This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Texas chapter.
It’s that time of the year again collegiettes – temperatures drop and Starbucks breaks out the red holiday cups and favorite winter flavors like their Peppermint Mocha and Gingerbread Latte. As finals roll around, you may find that you’re extra willing to spend your hard earned cash for that instant caffeine boost. Perhaps you’re over waiting in a line that goes out of the Union door, or trying to find a seat at the crowded Starbucks on 24th.
Luckily, there are plenty of alternative coffee spots around campus that have just as much to offer as Starbucks – if not more – for all of your caffeine and late-night-studying-fixes.
Caffe Medici
Students strolling the Drag often overlook what may seem like an obvious choice to many campus veterans. While it may not look expansive from the outside, inside Caffe Medici lies a whole other sophisticated view of the world – or at least of the Drag from their second story loft seating. Offering some of the best lattes around- that you don’t have to drink out of paper cups if you choose to dine in – Caffe Medici maintains a European quality to it, where you’re more likely to find seasoned Austinites as opposed to the West Campus crowd. They also serve Tacodeli tacos on their breakfast menu. Sold yet?
Go for: High quality coffee, Tacodeli
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Made popular by frequent celeb sightings in LA, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf offers a much wider selection of drinks than the Starbucks down the street. While Starbucks touts its Peppermint Mocha, The Bean offers peppermint lattes in a variety of flavors, including white and dark chocolate. Did I mention red velvet hot cocoa? Well, red velvet hot cocoa.
Go for: Coffee/tea variety
Mozart’s
Mozart’s has been a favorite study spot of students for years and was voted last year’s Best Coffeehouse in The Daily Texan’s UTMost Awards. Its location on Lake Austin provides a relaxing escape from campus and it has some of the most delicious desserts around.
“They have great pastries. I love sitting by the lake and listening to the water lap up against the dock, and you can get their bottomless cup of coffee for about $2…way cheaper than Starbucks!” – Emily, English senior
Go for: Lakefront view, dessert
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Epoch Coffee
Epoch is that place north of campus that hipsters still go to no matter how crowded it is. With a friendly staff, tasty coffee, plenty of electrical outlets and a cozy atmosphere, it provides everything you need for a late night study sesh or a coffee date with friends. After spotting the Starbucks sign that has been changed to read, “F*** Off,” you know it’s not your everyday coffee shop; for the anti-Starbucks in everyone.
“Epoch Café is like a quieter Mozarts, with the same chill atmosphere, and is open 24/7 so it’s a great go-to for café studying.” – Laura, European studies senior
Go for: 24-hour study spot
Spiderhouse
Spiderhouse is a multi-functional coffeehouse, bar, restaurant and live music hangout. Its laidback atmosphere is what makes it a UT staple, and also why it was named the #1 Best College Coffee Shop in America by Complex Magazine. It’s almost like you’re hanging out in someone’s decked-out backyard, complete with a full food and drink menu.
Go for: Funky atmosphere
Briggo
If you’re buried in books on campus and looking for a quick caffeine fix, skip the long lines at the Union and SAC and try the Briggo robot at the FAC. No sweat if you’re in sweatpants and a tee; no human interaction is required. Plus, you can order straight from your phone and see where you are in line, so you won’t miss out on valuable study time. Drinks start out as low as $1.40 and take anywhere from 1-3 minutes for the robotic barista to whip up.
Go for: Cheap espresso in a hurry