College students are essentially machines for turning coffee into homework and term papers. Luckily, there are as many different places to buy coffee in Eugene as there are different flavors for your latte. Here are the best options near campus, besides Starbucks. All drink prices are for the 16 ounce size.
On-campus coffee shops: Lillis Cafe (1st floor of Lillis), The Hearth (2nd floor of Lawrence), Fish Bowl (main floor of the EMU), The Buzz (basement of the EMU), Daily Grind Cafe (Knight Library basement), Education Station Cafe (HEDCO Education Building), Camp 13 (Jaqua Education Center).
Prices: Coffee $2.05 / Latte $3.25 / Java Freeze $4.55
Hours: Depends on the location. Most are open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday during the school year, closed weekends.
Ambience: Tables (and couches at some locations) to do homework or relax in between classes.
Espresso Roma — 825 E 13th Ave. (at Alder)
Prices: Coffee: $1.75 / Latte: $2.75 / Caffioco (blended iced coffee) $3.75
Hours: Monday – Friday 7 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Ambience: Three rooms of well-worn tables and chairs offer plenty of space to meet friends. Outdoor patio area in back with picnic tables.
Vero Espresso — 205 E 14th Ave (at Pearl)
Prices: Coffee: $2.50 / Latte: $3.50 / Coffee Frappe: $4.75.
Hours: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. seven days a week.
Ambience: Eclectic mix of vintage tables, chairs, and couches. Large outdoor deck with more seating. Perfect place to bring a book or a date.
Full City — 295 E 13th Ave. (at High St.) / 842 Pearl St.
Prices: Coffee 2.35 / Latte $4.10 / Coffee Frost 20 oz. $4.60
Hours: Monday – Friday 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday – Sunday 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Ambience: Both locations have about 10 tables, along with umbrella tables on the sidewalk. Quiet place to work. Mix of students and older people.
Perk — 1351 Willamette St.
Prices: Coffee $2.00 / Latte $3.75 / no blended iced drinks
Hours: Monday- Friday 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Ambience: Very small space with only about six tables. Friendly staff. Rotating exhibits of local artists on the walls.
Allann Bros Beanery — 152 W 5th Ave. (at Olive St.)
Prices: Coffee $2.05 / Latte $3.25 / Java Freeze $4.55
Hours: 5th Ave.: Monday – Thursday 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Friday – Saturday 6 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sunday 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Ambience: Large restored warehouse space with lofted ceilings and skylights. A diverse crowd of students, families, older people, couples on dates, and professionals.
Wandering Goat — 268 Madison St.
Prices: Coffee: $2.75 / Latte: $4.00 / no blended iced drinks
Hours: Monday – Wednesday 7 a.m. – 11 p.m., Thursday – Friday 7 a.m. – 12 a.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – 12 a.m., Sunday 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Ambience: Moderate-sized space with tables big enough to spread out with homework. The music is often much too loud, however, employees tend to favor metal or hardcore most days. Outside, the tables lining the sidewalk would be lovely except for trains passing only a half-block away. But the location in the heart of the Whiteaker neighborhood means the people-watching is always top-notch.