After a long day of school and extracurriculars, nothing brings me more inner
satisfaction than sitting down, and taking a nice sip of steaming coffee. Truthfully, coffee
makes everyone feel a little bit more intellectual. Java drinkers like it not only for the
caffeine, but also for the warm, petty, bourgeoisie taste. Independent shops catalyze
social interaction allowing people to slow down, and relax. The blossoming of alternative
caffeine culture in Omaha is real and multifarious. Whether you’re in need of a quiet
study place, desperate for a caffeine fix, or discovering the artist within you, Craze is
here to show you two of the finest coffee houses in Omaha.
Archetype
Each time I enter Archetype, The Blackstone District’s little corner of caffeine
heaven, I feel like I’m in Brooklyn. Maybe it’s because I’m from New York, or that I’m
slightly obsessed with the coffee so expertly brewed that the last sip makes me sad.
The unobstructed area is for those who appreciate the low hum of stirring spoons, conversation, and jazz lip’s spun on a vintage record player. Blend that with an open-
concept backdrop including an exposed-brick wall, neutral color palette and distinct seating areas. Take over the community table in the middle, slide up to the warm wood
bar or grab a two-top inside or out on the sidewalk. Isaiah Sheese, the owner, is well
versed in the world of caffeine whose tenure includes Doubleshot Coffee and Anodyne
Coffee Roasters located in his home town of Milwaukee. Both he and his crew create
brews with mathematical precision.
“We really try to follow different calibrations of coffee. We have a little machine
called a refractometer to test coffee. There is a certain range for coffee set by the
Coffee Association of America regarding how it dissolves when you grind it. We try to
keep it within that range,” said Hannah, Sheese’s top barista. With the advanced
technology found at Archetype, they are able to measure exact grind size for each type
of bean.
“We want to make sure that the coffee really speaks rather than other things,”
Sheese said as we were discussing the fact that the menu is very paired down offering
only a handful of beverages. In the coffee business, its a very big deal to work directly
with the farmers.
The coffee itself is art. I ordered a Pour Over for $4, a reasonable price for this
slow-brew. The drink exhibited fruity undertones with a hint of cream. If you’re in the
mood for artisanal style demitasse then stop in to Archetype, I promise you won’t be
disappointed.
Address: 3926 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68131
Web Address: https://drinkarchetype.com
Legends Comics & Coffee
Legends is your local nerdy hangout for comic book lovers and coffee
connoisseurs alike.“People need to explore comics because there’s so much more than
just capes now,” owner of Legends Comics & Coffee, Wendy Pivonka said. This coffee
shop-comic book crossover has an array of drinks named after acclaimed comic book
characters such as the Tony Stark Mocha, and the TMNTurtle Latte. They also serve
phosphates a sour beverage served in the 1870’s. It replicates the vibes of a charming
old-fashioned soda counter in the Golden Age of comics. Graphic novels cover the walls
with all sorts of comics, ranging from “Star Wars” and “Injustice” to “Your Pal Archie.”
The coffee shop gets their baked goods fresh from Costco and Baker’s daily. Legends
has become a safe haven for groups like the Villain’s Social Club where people who
are, “socially awkward gather, so they can come out and feel comfortable around people
who share the same interests as they do,” said mike, a dedicated employee.The prices
range from $2.99-$5.99, and theres always a ream of free and $1 comics. “Comics
aren’t just for kids anymore, they’re for everyone,” said Pivonk.
Address: 5207 Leavenworth St, Omaha, NE 68106
Website: http://legendcomicsandcoffee.com
story by daisy friedman, photos by anna greene
