NEED A LIFT?
Local Bar Offers Ski Season Year Round
Caryl Terry
| |
| |
| |
|
No matter the temperature, the outside entryway has freezing winter weather written all over it. A "Please Remove Snowshoes Before Entering" sign hangs near the front door of this Omaha, Neb. bar.
Hanging snow skis and ski poles line the ceiling, grabbing attention as you step into warmth. Couches by the fire create a homey atmosphere that feels like a ski lodge. Big-screen televisions cover the wall by a counter and loud music pumps out of the speakers. Guests choose music videos from a modern jukebox that plays the video on a television nearby.
Contrary to the human eye, The Lift Lounge isn't a ski lodge, but a popular bar for locals to enjoy themselves. Opened by owner Terry O'Halloran in 2006, the Lift Lounge provides quality beverages in a unique environment in comparison to other bars in the area.
"I stumbled upon the space when looking for a location for a bar," O'Halloran said.
"The landscaping that the previous tenant had done, combined with a recent visit to Colorado, inspired me to install the log cabin interior and snowboard and ski decor."
A popular and unique aspect of the Lift is the video jukebox, the only one offered in the entire state of Nebraska. "I like the video jukebox because when you pay for a song, you not only get to listen and see the video," Brian Fitzpatrick, customer said. "I'm pretty impressed that it has some more obscure songs that can't be found in a lot of jukeboxes."
The Lift is only allowed to serve beer because it's located within close quarters of the ITT Technical Institute. That doesn't mean they're lacking in business or beverages. A few popular beers are Nut Brown Ale from the Nebraska Brewing Company and New Belgium Brewing Company, Blue Moon, and Boulevard, all brewed in Kansas City, Mo.
O'Halloran works from a busy schedule, taking care of two other bars he owns in Omaha-Bar Fly and Murphy's. Murphy's caters hard liquor into The Lift with their catering license for special occasions. The Lift employees take pride in their friendly atmosphere, serving the regulars who make work feel like play. If the weather outside is nicer than the inside atmosphere of The Lift, visitors can seek out the beer garden featuring a fountain surrounded by benches.
"The atmosphere gives off a pretty good feeling and the people are really friendly," Fitzpatrick said.
Every Sunday is Guitar Hero night at The Lift, and ladies get half-off drinks every Thursday evening. For the die-hard Husker fans, the game is always on with a hard liquor or Big Red shot offered after each score.
Lift Lounge hours are Saturday through Wednesday, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Thursday and Fridays, 3 p.m. to 1 a.m.
For more information, including other beverages served, visit www.theliftomaha.com.
Be the first to comment on this story