Photo by Griffin Bryant
By Grace Warner
There’s no shortage of coffee shops around campus. I’ve explored each unique coffee shop on Hillsborough Street and compiled a list of my favorites, stretching from about Nelson Hall to Tompkins. Whether you’ve got an exam the next day, friends to see or just a craving for a good cup of coffee, I hope this guide can help you choose your next favorite spot!
Cup A Joe
Starting a bit further down from Nelson Hall — right next to Uncommon Apartments, to be exact — is Cup A Joe, my first recommendation. The largest coffee shop on Hillsborough Street by far, this cafe has fast service, college-student-on-a-budget prices with different deals every day, long hours (6 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and seemingly unlimited seats, no matter how many people pack in. Being so busy, the atmosphere is buzzing with sounds of friendly conversations. If you have a good pair of headphones or a love of white noise, then this is the place for you. (If not, there’s plenty of other stops on this crawl!) You can also grab a quick breakfast or snack while you’re there — bagels, breakfast sandwiches, muffins, cookies or even a massive rice crispy treat!
Bliss Cafe
A short jaunt up the street takes us to my next recommendation, Bliss Cafe. This is the most recent coffee shop to open on Hillsborough Street, and it boasts much more than just coffee. Sandwiches, pastries, ice cream and even boba tea are on the menu. Similar to Cup A Joe, the Bliss Cafe keeps its doors open until 7 p.m., which is perfect for a somewhat later night study session — just don’t do what I did and order a large macchiato a few hours before bed! The prices are fairly standard, and the atmosphere is cozy and a little quieter than Cup A Joe. Only a few tables are available, but plenty of bar stools and couches provide a cozy meeting or study place.
Global Village Organic Coffee
My next recommendation takes us a bit further down Hillsborough Street. If you have a class in Tompkins, Winston or Caldwell, you’re only a stone’s throw from this shop. It’s on the smaller side, so seats aren’t guaranteed. It fills up quickly for a reason — the atmosphere is cozy, the selection of teas and coffees is massive, and their breakfast sandwiches and baked goods are delicious. Fair warning that they do sell out quickly, though. The prices aren’t too bad, but it adds up quickly if you plan on getting a full breakfast. A chocolate croissant, specialty sandwich and a latte to top it off isn’t cheap! This shop is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, perfect for an early morning or a late night, especially being so close to the middle of North Campus!
They don’t have a website, but you can find them @globalvillagecoffee on Instagram.
Jubala Coffee
The final recommendation I have sits directly across from the Belltower. With cozy, warm lighting inside and an abundance of outdoor seating, this cafe is the perfect place to study or catch up with friends while enjoying a picturesque view. It’s a bit on the pricey side, but for a good reason. The emphasis on quality shines through in their roasts, and their sourcing is thoughtfully picked. They offer biscuits, waffles, sandwiches and multiple other baked goods, so it’s easy to find something here to enjoy. This shop closes a bit earlier than the rest at 5 p.m., so keep that in mind if you’re planning on stopping by near dinner time.
As you start to settle into the new semester, don’t forget to take care of yourself. A coffee break at one of these close-to-campus shops can provide a perfect environment for connecting with friends, relaxing before or after a day of classes and fueling your body — with or without a caffeine fix!