Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, Local Breweries, and Omaha’s Crossroads Development

The latest episode of the Omaha Places podcast with hosts Cahner Olson and Delaney covered a mix of exciting topics, from St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and Nebraska Brewing Company’s Mardi Gras event to updates on the Crossroads Mall redevelopment project. This discussion provided insights into Omaha’s evolving entertainment scene, local businesses, and upcoming events.

If you’re looking for things to do this St. Patrick’s Day, curious about new brewery experiences, or wondering about the future of the Crossroads development, this episode had plenty to offer. Here’s a breakdown of the key highlights from their conversation.

 

Gearing Up for St. Patrick’s Day in Omaha

With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, Cahner and Delaney shared some of the best Irish pubs and celebrations happening across Omaha. For those looking to fully embrace the holiday spirit, they compiled a list of top spots to grab a pint, enjoy live music, and celebrate.

Best Irish Pubs to Visit:

• Dubliner Pub – A classic choice with live Irish music that never stops.
• Sullivan’s Bar – An Irish pub in one of Omaha’s most vibrant districts.
• Maloney’s Irish Pub – Located off 72nd and Blondo, a great spot for an authentic Irish experience.
• Brazen Head Irish Pub – A hidden gem off 78th and Cass that deserves more attention.
• Annie’s Irish Pub – A high-energy location with plenty of St. Paddy’s spirit.
• Clancy’s Irish Pub – Going all-in with a 6 AM start time for early celebrators.
• Barrett’s Barleycorn – Known for its beer garden setup, making it a great outdoor gathering space.

 

St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl

One of the biggest events happening is the St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl on Saturday, March 15th. The crawl starts at Dubliner Pub and stops at five other bars across downtown and Little Italy. For $20, participants will receive drink specials at each location, though they’ll need to walk between bars rather than relying on a party bus.

For those who prefer a more athletic twist, Blue Sky Bar & Patio is hosting a Cannon Hand Patty’s Pickleball Tournament on March 14th, where participants must play while holding a can in one hand—a fun and challenging way to get into the holiday spirit.

 

Nebraska Brewing Company’s Mardi Gras Event: A Missed Opportunity?

Cahner shared his recent visit to Nebraska Brewing Company, a well-known local brewery, for their Mardi Gras celebration. While he was excited about the event, it turned out to be a bit of a letdown.

The event started at 2 PM, and by the time Cahner and his group arrived at 4 PM, all of the New Orleans-style food had run out. This led to a noticeable decline in the party atmosphere, and by 6 PM, their group was practically the only one left in the brewery.

One highlight of the visit, however, was trying their banana beer. While skeptical at first, he was pleasantly surprised by its subtle fruity flavor that wasn’t overwhelming.

Despite the disappointing crowd size and food shortage, Nebraska Brewing Company remains a great spot for craft beer lovers. But as Cahner pointed out, next year’s Mardi Gras event may need better preparation to meet demand.

 

Omaha’s Crossroads Mall Redevelopment: What’s Happening?

A hot topic of discussion was the Crossroads redevelopment project, which has been a long time coming. Located at 72nd and Dodge, the area was once home to Crossroads Mall, which has since been demolished. Now, the space is set to become a major mixed-use development, bringing new life to the area.

What’s Being Built?

The Lockwood Development team (who also developed Heartwood Preserve) is overseeing the project, which will include:

• Retail spaces
• Restaurants
• Entertainment venues
• Healthcare and education facilities
• Public gathering areas

While initial plans suggested a 2025 opening, both Cahner and Delaney were skeptical that the timeline would hold. Recent developments show that groundwork has begun, but visible construction on buildings has yet to start.

Why It Matters

The Keystone Trail runs along the development, and the city has been investing in infrastructure to improve connectivity. There’s also discussion about whether the Omaha streetcar system could expand to the area, which would make access easier and boost foot traffic.

Another key aspect of the project is pedestrian-friendly design, which could include an overpass between the new development and Memorial Park. This would help improve safety and accessibility, especially for students and residents in the area.

For now, Omaha residents will have to wait and see how the project unfolds in the coming years.

 

Other Local Highlights and Must-Visit Spots

Beyond the big topics of St. Patrick’s Day and the Crossroads development, the hosts shared some other notable local spots worth visiting.

Omaha Fashion Week

Delaney attended Omaha Fashion Week, the fourth-largest fashion event in the country. She described it as a must-attend experience, showcasing high-end, New York Fashion Week-level designs. The event happens twice a year, giving attendees multiple chances to enjoy the experience.

New Brewery Experiences

• B5 Brewing – Known for its dark chocolate dessert brew, which even non-beer lovers might enjoy.
• Stir Coffee (168th & Center) – A great spot for coffee lovers, though the lack of a drive-thru is a small downside.

Food & Drink Recommendations

• Omaha Tap House – A hidden gem for burgers, featuring a hickory-smoked bacon cheeseburger and cinnamon brown sugar sweet potato fries.
• Cunningham’s Pub – A classic Irish pub with a great atmosphere, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.
• The Grove at Inner Rail – A new location with aesthetic decor, smoothies, and snacks, bringing bohemian vibes to the food hall.

 

Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Omaha?

This episode of Omaha Places Podcast provided a great mix of seasonal events, local brewery experiences, and city development news. With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, residents have plenty of options for celebrating, whether they’re looking for a classic Irish pub experience, a bar crawl, or a themed pickleball tournament.

On a broader level, the Crossroads redevelopment project is an exciting yet slow-moving transformation. While construction has begun, the anticipated completion date of 2025 remains uncertain. However, with its strategic location, mix of businesses, and improved transportation access, the project is set to become a major landmark in Omaha’s future.

For now, Omaha residents can continue exploring new breweries, supporting local businesses, and keeping an eye on the city’s evolving landscape. Whether you’re planning a night out for St. Patrick’s Day or looking forward to the future of Crossroads, Omaha is filled with new experiences waiting to be explored.

 

This blog post is based on a transcript from the Omaha Places podcast episode released on March 11th 2025.

Brought to you by the team behind the Omaha Places Instagram and TikTok, the podcast gives you a behind-the-scenes look at running a local influencer page, insider tips on our favorite spots, and a heads-up on upcoming events to help you plan the perfect weekend in Omaha!

Edited by Grace Dunbar