Feel Like A Member Of A Secret Society At The Mechanical Room, A Speakeasy In Nebraska
By Delana Lefevers|Published January 26, 2020
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Delana Lefevers
Author
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
In the heart of Beatrice, Nebraska’s booming downtown district, an underground bar is serving stiff drinks in a laid-back setting. This trendy little place is perfect for your next date night, friends’ outing, or a casual evening of exploring Beatrice’s nightlife.
The Mechanical Room opened in Beatrice in late 2019. This speakeasy-type bar is modeled after prohibition-era underground drinking establishments. To find this low-key spot, seek out the basement of the Beatrice Mercantile building.
The speakeasy vibe starts before you even go in. The heavy wooden door is labeled "Mechanical Room," and if you didn't know what was behind it you might believe it really was just a utility room. Note the green and red lights above the entryway.
If the green light is on, that means that there's room inside for more guests. In that case, ring the bell and wait for the person inside to greet you through the door grate. If the light is red, the bar is at capacity. Have a seat or walk around for a while until the place clears out a bit.
When you make it inside, you'll be greeted by friendly faces who want to make the experience special for you. Take a look at the drinks menu and don't be shy to ask questions.
The interior of the bar sports a fun vintage theme. Remember when phones looked like this? The intimate space is perfect for sharing meaningful conversations over drinks.
While the club is open to the public, there's also an option to buy a membership. The membership gets you a card that lets you skip the line, free venue rental once a year, a birthday-month bar tab, and more.
The Mechanical Room is located in the basement (Suite 5) of the Beatrice Mercantile Building at 3rd and Court Street. Remember to wait for a green light before ringing the buzzer. Read more about this ultra-cool place on its website or Facebook page. If you’ve ever had a drink here, let us know in the comments what you thought of it.