The temperatures are changing, and that means your routine should too. Finding new places to get work done or treat yourself with your new favorite drink is essential for us hard working collegiates. ISU has more to offer than just what you see on campus. We all know how crazy crowded the line at Starbucks can get, and you might be starting to feel bored with your same-old coffee order from your other favorite chains.
When you find that you need something new, there are some local places I recommend visiting in Bloomington/Normal to enjoy your favorite drinks.
The Spot The Spot is newly opened, with a great atmosphere and the sweetest staff to match. They specialize in healthy shakes that can include pre/post workout. For all you caffeine lovers, don’t worry, they offer coffee too. If coffee is not your go-to study break drink, they also serve energizing teas. Although the price points are a little higher than the classic happy hour many of us are used to, The Spot focuses on great nutrition to align with your health goals.
They are located on 1608 Northbrook Drive, Normal on Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fusion Brew This specialty drink café provides a “fusion” of the popular Eastern drink bubble tea. Fusion Brew also features a full-service espresso menu, a wide selection of teas, and one of my all-time favorites, chai teas. If you need something to curb your appetite, do not worry, they also serve a variety of pastries like muffins and cinnamon rolls.
Fusion Brew also has a pretty decent space to get some work done, lots of tables and chairs available. They even have wireless internet connection provided for customers. The store is just a walk away on the west edge of the ISU campus on Main Street.
Coffee Hound Coffee Hound is a specialty coffee house that is nestled in uptown Normal between many great shops and restaurants. It has a great environment, amazing coffee, and friendly staff! There are plenty of large tables, outlets, and free Wi-Fi to make it a great place to study without needing to worry about giving up your spot. It gets pretty busy in there too, but the line always moves pretty fast.
If you really want to get away from ISU, they also have another location in downtown Bloomington.
CoreLife Eatery CoreLife Eatery was created to bring clean, healthy and great tasting foods to Bloomington. They state that all of the ingredients are free of GMO’s, trans fats, and other artificial additives. Although the food is fantastic, what I really like about this local eatery is all the great drink choices. They have everything from tropical green tea to beet lemonade. Although it sounds acquired. The drinks are the perfect mix between earthy and sweet.
CoreLife has on-site parking and also features free Wi-Fi. They are open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.