The excitement of the beginning of the school year is enough to keep any student fueled, at least for the first couple of weeks. However, dining dollars and the will to stay awake in class fade quickly, especially as a first-year student.
Looking for somewhere else to caffeinate yourself besides the Loft, Stacks or STEAM Cafe? Let me, a person who’s drunk coffee since she was 14, guide you to the best coffee shops around the Twin Cities.
Best boba: Sencha Tea Bar
If you’re looking for some popping pearl boba and a deal, look no further than Sencha Tea Bar on Grand Avenue. Just a mile from St. Thomas, this quaint store can satisfy all your whimsical beverage needs. They have sparkling teas, loose-leaf teas, matcha and coffee. If the curated menu items are not to your liking, you can even build your own boba for around $6. Remember to bring your student ID for an extra sweet deal!
- Perks: 10% off your purchase with a valid student ID
- Grace’s go-to order: Royal milk tea
- Address: 1692 Grand Ave., St Paul, MN 55105
Best place to lock in: FRGMNT Coffee
FRGMNT (Fragment) coffee’s industrial atmosphere and great WiFi make it the ideal spot to roleplay being a corporate icon. I’ve finished many papers here, and if you can find a chair on a busy Saturday, it’s an ideal spot to hunker down for an afternoon.
- Perks: Free WiFi
- Grace’s go-to order: Cappuccino
- Address: Four different locations in Minneapolis
Best place to not lock in: Catzen Coffee
Catzen Coffee’s warm atmosphere makes it seem like it would be the perfect place to settle in with some homework or to study — until you find out about the Cat Lounge. Eight cats roam about the cozy room filled with books and games, making it impossible to focus in the best way possible.
- Perks: 45 minutes of cat cuddles, free with a reservation
- Grace’s go-to order: Savory croissant
- Address: 1416 Grand Ave., St Paul, MN 55105
Best basic latte: Spyhouse Coffee Roasters
Spyhouse Coffee, nestled in the Macalester-Groveland neighborhood, has never disappointed me with its quick service and delicious coffee. One of the best lattes I’ve ever had is their Caramella — a sweet blend of caramel and vanilla flavors. If you’re one of those people who order the same drink every time and are scared to branch out, this shop is for you!
- Perks: Consistent coffee
- Grace’s go-to order: Caramella latte
- Address: 420 Snelling Ave. S, St Paul, MN 55105
Best for when you want to feel like a rom-com character: Nina’s Coffee Cafe
Nina’s cozy coffee shop on the corner of Western and Selby makes me feel like I’m Rory Gilmore from “Gilmore Girls.” With its exposed brick walls and big leather chairs, Nina’s atmosphere is the perfect place to gab about college stressors away from campus.
- Perks: Main character energy
- Grace’s go-to order: Any of their seasonal drinks
- Address: 165 Western Ave. N, St Paul, MN 55102
Best Catholic coffee shop: Karol Coffee
St. Thomas alumni Nate and Megan Whipple opened up this Catholic coffee shop, named after and inspired by the adventurous heart of St. John Paul II. This community space isn’t just home to great coffee; it also offers a variety of events, like pop-ups selling vintage items.
- Perks: Great community
- Grace’s go-to order: Sanctuary chai latte
- Address: 1503 Hamline Ave. N, St. Paul, MN 55108
Grace Woelfel can be reached at woel8456@stthomas.edu.
