This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at SDSU chapter.
Late nights, early mornings and lazy afternoons- every time of day is coffee time or tea time for a caffeine loving college student like myself. As a college girl on the hunt for a good pick-me-up at all hours of the day, here are some places I believe offer the best tea and coffee at San Diego State University.
Big City Bagels (BCB Company)
- Where: Campanile Walkway, Love Library, (Off Campus) Hillcrest
- Prime Time: Early morning- the line is much shorter than the Student Union Starbucks- and later (till 11pm) nights at the library.
- Why: Unique options, quick service, fantastic daily brew
- Recommendations: Iced tea of the day, Iced Americano, Daily brew, Vanilla Latte
Starbucks
- Where: Literally everywhere, College Avenue, Student Union, Storm Hall
- Prime Time: Hit up the newer College Avenue Starbucks in the morning for a slightly shorter line, go to the Student Union at night because College Avenue closes at 6:30pm, Student Union is also better if you are with a large group of people
- Why: Lots of options, Great breakfast or lunch food, Convenient and central locations
- Recommendations: Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, Mango Black Tea Lemonade, Cappuccino, The Pink Drink (Strawberry Acai Refresher with Coconut Milk)
Aztec Market
- Where: Scattered around campus, locations are close to residence halls
- Prime Time: always pretty quick but avoid between 9:30 and 10pm- it gets extra busy towards closing!
- Recommendations Starbucks sweetened black iced coffee, vanilla cappuccino from the machine, Pure Leaf iced tea
- Why: inexpensive, quick and easy, ability to grab a bunch to keep for later in your fridge
Shake Smart
- Where: Student Union Aztec Market, outside the ARC
- Prime Time: Line always moves quickly but definitely a good place in the mornings
- Why: a nice change from your typical coffee shop, unique options
- Recommendations: the “Shake Your Coffee” blends protein and coffee for an incredible pick-me-up (tip: add almond butter or cinnamon!)
(Off Campus Bonus!) Pappalecco
- Where: Little Italy
- Why: the perfect little Tuscan cafe for an after dinner or anytime treat
- Recommendations: the Marocchino- Espresso, Nutella and frothy milk
Check out some of these great options on campus and stay energized, Aztec collegiettes!