the Rathskeller
Our
Story
The Rathskeller Bier Haus, located in Omaha’s Blackstone District, has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. The building, at 4524 Farnam Street, was originally used by John Harte, a prominent contractor in Omaha, who ran his business from the site and lived in the upstairs apartment. Over the years, the building was home to various businesses, including a soda fountain and malt shop in the mid-20th century, and it eventually became a bar in the 1960s.
Throughout the years, the bar changed names and ownership multiple times, operating under names like 3 J’s, The Recovery Room, and Three Cheers. After a stint as a coffee shop called Caffeine Dreams, the building reopened as the Rathskeller Bier Haus in 2018. It featured a German-style biergarten and quickly became known for its unique European ambiance and beer selection.
Despite its popularity, Rathskeller closed in 2023 due to construction and other challenges in the area. In 2024, Zachary and Jessica Kirkpatrick reopened the business as Rathskeller, which is in operations today. The building itself, noted for its Sullivanesque architectural style, is currently owned by Nebraska Medicine.