Mercury 329 South 16th Street, Omaha, NE 68102

"The blueberry poundcake is great, it's not too sweet and that really allows the blueberries come through naturally. Context: I've been coming here for 5+ years. The only times I don't like being here is right before showtimes at the Orpheum (check current shows to avoid the rush). They're not lacking for customers, and they have always, in my experience, delivered quality food and drinks. Their rotating menu selection is always a joy to look forward to. If you want to experience it more intimately/get a feel for it, go at around 5pm, on Sunday, or right after a showtime starts at the Orpheum."

"Mercury is a must visit during the year but right now they have their holiday decorations up and you feel like you're immersed into The Christmas Story! The decor is great and so festive. They also have a special holiday menu. I had the vodka, rosemary cocktail and it was not only delicious but beautiful. We also had the beer cheese fondue (so delicious)! The serving team was very attentive and our glasses never got empty."

"Excellent food and service. One of the best gin and tonics I've ever had. House made tonic. The pasta dishes have house made pasta and are scrumptious. If they have the Tres Leches offered for dessert, get it. Not overly drenched and a very nice version of a great dessert. Fia was an excellent server."

"Overall, 2.5 stars Service ⭐ Drinks ⭐⭐ Food ⭐⭐⭐⭐ *Allergen note, they use peanut oil on everything. If you have a severe allergy this is not the place for you. We went to Mercury last night to attend a friend’s birthday celebration. The owner had been communicating with this friend for over a week and had sectioned off an area in the back. My friend communicated that there would be 15-20 people in attendance, and the owner had told her that would be fine and if there were going to be more than 20, she would need to rent part of the bar, which was absolutely fine with us. He definitely hyped my friend up that the location was an excellent party spot and usually accommodated parties. We had 14 people. They had seating for 8 (barely) reserved for us. We tried to make it work, we even asked for additional chairs. While they granted us a few spare chairs, they could not give us as many as we needed because the waitress stated that it would create “standing room only” by removing any chairs from any tables. We also could not stand near our party because then it would be “standing room only”. I understand there are occupancy laws to take into consideration but there were empty tables and empty conversation areas everywhere. It was not anywhere near capacity. We packed into a corner booth like sardines to make it work. It was painfully obvious that the waitress was wholly unprepared for a party. She was perfectly nice, but had no idea how to deal with a group. And that’s on management, know your staffing requirements and what your employees can handle. We were never brought waters, our table was never bussed, and for the most part we were ignored unless we flailed around or stood to get attention. Let me be clear, the place was not packed, even with our party it was probably at half capacity. It got so ridiculous at one point we began to bus our own table and had to get attention from the employees to come take things from our hands. Plates stacked 5 high? Ridiculous. Parties of this size should really have 2 people to attend, especially when management knew well in advance. We were there for 3.5 hours, at one point I waited an hour to get the attention of the waitress to let her know I never got my cocktail, and it was not busy. I spent $110 for myself and my spouse (this includes 20% automatic gratuity and an additional tip because I felt bad that management put her in this position). My spouse had one N/A drink and I had 3 of their signature cocktails, we each had a sandwich as well. The drinks were ok, the Tanuki Sculpture Garden was the worst cocktail I’ve ever had, but the bar had no issues taking it back/comping it without me even asking for it to be taken off the bill. Would have probably tried more if it were possible to get a waiter or waitress to the table. The food was legit great. The front of the restaurant might be a staffing mess but the kitchen is doing fine. The ambience is wonderful. Style points to the decorator for sure. For a small party of 4-8 (absolute max) this would be good choice. Even design wise, it’s not set up for more. Anything more than that, either rent the whole place AND make sure that management has a clear expectation of staffing, or go elsewhere that is more equipped to handle a large party. I really had high hopes for this place as it is advertised as being able to accommodate parties (even online reservations for up to 20) but it was a let down. I would try it again for a date night with just my spouse, but will not be bringing a group here. As a side note to the restaurant, the zoo map/drink menus are cute. They don’t make a lot of sense, but they are cute. Please laminate them. They were basically falling apart."

"This is a very fun place. A funky atmosphere where the decor changes several times a year. We visited when they were celebrating Henry Doorly Zoo. Craft cocktails around the Zoo theme. We had the Zebra and the Butterfly. Both excellent. Won’t bother to describe, since they’ll be gone soon. I’m sure they will be replaced with something just as good. Deviled eggs and guacamole were fresh, delicious. Crab Pasta and Cubano Sandwich were excellent. One of those places you need to visit multiple times a year to catch the latest theme. Try the drink carousel if you are brave. Enjoy a drink made from a private bourbon barrel. Like the bourbon? They will sell you a bottle."