board starring caramel-sweet royal dates, The Reading Room nails the cozy-meets-creative vibe with author events, open mics, and bookish conversation worth lingering over this week.

From the Omaha newsletter, August 3, 2026

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Twisted Fork

Nightlife

Twisted Fork keeps things interesting with chef-driven American comfort done with a cowboy twist, served in funky digs that feel like your…

1014 Howard St (Omaha)

Twisted Fork keeps things interesting with chef-driven American comfort done with a cowboy twist, served in funky digs that feel like your favorite low-key hangout. Short hop from Council Bluffs, it’s a reliable go-to for creative plates, easygoing vibes, and meeting friends without overthinking it.

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Whether you're cocktail curious or already deep in the rabbit hole, The Berry & Rye is Omaha’s oldest craft cocktail lounge, mixing…

1105 Howard St (Omaha)

Whether you're cocktail curious or already deep in the rabbit hole, The Berry & Rye is Omaha’s oldest craft cocktail lounge, mixing original, frequently changing drinks with house made ingredients and a deep bench of rare spirits. Great for a low-key night or a buy-out-worthy celebration.

From the Omaha newsletter, September 21, 2026

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Understated wine bar offering global vintages, small plates & entrees like flatbreads & steak.

1006 Dodge St (Omaha)

Understated wine bar offering global vintages, small plates & entrees like flatbreads & steak.

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Wicked Rabbit

Nightlife

Tucked behind a liquor store near the Old Market, Wicked Rabbit pours classically driven cocktails with smart modern twists and a deep…

1508 Harney St (Omaha)

Tucked behind a liquor store near the Old Market, Wicked Rabbit pours classically driven cocktails with smart modern twists and a deep bench of rare spirits. Cozy vibe, friendly bartenders, and best with a date or a small crew... perfect for a quick hop from Council Bluffs.

From the Council Bluffs newsletter, September 5, 2026

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Lumen Beer

Nightlife

For a low-key pint with friends, Lumen Beer keeps the focus on fresh, flavorful house brews in a relaxed taproom just up the road in Omaha.…

1433 S 13th St (Omaha)

For a low-key pint with friends, Lumen Beer keeps the focus on fresh, flavorful house brews in a relaxed taproom just up the road in Omaha. Perfect for post-work hangs or weekend catch-ups when you want something local that actually tastes local.

From the Council Bluffs newsletter, September 3, 2026

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Sips On 10th

Nightlife

Bar serving Champagne and other drinks, along with heavy appetizers, in a cozy setting with a patio.

1022 S 10th St (Omaha)

Bar serving Champagne and other drinks, along with heavy appetizers, in a cozy setting with a patio.

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Downtown Omaha’s The Green Room nails the craft-drink vibe with cozy seating, tall ceilings, and a killer custom cocktail list alongside 5…

306 S 16th St (Omaha)

Downtown Omaha’s The Green Room nails the craft-drink vibe with cozy seating, tall ceilings, and a killer custom cocktail list alongside 5 taps pouring beer and prosecco, curated wines, and whiskeys galore. Treat yourself this week to exquisite taste that won’t break the bank, plus good tunes and even better company.

From the Omaha newsletter, August 29, 2026

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Mon Càve

Nightlife

Tucked in the Old Market, Mon Càve is the basement wine bar where the list does the talking and the vibe stays relaxed. From Council…

1015 Howard St (Omaha)

Tucked in the Old Market, Mon Càve is the basement wine bar where the list does the talking and the vibe stays relaxed. From Council Bluffs, expect intimate pours, easy conversation, and events on select evenings that make it feel like you just found your new favorite nook.

From the Council Bluffs newsletter, September 14, 2026

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If you want a low-key night that still lands the punchlines, The Backline Comedy Theatre brings tight improv, standup, and sketch in a cozy…

1618 Harney St (Omaha)

If you want a low-key night that still lands the punchlines, The Backline Comedy Theatre brings tight improv, standup, and sketch in a cozy room downtown near the Old Market. Grab a beer, cider, or hard seltzer, catch a show, maybe even try a class if you’ve got jokes.

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Just a short hop over the river, Secret Park Lounge is the kind of cocktail bar you slip into for an easy night with friends. Expect…

3207 Leavenworth St (Omaha)

Just a short hop over the river, Secret Park Lounge is the kind of cocktail bar you slip into for an easy night with friends. Expect cocktails, occasional ticketed events, and simple private-party booking, so keep an eye on their happenings for a low-key spot that quickly becomes your regular.

From the Council Bluffs newsletter, September 13, 2026

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Whether you hang in Blackstone or Rockbrook, Corkscrew Wine & Cheese is both a chill wine bar and a legit bottle shop with 700 choices, 20…

3908 Farnam St (Omaha)

Whether you hang in Blackstone or Rockbrook, Corkscrew Wine & Cheese is both a chill wine bar and a legit bottle shop with 700 choices, 20 by-the-glass pours, beer and spirits, plus snackable bites. Try a wine tasting or snag their Wedge wine-and-cheese pairing this week.

From the Omaha newsletter, August 15, 2026

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When the Midwest humidity or winter blahs hit, Laka Lono Rum Club hides below the Old Market with a rum-soaked menu of tiki classics and…

1204 Howard St (Omaha)

When the Midwest humidity or winter blahs hit, Laka Lono Rum Club hides below the Old Market with a rum-soaked menu of tiki classics and creative originals, lush decor, and occasional live music and pop-ups. A reliable neighborhood escape when you need vacation energy on a Tuesday.

From the Council Bluffs newsletter, September 18, 2026

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Cumbia Omaha

Nightlife

Need a midweek pick-me-up? Cumbia Omaha brings Latin-inspired tapas and crafted cocktails to a cozy, transport-you-somewhere-else setting…

329 S 16th St #1 (Omaha)

Need a midweek pick-me-up? Cumbia Omaha brings Latin-inspired tapas and crafted cocktails to a cozy, transport-you-somewhere-else setting that feels nothing like downtown, perfect for winding down after work or meeting friends with shareable plates and playful drinks that make lingering basically mandatory.

From the Omaha newsletter, August 26, 2026

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Casual joint with a full bar featuring live music from singer-songwriters to blues & rock groups.

1215 Harney St (Omaha)

Casual joint with a full bar featuring live music from singer-songwriters to blues & rock groups.

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Nite Owl

Nightlife

Wings, burgers & veggie fare in a vintage space with drink deals & a screen showing cult classics.

3902 Farnam St (Omaha)

Wings, burgers & veggie fare in a vintage space with drink deals & a screen showing cult classics.

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Crescent Moon

Nightlife

From 65+ taps and a rotating lineup to house-made pub grub, Crescent Moon is Omaha’s original craft beer bar and proud home of the…

3578 Farnam St (Omaha)

From 65+ taps and a rotating lineup to house-made pub grub, Crescent Moon is Omaha’s original craft beer bar and proud home of the Blackstone Reuben. Swing by for rare whiskey picks or a Huber Haus detour downstairs, then keep tabs on their tastings and festy events.

From the Omaha newsletter, August 11, 2026

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11 Eleven

Nightlife

11 Eleven is a laid-back Benson wine bar and bottle shop where you can relax with a well-picked glass, grab a special bottle for home, or…

6061 Maple St (Omaha)

11 Eleven is a laid-back Benson wine bar and bottle shop where you can relax with a well-picked glass, grab a special bottle for home, or join the Wine Club for ongoing finds. They also pour beer and spirits, the charcuterie plate is clutch, and daily specials keep it fun.

From the Council Bluffs newsletter, September 20, 2026

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Anna's Place

Nightlife

When the week’s loud, slip into Anna's Place, the speakeasy-inspired cocktail bar inside Hotel Indigo in downtown Omaha, for scratch-made…

1802 Dodge St (Omaha)

When the week’s loud, slip into Anna's Place, the speakeasy-inspired cocktail bar inside Hotel Indigo in downtown Omaha, for scratch-made classics and current-menu originals built with house-made syrups and sodas, low lights, and conversation-first vibes.

From the Bellevue newsletter, August 22, 2026

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