Where to Go for a Cup of Joe: Best Coffee Spots On & Off Campus
Author: Maddy Pryor
Whether you’re looking for a great way to start the day, an afternoon pick-me-up, or somewhere to study that will provide you with caffeine, there are plenty of places on and off campus that fit the bill.
ON CAMPUS
Dear Joe Cafe & Bakery — Nestled in the newly-renovated Nittany Lion Inn, Dear Joe is open 6am-5pm every day. They’ve got lattes, espressos, chai tea, and more, and also have pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and some snacks. Good for an early morning study sesh or on-campus meetup. Plus, in addition to the cafe, there’s plenty of seating in the brand new lobby.
Berkey Creamery — Not just for ice cream! The Creamery is perfect for grabbing a cup of joe on the go on your way to class (and, of course, plenty of food to pair). Check out their hours.
DOWNTOWN STATE COLLEGE
In addition to various Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts locations, there are local small businesses that make some fantastic coffee. (P.S. If you’re not looking for anything fancy, we recommend joining the Unlimited Sip Club at Panera for unlimited coffees and teas!)
Webster’s Bookstore Cafe — A State College staple, Webster’s has all of the coffee options you could need (plus plenty of alternative milk options, too — the cafe is fully plant-based). They also have 80+ teas to try! Who doesn’t want to drink delicious coffee while shopping for books?
Elixr Coffee Roasters — Open daily from 7am-6pm, Elixr Coffee Roasters was founded in Philly in 2010 and has since made its way into the hearts of State College residents far and wide. It has a terrific coffee menu, good food, and outdoor seating. Located centrally downtown for an easy coffee chat with friends and mentors!
Vibe Coffee Co. — The name says it all: Vibe Coffee Co. brings along fantastic vibes with specialty coffees, teas, and Instagrammable atmosphere. Founded by a Penn State grad and a Temple grad, they’re committed to ethical and sustainable sourcing for their certified organic coffee beans.
WITHIN DRIVING DISTANCE
Rothrock Coffee — With small-batch roasting, roasted right here in State College on the daily, Rothrock Coffee provides high-quality and incredibly fresh coffee as well as smoothies. We also love their food menu! Try the avocado toast.
7 Brew Coffee — New to State College, 7 Brew Coffee is a drive-thru-only coffee joint, open daily from 5:30am-10pm. In addition to coffees, they’ve got fizz sodas, energy drinks, milkshakes, and more. Perfect for a late night stop!
Safe to say, there’s no shortage of places to get your work done on or off campus while staying fueled, fresh, and ready to tackle your studies.
