The Beanery: Small, but Surprisingly Strong!
Let me preface this, by saying that I LOVE Starbucks. I am a Starbucks fanboy. I collect their mugs, I collect their random gift certificate cards, and I am a proud gold card member for 5 years. I like most of their drinks, my very first Starbucks drink was a Frappuccino and that remains my favorite. All that said, let me discuss a small place we discovered in Gretna.
The Beanery, a cozy 8 table family owned coffee shop, in Gretna at first appears to be a small shop on the side of the main drag offering drinks, has plenty of personality. Upon entering the store, a wave of coffee hits the nostrils, letting you know that coffee is served. It is a feeling that harkens back to the sensation I used to get at Starbucks before Starbucks smelled normal. The music is provided by an IPod Dock speaker, and will reflect the desires of the barista/owner. (Michael Buble is never, ever bad) In the one transaction we witnessed, the service was personal, like a bartender, rather than a busy barista. First name basis, it seemed was very common.
I explained my drink preferences, and after much back and forth, we decided on a Salted Caramel Blended drink. He drizzled the caramel down the sides of the cup and then blended my drink. I was shocked. I wondered if my taste buds were broken. My beloved Frappuccino was not the best coffee drink I ever had. This wonderful thing was. I couldn’t stop talking about it. In fact, we spent around 45 minutes talking about how much better his drinks were.
My wife had a Raspberry White Mocha, and having worked as a Regional Trainer at Caribou Coffee, is a coffee snob. She enjoyed her drink, and vowed to come in again for another.
My one gripe about the place is that it is far. Gretna is far for coffee, and I hope, I really hope, that soon they expand closer to Omaha.
In the end, if you’re looking for the “Starbucks” experience, I don’t think you’ll find it here. If you’re looking for a local business that features other local businesses, (Bagel Bin for Bagels, Petit’s Pastries for Muffins, Tea Smith for Tea, and the Bean Smith, for their beans) and a place that defines the comfort and friendliness of small town America, The Beanery in Gretna is your best bet.
Seriously though… that blended drink???? AMAZING. PERIOD.
**Note from Ashley: Yes, I know a LOT about Coffee, but I really like that rather than brewing hot coffee and cooling it for the blended drinks, they use cold brew, which has less acid and a smoother taste, and is much kinder to your stomach.
I also like that it kind of feels like your living room, lived in and bright, but cozy. What you don't see in the photo below, is that directly to the left of the frame is the counter, as well as the drive through window (which I will have to use next time I go to the mall.)
