The Zoo Bar aptly-named nightclub has served as a staple in the live music scene of downtown Lincoln since its opening in 1973. Now in its 50th year, the bar boasts international recognition, putting not just the Zoo Bar on the music map of Lincoln, Nebraska–but Lincoln, Nebraska on the map of the music world.

Hosting bigtime acts like Buddy Guy and Bo Didley while headlining local jazz bands, the Zoo Bar has brought together global blues legends and the jazz community of Lincoln–making for an incredible impact on the local music and entertainment.

The Zoo Bar is housed in a building constructed in 1921–located at 136 North 14th Street. The blues club’s most notable features, however, lie within the long and narrow setup of the space and an interior modeled after the ambience found in Chicago blues clubs. In 2000, former owner Larry Boehmer retired and passed the bar on to his sons, Jeff and Tim Boehmer, and Pete Watters; Pete Watters now owns the club.