How do you decide where you want to live at Conn? We decided to live in KB House our junior year in order to have easy access to Coffee Grounds. Although we were not big coffee drinkers back then, we liked the idea of living near a cozy workspace with large windows and plenty of comfy couches. On our first late night working there, Emir Kulluk ’21 gave us a free cup of coffee and some “Sour Patch Kids” for essay-writing inspiration. The easy-going vibe at Coffee Grounds made us feel welcome immediately. Since moving to South campus this year, we have studied less in Coffee Grounds due to the close proximity of another coffee shop, The Walk-In Coffee Closet. After studying at the Walk-In a couple of times, we quickly realized that it has more of a workplace vibe. There are large and small tables, as well as couches spread throughout the coffee shop, to enhance studying. Both coffee shops have different appeals, but which is the best?
The Voice has set out to determine which student-run coffee shop serves the tastiest drinks and provides optimal study spaces. We bought iced coffee from each cafe and interviewed baristas and students before reaching a final decision.
Ashley Myers ’19 is adamant that Coffee Grounds is the best shop on campus. She says Coffee Grounds “holds a lot of sentimental value” because it is where all of the Cadenza literary magazine meetings were held during her first three years at Conn. As Editor-in-Chief of the magazine, she has continued to hold events there. She adds that all of the Coffee Grounds baristas are friendly and have introduced her to “unique” music. Today alone, she “Shazamed” three songs she heard while studying there. Ashley added that the pictures and art in Coffee Grounds make the shop a warm space to study. By contrast, Ashley does not “get a warm feeling” from the Walk-In Coffee Closet. Instead, she finds it “more formal.” Although she likes the variety of coffee beverages offered at the Walk-In — specifically the matcha latte — she has spent more time at Coffee Grounds since it began serving matcha drinks last semester.
We both agree with Myers that the baristas and music at Coffee Grounds help give it a more hip and friendly feel than the Walk-In. Dana’s favorite barista Izzy Goldberg ‘22 works at Coffee Grounds, so that already gives the cafe an edge. The Voice sat down with Izzy to discuss what drew her to work at Coffee Grounds. She believes that Coffee Grounds is not “your average bougie” coffee shop. Its layout makes it perfect for holding events like open-mic nights or even acapella concerts. According to Izzy, “you walk into Coffee Grounds and you feel at home.” Many students feel so comfortable in the shop that they will even take naps there. Ashley added that, “the location of Coffee Grounds is great because it is so central on campus.”
The Voice also interviewed two Conn students who frequent the Walk-In Coffee Closet: Jenna Berloni ‘19 and Erin Fagan ‘19. Erin says she “fell in love with the Coffee Closet last semester” and wishes it were closer to where she lives on campus. She finds it “a nice escape” and says the shops holds sentimental value because she bought her first latte there. When asked about desserts, Erin commented that “the chocolate chip cookies with sea salt are to die for.” Erin also believes that the Walk-In provides an ideal work environment. “I get a lot of work done there,” she says. “I feel more productive there than I do at Coffee Grounds. It feels more like a work vibe, but it is still cozy.”
Jenna remarked, “Coffee Closet is like New London Hall: classic, but updated. It has a lot of updated features, but it still has the old coffee shop vibe. The color scheme is very new too. The furniture is very modern and new.” Erin quickly added that, “Coffee Closet also has real food.”
Now, for the final results: which coffee shop sells coffee for the best value? A large cup of iced coffee at both shops costs $2.75, so price is not a factor. Based on taste alone, Coffee Grounds sells the best iced coffee due to its rich, bold flavor and higher caffeine content. Coffee Closet’s iced coffee tastes comparatively weaker because it has less caffeine.
Don’t discount the Walk-In all together though, because it has a better variety of coffee beverages and desserts than Coffee Grounds. It offers desserts like chocolate chip cookies, banana bread, and “slutty” brownies (brownies baked with cookie dough and oreo cookies) that we highly recommend. Chocolate lovers will also appreciate the nutella latte sold there, a drink that is not sold at Coffee Grounds.
If you are looking for a shop that serves flavorful coffee and has a funky vibe, then head over to Coffee Grounds! But if you want more of a variety in your food and drink, then Coffee Closet is your place. •
