Finally, ‘a place where my parents feel comfortable ordering by themselves’
I first stumbled upon Coffee Alley - Callejon Del Café in Ralston on my friend’s Instagram story where she groupied their pop-up shops throughout the city.
They’ve been on my radar for a few weeks and as soon as I could get in on their grand opening I dragged my friend along to see if their empanadas (fried doughed savory treats) tasted as good as their photos looked.
The Latina-owned coffee shop is tucked in a small plaza located at 7310 Harrison St. and was bustling with new patrons. Luckily enough my friend’s Hyundai snagged us rockstar parking.
As we walked in, we were greeted “hola, bienvenidas” by a kind Latino man who was standing behind the register. He was just as enthusiastic as we were about the menu. We sat in jewel-toned accent chairs. My friend leaned over and whispered, “This is a coffee shop but with Sazon sprinkles and a mini concha to top it off”
This part of Omaha has been in dire need of an independent coffee shop that isn’t a chain java house with a cookie-cutter menu.
It has an aura unique to waking up to my abuela’s cafecito and quesadillas wafting our house during her visits, an experience many Latinos have woken up to.
As recommended by many Instagram stories and the man behind the register, we ordered a Horchata Latte with strawberry cold foam, a Horchata Cold Brew, a churro, and a mini concha.
Once we took our first sips our eyes widen, and I knew immediately I’d become a regular. In fact, it was cemented into me. To be honest, I’ve been there three times this past week.
The mini conchas were so delectable and nostalgic that the taste of them teleported us back to our childhood full of regular visits to the International Bakery, which is still booming with business along South 24th Street.
Coffee Alley - Callejon Del Café was filled with colorful seating and wooden benches so stiff, you have no option but to sit straight (a reminder of my mom’s harsh whispers to sit up straight at church.)
In all, we welcome Coffee Alley with open arms, as it is overflowing with nostalgia and good coffee that gives Latinos in the area a whiff of pride as soon as you step into the store.
I wholeheartedly agree with my friend’s comment that it’s "a place where my parents feel comfortable ordering by themselves."
NEED TO KNOW DETAILS
Coffee Alley - Callejon Del Café
Location: 7310 Harrison St.
Hours: Monday - Saturday 7 am - 8 pm, Sunday 8 am - 6 pm
Jess Fernandez-Erazo is a passionate third-year double major and double minor at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. She is a first-generation Latina pursuing a degree in International Studies and Latin/Latino American Studies with minors in Environmental Studies and Sustainability. Fernandez-Erazo is a Social Media Content Curator at Lozafina Marketing and Public Relations. Send your tips and story ideas to office@lozafina.com