About Brokedown Palace
Brokedown Palace represents a unique convergence of musical influences combining the flower power ethos of the Grateful Dead with the passionate sports culture of Nebraska Cornhuskers football. This unlikely but surprisingly successful pairing creates a bar atmosphere that welcomes diverse crowds united by love of live music good drinks and community.
Concept and Atmosphere
Founded by two veteran bartenders and childhood friends Brokedown Palace emerged from a vision to create a space celebrating both the improvisational collaborative spirit of the Grateful Dead and the pride of Nebraska football. The venue features extensive Dead and Huskers memorabilia including concert posters an autographed helmet and local art creating a visually rich environment. A large aquarium and trippy visual projections add to the eclectic comfortable atmosphere.
The bar's layout balances intimate performance space with traditional bar functionality. The front area features couches and comfortable seating creating a living room feel perfect for enjoying music while the back maintains a more conventional bar setup. This dual nature allows the venue to accommodate both focused listening experiences and casual socializing.
Weekly Entertainment Schedule
Brokedown Palace hosts an impressive lineup of weekly events making it a seven-nights-a-week destination for entertainment seekers. Every Monday from 8-10 PM Eva Bleu Band takes the stage delivering raspy soul and fuzzy funk riffs described as Janis Joplin floating through a Dead set tangled in purple haze and moonlight. These shows feature no cover charge with $2 Busch Lite cans and $2 Bud and Bud Lite draws.
Tuesday nights combine open mic and Taco Tuesday starting at 6 PM with $1 tacos $3 Modelos and $5 margaritas. The open mic runs from 8 PM to midnight offering 15-minute performance slots for music comedy and poetry. Current host Spidercat welcomes sign-ups via direct message or in person. This night has earned particular recognition from local musicians as a well-run supportive open mic experience.
Wednesday brings karaoke hosted by Zach Kurmel one of Omaha's finest entertainers running from 8 PM to midnight. Thursday nights feature live music performances and Ladies Night from 4 PM to close. A unique Thursday addition is Patio Flow - a weekly gathering from 7 PM to midnight welcoming hoopers poi spinners jugglers drummers aerial artists and flow enthusiasts for open jam sessions under the stars. This event creates a festival atmosphere celebrating movement and rhythm.
Food and Drink
The bar maintains competitive pricing with daily happy hour from 3-6 PM featuring rotating specials. The Tuesday Taco specials have become particularly popular combining affordable food with quality entertainment. Brokedown Palace serves a full selection of craft beers both local and regional along with well-crafted cocktails and standard bar offerings.
A unique feature is the venue's connection to Homestyle Cafe accessible through a Dutch door allowing guests to order breakfast or lunch directly into the bar. This partnership extends the venue's food options beyond typical bar snacks creating a more complete dining experience.
Special Events and Streaming
Brokedown Palace regularly hosts special events including Grateful Dead tribute shows livestreams of Dead & Company performances and themed celebrations. The venue streamed all three nights of Dead & Company's 60th Anniversary shows from Golden Gate Park in August 2025 offering big screen visuals and full sound with no cover charge. These events attract dedicated Deadheads from across the region creating community celebrations around shared musical passion.
The bar also celebrated New Year's Eve 2026 with live music heavy hors d'oeuvres by chef Natelina Mickles and a complimentary champagne toast demonstrating its capacity to host special occasion events.
Pet-Friendly Policy
Brokedown Palace welcomes dogs making it a favorite destination for pet owners. The bar provides water bowls and creates a welcoming environment for patrons' four-legged friends adding another dimension to its inclusive community-focused approach.
Location and Access
Located at 8805 Maple Street just east of 90th Street on the Maple Street frontage road Brokedown Palace sits adjacent to Homestyle Cafe amid convenience stores and light industry. While the location might seem unassuming the venue has become a destination worth seeking out. Hours typically run from 11 AM to 2 AM though specific times may vary by day.
Community and Culture
Patrons consistently praise Brokedown Palace's friendly atmosphere affordable drinks and welcoming vibe. The diverse clientele includes Deadheads sports fans music lovers and neighborhood regulars creating a genuinely inclusive environment. The venue's commitment to live music multiple times per week combined with its unique thematic identity has established it as an essential part of Omaha's music scene particularly for those seeking jam band culture and improvisational musical experiences.