A Cocktail Thing: Omaha’s Monthly Pop-Up Cocktail Party

If you’re looking for something extraordinary to do in Omaha, let us introduce you to A Cocktail Thing. This isn’t your average cocktail party—it’s an ever-evolving celebration of food, drinks, and collaboration, happening at the end of every month at Anna’s Place. In 2025, we’re taking things even further by teaming up with some of Omaha’s most talented chefs and creators. Each month will feature a fresh, innovative menu of cocktails and paired dishes that you won’t find anywhere else.

A Pop-Up Series Like No Other

At Anna’s Place, we don’t do ordinary. A Cocktail Thing is all about bringing the unexpected to the table, featuring four brand-new cocktails every month. These drinks are inspired by themes that vary from whimsical to essential, often reflecting the style and personality of the chef we’re collaborating with that month.

We’re thrilled to highlight Omaha’s culinary stars, including ongoing partnerships with beloved local creators like The Pie Fairy, whose desserts are guaranteed to steal the show. Whether the theme explores Midwestern roots, global flavors, or something entirely experimental, every event promises a unique experience tailored to excite your palate.

A Year of Flavor and Creativity

The first A Cocktail Thing of 2025 launches on Sunday, February 16th, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Grab your partner, your friends, or even your foodie squad, and enjoy a cozy yet exciting way to celebrate.

After February, the series will take place on the last Sunday of every month, with two seatings available at 1 PM and 4 PM. Every month brings a completely new menu of cocktails and food pairings, making each event a fresh experience.

And if you’re as excited as we are, consider a year-long subscription! With a subscription, you’ll secure your seat for every event at the discounted 1 PM slot. Coming soon, we’ll also be offering a month-to-month option—perfect if you’re looking to drop in on select events. Subscriptions and tickets will be available on our website: annasplaceomaha.com.

Support Local, Savor the Best

This year-long series isn’t just about cocktails and food—it’s a celebration of Omaha’s creative community. From showcasing top local chefs to revisiting collaborations with friends like The Pie Fairy, A Cocktail Thing is our way of spotlighting the incredible talent that makes Omaha special.

Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast, a curious foodie, or someone who just loves discovering unique things to do, this is an event designed to inspire, surprise, and delight.

Reserve Your Spot Today

Seats for A Cocktail Thing are limited, so be sure to book early. Reservations can be made directly on our website, annasplaceomaha.com, or by emailing us at info@annasplaceomaha.com. Don’t forget to let us know about any dietary restrictions at least a week in advance—we’ve got you covered.

Join us each month for this unforgettable experience, and make A Cocktail Thing part of your 2025. Because in Omaha, when it comes to food, drink, and creativity, we know how to do it right.

21+ event. Reservations are transferable but non-refundable.

Hiding in Plain sight.

Welcome to Omaha, a city that might not be on the top of your travel list, but one that holds its own secrets and surprises. Among those, you'll find Anna's Place, a speakeasy that’s a world away from the mundane. Located inside Hotel Indigo, a few blocks from the downtown hustle and the baseball field, this is where you step out of the ordinary and into a slice of time gone by.

Now, finding Anna's Place is half the fun. Wander through the hotel, past the concession area, and look for that inviting green light on the door. It's your signal that you've arrived at a sanctuary for the senses, where the everyday rules don't apply. This bar isn't about the loud, chaotic scenes you find elsewhere; it's about savoring the art of conversation and the pleasure of good company in an environment designed to make you forget the outside world.

Anna's Place was born from a vision – a vision of a place perfect for intimate date nights, reunions with old friends, or moments so special they become lasting memories. We have a few house rules to maintain this atmosphere. Here, you’ll find a setting that values quiet conversations and respectful phone use. There's no bathroom inside, but stepping out and getting back in is just a knock away.

With a cap at 30 people, this isn’t a spot for the rowdy. It’s a sanctuary for those who appreciate a more refined, intimate setting. The music is a low hum, a backdrop to your evening rather than the main event. The dim lighting encourages connections that are more than surface deep. We ask you to use phone lights sparingly and avoid flash photography – it keeps the ambiance intact.

Upon arrival, our staff will explain our simple house etiquette. Once inside, you’ll be assigned a seat based on your group size and the vibe you’re after. Smaller groups get seated quickly, while larger ones might need to wait a bit to be seated together– but trust me, it’s worth it. Every detail is crafted to enhance your experience.

We don’t do passwords. Instead, respect for your fellow patrons is the key to entry.

Our seating is designed with intention. Whether you're on a date, catching up with friends, or traveling solo, there’s a spot that suits your needs. Travelers and date nights are perfect for the cozy corners, while groups of friends might find themselves around a larger area, catching up without the need to shout. Our setup encourages conversation and connection, with every seat chosen to enhance your night.

Anna's Place is more than a bar; it's a retreat from the ordinary. The kind of place where you can slow down, savor each moment, and truly connect. It’s a place for stories, laughter, and those rare, unforgettable nights. So, come find us, settle in, and let the magic of Anna's Place work its charm. Welcome to Omaha – you’re going to like it here.

3 easy steps to step up your drinking making for house parties

Alright kid, listen up. Hosting a house party and trying to impress your friends with your cocktail skills? Let me give you a few tips from the trenches. You want to look like you’ve been doing this forever, and I’ve got three easy steps to help you step up your cocktail game. Trust me, these will save you a lot of headaches and make you the hero of the night.

Step 1: Pre-Batch Your Cocktails

First things first, pre-batch your cocktails. It’s inevitable that at some point, you’re gonna have to walk away from your drink station, and someone’s going to want a drink. You don’t want to make this complicated for anybody. Your potions should be as simple as “eat me” and “drink me.” Don’t be afraid to take a piece of tape and apply it to your cocktail containers with simple instructions: three parts this, one part that, equal parts this and that, etc.

In my years of working catering gigs, I’ve seen it time and again. Everyone will try out one drink, one will be a crowd favorite, and the other two will be forgotten. Then, everyone simply goes back to their comfort zones or shots of tequila. Make it easy on yourself and pre-batch. This ensures consistency and saves you from the chaos of making individual drinks all night.

Step 2: Keep It Simple, Stupid

Let’s get one thing straight: most of your house guests will be just fine with a simple margarita. It’s us bartenders who want to make it fancy and exotic. Sure, go ahead and add strawberries and squeeze all your fresh limes, but trust me, 10 hours of prep time isn’t worth the headache for someone who’s just as happy drinking whiskey and Coke.

So many times, we fall into the trap of trying to have 10 different cocktails, each with different spirits. We go way over budget, and we haven’t had a chance to practice these drinks before the guests arrive. We end up making it up on the fly. Stick to the classics. A well-made daiquiri or piña colada can be slightly modified with one ingredient, but save yourself the headache—don’t change everything. Don’t reinvent the wheel. Focus on making the best cocktail possible with a few key ingredients.

Step 3: Stay Updated on Cocktail Trends

Spend 10 minutes and look up the current cocktail trends. You might be a huge fan of the Cosmopolitan, but if you’re entertaining a group of people under 30, they probably want espresso martinis. Most cocktail blogs will have recipes for these trending drinks. Trends typically last about five years depending on the market, so anything from 2019 to the present should be fine.

Take into consideration who your guests are. A signature cocktail can be fun, but if it’s a group standing around a barbecue, maybe spend more time on the beer selection. If you’re young and scraping by, don’t be afraid to buy ready-to-drink cocktails and doctor them up slightly to call them your own. Trust me, Aunt Carol has been doing that with her pie for years.

Entertaining Shouldn’t Be Stressful

Entertaining at home shouldn’t be stressful. Don’t be afraid to keep it simple. You can always make your syrups ahead of time, or if you’ve got your cocktail pre-batched, many times it’ll hold for days. If your party is on Friday, don’t be afraid to make the cocktails on Wednesday night to save yourself time. It’s all okay, and you’re gonna do great.

So, let’s recap: pre-batch your cocktails, keep it simple, and stay updated on cocktail trends. Follow these steps, and you’ll not only elevate your cocktail game but also ensure your house party is a hit. Remember, bartending is as much about the experience as it is about the drink. Make sure everyone feels welcome, keep the drinks flowing, and most importantly, have fun. You’ve got this.