Omaha Exploration

While working at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln, Brian Magee was planning to open a fine dining establishment. Those plans changed after a stop to Colorado’s first brewpub, Wynkoop Brewing Company. After a conversation with its founder, John Hickenlooper, Brian was determined to start a brewpub of his own in Omaha.

After considering several locations, Brian landed on the historic firehouse in Omaha’s Old Market. Built in 1903 it had most recently served as the home to the Firehouse Dinner Theater. His vision was to make the brewpub resemble the old firehouse as much as possible. To that end, he completed an extensive renovation of the building. By the time it was finished, the large building had a first floor brew house and an open-style kitchen. The second floor space had additional seating in addition to a pool hall and patio.To capitalize on its location in the Old Market, he added an outdoor patio along 11th Street.

The name, Upstream, was the translation of the word Omaha in the Siouan language of which the Omaha Tribe spoke. It was one of only a few other brewpubs operating in the state when it opened in 1996. At that time it offered six beers on tap which were designed to compliment the food which included gourmet pizza, fried calamari, burgers and casseroles all made from scratch.

Since it opened its doors 28 years ago, Upstream has become a landmark in the Old Market due to both its food and its beer. Omaha’s second oldest brewery is consistently recognized as the Omaha’s best brewpub. While they offer upwards of 12 different brews, Upstream, like Jaipur, does not distribute its beer preferring instead to have its customers dine-in to enjoy the food at the same time.

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Until next time, keep exploring!

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