The key to a smooth transition at a new location is getting to know the right people and the important places. For students who rate coffee consumption high on their priority list for lucidity in the classroom, knowing the local coffee masters and their locations around the University will make life much easier.
Ten coffee establishments are located between Alder and University streets. Each place offers a unique experience for its customers, from live music performances to notoriously strong java.

Espresso Roma Cafe

East 13th Avenue
Well known for its strong coffee and spacious indoor and outdoor seating, Espresso Roma is a favorite hangout for locals as well as students. Jose Sedano said he likes working at Roma because everyone who works there speaks Spanish and is his friend.
“People come here instead of other places because they like the service and they tell me they like the taste of our coffee,” he said. “Some people say this is the best place to drink coffee.”

The Buzz Coffeehouse

EMU
“Coming here is like being in someone’s living room. It’s a hangout. It reminds me of when my kids come home from school and they crank up the music and do their homework,” said Victoria Varble-Goss, assistant director of food service.
The Buzz, along with serving coffee, pastries, soup and sandwiches, has Open Poetry Mic Night every Monday, Eclectic Open Mic every Friday, monthly art exhibits from University students and starting this year, local bands will perform on Saturday nights.

The Duck Stop

Espresso Bar

University Bookstore
This locale focuses on supporting social issues with its business. All of its coffee beans are purchased directly from worker co-ops, and the money paid goes directly to those who grow and pick the beans — not the middleman. Tips from
customers are donated to Womenspace, a local nonprofit organization for women in domestic
violence situations, and the coffee served is organic.
“I like working here because the place is socially responsible,” senior Lisa Leslie said. “We have friendly service, a good product, good music — at least we think so — and we are open the same hours as the bookstore. You can take your coffee around the store and shop.”

Greatful Bread

EMU
The Greatful Bread makes fresh pastries daily. Some of the specialties are cranberry-orange scones, chocolate-chocolate cookies and fresh-baked bread. It’s the bakery hub for the University, and it provides bakery goods to other locations on campus, senior Kelsy Houston said.
“We cater to people who are vegetarian or vegan. All of our dairy products, every kind of milk is kept separate,” she said. “We have great organic regular as well as decaffeinated organic coffee, an assortment of chai, a large assortment of syrups, and we will make your coffee anyway you want it.”

The Hearth

Lawrence Hall
This coffee nook is located on the second floor of Lawrence Hall. Its natural lighting and quiet atmosphere make it an ideal spot to hideaway, eat, drink and study.
It offers drip and espresso coffee, tea, cold drinks, baked goods and sandwiches. The favorite request from customers?
“Small coffee — room for cream,” senior Jesse Burke-Allmon said. His primary customers are people who take classes in the building, such as architecture and art students.

Starbucks Coffee Co.

East 13th Avenue
Fast service, jazz music, inside and outside seating and plenty of variety in coffee is what this location is known for among students. If organic or fair-trade coffee is what your desire, request it when you place your order. Favorite
requests are Caramel Macchiato and Americano. Starting this fall, live jazz and acoustic guitar music will be served to customers on Friday nights.

The Daily Grind

Knight Library
In the lower level of the library is an oasis of coffee, tea, cold drinks and food for those in need of a break from studying — or those looking to meet for study groups.

On the go
If a quick cup of espresso, drip coffee, tea or a snack is all that is needed, Running Horse Coffee Co. kiosk, next to Taylor’s Bar and Grill; Atrium Cafe, in Willamette Hall; or Day Spring Coffee Co. kiosk, on Agate Street next to Northwest Christian College, will serve customers in a hurry.