Roasted: Most convenient cups of coffee
This past week kicked off a new year of friends, experiences, clubs, classes and work. Every new student will soon learn what all veteran upperclassmen learned long ago:
Caffeine is necessary to power through all Rice University has to offer. Luckily, there are numerous convenient and low-priced options on and off Rice campus to obtain caffeine in every shape and form.
Here are the Top five convenient coffee shops for students to enjoy a nice cup of joe:
1. Rice Coffeehouse, RMC
Founded in the 1980s by students in the basement of Hanszen College, student-run Coffeehouse is now one of the most popular shops and lounge areas on campus. Since its initial founding, Coffeehouse has continuously proven so popular that it had to be relocated to a larger space three times. Now it is conveniently located in the Rice Memorial Center adjacent to the Rice Bookstore and is open until 1 a.m. on weekdays for a late-night caffeine boost. The menu has a wide variety of options: regular drip coffee, lattes, cappuccinos and other espresso drinks, iced coffee, black and green teas, personalized blended flavored drinks, bagels, muffins and other baked goods. At 12:45 a.m., Coffeehouse also offers the remaining batches of drip coffee for free; just bring your own cup. The best part: Coffeehouse accepts Tetra Points. Coffeehouse is the best, most convenient and least expensive place to buy delicious coffee and tea.
2. Salento, Brochstein Pavilion
The next most convenient coffee shop is located on campus in the Brochstein Pavilion by Fondren Library. Catered by Salento, a well-established cafe in Rice Village, Brochstein sells coffee, espresso, tea, sandwiches, salads, soups, pastries and fruit. Be warned: Salento is very overpriced. An average-quality drink from Salento can be up to more than three times the price of a cup from Coffeehouse. On the bright side, Tetra Points are accepted at Brochstein as well.
3. Ruggles Cafe, Rice Village
Located on Rice Boulevard in Rice Village, and only a 10-minute walk or five-minute bike ride from campus, Ruggles is a wonderful cafe that serves delicious entrees, desserts and coffee. For only $2.50, you can order unlimited refills of surprisingly delicious drip coffee. Ruggles also sells loose-leaf teas and hot chocolate, and has an outside patio that provides a nice off-campus study area.
4. Starbucks, Rice Village
Starbucks on University Boulevard is a comfortable off-campus cafe selling all of the standard Starbucks favorites. This Starbucks is also a convenient off-campus study option, as they have free Wi-Fi for customers.
5. Black Hole Coffee House, Graustark Street
The Black Hole Cafe is a local hotspot located a few blocks north of Rice campus. Although it takes about a 10-minute bike ride, the coffeeshop is a cozy, eclectic space that serves a variety of wonderful coffee and espresso drinks at reasonable cost. Black Hole is perfect if you are up for a small off-campus adventure, craving an espresso drink or looking for a new scene to study.
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