Library Pub, owner Mark Smith seated at left
OMAHA, NEBRASKA
VISITED ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2022
Over the years I have heard many friends talk about Library Pub in northwest Omaha. Friday night Jenny and I wanted to try somewhere we hadn’t been, so we booked an Uber to take us to check it out.
On the way we had a wonderful conversation with our driver, Nigel, originally from Ireland. During the ride, he shared a few of his favorite recipes, including what sounded like a mouthwatering way to prepare potatoes.
When we arrived at Library Pub, we opened the door and were instantly welcomed by the bartender and a couple patrons sitting nearby. There were a couple seats available at the bar, so we settled there.
Whenever we try a new restaurant or bar, after we get seated, Jenny patiently allows me to step aside for a few minutes so I can take photos of the establishment. I do this so I can post Google reviews and (if they deserve some praise) give a shout out to the locally owned small business.
Looking around the bar I was baffled by the number of bottles on the shelves. So, I stepped into each corner and started snapping photos. When I returned to the area of the bar nearest the entrance, I started chatting with the gentleman seated there who originally welcomed us. It turned out he was the owner – and was more than happy to talk with me about his place.
Retired attorney Mark Smith and his wife purchased the bar in 2008. When they bought it, there was “only $1,800.00 liquor in stock with four different tap beers.” The Library Pub now boasts 48 beers on tap and “a little over half million dollars in [liquor] inventory.”
The bar was originally called “Elmo’s” and the owners prior to the Smiths purchasing it had renamed it “The Library Pub” when the city built the Milton R. Abrahams Branch Library across the street in 1983.
While the bar is named “Library Pub,” there were no books before Smiths’ owning it. They began filling the shelves with various books, including about half of the collection his own. Smith is an avid reader and especially enjoys sci-fi, including his favorite, “Dune,” by Frank Herbert.
Smith is more than just passionate about his Library Pub – he also supports a small town library. To recognize his generosity, when they have their annual book sale fundraiser, what doesn’t sell, they box up and give to Smith for his patrons to enjoy reading at the pub.
Old Fashioned at Library Pub
Gin and Tonic at Library Pub
Library Pub Exterior
Library Pub in Omaha
The Best Selection of Whiskies in Omaha
Behind the bar there are nearly 500 different types of bourbons. The pub features between 2,700 and 3,000 different labels!
When asked what makes Library Pub special – “Number one there’s nobody in town that’s got a better selection,” said Smith. “Number two, we charge half as much as anybody else does. We try to keep our prices approachable.”
Jenny enjoyed her usual gin and tonic and I asked the bartender to make me his best Old Fashioned. We asked him before preparing it what bourbon we would use. He smiled and as he grabbed 90 Proof Very Old Barton. He explained that people typically think of Barton for their bottom shelf, low quality vodka, Canadian Whisky, etc. but this “Very Old Barton” is an affordable bourbon that makes an outstanding Old Fashioned.
After tasting it, I couldn’t agree more! It was exceptional. The two bartenders also explained that they don’t use orange peel in their Old Fashioned. I was impressed to learn that they juice their own oranges and lemons to prepare a famous Whiskey Sour. Next visit I will try that or their Manhattan.
Library Pub More Bottles
Library Pub Bottles and Popcorn
Library Pub Bottles
Library Pub Books 2
Library Pub Beer Taps
Library Pub Interior 3
Library Pub Interior 1
Library Pub Interior 2
Our first visit to Library Pub could not have been more pleasant, especially after a long week at work. The bartenders have great senses of humor and were genuinely interested in helping us by explaining the different types of drinks. Smith is and should be proud of the business he owns and runs.
What made the experience even more special for us was seeing how much fun the patrons were having, in a very comfortable environment. A beautiful variety of ages and races, the customers were fun to talk with and obviously glad to be there.
Before we visited and I had read Library Pub’s slogan “Where the smart people drink” I was hesitant, concerned it was going to be an up-tight bar with an uppity attitude. After walking in, we soon realized “smart people” doesn’t mean education level or pretentiousness whatsoever …but a it’s a cozy, friendly place to relax and talk. That’s smart, indeed!
Library Pub
5142 N 90th St, Omaha, NE 68134
(402) 571-6262
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/LibraryPubOmaha/
WEBSITE: https://www.librarypubomaha.com/
