Nebraska is home to a budding community of coffee shops, many of which are popular among visitors and locals alike for their unique, refreshing brews. Whether you need a caffeine buzz, a nice spot to chat with friends or a cozy place to spend the afternoon working, here are the 7 coolest coffee shops in Nebraska based on atmosphere, food, and of course, coffee.
There is something about this spot that keeps everyone coming back for more. The Mill Coffee & Tea, located in the heart of the Haymarket in Lincoln, is the perfect place to drop in for a few hours to work or to study and to enjoy the great selection of pastries, soups, and wraps on the menu. Bonus: the outdoor seating area is the perfect place to enjoy the cooler weather and try one of The Mill’s spectacular specialty coffees.
This unique coffee shop located in the heart of Grand Island is just the place to gather with friends to enjoy a coffee and a dessert. The Chocolate Bar’s desserts are made-from scratch and pair perfectly with their variety of drinks. Signature and seasonal cakes are available, so no matter when you visit, you’ll be presented with something fresh and delicious.
Cultiva is another coffee shop in Lincoln that tops the list for coolest coffee shops in the state. Fresh coffee, an awesome breakfast menu, plus a bright and cheery atmosphere spinning vinyl records makes this a favorite among University of Nebraska-Lincoln students and residents of Lincoln. Specialties include delicious crepes and Johnny Cakes (cornmeal pancakes) that are large enough to feed both you and a friend.
There’s nothing like a classic latte, but if you’re in the mood for something new, then you have to check out Barista’s in Kearney. With over 130 flavor variations, this coffee shop’s collection of distinctive and seasonal drinks is sure to liven up your day. Barista’s claims to offer the largest selection of specialty brewed coffees in the state, and you can even hire the Barista’s kiosk to bring their entire shop to your special event.
Located in beautiful downtown North Platte, the Espresso Shop by Caravan is a purveyor of fine coffee and foods. This coffee shop is definitely off the beaten path, however, with live music and two open mic nights a month, the Espresso Shop is one of Nebraska’s best-hidden gems.
Archetype Coffee is a specialty coffee shop and roastery nestled in the Blackstone District of Omaha and has become well-known for its variety of coffee drinks. The shop is modern with lots of tables and a cool outdoor patio that faces the street. Aside from the coffee, the freshly-baked goods that are delivered from different Omaha bakeries each morning are definitely a must-try.
For almost 30 years, the Coffee House in Lincoln has been a favorite among UNL students. This cool coffee shop serves up an excellent cup of joe. Additionally, the cozy, yet eclectic, atmosphere makes it an amazing place to study or dig into a good book. There is even a back room “quiet area” for serious study sessions. The Coffee House bakes all of its treats in-house and offers a daily selection of ten types of pastries, five kinds of cookies, and four varieties of breakfast croissants, so there’s definitely something for everyone.