Spring Break is behind us which means we only have a few weeks of school left. We know the last few weeks can feel like the longest ones of the semester. You’re going to need a good amount of energy to finish the semester strong, that’s why we’re sharing with you some of UIC’s best coffee shops.
1. Rebecca Port Center Cafe
Located on the first floor of University Hall, the Port Center Cafe is our top pick for a coffee pit stop. It’s large glass windows provide for a warm and sunny atmosphere, which anyone can appreciate with winter still lingering in Chicago. There are tables both on the first floor as well as comfy arm chairs and booths on the second floor. Soft music and friendly service are extra perks.
Our recommendation for anyone who has a sweet tooth is the ‘Zubbe’, a white chocolate, caramel, and vanilla flavor latte that will run you $3.89 for a small (little) and $4.89 for a large (big), but is well worth the splurge.
The Port Center Cafe also has specials every day. Discounts on their espresso drinks include: Mocha Monday, Turtle Tuesday, White Mocha Wednesday, Chai Thursday, and Flavored Latte Friday. In addition, you can receive a punch card so that, when you buy nine drinks, you get the tenth free (any kind/size). A wide range of food options are also available.
Make sure to check the Port Center’s Facebook page for additional exclusive deals!
2. Dunkin’ Donuts
For a coffee on a smaller budget, you can’t go wrong with Dunkin Donuts. With many flavor options and a convenient location on the second floor of Student Center East (right at the top of the escalators), Dunkin Donuts is the perfect stop for coffee and some food.
If you are in a rush we would not recommend you go in the mornings since lines can get pretty long. Flavor options include; french vanilla, caramel, mocha, and hazelnut. You can get these coffees hot, iced, or frozen. The cost for these is approximately two to three dollars depending on what you get. Dunkin Donuts also offers various breakfast options including donuts, muffins, breakfast sandwiches, and chicken salad bagels for lunch.
Plus, Dunkin Donuts is open early and stays open late: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m. Mondays through Friday.
3. Cafe Descartes
While in SCE, there is another option for coffee products. Right outside the bookstore, Cafe Descartes is perfect for a quick coffee on the way to class. There aren’t many food options but you can grab a muffin or piece of fruit along with your coffee. A small is $1.59.
If the line is too long at Dunkin Donuts, this might be a better option. They also offer flavored lattes as well as a flavored, decaffeinated drink.
4. The Daley Grind
Studying for a test? Working on a project? The Daley Grind is conveniently located on the first floor of the library for all of your caffeine needs while studying. Brewing Starbucks Coffee, it offers some of the regular Starbucks drinks as well an assortment of espresso drinks. A flavored latte costs $3.25 and there are plenty of a la carte food options available.
The Daily Grind also offers a ‘go green’ coffee refill for $1.09.
5. Au Bon Pain
The newest addition to the Behavioral Science Building is Au Bon Pain, located near the Vernon Park entrance on the first floor, in the BSB Cafeteria. Serving healthy food options, you can also get a cup of coffee for $1.59. Some flavor options include morning blend, hazelnut, and french roast. You can buy any breakfast sandwich and add a coffee for just $0.99! Make sure to get your coffee before getting lost in BSB.
No matter what your coffee or flavor preference is, grab a cup to keep yourself buzzing during study hours. Cheers to finishing the semester strongly with the help of coffee!