Jams American Grill Happy Hour

Jams an American Grill has two locations in Omaha. One in the Old Market (1101 Harney Street) and in Midtown. Jams Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 3:30PM to 6:30PM. Happy Hour consist of $2 Off Craft, $1 off Glasses of Wine and discounted Tap. Unfortunately at the Old Market location Jams does not offer discounted small plates. Rumor has it that the Midtown location does however.

Upon entering Jams, I automatically fell in love with the atmosphere. Jams took over the old Rock Bottom Brewery location and from sight you couldn’t tell. Jams gives you the laid back, just want to drink a beer and watch soccer type feel which I enjoyed. I was very excited to try food and drinks, but was disappointed to find out that their happy hour only consisted of drinks. So I started off with a Texas Style Mules made with Tito’s Vodka. Tasty, smooth, with a kick at the end which I liked.

Because I’m not a recreational drinker, I decided to try an entrée instead of another drink. I ordered the Korean Short Rib Sandwich $13 (Provolone, sautéed onions, roasted peppers, and spicy fermented Red Soybean Paste). To be honest I wish I ordered another drink instead. Let’s just say that I had high expectations of this sandwich. This sandwich tasted like a bland cheesesteak. The meat itself was bland, and I really couldn’t taste the soybean paste. The only thing I really could taste was the cilantro that was piled high. With the sandwich I ordered the French fries and they tasted like they came from King Kong.

Overall, I give Jams 2 smiles. Amazing atmosphere and customer service. But the food lacked flavor and texture. I really wish that they offered discounted small plates...I mean food also makes a grand Happy Hour! 

Mantra Bar and Grill Happy Hour Review

Mantra Bar and Grill is located in the Benson Area on 6913 Maple Street. Happy Hour is Monday thru Friday from 4:30 to 6:00pm. Mantra Happy Hour offers discounted bar plates and cocktails. Happy Hour is offered inside and on the patio.

Ever since I noticed the neon orange and green leaf tree in front of Mantra I've been dying to try them out. I just happened to pick the perfect day after work to enjoy myself out on their patio. First I statared off with Bliss Kiss $6 (Trader Vics, Chocolate Liqeur, Vanilla Vodka, Baileys Cream, and Hersheys Kiss). This drink was like a chocolate cake in a glass. All liquor and just delightful. Unfortuntely I was not able to finish because I had to drive home! Bliss Kiss is a good after dinner drink!

Next I had the Turkey Lollipops $6( Grilled ground turkey, with cilantro shallot dipping sauce. The turkey had a Mediterranean flavor and the cilantro sauce was the perfect pair. The only thing is I wish the pops looked more presentable, but other than that it was delicious.  

Crab Cake Poppers( lump crab meat, shrimp, onions, and celery with thai chili sauce). These things were the bomb ok! It came out hot and fresh, and you can tell there was crab inside the poppers. I do wish however that the celery was cut smaller, or left out entirely. The chili sauce has the kick and I liked how they gave you a lemon for a more refreshing taste. Every thing combined was like a magic in your mouth. 

I fell in love with the Lavosh. This lavosh had chicken, herb cream cheese, artichoke, green onion, tomato, and Havarti cheese. This thinner than flat bread dish was so delicious. To me it was like a guilt free pizza! I loved how the artichoke wasn't strong but gave it the acid it need, the cheeses was smooth and the breading was just right.


. I'll def be back to take my Granny and Mom! I loved how all their cocktails are discounted and not just certain ones. Overall, I'll give Mantra Grill 4 Smiles.

Little Espana (Rockbrook Village)

The little sister of Benson’s Espana tapas bar, Little Espana (11036 Elm Street, Omaha) brings some Spanish flair to Rockbrook Village. They offer a variety of tapas (small plates meant to be shared), light entrees (like the traditional paella), cocktails, wines and housemade sangrias. The Rockbrook location also offers brunch along with happy hour. Their $5 Spanish HH runs Monday through Friday from 4p to 6p. Tapas include cocas (Spanish flatbread), fried calamari rings, chicken empanadas with spicy aioli and more. House red and white wines along with their red and white sangria are also discounted to $5. Five days a week Little Espana offers $5 House Specialty Drink of the Day specials including Tuesday Rum Night with discounted Cuba Libres and Mojitos and Thursday Champagne Night with Spanish Fleurs and Spanish Mimosas.

I can never decide if Little Espana is actually bigger, smaller or the same size as the original in Benson. It definitely appears more spacious, with the bar in it’s own corner, albeit smaller than its sister version, and a great patio area. The decor is warm with less family photos, opting for stylized Spanish murals instead. Generally service is prompt with no huge crowds during HH. The day I visited I was the sole patron until about 10 minutes to 7 o’clock. Little Espana has a more condensed menu making selection a bit easier for novices to the tapas concept.

I always get the house red sangria ($5) that’s a nice mix of wine and juice. It’s never overpowering so you could definitely sip a glass or three in one sitting.

This visit I tried out the Spanish meatballs ($5: slow cooked in sherry tomato sauce, Montalban cheese and peas). You get a good amount for the price and the texture of the meatballs were perfect. I love the addition of peas in many of Espana’s dishes despite not being a pea fan. One miss was the sherry tomato sauce not being hot. When it arrived you could see some steam from the meatballs but upon taking a bite the tomato sauce was room temperature. Disappointing as they bring soft garlic bread to your table that’s perfect to dip in the sauce.

Last for today’s review is my absolute favorite item at Little Espana: the solomillo fries ($5: house cute paprika fries, marinated sirloin, chorizo oil, spicy aioli, manchego cheese). This dish is amazing-- super tender sirloin cooked just right, hot and crispy paprika fries and super melty Manchego. The garnish also has a vinegary dressing that plays nicely off the dish. Every time I order this I 1) defeat the purpose of tapas because I don’t want to share and 2) immediately want to order seconds or thirds once done. If you try nothing else at Little Espana EVER, try the solomillo fries.

I give Little Espana 3.5 smiles. I like the location and LOVE the solomillo fries. Unfortunately I don’t have many other favorites on this location's menu and some of the carry over items just aren't the same (the potato omelette here is totally different from Benson’s and doesn’t have the cream sauce option). The fact that they offer HH and brunch does bring them up half a smile.

The Omaha Lounge

Located downtown, The Omaha Lounge (1505 Farnam Street) is a jazz and blues venue offering live music seven days a week alongside classic cocktails. Happy Hour is everyday from 4 pm to 7 pm and 10 pm to close. Specials include $2.50 domestic bottles, $3.50 import bottles, $4 well drinks and $5.75 glasses of house wine.

The interior is very intimate with cushy chairs throughout. The bar is located in the back with additional seating. A little dark which adds to the blues lounge vibe. On our visit both the waitress and bartender were new so I tried to overlook how long it took us to get a drink. The late night HH coincides with the last 30 minutes of the live music so there was a crowd when we arrived. The waitress didn’t actually come and id us or ask for our order until the last song of the set. It was another 10 minutes before she brought back my friend’s drink and verified what their well whiskey/bourbon was. Again as she was new I tried to be understanding, however by this point there were maybe six people in this lounge, four of which were already done drinking and didn’t actually need assistance.

Normally I stay away from well drinks but The Omaha Lounge’s wells aren’t the typical Barton’s you find at straight up bars. A whiskey sour with Jim Beam was worth the $4 even though I didn’t care for their sour mix.

The Omaha Lounge doesn't actually have food but you can "order in" from 801 Chophouse or Pickleman's. When we visited someone even had a Godfather's pizza. Would like to see them partner with Jazz Louisiana Kitchen as it seems like a perfect partnership.

Since the music was over and the crowd thinned out we only ended up staying for one drink. Didn’t really want to chance waiting another 10 minutes for another round in a near empty place. Overall I give The Omaha Lounge 4 smiles. Great after work stop for people and since the early HH doesn’t stop until 7 you don’t have to work downtown to catch it.

Also love that they offer live music seven days a week which makes it a great date night spot. Hopefully the service will get better as more of the staff adjust to the job.

Vino Mas (West Omaha)

Slightly beyond the hustle and bustle of 145th and Maple, Vino Mas (14450 Eagle Run Dr, Omaha) is a cozy wine retailer offering weekly tastings, over 16 wines and 20 beers and an impressive wine club. Happy Hour is Monday - Thursday and Saturday 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. House wines are $5 which range from Sauv Blanc and Riesling to Cabernet and Malbec. Small bites like pretzels and hummus or cheese plates are also $1 off.

Vino Mas has the cozy wine store feel downpat while also providing enough seating strategically placed for small groups to unwind with some wine. Their outside patio is slightly small but I blame that more on location, the complex they’re in has very little outdoor space. Wine “accessories” intertwine the wine racks and the checkout counter/bar is large enough for their wine tastings. The staff is very friendly and helpful in picking just the right wine for your enjoyment.

When asked if I preferred red or white I answered both, but I lean more towards white wines in warmer weather. We settled on the Loscano Torrontes ($5: Argentina- aromas of pineapple, peach and orange. Flavors profile: lychee, tropical fruits, jasmine and spice). This isn’t a sweet wine, so if you don’t like dry I’d recommend their Riesling. Very crisp and hints of the jasmine comes out on the finish.

I also tried the dip and chips ($5.95: creamy spinach dip with gluten free flax, quinoa, chia and brown rice popcorn chips). I was disappointed that the dip wasn’t my preferred oven baked melty cheese kind but the pop out of the fridge version. That being sad the brand they use is better than most of the ones I’ve tried. I also really enjoyed the popcorn chips, despite how healthy they were. Vino Mas doesn’t appear to have a kitchen so I give them a pass.

I also tried the Rotari Sparkling Rosé ($5: Italy- light touches of peach, cranberry and pink grapefruit segue to creamy foam and warm touches of baked bread). I enjoy rosé during the summer, basically the best of the reds I love with a lighter touch. This was by far the driest rose I’ve ever drank. The sparkling component was enjoyable and the cranberry notes hit me the hardest but I probably wouldn’t re-try.

I give Vino Mas 4 stars. I enjoyed the atmosphere and they had a good variety of wines to try. Would like a little bit more variety in the small plate offerings, especially since they have to compete with Blue Sushi being right next door.

Dudley's Pizza & Tavern

Located next to Aksarben Cinema in Aksarben Village, locally owned and operated Dudley’s Pizza & Tavern (2110 S 67th Street, Omaha) offers great pizza and friendly service. Happy Hour is Monday - Friday 3:00pm to 6:00 pm and Reverse HH is 9:00pm to close everyday. Specials include $1 off all draws and bottles, $3.50 well drinks, $5 8-inch one topping pizzas, half off select appetizers like fried pickles and sweet potato fries, and $3.50 wine by the glass. Daily specials include a Bloody Mary bar Sundays, Tuesday Pint Night and Tavern Trivia and Whiskey Wednesday.

The interior of Dudley’s is pretty straight forward. Sports bar feel in the bar area with tons of big screen tvs and pool tables; quieter in the dining room area. Nice selection at the bar and a patio for you to enjoy your pizza while people watching Aksarben Village goers.

I’ll let you in on a secret. I am a glutton for punishment. I know I don’t like IPAs but I keep trying to find one to change my mind. Deschutes’ Fresh Squeezed IPA ($4.85 for a 16 oz -- 6.4% ABV) did not do the trick. It was more citrusy than hoppy to my bartenders credit, but I just couldn’t do it. Thankfully she let me get another beer and didn’t charge me for the approximately six sips I took.

Boulevard’s Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale was a bit more my speed ($5.15 for a 12 oz -- 8.5% ABV). I enjoyed the citrusy grapefruit notes despite not likely actual grapefruits and the dry finish complemented the food I ordered.

I love Dudley’s pizza so I ordered an 8 inch sausage and black olive pizza ($5.75 -- additional toppings are 75 cents each). Generally I hate pizza crust but Dudley’s apparently has the magic formula that makes me eat it. Try it with the honey they leave on the table -- definitely a treat. Sometimes there’s too much cornmeal dusted on top but nothing a quick brush or shake wouldn’t fix. In the running for best personal pizzas in Omaha.

I also ordered the bacon-cheddar-loaded sticks ($4: “breadsticks” stuffed with hickory-smoked bacon, Dudley’s freshly grated cheese blend, topped with green onions and sharp Wisconsin cheddar. Served with ranch and classic red sauce). A cross between a loaf of bread and breadsticks, I expected a bit more bacon and cheese. Same dough they use for their pizzas but without the cheese and sauce, it was a bit lacking for me.

I give Dudley’s 2.5 smiles. Love their pizza but after trying two or three other menu items the pizza may be the only thing that brings me back. Would like a bigger beer selection, but thoroughly enjoy the environment and location.

Local Beer, Patio and Kitchen

Off the beaten downtown path, Local Beer, Patio and Kitchen (902 Dodge St, Omaha) is a modern bar offering elevated comfort food sourced locally and 100+ craft beers from local Nebraska and Iowa breweries. Happy Hour is Monday - Friday from 3:30 to 6:30 (excluding nights there are events downtown). Discounted starters include things from poutine, their Local burger and soft pretzels. Drafts are all discounted dependent on their starting price point ($5 and under are $3, etc.) well drinks are $3.50 and beer bottles and cans are half priced.

Local has an open floor plan where you sit yourself. Large modern fixtures stud the exposed ceilings and the centerpiece is a wrap around bar. There’s a large patio with plenty of shared seating and a cool lounge area with a life-sized Connect Four wall! The waitstaff is very helpful when trying to navigate the extensive beer list and Local’s website even has an “If, Then” section that pairs common “mainstream” favorites with their local craft counterparts.

My friend and I decided to try their Bierrocks( $1 each: beerrock version has Nebraska beef, beer-braised cabbage, onions and spices) which were mini Runza buns. I don’t really care for Runzas because at a certain point the inside of the dough is mushy, but the size here made them edible. They came with Local’s “spicy” beer cheese sauce. Nice addition that elevated these bierrocks from knock-off Runzas. Two or three would satisfy anyone’s Runza itch.  

My first drink was the Empyrean Imperial Mango IPA ($4: 16oz). I really have to stop trying to make myself like IPAs. The mango didn’t overpower the hoppiness of this beer and I just couldn’t finish. It is however, a very light beer and great for sipping on Local’s patio if you are an IPA lover or convert.

My love of potatoes wouldn’t let me skip over the waffle fry nachos ($5: Mexican chorizo, housemade pico, black olives, jalapenos, sour cream and beer cheese). The actual waffle fries were super crispy and well seasoned. Thick enough to actually support the toppings and crispy enough to emulate a chip sort of crunch. The beer cheese was a great substitute for nacho cheese, having the same amount of space while having more depth of flavor. 

I had better luck with the Peacetree Blonde Fatale ($4: 8oz). Blonde ales might be my sweet spot summer beers as they are light and refreshing and essentially hop-free (as far as distinguishable taste). This has been on the beer list my last two visits but be warned, it does change periodically. If something really catches your interest, try it right away, especially given their reasonably priced flight option.

I give Local Beer, Patio and Kitchen five smiles. I love that they incorporate Nebraska in their food and beverage offerings, the patio is nice and I have to go back to play Connect Four. They are also one of the few if not only bars downtown that have off-street parking (although it is metered, almost had it all Local).