If you go to Boston University and love coffee, chances are you have strong opinions about these two Comm Ave. coffeehouse favorites. As college students, it doesn’t take much to make us happy. Free food, cancelled classes and free coffeehouse wifi make it to the top of the list. But we all have that one special coffeehouse that just makes everything better. After staying up all night writing a paper or needing to find a study spot that isn’t a depressing gray cubicle in Mugar, coffeehouses give us life. Luckily, here on Comm Ave. we have two nearby cafes, conveniently located on this long street we call our campus. This is battle of the Comm Ave coffeehouses: Blue State Coffee vs. Pavement Coffeehouse.
Pavement Coffeehouse can be found in many different areas of Boston and offers a cozy, typical coffeehouse feel. Between the assorted chairs, unique tables and alternative music playing, Pavement gives coffee-goers the true experience in this hip cafe. The warm ambience makes for a great location for anything from a coffee date to a study session.
Photo by Elise Takahama
Blue State Coffee is not only found in Boston, but also has locations in Rhode Island and Connecticut. While it does not have that cozy feel like Pavement, the decorations on the walls are enough to draw anyone in. From patriotic art to inspirational quotes, this cafe is a funkier alternative to the stereotypical coffee shop image.
Photo by Elise Takahama
Pavement offers a good variety of different drinks, ranging from a simple cup of coffee to a Spanish latte and everything in between. However, their food menu is somewhat limited, offering few vegan and no gluten-free options. So while their beverages are enough to win you over, those with allergies will have to go somewhere else for an afternoon snack.
Photo by Elise Takahama
Blue State has an extensive beverage menu as well. They beat Pavement out when it comes to food options. Included in their array of different pastries are many vegan desserts. They also offer some gluten-free snacks, such as almond granola. They take pride in their food menu, offering something for everyone.
Photo by Elise Takahama
We can talk about the cafes’ environments and food options all day long, but it really comes down to a good cup of coffee. Served in a cute mug, Pavement’s regular hot coffee is a little too bitter for me (and I drink my Starbucks coffee black). It’s difficult to get through the cup without adding some milk and maybe even a little sugar. If you’re interested in ordering coffee from Pavement, it’s probably best to go for an iced coffee.
Photo by Elise Takahama
Although Blue State serves their coffee in less than exciting mugs, the quality of their hot coffee exceeds that of Pavement’s. Perfectly roasted, this cup of coffee is not too bitter and is the perfect amount to wake you up on a Monday morning. Between the allergen friendly menu, the eclectic wall designs and the steaming quality of their regular cup of coffee, it’s safe to say Blue State has won this battle. But let’s not completely forget about Pavement, because who doesn’t love a classic coffeehouse so close to campus.
Photo by Elise Takahama