Sip your way through Omaha’s best-kept secrets in coffee. Local cafés are where you’ll find a truly distinctive approach to each cup, reflecting a dedication to quality and individuality. These independently-owned coffee shops are more than just places to grab a quick caffeine fix—many double as community hubs and creative spaces. Whether you’re seeking a cozy corner to work, a spot to catch up with friends, or a taste of something unique, these six independent coffee shops go beyond the standard brew.
Zen Coffee
Downtown: 2504 Farnam St., Omaha, NE 68131 | West Omaha: 2505 S 133rd Plaza, Omaha, NE 68144 | zencoffeecompany.com
Zen Coffee Company is a family-owned, green-certified specialty coffee shop. With a passion for quality, each cup features meticulously roasted beans from Dapper & Wise. Owners Abby and Ryan McLeay, Omaha natives, are dedicated to enriching their community, channeling a portion of profits back into local needs. Their commitment extends to a social calendar of community events, making Zen Coffee not just a place to get your daily caffeine, but a cornerstone of Omaha’s coffee culture.
Coffee Alley – Callejón del Cafe
7310 Harrison St., Omaha, NE 68127 | facebook.com/coffeealley.callejon
Coffee Alley is a hidden gem in Ralston, uniquely blending Mexican culture with traditional coffee offerings. Founded by high school friends Rosio Granados and Yasmin Payan-Vega, this Latina-owned café fills a distinctive niche in Omaha’s coffee scene. Featuring Mexican-inspired brews and pastries like churros and empanadas, it’s Nebraska’s first of its kind. The café also supports local vendors, predominantly women of color, further enriching its colorful community spirit.
Edge of the Universe Cafe
6070 Maple St., Omaha, NE 68104 | edge-of-the-universe.com
Edge of the Universe in Benson is a dynamic, themed café that refreshes its concept every few months. Patrons enjoy an ever-evolving menu of coffees, lattes, cocktails, gourmet hot chocolates, charcuterie boards, and much more, all served in a stylish setting that reflects the latest theme. Each new theme showcases a local artist and supports a different nonprofit. With a focus on inclusivity, Edge of the Universe also offers gluten-free and vegan options, making it a welcoming spot for coffee lovers of all ages and preferences.
13th Street Coffee & Tea
519 S. 13th St., Omaha, NE 68102 | 13thstreetcoffeeandtea.com
13th Street Coffee & Tea in Omaha’s historic Old Market proudly holds the title of the oldest coffee shop in downtown Omaha, established in 1991. This airy café offers an extensive menu featuring espresso beverages, real fruit smoothies, gelato, and locally made pastries. With 30 tea options and monthly barista-created specialty drinks, there’s always something new to try. The café also supports local artists, displaying their work on a revolving art wall—history and creativity meet over a cup of coffee at this cherished spot.
Hardy Coffee Co.
Downtown: 1031 Jones St., Omaha, NE 68102 | Benson: 6051 Maple St., Omaha, NE 68104 | Highlander: 2112 N 30th St., Omaha, NE 68111 | Chalco: 14450 Meadows Blvd #5, Omaha, NE 68138 | hardycoffee.com
Hardy Coffee Co., with four brick-and-mortar locations, is more than just a coffee shop—it’s also a small-batch coffee roaster and bakery deeply rooted in Omaha. Founded by Autumn (Hardy) Pruitt and her husband, Luke, in 2010, Hardy Coffee began as a bakery and expanded in 2015 to roast their own coffee. Open daily, all Hardy locations are a hotspot for excellent coffee and baked goods, whether for business meetings, study sessions, or simple moments of connection.
Archetype Coffee
Blackstone: 3926 Farnam St., Omaha, NE 68131 | Little Bohemia: 1419 S 13th St #101, Omaha, NE 68108 | Millwork Commons: 1229 Millwork Ave, Omaha, NE 68102 drinkarchetype.com
Archetype Coffee, a café and roastery with three Omaha locations, is renowned for its small-batch roasted coffee and expertly crafted drinks, including lattes, cappuccinos, and in-house brewed chai. Owned by Isaiah Sheese, who placed fourth in the World Coffee Championship and won the 2023 U.S. Barista Championship, Archetype delivers top-notch quality without any pretentiousness. Friendly and knowledgeable baristas, including Sheese, welcome everyone to enjoy their ideal coffee experience, complemented by various sweet and savory baked goods.
This article originally appeared in the November/December 2024 issue of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.