Omaha Exploration

The VIP Lounge recently moved from its longtime home at 90th and Arbor Street to a new location nearby. Before we go further, I’ll admit that I actually started this exploration of the VIP long ago and it sat buried with the dozens of other half written posts as others things caught my attention. The move is what reminded that I ought to revisit it.

In 1966 real estate developer Dean Winstrom opened the VIP Lounge on the upper floor of the Arbor Building. Omaha native F. Marshall Boker designed the multi-level building and even won an award for its contemporary design. Shrubbery was added along the building in order to offset its straight lines. The VIP was its most well known tenant as it faced busy 90th Street to its east.

This location in West Omaha wasn’t Dean’s first choice for a bar as he had planned to open one at the Regis Hotel at 1416 Howard Street downtown. After reconsidering he headed west and opened the bar at 9001 Arbor Street. The bar billed itself as a meeting spot for the middle aged crowd who wanted a quiet place to talk while enjoying a beverage in order to take the edge off. With that in mind, he didn’t offer live music instead playing it from the stereo.

By the early 1970s the the bar was operated by bookmaker, Donald Quinn. Soon afterwards it fell into the capable hands of Bruce Steinfeldt. If that name seems familiar its become Bruce was the manager at Cork N’ Cleaver – the steakhouse that would become The Drover one year later when he bought it alongside his partners. As far as I can tell, Bruce operated the bar for decades before passing away in 2001.

Mel Bull took control of the VIP Lounge afterwards and continues to run it to this day. He represents the fourth generation of the family to operate either bars or restaurants. His parents had the Circle Bar and Grill in Elkhorn while his grandparents ran the Stockade in Millard and great grandparents the 10-Mile Inn at 132nd and Dodge

The VIP, meanwhile, developed a reputation all its own and was mentioned by The Reader as one of the top bars for a cozy hideout in 2020. One in which the atmosphere was lively and the bartenders were fun. Perhaps even a place where you get your money’s worth with strong pours and/or free shots. It didn’t stop there as the bar also developed a following for its spicy and strong Bloody Mary.

After 59 years calling the Arbor Building its home, Mel moved to a nearby strip mall at 85th and Frederick Street in August 2025. Perhaps more popular than ever, he said that the bar had outgrown the space while the new location also had the added benefit of additional parking. The new location at 8505 Frederick Street had once been occupied by Gaeta’s Restaurant and most recently For The Wild Birds. Despite the new home and fresh new look, his goal is to maintain its dive bar feel.

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