Coffee Near Campus, Ranked
Support local businesses while getting that sweet, sweet caffeine
By Marley Richmond
I recently lost my travel mug and have been going through a bit of a life crisis since then. Yet they say pain is good for one’s art, so here are some of the best coffee joints near campus, rated on a five-bean scale. And, even though the Lind Hall Starbucks has my heart, these are local businesses you can support instead of chains. They’ve been assessed on their variety and coffee taste, student appeal (price, location, speed), sustainability, “workability” (attributes of a study space) and, of course, an overall vibe check.
Wise Owl Café
The Goods: 3/5
College Student Appeal: 4/5
Sustainability: 2/5
Workability: 2.5/5
Vibe Check: 0.5/5
Wise Owl Café has the same bleak atmosphere as a dining hall: you’re there because you have to be, not because you want to be. It’s conveniently close when you need a boost between classes, the coffee is fine and reasonably priced, and they accept the FlexDine you somehow have left over from freshman year. But there’s absolutely no reason to sit in this space instead of the masterpiece that is the upper floor of Walter Library (unless you need the basement’s no-cell-service imposition to cut you off from your texting addiction, I guess). Still, do yourself a favor, and take your coffee to go.
Cosmic Bean Dispensary
The Goods: 3.5/5
College Student Appeal: 3/5
Sustainability: 2/5
Workability: 2.5/5
Vibe Check: 3/5
Even though I knew Cosmic Bean Dispensary has coffee and CBD, it took me way too long to realize the name of the café used that same acronym. Anyway, if CBD is your jam, this place is for you. They have all the classic forms, like oil and vapors, plus infused snacks and novelties like CBD bath bombs, but their coffee options are less diverse. If you’re not into CBD, this café is a little intimidating. But the many plants and big windows here give it a nice atmosphere, and it’s a quiet area for some solo-studying. And if you get too stressed out, just add a CBD boost to your coffee!
Purple Onion
The Goods: 4/5
College Student Appeal: 4/5
Sustainability: 2.5/5
Workability: 3/5
Vibe Check: 4/5
Purple Onion is the perfect balance between quick coffee and a real café, with better breakfast and lunch options than anywhere else on this list. It’s cute, eclectic, and brings together the families of Como with the students of the U. Whether you’re stopping by on your commute or meeting someone for a date or class, Purple Onion has you covered—and at a decent price! If you’re coming to stay, however, be prepared to wait a bit for a table and use your personal hotspot, since the wifi is generally unreliable.
7 Corners Coffee
The Goods: 3.5/5
College Student Appeal: 2.5/5
Sustainability: 4/5
Workability: 4/5
Vibe Check: 4/5
7 Corners Coffee may not be your first thought for “coffee near campus,” but it’s a strong contender for “new weekend study space.” Just a block away from the West Bank light rail stop, this café has strong wifi, lots of empty tables, and a pop of bright yellow walls to lift you out of the homework blues. It’s clear that 7 Corners committed to a trendy, sustainable approach to coffee; they even host neighborhood get-togethers and talks on sustainable coffee farming. While they didn’t have any iced drink options when I stopped by, their latte art made up for it despite the unideal price.
Bordertown Coffee
The Goods: 3.5/5
College Student Appeal: 3/5
Sustainability: 4.5/5
Workability: 4/5
Vibe Check: 4.5/5
Bordertown is the “turtleneck sweater with patches on the elbows” of campus coffee shops. Situated in a conveniently close-by restored fraternity, Bordertown has shaken the ghosts of brothers past. Here you can find (admittedly pricey) classic brews and homemade pastries. With sustainable sources and compostable cups, though, your caffeinated brain can temporarily avoid spiraling into the existential dread of climate change. On the costlier end of campus cafés, Bordertown is more of a stop-and-study destination than a coffee pickup spot. Thankfully, there are usually available tables and a solid wifi connection to support your studying needs.