Lauren RabainoIn a college town like San Luis Obispo, most students are looking for one of two things: a place to down various libations, and a place to sip various types of java or tea.
Luckily, downtown has many options available that carry the caffeinated (or decaf, if you prefer) goodness called coffee.
But with so many choices, how do you pick where you will go study or meet up with friends?
Whether you choose your coffee shop based on the taste and quality of the coffee, or the artsy environment, or the people-watching opportunities, everyone will find something to love with this selection.
Uptown Espresso, located at 1065 Higuera St., is one of the first coffee shops you pass while driving downtown.
Although many customers enjoy ordering a simple cup of coffee made with beans from Santa Barbara Roasting Company, barista Rachel Paolucci said that the caramello, a sweet and sugary espresso-based drink, is the most popular.
At Uptown, a grande
vanilla latte costs $3.95, and a grande coffee of the day costs $1.80.
The shop offers free wireless Internet to customers, and has seating inside and out. A row of chairs facing Higuera Street makes Uptown a great place to people-watch.
Paolucci said that Uptown is different from other coffee shops because of its local feel.
“We have a really loyal fan base; all the professionals come in every morning. We make it a point to know everyone’s drink and name,” Paolucci said.
Just down the street is San Luis Obispo’s newest coffee shop, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, at 1075 Court St.
There, a medium vanilla latte costs $3.65 and a medium coffee of the day costs $1.75.
At Peet’s, coffees are never more than 10 days old, and the espresso offered is chosen for its boldness. The teas are all loose leaf, and coffee lead Raquel Rusing said that green tea is “in” right now.
Popular coffees are Major Dickason’s, a Latin American and Pacific full-bodied blend, and Kenya Auction Lot, an aromatic floral, single-origin coffee.
“Our coffees are hand-roasted by people who have devoted at least 10 years of their life to the art,” Rusing said.
Although Peet’s does not have wireless Internet, Rusing called it the “cleanest” of coffee shops and said that it strives to create an environment for interaction with seating space both inside and out.
If you are interested in purchasing coffee or tea brewing equipment, The Koffee Klatsch at 778 Higuera St. carries both.
Though it does not have wireless Internet, as it is mainly a retail store for accessories, coffee beans and loose leaf tea, it also has $1 drink specials.
Regularly, a medium vanilla latte costs $3.85 and a medium coffee of the day costs $1.50.
Owner John Geisen, who has worked at the business since 1981, said that Portofino Sunrise is the most popular coffee available. The espresso is a dark roast blend without a bitter quality.
Geisen said that the 5-pound bags of 100-percent pure Arabica coffee beans, with origins in Ethiopia, are roasted to order by a roaster with more than 40 years of experience.
“People can come here to get everything they need,” Geisen said.
A block or two away is Linnaea’s Caf‚ at 1110 Garden St.
Barista Brant Haflich said that the latte, a classic espresso drink, is the most popular for Linnaea’s customers.
The caf‚ accepts cash or check only, and charges $3.15 for a medium vanilla latte and $1.35 for a medium coffee of the day.
Linnaea’s offers free wireless Internet to customers and serves coffee from Alta Organic Coffee and Tea Company. Alta coffee beans and blends are organic and fair-trade 100-percent high grown Arabicas with rich flavors.
Haflich said that Linnaea’s atmosphere sets it apart from other coffee shops. With a back patio complete with gardens and a fountain, the caf‚ is a relaxing spot.
The shop is a frequent venue for live music, and is part of the West Coast Songwriters Showcase.
With all these coffee shop options, you will probably be hard-pressed to choose just one that you love.