College students stereotypically thrive on caffeine. And with the long hours of studying and working, a good jolt can always come in handy and put off sleep for a few more hours.
As a result, it may come as no surprise to students that East 13th Avenue between Kincaid and Alder streets offers no fewer than six places that sell espresso, coffee and other caffeine-infused beverages.
Starbucks Coffee, which just recently opened two new shops in Eugene, is always a popular choice. With its large, overstuffed chairs, outdoor seating and constant stream of jazz, blues and pop coming out of the speakers, the shop creates an atmosphere agreeable to students looking to relax or get a little studying done. It’s also a good place for a bite to eat, as a Quizno’s Classic Subs operates out of the same storefront.
Espresso Roma, a smaller coffee shop just a few feet away from Starbucks, has been able to stay in business, and that says a lot about its quality and popularity. The small chain — which has twelve shops around the country, mostly in college towns and mostly on the West Coast — has made a niche for itself as a purely college coffee shop. The Eugene store was called the most intellectual coffee shop in town by Eugene Weekly last year, and was voted the second-best coffee shop in the same publication’s annual “Best of Eugene” roundup. It’s a good spot to fill up on caffeine and pastries while getting through that book work or those long study sessions. To top it off, the prices are about the lowest in town, while the coffee is the strongest.
MacAfee’s on East 13th Avenue offers coffee just as a side note to it’s main purpose: An excellent selection of bagels. With everything from tofu to hummus, plus every kind of bagel one could reasonably imagine, the shop is a favorite for morning dining. It’s also a good place to go if you want a jalapeño bagel with cream cheese to go with that latte.
Another good breakfast spot for those needing a boost in the morning is Cafe Siena. Along with espresso, it carries a wide range of item including omelets, crepes, soups, salads and pancakes, and it serves breakfast all day.
The University Bookstore offers the Duck Stop coffee and espresso counter so students can get a good buzz to go along with the stress of buying textbooks and supplies for the upcoming term. It has good prices, a decent pastry selection and a vast amount of reading material available just upstairs. Law students take note: The Bookstore also runs the Cafe Court coffee stand at the Knight Law Center.
Java “U”, formerly the Running Horse Coffee Co., has been operating out of a kiosk next to Taylor’s Bar and Grill since last spring, and has had some success. The stand has an interesting, albeit small, pastry selection and daily deals on different beverages. Its location makes it a good place to stop by between classes and grab a quick cup of java.