On Campus and Off Campus Coffee: The Best Spots, Hacks, and Need to Know Information
By: Chris Panella
Coffee can be the perfect pick-up before a long class, a great late-night library companion, and a nice compliment to a conversation with some friends. True, it can be a little overwhelming to navigate all the best ways to get a cup of joe both at Tufts and off campus, but luckily there’s plenty of tricks and tips. Here’s five hacks for the best spots for on-campus and off campus coffee.
1. If you’re working late in Tisch Library and go to Tower Café, grab two straws.
Tower Café is located near the entrance to Tisch. On its comfortable couches and larger group study tables, students are always working, reading, or just chatting. Tower offers a variety of coffee options, fresh salads, hot soups, sandwiches, and pastries. It’s the perfect place to grab something quick before a study session. In an effort to move towards being a more environmentally friendly campus, Tower offers paper straws. These straws are great, but can get a little soggy after a while. If you take your time sipping your coffee, you might want to grab two straws rather than one.
2. Stop by the Sink and make sure to bring your own reusable mug.
The Sink, Tufts’ student-run coffee shop located in the campus center, is also pushing environmentally friendly hacks for coffee. If you bring your reusable mug of any size or shape, the Sink will fill it with whatever drink you want for the price of a small. Yes, it seems outrageously awesome, and it is. There’s a good selection of drinks too, from a delicious cold brew to a few different lattes and teas. The Sink is also a great place to study during the day or just read a nice book.
3. If you want to get off campus, make a study day at Diesel Café in Davis.
Diesel Café is a jewel in Davis Square, Somerville. Located just a short shuttle or walk ride off campus, Diesel is cute, retro, and the perfect place to grab a nice cup of coffee and a pastry before studying the day away. It’s also a good place to hang out and chill. There’s pool tables and plenty of seats to meet with friends. A standard cappuccino is always a solid Diesel pick, but they also have plenty of specialty drinks, like the matcha latte and London fog. It’s best to sit in Diesel for a while and really enjoy the vibe, so definitely make a day out of it.
4. Or stop by Oat Shop for a hearty breakfast and the best drip coffee.
True, you might be looking for a bigger breakfast to accompany your perfect caffeinated beverage, so stop by Oat Shop in Davis Square. Oat Shop provides a variety of oat bowls, or oatmeal with different topics and mix-ins. There’s sweet oat bowls and savory oat bowls, and both complement well with the drip coffee, which is a strong way to start the morning. As well, all bowls can be made dairy free or vegan upon request, something that really makes the visit even sweeter!
5. Hotung Café has the best almond milk lattes.
Another Campus Center spot, Hotung Café offers some heavier meals, like sandwiches and pizza, but nothing can compare to its almond milk latte. With its smooth, flavorful taste, it’s a great way to start Monday morning or to celebrate another week of classes on Friday. Hotung has offer great drink options too, like the white chocolate mocha, and serves a nice variety of pastries as well.