Campus for Coffee Lovers
If you’re like me, you find a slightly irrational amount of joy in sipping a smooth, sweet iced coffee or a rich, comforting hot latte. Nestled in a bustling café with books spread out in front of you—or, let’s face it, a laptop or iPad nowadays—the steady hum of background conversation creates a cozy, insulating atmosphere.
Or perhaps you’re simply craving a quick jolt of concentrated caffeine on the go. Maybe you prefer a simple herbal tea or a vibrant matcha latte instead. Whatever your preference, Tufts’ campus has something for everyone. Below is a guide to some of the most popular spots to grab a caffeinated (or non-caffeinated) pick-me-up on campus.
Dewick MacPhie & Fresh at Carmichael
First stop: the dining halls! Both dining halls offer an assortment of dairy, non-dairy milk, and creamer options, along with rotating flavors and caffeine levels. With buffet-style dining, you’re welcome to settle in and maintain a constant flow of customized caffeinated beverages throughout the day, if you so wish.
Special note: The dining halls also make for a great makeshift affogato spot if you add some soft serve!
Kindlevan Cafe
Located in the bustling atrium of the Tsungming Tu Complex, surrounded by biology labs, engineering makerspaces, faculty offices, and lecture-style classrooms, Kindlevan Café offers an assortment of hot and cold beverages.
With the order-ahead app, students can order a drink in advance, swing by the pickup shelves, and high-tail it across campus to their next commitment. Students can also grab baked goods, sandwiches, salads, snacks, and smoothies, making Kindlevan a convenient stop for a quick breakfast, lunch, or afternoon pick-me-up.
The Sink
Perhaps the most unique spot on this list, The Sink is an entirely student-run café located on the upper balcony of the Mayer Campus Center.
Illuminated by cozy red lighting and dotted with benches and tables that students inhabit throughout the day, The Sink is a definite student favorite. Gorgeous graphics adorn its extensive menu, which features everything from classic coffee drinks to creative, student-designed specials.
Senior-designed drinks are a particular highlight, including “Spencer’s Chunky Monkey”—a banana syrup, white chocolate, and cinnamon latte—and “She The Birthday,” a matcha with cupcake syrup, strawberry syrup, cold foam, and sprinkles.
Between the rotating specials, trivia nights, and loyalty punch cards, it’s nearly impossible to get tired of the variety.
Hotung Cafe
If you head just downstairs from The Sink, you’ll be greeted by the warm yellow glow of Hotung Café’s counter.
Known for its açaí bowls, avocado toast, and selection of flatbreads, Hotung also offers a wide assortment of Starbucks beverages for all the avid Starbucks lovers out there. It’s an easy option when you need something familiar between classes—or when you’re simply in the mood for a Starbucks run without leaving campus.
The Tower Cafe
Upon entering Tisch Library, walk past the information desk and down the short hallway to the right. At the end of the wide passageway sits The Tower Café. A popular meeting spot for coffee chats with professors, The Tower Café also provides students with easy access to some mid-study-session fuel.
Mugar Cafe
In case you can’t trek down the hill between classes, Mugar has got you covered.
Located in the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Mugar Café offers a variety of coffee, tea, and delicious pastries. Stop by for a mid-morning snack, grab a drink, and snag a table in the quiet, dark-wood haven of the Fletcher study spaces.
Pavement Coffeehouse
Coming soon to the lobby of the Joyce Cummings Center, Pavement Coffeehouse is an up-and-coming Boston chain that has made its way to Medford!
Offering specialty drinks, fluffy bagel sandwiches, and a selection of pastries, Pavement is sure to become a well-loved addition to the Jumbo coffee scene. Whether you’re looking for a morning coffee before class or a study-session snack, this new spot will be worth checking out.
Dunkin’
While technically off-campus, it would probably violate Massachusetts law to leave Dunkin’ off this list.
With two locations flanking the Tufts campus, students frequently stop by for customized coffees, seasonal specials, and the occasional emergency caffeine fix. Open from 4:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, Dunkin’ is a solid option at virtually any time of day—especially when the various on-campus locations are closed.
Looking to escape campus for some remote studying? Longing for a coffee adventure in Davis or a social spot just behind the hill? Keep your eyes peeled for Part 2: Coffee Around Campus!