Antiquarium

Basically, everything Andrea C. described as downfalls of the Antiquarium is what makes it so amazing and unique. In Omaha, this place is legendary, and many of the now very famous musicians that have come out of the city (the Saddle Creek Records artists, for example) learned to love music through the adventure and discovery of the albums in the basement. It's an experience to visit this store, and no authentic trip to Omaha is complete without it. more

I would actually love this place if I didn't feel like I would get lung cancer by staying in it too long. They always smoke inside the place. I would assume this has to be against some federal law, but its a really private place. It actually looks more like someone's home rather than a CD store. You go up a few stairs to get inside and then there is typically always a bunch of people sitting around smoking or eating. It looks like some kind of bookstore and its way overcrowded. Then you have manuver your way around the people to go down to the basement area. Its about 13 stairs down a really narrow staircase. Then down there its also really hot. They sell used CDs and used Videos at really cheap prices. They seem to carry practically every Indie album ever made. They also have a bulletin board which lets bands advertise for open auditions and local concerts going on. They also sell the huge vinyl records. They have a ton of posters. I'd enjoy it if it wasn't diry, the employees quit smoking, and it wasn't in a basement. Other then that its neat to see. more

The Antiquarium is cool to go to and just wander around and hang out. A freakin' ton of books...old mags, comics, records, cds, tapes and artwork upstairs. Imagine your old crazy uncle owns a mansion. He has a book fetish and several cats. He lets anybody come over and hang out to play chess, lay around, philosophize, role play and meander about. That's the Antiquarium. more

The Antiquarium is the best bookstore I know of, period. Just like the big chain stores, you can hang out and read books all day if you want to, but the selection is much more eclectic and fun! The books are used, but it just adds to the thrill of discovery! The staff is really nice, and they allow you to just browse, and search and relax. Definitely one of my favorite places! more