A few years ago, Molly Huyck noticed women’s sports bars popping up around America. As the popularity of women’s sports continues to rise, she wondered if the concept would stick in Omaha.
Four months into SET The Bar‘s existence, it’s safe to say the answer is a definitive “yes.”
For more than two years, Huyck and her team planned and designed Omaha’s first establishment dedicated to women’s sports before it opened in March. The bar, which is located in Omaha’s Benson district (6121 Maple St), is dedicated not only to showcasing women’s sports on its 14 TVs, but also providing a welcoming, inclusive space that serves elevated bar food.
The concept may be new to Omaha, but it hasn’t taken the city long to fully embrace it. The bar is routinely packed, especially during major sporting events, and Huyck is thrilled that the city has responded the way she dreamed it would.
“They’ve been truly honored and grateful that we’ve opened this space,” Hyuck said. “Some (guests) come in and cry. Others give me a big hug. Just the authentic passion and gratefulness they have that we created it. It really warms my heart.”
Women’s sports have exploded in popularity over the past several years, as women’s sports viewership grew by 18% in 2024. Deloitte projects that total revenue from women’s sports will reach $2.35 billion this year, up from $1.88 billion in 2024.
That increased interest has caused women’s sports bars to pop up all over the country. There are currently more than 10 women’s sports bars in the country, with as many as 25 expected to be open by the end of the 2025.
SET The Bar showcases exactly why the concept works. It’s thoughtfully designed, with a counter-height bar and stools that are comfortable for women and larger family-style tables and booths to encourage group dining and shared watch experiences.
SET The Bar isn’t only for women, however. It’s open to people of all genders, ages, and walks of life. The restaurant routinely hosts watch parties, music bingo, drag brunches, and other events intended to bring the community together.
“I wanted to create a space that is unique and a sports bar designed by a woman for everyone,” Hyuck said. “It’s family friendly and it’s elevated and focused on bringing the community together to watch womens sports and celebrate your team.”
And while the food is an afterthought at many bars, that couldn’t be further from the truth at SET The Bar. Chef Kristin Byle has crafted a menu full of bar staples—nachos, wings, fried chicken sandwiches, etc.—but executes them at an extremely high level. The Smashburger, with its tangy, addictive house sauce, is a fan favorite, and groups of diners love sharing the Banh Mi Fries, which are loaded with pulled pork, pickled vegetables, and jalapenos and slathered in mayo and hoisin sauce. The restaurant also serves brunch on the weekends, and, true to SET The Bar’s inclusive ethos, has plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-friendly dishes.
The road to opening SET The Bar was an arduous journey for Hyuck, but now that the space is open and filled with happy guests, she says the effort was well worth it.
“Everything was done intentionally, from the design to the layout to the vibe,” Huyck said. “People actually appreciate it and feel it when you come in here. That matches the food and the cocktails and the mocktails and the beers that we serve. We want someone for everyone and I think we delivered.”
