Originally posted on Aztec Press Online.
As the semester comes to a close, many of us spend long days and late nights writing essays and studying for finals.
Whether it be a loud roommate or distracting electronics, home might not be the best study place.
To keep from losing time to video games or hanging out with friends, many students go to designated study areas.
And what better commodity to have at your study space than coffee to keep you energized while you work?
Here’s a list of coffee shops around the different Pima campuses to check out for study purposes as well as the caffeine.
DESERT VISTA
CaffeNation
Address: 3191 E. Valencia Road Phone: 294-4995
Hours: Daily, 6 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Website: caffenation.com
If you don’t actually like the taste of coffee, you’re in luck.
CaffeNation offers a huge selection of specialty-flavored mochas that can come hot, iced or blended.
For less than $4, you can get a 16-ounce mocha in just about any flavor you can think of, including chocolate cherry, orange, peppermint, caramel, French silk and peanut butter.
Every menu item is moderately priced. A small hot chocolate costs less than $2. For under $3, you can get a muffin, scone or bagel with cream cheese.
DOWNTOWN CAMPUS
Epic Cafe
Address: 745 N. Fourth Ave.
Phone: 624-6844
Hours: Daily, 6 a.m.-midnight
Website: epic-cafe.com
Less than a mile from Downtown Campus, Epic is conveniently located on the north end of Fourth Avenue and offers a great menu of drip coffee, espresso and blended drinks.
I recommend the blended brownie mocha. For about $4.50, you get a big cup full of brownie-flavored coffee slush. Doesn’t sound amazing? Try it. Get it with whipped cream. Study. Be happy.
The Wi-Fi can get slow during peak hours, so try to visit when it’s not too busy.
EAST CAMPUS
Crave Coffee Bar
Address: 4530 E. Broadway Blvd.
Phone: 445-6665
Hours: Daily, 6 a.m.-11 p.m.
It’s a bit of a drive from East Campus, but unfortunately there’s not much of coffee selection nearby. There are plenty of Starbucks in the area, but Crave has an atmosphere only a local cafe can offer.
It offers a full menu of assorted hot and cold beverages, plus delicious pastries and desserts such as fresh-baked muffins, apple strudel and tiramisu.
NORTHWEST CAMPUS
Glass Onion Cafe
Address: 1990 W. River Road
Phone: 293-6050
Hours: Vary daily. See website.
Website: glassonioncafe.com
The Glass Onion Cafe might be the most unusual coffee shop in town. The place is fun, with a long drink menu offering coffee, hot chocolate and even milkshakes.
The food menu includes soup and salads, vegetarian and vegan options and Beatles-themed sandwiches like “Why Don’t We Do It in the Roast?”
The Glass Onion hosts music and open mic nights at week’s end, so keep that in mind if you’re hoping for a quiet spot.
The cafe opens at 7 a.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. on weekends. It closes between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. during the week.
WEST CAMPUS
Sparkroot
Address: 245 E. Congress St.
Phone: 272-8949
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Website: http://sparkroot.com
West Campus also lacks a decent selection of nearby businesses.
For something different, head a few miles east to downtown to Sparkroot, an artsy little space with unique decor and a tasty menu.
Sparkroot has drip coffee for about $3. Lattes and great hot chocolate cost about $4. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the specialty “Nola” coffee drink for $3. The menu also offers pressed panini sandwiches.
Miki Janezic 