HOMEGROWN OMAHA
Hoppen Hierarchy:★★★
Districts: Blackstone
Cozy Brunch Restaurant
Perfect For: Lunch; Casual Dining; Takeout
Standout Dishes: Classic Buttermilk Pancakes; Coffee Cake; BLT-A+E
Technically speaking, HomeGrown Omaha is not a local restaurant. With 10+ locations spread across the Midwest, it was well-established before it ever showed up in Omaha.
But this Blackstone eatery didn’t enter the scene like most chains, which simply replicate their previous locations in a new city. HomeGrown did its research, identified and partnered with local producers and artists, and integrated itself into the Omaha scene, giving our city another solid brunch option.
Executives from HomeGrown visited Omaha several times in the months before its opening, eating at local restaurants and meeting with nearby producers to get a lay of the land. That’s how the restaurant came to serve Archetype coffee, utilize FatHead Honey Farms honey, and use bread from Rotella’s and Le Quartier. HomeGrown may not have started in Omaha, but it’s worked hard to become a thoughtful part of the community.
The restaurant itself feels very homey and welcoming, with giant plate glass windows allowing natural light to fill the restaurant. You can peer into the kitchen from the waiting area, where you can also purchase goods and books from local producers and authors.
The volume is a bit of an issue, as the restaurant gets quite loud, especially during peak brunch hours. HomeGrown has quickly become very popular, and it gets jammed on the weekends. But service moves quickly, and you rarely have to wait long for your table or your food once you order.
The menu boasts all the breakfast classics both traditional and creative. You’ll find expected classics like biscuits and gravy, a meat lover’s omelete, and eggs Benedict alongside dishes with playful twists, such as Croissant French Toast and Blueberry Streusel Pancakes.
HomeGrown might be best known for its baked goods that are perfect for sharing amongst the table. The Coffee Cake in particular is an absolute hit. It’s a bit heavy and dense, but the cake is moist and full of sweet cinnamon flavor. The crumbly streusel topping adds a pleasant crunch, and the buttermilk caramel sauce is addicting as it is sinful.
With all respect to the classic Kellogg’s pastry, the HG Tart puts it to shame. The pastry itself is layered and well formed, with a flaky crust that melts in your mouth, giving your tastebuds a healthy hit of butter and sugar. These could use more filling inside, but the overall flavor is very pleasant.
The Classic Buttermilk Pancakes are lauded as “the world’s most popular” on the menu, and while that might be a bit of a stretch, they’re some of the best in Omaha. The cakes are extremely fluffy and light with a moist consistency and a good chew. They’re sweet without being sugar-forward, as the buttermilk adds a background tang to balance. I’d prefer a few seconds more on the griddle to give them a bit of a crust, as the texture is pretty one note, but that’s where my complaints end.
The omeletes are large and come with a healthy side of crispy Rosemary Roasted Potatoes. The Ironman Omelete is admittedly a healthier option, so it doesn’t pack as much of a flavor punch as some of its contemporaries, but the combination of egg whites, chicken breast, parmesan, avocado, and veggies is still a filling, tasty way to start the day.
The BLT-A+E is one of the best versions of the classic sandwich you’ll find in Omaha. The bacon is thick and crispy, and the avocado and fried egg bring a rich creaminess. The tomatoes and lettuce could be fresher, but the bread is buttered and toasted beautifully.
The service is exceptional. The waiters and waitresses are kind, friendly, and very present without being overbearing. If you’re torn between which dish to order, they’ll give you their honest opinion or tell you which dish is more popular. The restaurant very much feels like a team effort; everyone is pulling in the same direction to make the experience great, not just watching the clock until brunch service ends.
A perfect example: on one visit, we accidentally spilled some coffee on our table. I got up to ask for a towel from the bar, and the hostess spotted me from clear across the restaurant. I wasn’t his direct responsibility, but he left his post to help us. That’s what hospitality looks like.
HomeGrown isn’t a perfect restaurant, but it’s a welcome addition to Omaha’s brunch scene. Though its origins may not be local, it’s put in the effort to ingratiate itself to the community. That effort shows, and it’s much appreciated.