As much as we all hate homework, our weekend studying sessions are made 100% better with a good cup of coffee and a super cool study space. If the library is too much for you or you’re yearning to get off campus already, i’ve got a spot for you!
My friend Nghi Hoang is the new Marketing Manager for Himalayan Java, the *first* U.S. location of the international coffee shop. The Omaha location is coming up on its first year anniversary and they are looking to gain more ground and reputation within the Creighton community, so Nghi kindly asked me to come visit and write a post to spread the word!
Himalayan Java is located in the heart of downtown, away from the busy Old Market Area. It is spacious and has a variety of interesting seating and a big beautiful menu taking up the back wall, with an enlarged mural of the Himalayas Mountains on the side. The wood themes are comforting, a nice change from the exposed brick or all-white-walls trend.
There are clearly a lot of options and variations on their coffee and espresso drinks, so there was a lot to choose from. I’m usually one to get the cheapest thing on the menu, aka, a normal drip coffee. But after I told a few friends I was coming here, I received a resounding, “their Honey Latte is soooo good!” So, that’s what I tried!
One, this drink is not only beautiful, but comes with animal crackers! Yes, you read that right! The cookies of our youth! Not only is it a fun and unique addition, but the cookie actually provides a nice balance to the taste of the coffee, almost a palate cleanser. As for the drink itself, I loved the subtle sweetness of the honey and the taste of the cinnamon-dusted milk foam on the top. Often times, milk froth can be too bubbly and tasteless, but the top of this latte had so much flavor! Though the drink was on the sweet side, it didn’t taste like a packaged or artificial sweetener, which is what I look for in a drink!
They also feature a selection of cafe fare and pastries. The food is made in house, and their pastries are from Le Petit Bakery here in Omaha. I wasn’t feeling too hungry so I got a fruit tart, which was so good! The crust was not too sweet, the cream base tasted like marshmallows, and the fruit was crisp and fresh. Its also super beautiful, see??
As for a study spot, I would say this is a great alternative to somewhere like Aromas or Blue Line. There is a variety of seating, from a big beautiful blue couch, to a log wooden table, or outdoor seating. It is not loud and bustling, which makes it easy to be productive. My only issue is the number of outlets – if some of the seating in the middle of the shop was more outlet-friendly, studying there for long periods of time would be more manageable.
The staff is incredibly attentive and helpful, they even bring your drink to you after you’ve ordered! On both occasions I have visited, I noticed hospitality from the baristas and employees, which is comforting to see in a local business.
Overall, the drinks are great, the prices are incredibly reasonable, and this is a nice change of scenery to get some work done. The people who frequent Himalayan Java are friendly and diverse, and the menu provides a variety of drinks for everyone. I really appreciate that Himalayan Java is owned and operated by members of the Nepali community, and shows a great example of diversity in the local business community. Nothing I love more than supporting fellow POC and South Asians! I highly recommend you visit Himalayan Java for your finals week study spot!
The Bottom Line
Great drinks (and animal crackers!) served with great service and cool vibes!
Cone Rating: 4.5 Cones! 
Location: Downton, Omaha, NE
Price: $ (Under 10$)
Online: Himalayan Java Website, Instagram, and Yelp
aditi eats 