A college student’s life isn’t complete without coffee, and here at the University of Illinois, students don’t have to go to France to taste the best java.
1. Espresso Royale – six locations on campus
This list would be empty and meaningless without this UIUC staple. From its six locations around campus, Espresso serves coffee to tired students all seven days of the week and gives them a place to study until midnight.
Photo by Kristen Yang
2. Café Kopi – 109 N. Walnut St., Downtown Champaign
Downtown folks gather to this hole-in-the-wall coffee café for conversation and locally roasted coffee. When campus gets boring, grab some friends and take a trip downtown to get a taste of C-U’s best roast.
Photo by Kristen Yang
Photo by Kirsten Yang
3. Caffe Paradiso – 801 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana
Paradiso works well for group projects because of the café’s open floor plan and large tables that can seat multiple people. Those working alone can find a place to work as well, but don’t forget your headphones- you’ll need them to be able to concentrate among the lively conversation.
Photo by Kristen Yang
Photo by Kristen Yang
4. Aroma – 118 N. Neil St., Downtown Champaign
Aroma, another downtown hidden gem, has a simple and usually quiet interior. Often times on weekend nights when everyone else is out drinking at Cowboy Monkey or The Blind Pig, Aroma is nearly empty and the perfect place to study.
Photo by Kristen Yang
5. Art Mart – 127 Lincoln Square, inside of Urbana’s Lincoln Square Mall
Art what? Most UIUC students may have never heard of half of the places on this list, especially Art Mart. But when you need a strong (espresso-strength strong) cup of coffee and a unique gift for someone, Art Mart is the place to be.
Photo by Kristen Yang
Photo by Kristen Yang
Note: Many of these places have food selections not found anywhere else. Paradiso’s hummus plate is to die for, and Kopi serves different salads, sandwiches and soups crafted from local ingredients. Make sure to check out each place’s signature drinks and daily deals.