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).

Black Oak Grill Happy Hour Review ....the REMMIXXX

 This is another REMMIIXXXXXXX (again in my Diddy Voice!) I had the pleasure of reviewing Black Oak Grill in Omaha, NE. Black Oak is located in Midtown at 220 S 31st Ave next to Crave. Happy Hour is Monday-Friday from 3-6pm and Saturday 11-6pm. Happy Hour is Bar only but don’t worry there is plenty of seating. Black Oak offers half-price draft beers, wine, and appetizers. Also five dollar fresh cocktails, house cocktails, and bar sliders. 

The last time I was here, I had the Flip and Sip Martini. This time I had the Frozen Jack N Coke ($5). To spruce it up a bit I asked for Cherry Grenadine and it was simply sweet and delicious. I perfect way to end a hot and humid summer day. I love that they added a generous amount of Jack and was able to make my drink perfect. I actually ordered two within my stay. 

For food, I started off with the Meatloaf Sliders with Fries. The French fries came out crisp and fresh and tasted like they been tossed with rosemary oil at the end. The slider was okay. The meat itself could use some seasoning. Alone it tasted a bit bland. On top of the slider is mashed potatoes and tomato sauce. Overall the fresh was the bomb but the slider really needed more flavor. 

I couldn’t leave Black Oak Grill without having their Chicken BBQ Nachos. Since my last visit, I noticed that they upgraded some of the ingredients. Added grilled tomatoes and more fresh veggies. You can’t really go wrong with it comes to their nachos. Cheesy, bbq, and chicken goodness on a plate. Can easily share with your partner or girlfriends. 

Overall, I give this Review Remix 4 Smiles! Black Oak Grills customer service is phenomenal and the drinks are always on point. The perfect place to come out and relax after a long day at work, or just a place to get together with your girlfriends. 

Old Chicago

With various locations around the US and in Omaha, Old Chicago offers assorted bar food, pastas and pizza alongside an extensive beer list. Happy Hour is Monday - Friday from 3pm-6pm, with daily late night specials from 10pm to close. Specials include crispy tavern bites, assorted appetizers like mozzarella cheese sticks or nachos grande and $1 off pints, $3 well cocktails, $4 OC iced teas or house wines and $5 U.S. or daily special tall drafts.

The interior is pretty standard no matter which location you visit. I stopped at one while I was in Aurora, Colorado and it was almost identical to the one up the street from my apartment. Lots of seating around the bar area, separate dining room that’s quiet and lots of sports memorabilia. Like I’ve said before, everything you expect from a “chain” brewery.

I tried one of this location’s specialty ½ and ½ beers. The Beachhouse IPA had both Dry Dock Apricot Blonde and Firestone Union Jack IPA. I really enjoyed this combo, the apricot blonde offset the IPA nicely and made it tolerable (not a fan normally).Great summer beer and I’m going to have to have my dad ship me some Dry Dock Apricot Blonde at some point.

I then tried the crispy jalapeno cheese ravioli ($3: creamy jalapeno cheese stuffed fried ravioli, sprinkled with parmesan and romano cheese and served with zesty pizza sauce). I really like fried ravioli and was excited to try this twist. The raviolis weren’t greasy and the sprinkled cheese gave it a nice crunch. The filling wasn’t very spicy which was quite disappointing and the flavor profile was weird after you dipped it in the pizza sauce. Worth an experimental try but probably wouldn’t get it again.

Next I had the pretzel bites ($3: freshly baked jalapeno pretzel bites served with beer cheese sauce) which were a huge disappointment. Despite being jalapeno pretzel bites they weren’t spicy at all. I could see little pieces of jalapeno but no spice transferred apparently. The beer cheese sauce was mediocre, more velveeta than any beer cheese I’ve ever had. The pretzels did come out warm and weren’t too hard. The “beer cheese” on the other hand was cold upon arrival.

I give Old Chicago 1.5 smiles. I’m game to try more of their beer selection and they had other food items I thought were intriguing. Would never get the pretzels or ravioli again however.

Jax Fish House (Denver)

Located in LODO, Jax Fish House and Oyster Bar (1539 17th Street, Denver, CO) has served fresh and sustainable seafood since 1996. They cater to the ‘Coast-less Communities’ with an impressive raw bar and hand crafted cocktails and beer. Happy Hour is 4pm to 6pm daily and all night long Mondays. Specials include $1.50 oysters, steamed mussels and a sea dog as well as discounted craft cocktails, seasonal tap sangrias, $1 off drafts, select wines for $6 and more.

My first impression of Jax was great. I was visiting family and brought them along so our party was rather large (six). Instead of forcing us to sit outside or wait and make a reservation the manager quickly put together a table for us. Not exactly the easiest task as this place really is a counter bar with table seating. Our server was super attentive and helpful and every table was covered in white craft paper. I’m sure it’s meant for easy cleanup but they leave crayons so I had to leave behind a masterpiece.

My first drink was the strawberry lemonade ($5: house infused strawberry vodka, lemonade) and while I’m not big on vodka I enjoyed this refreshing take on a summer staple. The lemonade wasn’t too tart and the infused vodka had a good strawberry flavor.

Next was the gumbo fries ($5: aged white cheddar, andouille) which is Jax’s version of poutine. I would have liked the fries to be a bit more crispy, but the gumbo was a nice twist. The andouille gave this dish a more hearty base than their regular cup of gumbo, but the flavor was lacking real depth. I understand if some take that with a grain of salt as not everyone grew up eating authentic Louisiana gumbo as our server alluded to. Worth a try and extra points for creativity.

I also ordered a seafood dynamite slider ($2: pea shoots, pickled red onion) which was delicious. The remoulade wasn’t exactly spicy, but still worked. The actual slider consisted of a seafood mix which was fresh and not fishy or rubbery. Overall a good size for the price.

My second sip was their seasonal paloma ($5: seasonal infused tequila, grapefruit, grapefruit soda). I learned with this drink that I must stop forcing myself to try grapefruit. I wanted to like this drink just as much as I want to enjoy grapefruit in general, but it just isn’t going to ever happen. For that reason I can’t say don’t get this drink even though I didn’t love it.

To round out my visit I tried the bacon fat chicken wings ($9: guajillo chili sauce, cilantro crème fraîche) which sadly was the most disappointing dish of the night. I had very high hopes for these wings because bacon = greatness. The wings didn’t inherently have a bacon flavor nor did they evoke any bite from the chili sauce. The crème fraîche seemed out of place on the actual wing adding nothing of note.

I give Jax 4.5 smiles. The service is great and I love that their HH is daily. Everything I tried was fresh which is maybe the most important thing a fish house can offer but the chicken wings missed their mark and some of the risks they take (like the gumbo fries) could be executed a bit more deftly.

Plank Happy Hour Review Remiiixxxxxxx

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This is the REEEEMMMIIIXXXXX *in my best Diddy Voice! For the month of June I'll be reviewing a few Happy Hour's that I've done in the past! First up is Plank Seafood and Provisons. Located in the heart of Old Market Omaha 1205 Howard St. Happy Hour is DAILY, Monday-Saturday 3pm-6;30pm. Sunday Noon- 8pm. Plank offers discounted appetizers and cocktails.

First on the list is the Redbeard's Rita ( Cabrito Silver Tequila, housemade Limoncello, fresh lime, simple syrup, and pomegranate. Besides squeezing the orange slice I couldn't taste much of anything. I was expecting a punch that pomegranate has and I didn't get that. Just reminded me of a old fashion margarita.

You can't come to Plank without having a few oysters! For $1.25 a piece during Happy Hour you can't go wrong. I loved the seasonal horseradish and ginger mignonette to pair! Absolutely great combination!

Next, Poutine Fries! For $5 you get natural cut fries, Wisconsin white cheddar cheese, and braised bacon gravy! I love their version of this Canada dish! The fries were nice and hot. Gravy had tons of flavor, and loved the freshness from the green onions! Great with your favorite cocktail. Just makes you feel warm and soft inside.


Last thing I had was the Petite Po' Boy Fish Sandwich (tomatoes, pickle, lettuce, and creole mustard). Two things that was unfortunate about this dish. 1. I forgot to take a picture. 2nd. I originally ordered the Shrimp Po' Boy but they gave me fish. I'm the type of person that doesn't complain much so I didn't mind. The waitress was kind enough to give me the Shrimp Po'Boy to go for free.

What I wish this Po' Boy had was texture and flavor! The fish itself was very bland. Tasted like they just rolled the fish in corn meal and flour with no seasoning. The bread was soggy from toasting with butter, the creole mustard tasted like the standard aoili. Quite disappointed in this dish ;-(

Overall I give Plank Seafood and Provisions 3 smiles! The prices are great, but from the dishes I tried flavor is much needed!