Horror Vibes Coffee: Brewing Comfort in the Macabre
When you step inside Horror Vibes Coffee, it feels like crossing into another world. A space where the macabre and the everyday meet over lattes, cold brews, and seasonal concoctions with names that nod to cult classics and slasher flicks. It’s not just coffee, it’s a celebration of horror culture, community, and finding light in the dark.
Founded in 2022 by lifelong horror fan Omaira Mahan, Horror Vibes was born out of two passions: great coffee and a lifelong love for all things spooky. Growing up, horror movies weren’t just late-night thrills….they were family bonding. “My mom was a huge horror fan,” Omaira shares, “so we used to watch horror films together. That’s where I found my love for the genre.”
Before starting Horror Vibes, she spent three years in the coffee industry learning the craft. With the support of family, they opened the first shop with a mission: to create a place where horror fans, outsiders, and anyone who loves the strange could gather, sip something bold, and feel at home.
Building the Cult Following
The shop quickly became more than just a coffee stop, it turned into a community hub. Horror Vibes grew its following almost overnight after a TikTok went viral, and today, over 61,000 fans follow along for drink drops, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and events.
What sets Horror Vibes apart is its menu. Drinks aren’t just flavored; they’re stories. Each one ties into horror films and macabre inspirations. Unique creations dreamt up by the team and often shaped by customer demand. Take the infamous Ube Matcha Latte, once a seasonal special that became so beloved it was promoted to signature status after fans refused to let it disappear.
But beyond the drinks and aesthetics, Horror Vibes thrives on authenticity. “The most important thing is knowing your brand,” the founder says. “I realized I couldn’t please everyone. Once I stayed true to my vision, the right people found us.”
Two Cities, One Vibe
From its original location to its second shop in Las Vegas, Horror Vibes has proven that its concept resonates far beyond one neighborhood. Whether you’re in LA or Vegas, the experience is the same: inclusive, immersive, and just a little unsettling…in the best way!
It’s not unusual to see a mix of generations at the shop, from older horror fans reminiscing about first-run screenings to younger fans discovering the genre anew. And the team itself embodies the mission: every staff member is encouraged to bring their full selves, their ideas, and their horror obsessions into the workspace.
More Than Just a Shop
What most don’t see is the behind-the-scenes structure that makes it all run. The founder has worked tirelessly to build systems that keep things seamless for staff and scalable for expansion. It’s not just about selling coffee; it’s about building a culture that can grow.
And that culture has ripple effects. One customer even credited Horror Vibes as the inspiration for opening their own horror-themed food truck. For the founder, that’s the definition of success: sparking others to chase their dreams, no matter how strange.
Making Waves in the Horror Community
When asked how Omaira “makes waves,” her answer is simple: by creating a space where people who often feel like outcasts can feel seen and celebrated. “This is a place where you leave not only with good coffee, but also feeling good about yourself.”
With October as their biggest month, Horror Vibes is rolling out a slew of events, collabs, and limited-edition drinks. Cementing themselves as more than a coffee shop, but a true creative hub for horror lovers.
Because at Horror Vibes, every cup tells a story, every outcast has a seat, and every sip reminds you: the strange belongs.
Show this page when you go to Horror Vibes Coffee during the month of October for 10% off!
This story was created by Making Waves Project as part of 13 Days of Strange, our series spotlighting the beautifully unusual people and projects shaping culture in ways big and small. By sharing these stories, we aim to honor the creativity, resilience, and vision behind the work and amplify voices that thrive in the strange, the bold, and the unforgettable.
If you or someone you know has a story that deserves to be part of Making Waves Project, we’d love to hear from you. And if you’re a brand interested in partnering with us to bring more stories like this to life, please reach out at hello@makingwavesproject.com
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Photography by Robiee Ziegler
Produced by Katie Caro
Post production by Kelly Budish
