I love coffee. I really, do. Whether it’s hot, cold, sweet, or black, I love it all.
To me, coffee is more than just a drink or a sweet pick-me-up—it’s a ritual that offers me a few moments of serenity and a break to be in the present, which is hard to come by in my fast-paced life.
Not to sound like a coffee snob, but I usually prefer stand-alone coffee shops rather than chains. I don’t think Starbucks or Tim Hortons could ever recreate the ambiance or quality of stand-alone shops.
As a busy student with 8:30 a.m. lectures, club meetings, a part-time job, and Dollar Beers to attend, having plenty of options for coffee on campus is a necessity. One thing I love about Queen’s campus is just that—all kinds of coffee are at our disposal. Whether you want to sit in a cute spot and enjoy a matcha latte, or grab a classic drip coffee for the road, these campus coffee shops will deliver exactly what you need.
Even if one of them unexpectedly closes for a week (cough cough*), there’s always another nearby to keep us fueled.
Common Ground Coffee House
Common Ground, also known as “CoGro,” is an AMS student-run café. It has become a fan favourite for many—myself included—all due to its substantial and reasonably priced menu for students on a budget, along with its convenient location on the second floor of the Queen’s Centre.
CoGro is also open into the evening, making it an ideal evening study spot. In my opinion, it’s the best place to go to if you want to sit and enjoy your drink. The big windows, extensive seating, and chill music create a warm, comfortable atmosphere.
It’s a great place to relax between classes and enjoy a dirty chai—the best drink at CoGro—and one of their delicious baked goods.
The Tea Room
Located in Beamish-Munro Hall, the Tea Room is EngSoc’s very own student-run sustainable coffee shop. With a zero-consumer waste policy, their commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility is impressive.
From their massive selection of caffeinated and herbal teas to the ready-made lunch options, the Tea Room is a wonderful place to stop in for a pick-me-up. Aside from the great coffee, the Tea Room also happens to be a super cute and quaint spot to host club events!
Café Union
Café Union recently opened its doors in Goodes Hall, replacing the former Starbucks, and offers a variety of coffee and lunch options. I tried it out for the first time this week and thought it was okay—although a bit pricier than I’d like, its convenient spot makes up for it.
I enjoyed the variety of coffees available—they have everything from flat whites to iced cappuccinos. I recommend Café Union as a spot to grab a quick cup before class. It also gets bonus points from me for serving almond milk—which neither CoGro nor the Tea Room have.
I love all three of these spots and love that there are multiple coffee shops to suit everybody’s needs on campus. They’re all nicely spread out, giving students options on every corner of campus. As the semester gets into full swing, I hope for many more peaceful coffee moments on campus, and I know these spots have me covered.
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