Omaha Exploration

On the far eastern edge of Benson is a bar that started its life as a fruit market in 1929. The market was founded by Farris Nasr (1880-1938) who immigrated to the U.S. in 1899 from his native Syria. He first found work as a laborer to support his family but opened his own restaurant at 16th and Jones St a few years later. He continued to operate the cafe until 1929 at which point he built a bungalow at 4701 Military Ave. It was in this building that he opened the Nifty Fruit Market. His sons, Fred and Phillip, helped him run the family business. 

After prohibition was repealed, Farris expanded his store and converted the business into Nifty Beer Tavern in 1935. Active in his community, the entrepreneur was chosen as the most outstanding Syrian by the Phoenician club which was founded in 1936 to promote understanding of Middle Eastern heritage. He unexpectedly passed away in 1938 from a heart attack. Guests stood up in his honor for a minute of silence at the club’s annual dinner the following year.

His brother Joseph (1888-1971) operated the bar in his absence and even remodeled it one year later. Lous Pribyl (1918-2013), a bartender by trade, would take over the family business after marrying Farris’ daughter Emaline in 1946. He was forced to move the bar one block west while NW Radial Hwy was being constructed. The new location drew some protests due to potential traffic concerns but opened at 4721 Military Ave in 1952. With the new building having a kitchen, its name changed to Nifty Bar & Grill. The grill was well received with a large, moderately priced menu. The long bar allowed regulars to conversate while imbibing. For those that didn’t want to belly-up at the bar, there were booths along the wall. The interior was complemented with light wood paneling and Christmas lights that hung above the bar. I found an application to move the original building which was still in good condition to 1311 N Saddle Creek.

Despite not having moved this time, its address was changed to 4721 NW Radial Hwy in 1974. The city council said the change was to eliminate confusion and was at the request of citizens in Benson. The bar became the victim of a string of robberies over the next couple of decades. In one particular incident, the owner at the time was shot in the head at close range after closing the bar. He only opened the bar to assist a person asking for change. After opening the door, the shooter forced his way in, cleaned out the register, stole the owner’s wallet, watch and wedding ring before shooting him. He fortunately survived and later identified the shooter. 

While the bar recovered from those turbulent years, it suffered a decline in its lunch business which led its current owner to remove the kitchen in 2009. This provided the opportunity to renovate the bar in such a way that it could add additional seating and entertainment options. In addition to seating at the bar there are tables and chairs and even leopard print benches. Outside is a covered patio that is heated when the weather turns. The inside maintains a retro vibe that is both cozy and inviting. The walls still have that wood paneling and are decorated with old black-and-white photographs of the bar, signs, flags and other decor. Entertainment includes pool, darts, shuffleboard, foosball and a claw machine. While the renovations have removed many of the original features of the bar, the actual bartop remains and is adorned with nameplates honoring its regulars.

The Nifty Bar is a gathering spot for those celebrating the birthday of the U.S. Marine Corp in a tradition that started with veteran Patrick Peterson and continues to this day. It was originally planned to be a quick toast to life as a Marine but turned into a night of cocktails and conversation. This tradition continues to this day and doubles as a fundraiser. The Nifty is also known for its annual bar Olympics. 

The bar that claims to be “Benson before Benson was Benson” is located on that section of NW Radial that shifts from the east to the south. While its entrance remains on its northwest corner, parking is on the southern side of the building which is only accessible through the alley. Its unusual configuration is one of those things I love about old-time bars and buildings in general. Not only is the Nifty among the oldest bars in town, it’s also considered to be among the best with its cheap drinks, lively conversation and karaoke.

Content written by Omaha Exploration – follow my page for more! Please also feel free to leave a comment. If there’s something you want to learn more about, let me know. In the meantime, keep exploring!

Omaha Exploration is sponsored by @Rockbrook Mortgage Inc.

Click here to learn about opportunities to sponsor Omaha Exploration!

Bonus pics

Subscribe

Follow me on

• Facebook
• Instagram