Howlin' Hounds Coffee. — Restaurant in Omaha

WOW! What a find! A hidden treasure in mid-downtown Omaha! If it’s out of your way, it’s worth it! If you’re in town, it’s a must! And if you’re from here, you’re damn lucky! It’s not your average coffee shop. It’s like walking into a speakeasy hidden in the modest façade of this stand-alone building on 16th street. When you enter, it feels like stepping onto a movie set of a vintage bar scene. The long elegant dark wood bar adorned with parallel round stools took me by surprise and right back to the historic coffee bars I visited around the Pantheon in Rome, Italy. Interior aside, Howlin’ Hounds is a unique place to mingle with the locals and pick up on the town’s culture, or casually take part discussing current news and politics. Stay 5 minutes and there’s undoubtedly something witty, funny, or intriguing coming from behind the bar.

Whether you come in to pick up your perfectly prepared (though be warned the standard serving size is three shots worth of espresso) drink or choose to sip it peacefully at the bar and indulge in some much sought after “Greggisms”…you are in for a rare treat!

Pros: Eloquent charming host, captivating conversation, warm Midwest hospitality, exquisite artisan coffee, vintage inviting space, and one-of-a-kind experience!

Cons: You will most likely fall in love with the pros and wish Greg will one day clone himself...

I am not a coffee connoisseur but I do drink it most every day and I know when I'm drinking a great cup of coffee. Not too bitter while still rich in flavor. I'm from Lincoln but my fiancée and I stopped by Howlin' Hounds on a trip to Omaha this summer. We both had a cup of pourover coffee from a New York state coffee distributor (I can't remember the name). The coffee was so good. I thought it was one of the best cups of coffee I've ever had. The owner made us feel so welcome and he gladly explained everything about the coffee that we selected. He also made an interesting recommendation to me. I drink my coffee, typically, with cream. He mentioned that I might like to drink a sip of the coffee black before adding the cream in order to get a "baseline" for the flavor. I'm not sure but it seemed to be good advice and might've added to my enjoyment of the coffee. You can tell that this man takes pride in what he does. We just had a great time speaking with him and he really seems like a nice guy. If we're back in the area again we will surely stop by for a cup! Lastly, the atmosphere is awesome. It's inviting with a good bit of character. Nice wood floors and a great bar and interesting art hanging on the walls. I definitely recommend anyone in the area to try...

Greg at Howlin Hounds knows as much (if not more) about coffee than anyone else in town. From the beans he picks, to the correct daily-calibrated grind for each type of coffee production, to latte art - you seriously won't find a superior cup of joe in town. Unlike some of the other artisanal (read: hipster) coffee joints in town that I still totally enjoy - there is no pretension with Greg. His business is built entirely upon the relationships he builds with his customers. On my second visit into his shop, Greg remembered my name and what I had ordered the last time I was in. Where else can you get that in this day and age? And his coffee is consistently jaw-dropping. Seriously. If you want the best latte in town, go give Howlin Hounds a shot. If you want one of the best pour-overs in town, Greg has his grind and timing down to a tee. And if you like a floral, tea-like cup of coffee - get the Ethiopian pour-over. It's to die for. A great afternoon drink. His iced coffees are a summertime staple. But first and foremost come in for the environment. There isn't a coffee shop like this one in town. Omaha's hidden coffee...