Omaha NE 68107
402-905-3651
The bar on the corner of 36th and V in South Omaha holds a special distinction in the HitThatDive folklore. Formerly the Brass Monkey Sports Bar (and then just the Brass Monkey) this place, more than any other bar in Omaha, was instrumental in helping HTD start to have just a hint of street "cred" several years ago.
In fairness to Michael Ivers, the proud new owner of what is now Crossbones Bar, this is not the time, nor the place to sit and reminisce about days gone by at a bar that no longer exists.
This is about my first trip to South O's newest bar...which was made possible by the 100s of Crossbones fans that were relentless in their support during last weekend's Facebook vote about what bar should be reviewed next. A job well done!
PROS: Amazing selection of domestic and craft beer. $5 Sunday Bloody Mary can't be beat! CLEAN. Affordable mixed drinks.
CONS: Where's my Coors Original on tap? (That's being nit-picky)
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Spotless |
After, oh I don't know, about half a foot inside the pretty crowded (for a Sunday at 1:00 PM) bar, two things struck me...and neither was a fist. One: well shit, I still DO know a lot of people in here, and, even though there hasn't been a total makeover or anything, this place just seems to have a new positive vibe back in it. Of note...everything seems to be more orderly than just about any bar in town. The attention to detail is evident immediately. More on that in a bit.
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Not bad for early on a Sunday |
But, take a minute or two to check out the coolers, look at the well behind the bar, get a look at the perfectly lined up glasses behind the on the back bar...the attention to detail is evident in every direction that you look. For crying out loud, even the little cheese sandwiches on my Bloody Mary had mustard on them! Even though I just met Ivers for just the second time ever when I sat down at his bar, it's clear that his vision is to give you the ultimate bar experience no matter when you take a seat in his place.
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That's how you keep a bar neat |
Side note: More than anything I really hate labels when it comes to a bar, for the sake of putting my question into context as I asked it, I wrote the original words "Benson guy" and "South Omaha" bar. Regardless of where a bar exists, or who's running the place, a good bar is a good bar. It's that simple. Also notable...The Mayor of 36th Street "John John" was in sitting in his usual spot at the bar. All seemed right with the world.
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Funky |
Yeah, I know that was more about drinks than service. But Alex even knew which beer I would ask for after my Bloody Mary, so I don't have to yack too much about his service...it's always great!
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Five Buck Lunch |
Food: Did you see that Bloody Mary?? This isn't a bar with a kitchen, so don't come here hungry too often. Of course you call always run up the street to Ray's Wings in the Lemon Drop for something when the kitchen's open. But do make it a point to check out the bar's Facebook page for free food specials that they do occasionally on weekends and during some sporting events.
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AC/DC pinball! |
Or, stop by on a Friday night with HitThatDive's master of entertainment THE G-MAN for his own brand of DJ and Karaoke mayhem.
Bartender Chat: Before I was even able to finish my Bloody Mary, bartender Alex let me know that they currently didn't have Coors Original on tap. Being the ever resilient barkeep, he immediately went to the cooler and grabbed me a Coors bottle. Hey Crossbones...let's work on that OK! (Kidding)
Restrooms: Clean, not too cramped and a bit chilly in the dead of winter. Only a two seater of a room, if you prefer privacy...make sure to lock the door.
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Chilly in the winter |
Final Impressions: Crossbones is an immaculate bar, run by real bar people, trying to make everyday bar customers feel at ease with just a slightly upscale feel....for a "dive". And keep in mind, they're pulling it all off while still keeping prices affordable for anyone in the area...whether they live in South O or elsewhere.
Over the years, I've become fond of pointing out how a lot of bars "aren't for everyone" because, for one reason or another...that's usually true. Which is why saying "this bar IS for everyone" is odd for me...but very true.
Want cheap Busch Light? Check. HUGE selection of rotating craft beer on tap? Check. Hand crafted cocktails? Just ask for the menu. Shot and a beer? Of course. Add to that a live music ranging from local cover bands, to the Prairie Gators, or some kick ass rockabilly...and you literally have a bar that will appeal to just about anyone you know regardless of ZIP Code.
DIVE-O-METER
8.5
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Hit This Dive! |
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