Best local clubs in Lincoln: top rated picks for 2025 nightlife

TL;DR:

• Two Lincolns, two scenes. The UK brings big club nights, NE brings live music.
  
• Fast picks: Home and Moka for dancing in the UK. Zoo Bar and Junction in NE.
  
• Speakeasy fans, try Vice & Co (UK) or The Other Room (NE).
  
• Ballroom dancing, go Pla-Mor in NE. Student nights, go Superbull at Home.
  
• Check dress codes, ID rules, and event calendars before you go.

There are two major “Lincolns” travelers to search for: Lincoln, England, and Lincoln, Nebraska. This guide covers both. You will find quick picks by vibe, short venue notes, and planning tips. All facts are current as of 14 October 2025.

Quick picks by vibe

Lincoln, UK

• Big student night: Home, The Superbull on Fridays.
  
• Multi-room super-club: Moka, three floors under one roof.
  
• Craft cocktails, date night: Vice & Co, intimate speakeasy.
  
• Huge cocktail list: The Strait & Narrow, 120+ bottles and many mixes.
  
• Chain party bar with deals: Be At One, lively crowd and long menus.
  
• Occasional large club nights: Engine Shed, check listings.
  

Lincoln, Nebraska, USA

• Live blues and roots: Zoo Bar, a city icon with weekly jams.
  
• Open-format dance club: Junction Nightclub & Shot Bar, DJ driven.
  
• Inclusive cabaret and dance: Das Haus, LGBTQA+ lounge and shows.
  
• Classic ballroom dancing: Pla-Mor Ballroom, big floor and bands.
  
• Hidden-door cocktails: The Other Room, speakeasy style.
  
• Retro lounge vibes: Starlite Lounge, mid-century feel.
  

Lincoln, UK: where to dance and where to sip

Home

Home is the city’s largest weekly club operation with a long-running Friday student night called The Superbull. Multiple rooms, themed events, and ticketed entries are the norm. The club posts detailed listings and tickets on its site, so plan ahead for peak nights. According to Home, The Superbull has run for over two decades and still packs out. Expect chart, pop, and party classics.

Best for: students, groups, hen or stag parties.
Tip: buy tickets in advance for Fridays. Queues build fast.

Moka

Moka runs three branded rooms in one building, often including commercial dance, R&B, and party tunes. Reviews highlight friendly door teams and a busy Saturday program. Expect club lighting and a mainstream crowd.

Best for: big-night energy, mixed music.
Tip: check their socials for booth packages and theme nights.

Vice & Co

A true speakeasy with bookings, low light, and careful cocktails. Staff will tailor drinks if the menu does not fit your taste. It is a strong choice for pre-club or a quieter date night that still feels special.

Best for: cocktail lovers, small groups, dates.
Tip: reserve a table. Walk-ins can face waits at peak time.

The Strait & Narrow

This bar lists over 120 bottled beers and a large cocktail menu. It is lively without feeling chaotic, and it suits groups who want conversation before they hit a club.

Best for: big menus, beer and cocktail explorers.
Tip: look out for tap takeovers and collaboration events.

Be At One

The national chain brings party energy, sing-along tracks, and a long list of classics and candy-sweet cocktails. It posts opening hours and happy-hour windows on its site daily.

Best for: warm-up drinks, big groups, birthdays.
Tip: happy-hour timing changes, so check the day’s listing.

Engine Shed

Lincolnshire’s largest live venue also schedules club nights. Calendars vary by season, from guest DJs to student events. It is worth scanning listings when you are in town.

Best for: ticketed events, one-off nights.
Tip: events sell out. Book early.

Lincoln, Nebraska, USA: music roots and modern clubs

Zoo Bar

The Zoo Bar has been a landmark for blues, soul, and roots since the 1970s. On Tuesdays, you will often find a long-running jazz jam. The venue also stages ticketed shows and a summer street festival called ZooFest. This is the spot for live players over nonstop DJs.

Best for: live music fans, blues and roots.
Tip: standing room fills first. Arrive early for stools on busy shows.

Junction Nightclub & Shot Bar

Junction is a downtown dance club with an open-format DJ program and an extensive shots list. Expect a young, energetic crowd and late finishes on weekends.

Best for: dancing, birthdays, pre-game to late night.
Tip: watch dress codes and cover charges on special events.

Das Haus

Das Haus is a queer-friendly lounge and cabaret with high-energy dance sets, drag shows, and lighting that feels like a small theater. It runs Thursday to Saturday with a 19+ policy.

Best for: inclusive nights, drag, mixed crowds.
Tip: check show times. The floor turns from show to dance after headliners.

Pla-Mor Ballroom

This historic ballroom opened in 1929 and still hosts live bands and ballroom or swing formats. The huge hardwood floor suits both newcomers and regulars. It is a different pace from downtown bars, and that is the charm.

Best for: couples, social dancing, live bands.
Tip: look for lesson nights if you are new to ballroom.

The Other Room

A tiny speakeasy behind a door in the Haymarket. Bartenders go heavy on classic builds and stirred drinks. Capacity is small, which keeps the vibe calm.

Best for: pre-show or post-show cocktails.
Tip: keep groups small. It is intimate by design.

Starlite Lounge

A mid-century themed lounge with throwback cocktails and a relaxed crowd. Good when you want a seat and a soundtrack, not a club crush.

Best for: chill nights, conversation.

Handy table: pick your spot fast

Planning tips that save nights

1. Check calendars. Both cities run student nights and one-offs that sell out.
   
2. Carry ID. UK door teams expect valid photo ID. Nebraska venues check state ID or passport.
   
3. Dress codes. Trainers are fine most places in Lincoln, UK, though smart casual helps at chains. Nebraska clubs vary, so scan event posts.
   
4. Cover charges. Expect ticketed entry on headline nights.
   
5. Transport. In both cities, late-night ride-hail coverage can thin after 1 a.m. Plan your ride home early.
   
6. Noise vs. talk. Pick speakeasies for conversation and large clubs for dancing.
   
7. Cashless bars. Many venues are card-first. Keep a card handy.
   

Why it matters

Visitors often search for “Lincoln clubs” and land on the wrong city. This guide splits UK and US options, so you can plan nights that match your music, budget, and crowd. It also points you to official calendars to avoid closed doors or sold-out lines.

Sources:

• TripAdvisor, “THE 10 BEST Nightlife Activities in Lincoln, Nebraska,” https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g45667-Activities-c20-Lincoln_Nebraska.html, accessed 14 Oct 2025
  
• Visit Lincoln (official tourism), “Nightlife in Lincoln,” https://www.visitlincoln.com/things-to-do/nightlife/, accessed 14 Oct 2025
  
• TripAdvisor, “THE 10 BEST Nightlife Activities in Lincoln, Lincolnshire,” https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g186336-Activities-c20-Lincoln_Lincolnshire_England.html, accessed 14 Oct 2025