The Jewell opened in early 2019 as a modern jazz club in Omaha’s Capitol District. Its mission was to bring top-tier jazz (and related genres) into a swanky, supper-club atmosphere. They were able to survive the pandemic until closing their doors in 2023.
Fortunately, The Jewell has a new life, renamed Jewell on Capitol, opening its doors again in early 2024. It’s in the exact same spot as before, nestled inside the Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District.
The Jewell might sound like just another upscale name, but this sophisticated jazz club nods to a pivotal piece of Omaha’s Black musical heritage, drawing inspiration from the historic Jewell Building and the visionary family behind it. In the early 20th century, Omaha’s North Side – especially around 24th & Lake Street – burst with jazz, culture and entrepreneurial energy.
Jewell entry area
Photo by Chris & Jennifer Corey
At its center was the Jewell Building, where the Jewell family operated a variety of ventures and proudly hosted the legendary Dreamland Ballroom.
During jazz’s golden era (1920s – 1950s), Dreamland Ballroom featured sold-out performances from icons like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Count Basie. This energized the neighborhood with the sound of jazz, swing and blues, making Omaha a can’t-miss stop on the national music scene.
The Jewell family name became synonymous with Omaha’s finest in live performances. That legacy of music lives on today at Jewell on Capitol.
Nate Bray and the Soul Supremes
Photo by Chris & Jennifer Corey
During our two visits, we saw two fantastic groups. Nate Bray and the Soul Supremes, an excellent blues quartet, performed during our first visit. Bray, a 2018 and 2021 Nebraska blues challenge winner and 2022 Nebraska Music Hall of Fame inductee, started the group in 2021 to help restore live music in Omaha’s inner city. If you see them on Jewell’s calendar, or anywhere else, I recommend checking them out.
Our second visit featured Iowa-based singer-songwriter Andre Vander Velde, who has a smooth, soothing voice with songs that tell “stories of love, family, compassion, unity and peace.” His website also describes his sound as warm and intimate, positive and upbeat. I echo all of these sentiments. This is also a great act to catch if you see him on the calendar.
Andre Vander Velde and his band
Photo by Chris & Jennifer Corey
Since this is a restaurant review, let’s talk about the food. It’s a modest menu that features signature cocktails and small plates.
On our first visit, we had the opening act and blue note for cocktails. Jennifer and I shared the pork belly bao buns. Next, Jennifer ordered the beet and spinach prosciutto salad, and I chose the short rib sliders. We finished with the triple chocolate mousse cake for dessert.
Opening act presentation
Photo by Chris & Jennifer Corey
The opening act is an old fashioned that comes in a glass box full of smoke. This smoky cocktail is bitter and sweet. The distinct taste of rye whiskey shines through. It’s a solid old fashioned – smoky with a proper blend of sweet and bitter. The flashy glass box presentation completely matches the vibe of the venue.
Blue note
Photo by Chris & Jennifer Corey
The blue note is a very well conceived cocktail, made with your choice of gin or vodka (I chose gin), amaretto, lemon juice, blueberry lemon sauce and vanilla foam. The blueberry really shines through, while the vanilla foam adds a silky richness to the drink. This cocktail goes down easy.
Pork belly bao buns
Photo by Chris & Jennifer Corey
The pork belly bao buns are seared pork belly, a pair of steamed bao buns, Korean pickles and gochujang sauce (a sauce known for its sweet, bold umami flavor). The buns were perfectly steamed and pillowy soft. The seared pork belly was fork tender and scrumptious. The tangy pickles and delectable sauce make this a memorable hand-held.
Beet & spinach proscuitto salad
Photo by Chris & Jennifer Corey
The beet, spinach and prosciutto salad is made with goat cheese, macerated figs, balsamic fig vinaigrette and candied walnuts. Every element works together. The figs pair nicely with the beets. The crisp prosciutto adds a welcome salty crunch. The balsamic fig vinaigrette is sweet and sour. It’s a great dressing on a superb salad.
Short rib sliders
Photo by Chris & Jennifer Corey
The short rib sliders were served on soft, buttery toasted buns with burdock mayo and bourbon glaze. The menu said it came with fried horseradish, which sounded intriguing, but it was missing from the sliders. The short ribs were tender and juicy while the burdock mayo was rich, creamy and savory. Despite the lack of fried horseradish, the sliders were utterly delicious.
Triple chocolate mousse cake
Photo by Chris & Jennifer Corey
The triple chocolate mousse cake is three layers of chocolate decadence. The top is a light white chocolate mousse, the middle a milk chocolate mousse and the bottom is a moist dark chocolate sponge. It’s a sublime combination of chocolate indulgence.
With the chocolate mousse cake, the menu differs from the actual plate. The menu said it comes with mixed berries, whipped cream and chocolate curls. Instead, it’s topped with a mint leaf and drizzled chocolate sauce. It’s divine as plated, but at the time of ordering, I was looking forward to the interplay of chocolate and berries.
Menu glitches aside, our first visit was fantastic.
On our second visit, Jennifer chose the merrily maple and I chose the nightcap for cocktails. Regular readers won’t be surprised that she also ordered a bloody Mary. For sustenance, we started with the charcuterie board followed by salmon sliders, pork spring rolls and smoked brisket empanadas.
Merrily maple
Photo by Chris & Jennifer Corey
The merrily maple is made with patron silver, Citrónge orange liqueur and WhistlePig maple syrup (which is rye whiskey barrel aged). It’s similar to a margarita. The orange citrus punches through, and there’s a remarkable smokiness. You might not notice the maple right away. It starts subtle and becomes more prominent with each sip. It’s a nice play on a classic margarita.
Nightcap
Photo by Chris & Jennifer Corey
The nightcap is an espresso martini made with vodka, Licor 43 (a Spanish liqueur made with 43 ingredients) and espresso. The espresso really shines through and the Licor 43 lends sweet citrus and herbal notes. The vodka adds a sophisticated finish.
Bloody Mary
Photo by Chris & Jennifer Corey
Jennifer enjoyed the bloody Mary and said it wasn’t overly spicy, but it had a robust tomato flavor and tangy kick. The vodka wasn’t overpowered, nor was it overpowering. Fellow bloody Mary fans should be more than satisfied.
Charcuterie board
Photo by Chris & Jennifer Corey
The charcuterie board comes with rotational meats and cheeses, pickled veggies, fruit, house jam, candied nuts, a mix of olives, honeycomb and assorted crackers. It’s a generous variety of snacks. Our platter had sage blue cheese, raspberry blue cheese, gouda and white cheddar. The raspberry blue cheese is salty and savory with a hint of berry. The sage blue cheese was savory and slightly peppery. The berry compote was house made, fresh and delicious. It’s a really good charcuterie. We enjoyed every element.
Salmon sliders
Photo by Chris & Jennifer Corey
The salmon sliders are made with dashi beurre blanc and topped with seaweed salad. These are generous portions of salmon grilled to tender perfection. Like the short rib sliders, these buns are soft on the outside, toasty inside. The seaweed salad goes very well with the salmon. The outstanding beurre blank comes on the side – great for dipping or spreading, your choice.
Pork spring rolls
Photo by Chris & Jennifer Corey
The pork spring rolls are braised pork shanks with tamarind sauce, cabbage, carrots and cilantro. They’re lightly fried and there’s a mild sweet smokiness from the pork. The pork was slightly dry, but the tangy, sweet-and-sour tamarind sauce made up for it.
Smoked brisket empanadas up close
Photo by Chris & Jennifer Corey
The smoked brisket empanadas sat atop a Peruvian green sauce and sprinkled with cotija cheese. They’re crispy, beefy and delectably smoky. The green sauce is moderately spicy, silky and smooth. The brisket inside was tender and juicy. Subtle notes of green chile shine through, rounding out the spiced, savory profile.
Jewell on Capitol is dark and sexy, the perfect spot to enjoy good music, small plates and wonderful cocktails. Although it has an upscale atmosphere, the friendly, accommodating staff goes out of its way to help you relax and enjoy yourself.
Jewell bar
Photo by Chris & Jennifer Corey
Jennifer and I were both sad when we heard The Jewell had closed in 2023. It had been one of the must-visit spots to take friends and family visiting from out of town. Now it’s back, starting small with shows on Fridays and Saturdays.
We spoke briefly with the manager, Coriouno (Cori) Bryce during our last visit. He said there are plans to add shows on Thursdays. They may add more during the week as demand grows.
Jewell bar and seating
Photo by Chris & Jennifer Corey
I’m glad to have one of our favorite weekend night spots back. If it’s not already, this will likely become one of your routine, weekend line-ups as well.
Jewell on Capitol hits some very high notes. I’m glad they’re back, and I hope they stay with us for a long time.
