Downtown Omaha bar with troubled past reopens under new name

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) -A downtown Omaha bar with a troubled past is reopening under a new name.

The former Throwback Arcade Lounge is celebrating its grand reopening Friday as Krush Ultra Lounge.

“I wish them the best of luck,” Omaha City Councilman Danny Begley said.

However, he remains cautious.

“The past has shown us that we will keep a close eye on them and if there’s issues, we will act accordingly,” Begley said.

When the bar was called the Throwback Arcade Lounge, the City of Omaha received multiple complaints including fighting, public urination and denying officers entry at times.

The Omaha City Council voted unanimously not to renew their liquor license, forcing the owners to reapply with the state. However, The Nebraska Liquor Control Commission overrode the city council’s recommendation, granting the owners a liquor license with restrictions.

Restrictions include no alcohol served after 1 a.m. Krush Lounge is required to provide security, help patrol, and clean the neighborhood, and use licensed promoters.

Along with the name change, Krush Lounge is being rebranded a more upscale, sophisticated entertainment club.

Nearby business owner Jairo Vasquez hopes it works.

“I think it will be good for Omaha,” Vasquez said. “Bring a different prospect for night life, as long as they keep it quiet and without problems.”

Begley agrees.

“It is 100 percent about the safety of the public not only that live down here, but also people that are going to go here I want them, anybody to enjoy themselves,” Begley said.

The restrictions will stay in place until at least June 10th. If Krush Lounge meets the requirements, the closing time will extend to 1:30 a.m.

6 News made multiple attempts to talk with the bar’s owner but did not hear back.

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