Bucks County Coffee
40th and Locust
First Sip: Filled with students too lazy to walk all the way to Van Pelt, this coffee shop is like Rosengarten with music.
Cream and Sugar: While you wouldn't exactly go here for the coffee (because frankly, it's not that good), Bucks does have ice cream, cereal, soup and Wi-Fi.
Grinds: Very crowded during midterms, finals and snowstorms. And don't forget your headphones, because sometimes the music isn't exactly conducive to studying. Starbucks fans beware when ordering because at Bucks a tall is a medium and a short is a small. which makes a lot more sense when you think about it.
Bottom Line: Great alternative to the library, especially since they added surge protectors to counteract the outlet shortage. Be prepared to spend non-PennCard-related funds.
Starbucks at Commons
First Sip: So that's where all my dining dollars went.
Cream and Sugar: There's nothing quite like spending "free money" on exorbitantly priced coffee. And the espresso brownie is heaven on earth.
Grinds: While service is usually quick, lines and drink orders can take up to 15 minutes during peak times (aka, right before my 10:30 class). Probably a good idea to pick up the DP on the way in rather than the way out. And don't walk in through the food court unless you like starting your day off with the stench of Chick-fil-A.
Bottom Line: A favorite for those of us whose parents have yet to discover the meaning of "bursar." Wi-Fi and close proximity to Locust Walk don't hurt either.
Starbucks at 34th Street
First Sip: Classic Starbucks fix for anti-Aramark coffee addicts.
Cream and Sugar: Energetic baristas put in additional effort during peak times.The line might be out the door, but at least the cashier is smiling as she takes your drink order. Delicious, albeit overpriced, food.
Grinds: Only accepts real money. Peak times occur at 10-to-the-hour and 20-past all day long. Seating is limited, but if you can find it, Wi-Fi is included with that overpriced latte.
Bottom Line: Starbucks loyalists claim this is the only real 'bucks on campus. That may not be true, but it definitely has the best coffee within a one-block radius of Van Pelt.
La Colombe Coffee
at The Saturn Club
3426 Sansom St.
First Sip: I never quite noticed how tired haircuts made me until Saturn Club Salon added a coffee shop.
Cream and Sugar: Delicious coffee and snacks from famed downtown coffee shop La Colombe. "Can you please add tip and um, a cappuccino to that haircut?"
Grinds: Since it is part of a salon, this cafe keeps salon hours, so it's closed on Sundays and after 7 p.m. everyday. Wi-Fi isn't exactly available, but customers can usually steal it from the neighboring Bucks County Coffee. Plus, after four years of getting my hair done there, my mother is still convinced that Saturn Club is some sort of nightclub.
Bottom Line: If your parents are eyeing your credit card bill, it might be easier to stick with something a little more recognizable.
Green Line Cafe
4239 Baltimore Ave
4305 Locust St.
First Sip: If you're into walking a few extra blocks, the coffee here is pretty damn good and there's almost always seating available.
Cream and Sugar: Right by Koch's Deli and a well-stocked CVS, this vegan-friendly cafe and coffee house has a wide selection and Wi-Fi (but only at the Locust location).
Grinds: Your friends may make fun of you for thinking you're "too hipster for them."
Bottom Line: While it's a little out of the way to go to before class, if you're looking for a quiet place to get some work done without running into everyone you know, your choices are limited, and the food and beverage selection here is way better than it is in VP's stacks.
