Brownie’s Bar (Facebook.com/BrowniesWateringHole) in Papillion is the kind of place where conversation flows easily, strangers become acquaintances, and the owner might sit down at your table just to chat. Long known as a neighborhood gathering spot, the bar is now entering a new chapter under owner Alex Hass, who purchased the business after its longtime ownership by Lee Brown.
Hass spent nearly 30 years working as an engineer in Iowa before deciding he was ready for a different pace of life. After growing tired of the day-to-day routine, he relocated to Papillion and took the leap into small business ownership, purchasing Brownie’s Bar, which had been operated by Brown for about four decades.
Like many new owners, Hass quickly learned that running a bar and restaurant comes with its own challenges. Finding and maintaining reliable kitchen and service staff has been one of the biggest learning curves. Still, Hass approaches the job with a hands-on mindset.
“I work from 9 a.m. to midnight seven days a week,” Hass shared. “Sometimes my work looks like sitting at a computer, helping service staff, or sitting and chatting with customers.”
Paige and Shayne Zutavern visited Brownie’s Bar alongside their editor, Macey, to experience the food, drinks, and atmosphere firsthand. Situated in a charming part of Papillion, Brownie’s is well positioned for foot traffic on a nice day or for cyclists looking to stop in for a cold drink and a quick bite.
During our visit, we enjoyed the patio on one of its first open days of the season. Inside, the space has a cozy, rustic feel, while the patio brings in warm sunlight and hints at the busy summer months ahead. Guests can enjoy games like pool, darts, and shuffleboard, along with trivia nights and other events.
The meal started with spicy peach chicken wings, served with homemade ranch. The sauce delivered the perfect balance of sweetness and heat. Next came the hand-breaded onion rings, easily one of the standout items on the table.
We then sampled a few classic staples. The house-breaded chicken fingers satisfied our comfort food craving, while the classic cheeseburger was juicy, tender, and full of flavor. To round things out, we tried a chicken salad topped with grilled chicken breast and fresh greens.
For drinks, we started with pickle Bloody Mary shots, made with salsa verde, pickle juice, and Worcestershire sauce. We also tried the Moscow Fuel, Brownie’s twist on a Moscow Mule with the
added kick of green tea extract.
Just as memorable as the food was the welcoming atmosphere. The staff was down-to-earth, friendly, and attentive. With patio renovations underway and a refreshed menu and website on the way, both new visitors and longtime patrons can look forward to an exciting year ahead at Brownie’s.