Exploring Omaha’s Cozy Corners: Wicked Rabbit, Platypus, and More

Omaha Places podcast takes listeners on a journey through some of Omaha’s most unique hangouts, new spots, and cozy corners. Hosts Cahner Olson and Delaney share their holiday highlights, personal projects, and, most importantly, their experiences exploring the city. From quirky bars to new restaurants and fitness classes, this episode is packed with recommendations and behind-the-scenes tidbits for Omaha locals and visitors alike.

 

Exploring Omaha’s Bars and Restaurants

The episode dives into Omaha’s diverse bar and restaurant scene. Here are the highlights:

• The Platypus
  A new addition to Little Bohemia, Platypus is the sister bar to Tiny House. Delaney describes its retro vibes, mismatched furniture, and a strong focus on wine. With Block 16 paninis on the menu, Platypus emphasizes that “snacks are not an afterthought,” offering more than the typical bar fare.
• Wicked Rabbit
  This downtown speakeasy remains a favorite for its hidden entrance and well-crafted cocktails. Accessible through what looks like a curiosity market, Wicked Rabbit has a dark, incense-filled atmosphere that adds to its mystique. Cahner recalls her visits—one of which included a memorable (though bad) date—highlighting the spot as a unique experience for cocktail enthusiasts.
• Alice
  Located beneath Legacy Chophouse, Alice offers whimsical, Wonderland-inspired cocktails in an intimate setting. As part of Maven’s lineup, Alice provides an excellent option for creative drinks in a chic atmosphere.
• Bomb Taco
  This reimagined spot in Dundee replaced The Hoppy Taco, transforming the space into a more casual takeout-style eatery with plenty of seating. With two other locations in Omaha, Bomb Taco offers a convenient stop for taco lovers.
• Ohh De Lally
  For a more upscale experience, Ohh De Lally delivers ambiance with dim lighting and fresh, high-quality dishes. Delaney and Cahner discuss its appeal for girls’ nights or dates and note the convenience of its downstairs bodega for quick bites and wine.

 

Fitness and Wellness in Omaha

Fitness lovers will enjoy the duo’s exploration of local fitness studios:

• Plank and Elevate
  Cahner shares her experience balancing intense fitness classes like Plank and Elevate Pulse. While challenging, she finds them perfect for cross-training during her marathon training. She also discusses the importance of electrolyte supplements for heated classes, reflecting on her research to enhance her workouts.
• Lotus House of Yoga and Power Life Yoga
  Heated yoga classes at Lotus House of Yoga and Power Life are another popular option, though Cahner laments the lack of non-heated sculpt classes. Despite her challenges with heated workouts, she plans to continue experimenting with these studios to find the right fit.

Delaney adds her excitement about trying Elevate Pole Fitness in Benson, showcasing Omaha’s growing variety of unique fitness options.

 

Community Events and Cozy Corners

The episode also touches on several events and places that bring the community together:

• Igloo Party at Tiny House
  Delaney and Cahner recount their spontaneous igloo party, which began as a coworker gathering but turned into an eclectic mix of friends and new faces. The experience underscores Omaha’s tight-knit community and the fun of gathering in unique spaces.
• Winter Warm-Up at Fontanelle Forest
  A partnership with local coffee shops, this event invites visitors to enjoy warm beverages while exploring the forest. Hardy Coffee Co.’s appearance on January 5th is a particular highlight.
• Downtown Art Walk
  Taking place on the first Thursday of each month, this event connects several downtown galleries, including the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts and Passageway Gallery. It’s an excellent way to explore Omaha’s art scene.
• Murder Mystery Games at Spielbound
  Partnering with Omaha Performing Arts, Spielbound hosts an interactive night of murder mystery board games, offering winners gift cards to the café. This event ties into the upcoming production of Clue at the Orpheum Theater.

 

Romantic Date Night Recommendations

For those seeking date night ideas, the hosts suggest several romantic spots:

• Memoir and Champagne Lanes
  Memoir offers classy cocktails and an upscale ambiance, while Champagne Lanes provides a fun mix of bowling and bar vibes.
• Laka Lono Rum Club
  A chill and cozy spot for first dates, Laka Lono features tiki-inspired décor and inventive drinks.
• Timber Wood Fire Bistro
  Known for its wood-smoked dishes and intimate setting, Timber is a standout for romantic dinners.
• BOHO Supper Club
  Delaney’s favorite date spot, BOHO Supper Club, combines great food with an unbeatable atmosphere, though reservations can be tough to secure during busy times.

 

Shopping Recommendations for Men

Addressing listener questions, the hosts recommend local boutiques for men’s shopping:

• The Simple Man (Countryside Village)
  A one-stop shop for clothing, shoes, and unique gifts.
• Fontenelle Supply Co. (Little Bohemia)
  Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and fans of rugged, wilderness-inspired goods.
• A-Priori (Aksarben)
  A high-end menswear boutique offering carefully curated apparel and accessories.

 

Looking Ahead to 2025

The episode concludes with a look at personal and professional goals for the new year. Delaney focuses on expanding Omaha Places’ small business directory and elevating video content with more creative shots. Cahner plans to ramp up content for their Denver Places account and explore new ways to utilize YouTube, potentially targeting a broader, non-local audience.

Both hosts tease an upcoming “tea-spilling” segment for 2025, hinting at juicy behind-the-scenes stories and secret projects. Stay tuned for more updates as Omaha Places continues to grow and showcase the best of the city.

 

Whether you’re a local looking for new hangouts or a visitor planning a trip, Episode 4 of Omaha Places offers a comprehensive guide to Omaha’s cozy corners, vibrant community, and evolving cultural scene. Tune in for more discoveries next week!

 

This blog post is based on a transcript from the Omaha Places podcast episode released on January 1^st 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