Certain things are guaranteed when the end of the semester finally rears its ugly head: numerous exams and projects requiring long, exhausting hours of work and study.
Whether students are struggling to cram in that last textbook chapter or put the final touches on an essay, caffeine is likely to play a critical role in the grueling days and nights ahead.
Coffee has always been a beverage of choice for college students, and with the end times rapidly approaching, now is the perfect time for students to take a trip to some of Georgia State’s best local coffee shops.
Magnolia Bistro (Secret Starbucks)
Located: 100 Edgewood Ave.
The fact that Starbucks coffee is served at the United Way building may come as a surprise. While students typically walk to Aderhold for their Starbucks fix, or the lesser-known Kell Hall coffee bunker, now is the perfect time to take a walk down Edgewood Avenue and give Magnolia’s a try.
The bistro itself is spacious with plenty of tables and seats available for students to sit down and study. Natural lighting illuminates the entire room, making notebooks and papers easy to read. Noise isn’t an issue, either. The room is nearly dead-silent with ambient noises and relatively quiet conversation coloring the background.
Executive Chef Tzvi Weinreich said that Magnolia separates itself from other shops with the strength of its food.
“All food is made fresh every day. This is an actual bistro. We make everything from scratch, and our coffee is Starbucks brand,” Weinreich said.
Starbucks coffee needs no introduction, of course. While somewhat more expensive than your local neighborhood shop, the price is justified by the strength of the blend and the variety drinks available.
Magnolia’s Bistro is the perfect space for students, whether its to put the finishing touches on a project or to prepare for final exams.
Ebrik Coffee Room
Located: 16 Park Place
While Ebrik Coffee Room has only been in business for two months, the shop has already left a lasting impression thanks to its personable owners. Throughout the day, brothers Abbas and Ibrahim Arman serve coffee, salads and fruit while socializing with their customers.
Located at 16 Park Place, Ebrik offers students a friendly, welcoming environment. Behind the business front is an elongated lounge area with couches, electrical outlets and tables. Replicas of Banksy’s street art adorn the walls, and the storefront’s massive windows provide a clear view of the street.
The coffee, bought from Atlanta Coffee Roasters, offers students an affordable, flavorful alternative to many of the areas larger chain shops and restaurants.
Shannon Kroll, a junior public policy major, is a regular customer at Ebrik. She said that not only are Abbas and Ibrahim Arman incredibly personable and friendly, but also that their store has the best product.
“You don’t have to look any further for the best coffee shop on campus,” Kroll said.
Marlee’s Coffe & Tea House
Located: 349 Decatur St SE
While Marlee’s Coffee & Tea House may not be on Georgia State’s campus, it’s certainly close enough to serve as a viable coffee stop for students. The shop, just a quick walk past Grady Hospital, isn’t your standard coffee shop.
Marlee’s hosts a number of night-time events, including music and open mic poetry readings on Tuesdays and Jazz music on the third Wednesday of every month. Additionally, Marlee’s menu offers a significant variety of choices, including coffees, specialty drinks, paninis, tapas, cakes and pies.
Yasmeen Sandefur, one of Marlee’s employees, said that the shop’s live events and workshops set it apart from the competition and that customers can always rely on the shop’s consistency.
“The events liven the place up. Change isn’t an issue [at Marlee’s],” Sandefur said.
One Caffe Coffee
Located: 84 Peachtree St.
Located between Aderhold Learning Center and Woodruff Park at 84 Peachtree St., the shop is a convenient spot for students to pick up caffeine between classes. In addition to the traditional coffee shop flavors and varieties, One Caffe Coffee has a number of unique specialties, including Banana Split, Peanut Brandy and Candy Latte drinks.
Although One Caffe Coffee doesn’t have much indoor space for students to study or work, it doesn’t lack for an attractive, practical exterior. Trees, tables and chairs line the street as groups of students, businessmen and downtown residents pass by, lending the shop a particular downtown charm.
Tina Nguyen, a senior business econ major, has been working at One Caffe Coffee since last October and says she loves getting to meet the students, professors and businessmen who come inside for a quick cup.
“It doesn’t feel like a job. I always wanted to work at a cafe, and I always loved their drinks,” Nguyen said.
Saxby’s Coffee
Located: Library North, first floor
While Saxby’s Coffee can quickly become overcrowded and noisy during the late morning and mid-day hours, it’s difficult to find a more convenient coffee shop for students. Located on the first floor of Library North, the shop is surrounded by dozens of computers, study rooms and couches. The store, open from 7 a.m. to midnight, gives students plenty of time to put the finishing touches on projects and get in an extra cram session.
Umi Abdul, a freshman economics major, said that she loves that the shop is closer and less expensive than other shops on campus, especially Starbucks.
“Their food is fresh to serve, and there is a variety on the menu. I really like the egg, cheese & turkey bacon croissant.” Abdul said.
