Here’s a quick list of some of my favorites, both popular and somewhat underground!
Cafe Paradiso
This is the place to go for vibes! With fun art on the walls, alternative seating and aesthetically-pleasing fairy lights, Cafe Paradiso feels like a coffee shop out of a sitcom. It’s very cozy and welcoming, providing the perfect place for both studying or coffee dates. As for the coffee itself, Paradiso kills it. They have a variety of great menu items from fun matcha flavors to great cold brews. There’s truly something for everyone here! My go-to order is always the Salted Caramel Cold Brew, but I’ve tried other menu items and they are so worth it!
Espresso Royale
Espresso Royale is popular for a reason! When I go, I always expect to get amazing coffee! Whether your trip is for studying or to get a sweet treat before class, Espresso Royale always gives great coffee. I am very loyal to my vanilla latte here. I also really love their deal days! I feel like I wind up there every $3 latte Wednesday. If you do go for studying, the vibes here are also incredible. There are vines and fairy lights everywhere that help to give the place a very cozy vibe.
Cafe Bene
Cafe Bene is my personal go-to study spot! The wood paneling, the jazz music and the cool decor on the wall make it the very chill spot that it is. I feel like I can go here to either lock in on homework or hang out with friends. The coffee here is so good as well! I fully believe that their pumpkin spice latte is the best I’ve ever had, but everything I’ve tried here has been fantastic. Not coffee, but I also love their acai bowls. When I go here, I order my coffee and my açaí bowl, and I feel like I can sit here for hours!
Yummy Future
This place is one of the coolest coffee shops I’ve ever been to. Even before I started at UIUC, I wanted to try this place after I toured here. I never thought that I would visit a coffee shop where a robot makes my coffee for me, but it’s truly become one of my favorites. Their coffee is even cooler than their concept! They have so many cool flavors and different types of drinks, that I often struggle to pick what to order. Every coffee flavor that I’ve tried here, I end up falling in love with. I really can’t pick a favorite coffee order here! Their drinks without caffeine are also incredible, with my favorite being the strawberry cream soda. This place is really worth visiting! Who wouldn’t want to try an incredible drink made by a robot!
Array Cafe
I found this place by accident at the beginning of the year, and I’m so glad that I did. Located in the basement of the Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, this Array Cafe is quite literally underground. With amazing customer service, great coffee, cheap pricing and great location, this place became a favorite for quick coffee runs on my way to classes on the quad. This place is so worth trying!