Who doesn’t love an overpriced iced coffee? If you are going to pay $8 for a coffee, it might as well be good, right? Are you struggling to find a new study spot? No problem, I have curated a list of the best coffee shops near campus. The quality of the coffee is not the only thing I look for; vibe, environment and service are a must.
Audrey’s Coffee House & Lounge
This quiet coffee shop located in “The Village at South County Commons” is perfect for a quiet study session. Audrey’s is a family-owned cafe that embodies a sense of community. With couches and tables, this hidden gem is hard to beat. Not only do they have coffee, they also serve food. My personal favorite is their chai lattes, chef’s kiss if you ask me. But wait, it gets better. In addition to their delicious menu, Audrey’s hosts social events as well. These events include trivia night, “The Bachelor” watch parties and paint and sip nights. With this coffee shop being only 10 minutes from campus, do yourself a favor and pay them a visit.
TLC Coffee Roasters
This next spot is a fan favorite. Like Audrey’s, TLC sells food and drinks. This rustic spot was established in 1999. Located right near the Kingston train station, it’s the perfect place to stop for a pick-me-up before a long train ride home. With a wide variety of coffee flavors, this is the place to be. My favorite thing to get is a bacon, egg and cheese paired with an iced vanilla chai. Out of every chai I have tried in Rhode Island, TLC takes the win. TLC is about five minutes from campus. Next time you’re out and about, stop by.
BRU Coffee Bar
Located in the “Kingston Emporium” is BRU Coffee Bar. This convenient location offers a wide variety of options when it comes to both food and drinks. If you are in the mood for breakfast or lunch, BRU has got you covered. One special thing about BRU is that they serve acai bowls. Not only that, the fruit is fresh and affordable. Like TLC, BRU has a ton of flavors for your coffee. BRU doesn’t stop at coffee, though. This small gem offers tea, refreshers, chai, coffee, you name it. When you visit, make sure to check out the cozy section in the back of the store. If you live off campus, no worries, BRU has a second location in Narragansett.
Rachel’s Cafe
We have yet another cafe in the South County Commons. Rachel’s Cafe is a casual breakfast and lunch spot. This homey spot provides a range of house-made beverages. Some examples include a regular iced coffee, pumpkin chai and even tomato juice. Yes, you heard that right. Rachel’s is the perfect place if you have a diverse palate. Something unique about Rachel’s is that it has a fireplace. Now this may seem unimportant, but the vibe that you surround yourself in means everything. This cafe provides a cozy living room feel to it, the perfect place to get some work done.
These spots won’t disappoint you. With a variety of locations, vibe, food and most importantly coffee, these spots have something for everyone. Let your taste buds explore these new places!
