Omaha Exploration

Located within a 1960s strip mall at 76th and Pacific Street is a classic cocktail lounge that remains true to the era.

Named the Interlude Lounge, it was founded in 1966 by two experienced barmen, Marvin Richards and Morrie Shapiro. It sits at 7643 Pacific Street in the storefront at the far western edge of the mall. More than likely, you’ll first notice its old-school neon sign with a martini glass as you’re cruising along Pacific.

Inside, the lounge was designed by Sam Mangiamele with a Spanish motif. Sam was an accomplished interior designer who designed Ross’ Steak House, Angelo’s, and Trentino’s among others. Sam would later open The Bar in the space now occupied by Barry O’s in the Old Market.

The Lude, as it is often called, proved to be a popular spot for cocktails and working lunches as it served food back in those days. Likely finding it difficult to keep up, the owners hired veteran bartender Joe Siciliano in 1967. By that time Joe had worked 27 years as a bartender, including at Harry Neesman’s Key Club at 1819 Farnam Street. In order to accommodate its patrons, the bar removed its package liquor section in 1969 to expand its seating.

After working in the bar business for several years, Ann Coffman bought the bar in 1989. She started an annual tradition in which she would treat her customers to sweet corn and brats as a way of saying thanks. At that time the bar was also known for its St. Patrick’s Day celebration that featured Mulligan stew and Irish music and its annual mother-daughter luncheon.

After her passing in 2008, Scott Piotrowski, the bar manager at the Dundee Dell, took over The Lude. In recent years it’s become an extremely popular place to celebrate the holidays with friends and family on Black Friday. Even today, it looks much as it did when it opened in 1966. The dark and cozy bar still has the archways, lantern wall lights, mirrors, the large Midcentury Modern chandelier, and vintage red chairs. At one point it had built-in ashtrays in the bathroom, though I can’t confirm whether they’re still there. The only major changes to its interior occurred when the smoking ban went into effect and the walls were repainted, carpet replaced, and chairs reupholstered.

The cocktail lounge has a diverse set of regulars from young and old, college students to professionals and those from the neighborhood. In fact, some of its regulars have been visiting the bar for decades — well before its current owner was born. As the night wears on, however, the crowd tends to get younger due to its proximity to the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

In recent years the bar has become known for its Moscow mules and stiff drinks as well as its retro style. It continues to live by its motto “where friends meet” with its relaxed atmosphere and ample supply of tables and chairs allowing you to enjoy a conversation while nursing your drink. If you need something to help soak up the alcohol, it allows food to be delivered to the bar.

The Interlude Lounge celebrated its milestone 50th anniversary in 2016 with an outdoor block party. While I’m not in the habit of tracking the ages of West Omaha bars, I believe that for those that sit west of 72nd, it has to be near the top.

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