Caribou Coffee

The only good coffee place left in West Omaha! The iced mocha is yummy and they don't have burnt coffee beans like so many other places. Update: The hot milk chocolate mocha with an extra shot of espresso is the best around. The employees are always friendly and efficient and the rewards are good too.

The Caribou Coffee in the Hy-Vee on 178th St. is a fantastic coffee shop. I am surprised there are not more of them in Omaha. They are popular in northern states but are not as common in Nebraska. Caribou is an awesome place to order coffee because they are 100% “clean label,” sell fantastic coffee beans, and create the most delicious drinks. Everything on Caribou’s menu is “clean label.” They do not use any artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives in their drinks and food. And it is certainly noticeable, especially in their caramel and chocolate drinks. They only use real caramel that tastes like fresh, homemade caramel you would find at a local fall festival. Also, they use real chocolate chips for their hot mochas, not powder. The result is a smooth, unified beverage that tastes like a candy bar in a cup. They home-make their whipped cream, too! If you are not interested in the “fou fou” coffee beverages, you should try some of their blends and premium single-origin coffees. Blends like Mocha Java, Mahogany, and Caribou Blend are expertly roasted, and single origins like their Columbia are fantastic. Currently, they are selling their La Minita Peaberry, a premium single-origin coffee they release once a year. So, snag a bag before they sell out! Also, all of Caribou’s beans are Rainforest Alliance Certified, so you can feel good about every bag of beans you buy. A special drink unique to Caribou Coffee is their crafted press, which the baristas can make hot, iced, or blended. It is a blend of their cold brew (which they call cold press), a dairy base (or nondairy), and a salt and sugar mixture all frothed together to create a creamy, delicious drink. Add a flavor like caramel or dark chocolate, and you won’t be sorry. Spike it with a shot of espresso, and you sure as hell won’t be sorry! The baristas are also so kind and are willing to customize any drink for you. Feel intimidated by all the choices? Don’t be! Don’t want a drink too sweet? Don’t worry! Just ask the baristas to craft something special, and you won’t regret it.