Gotham Shines its Bat Signal in the Haymarket
Right below 402 Creamery lies a new bar in the Historic Haymarket. Gotham Bar is one of Haymarket’s latest bars. Located on 8th street where JJ Hooligans used to be is a Batman-themed bar that allows you to win collectibles, pose next to a life-sized Harley Quinn figurine in an Arkham Asylum backdrop, and allow artists to showcase their work.
The entrance to Gotham is down a flight of stairs. There is a handicap entrance in the alley.
BY TESSA WISER
Owner Jared Ernest owns Gotham alongside Mike Bretta. Bretta owns the three Toys of the Past locations in Lincoln. He contributed to the small knick knacks around the place, but that’s not what makes it unique.
Both discussed the future of their property in the dimly lit basement, and how could they transform this place. They settled on two things: a place for local artists to create, customize, or perform, and that it was a place that reminded them of DC comics.
One of Gotham's signature drinks is the Joke Serum Jello Shot, which is served in a plastic syringe.
“This was kind of a cold and dark space, a basement or dungeon, and it reminded me of the Batman movies,” Ernest said. “It’s dark like the Asylum, kind of like a cave.”
The space reminded the owners of the classic gritty comic books, but they are willing to change the theme.
“It’s an every person’s bar,” Ernest said. “It’s not just Batman or DC themed, it’s whatever fits the motif at the time. It could be Star Wars or whatever we decide.”
A portrait of one of the iconic Batman villains, Penguin, done by Gotham's owners' personal friend.
“I always wanted a place where we could really display some illustrations, some of the artists we know,” Ernest said.
Floor-to-ceiling bathroom murals executed by locals make this place feel like you’ve walked into Gotham City. The designs on the walls encourage people to contribute with their own doodles to add to the chaos of Gotham’s bathroom stalls.
An inside look at the murals in the women's restroom of Gotham.
“I started looking around [the bar] and it’s like a big open canvas,” Ernest said.
Gotham prides itself on its eclectic murals throughout the establishment but is also planning on hosting local musicians during the week.
“We plan to utilize our stage for live music events,” Ernest said. “We built this stage, we have it that way you have it wired from a soundboard and everything. We planned for this.”
With the creation of specialty cocktails to fit the theme comes pub food that is perfect for classic dive bar visits.
Gotham hosts Trivia Nights every other Wednesday, each night focusing on a specific pop culture theme. You can find the theme for the next Trivia Night here.