By Lily Nussbaum | Arts and Life Intern
As classes start to pick up and hours of sleep are replaced with hours of homework or studying, caffeine is a necessary addition to your life. There are various options of chain, local and at-home coffee in Waco. The Arts and Life staff is here to give you their recommendations.
Erianne Lewis | Arts and Life Editor
Vanilla latte with oat milk from Brû
I randomly visited Brû right before finals began in May and it quickly became my pre-work coffee spot during my internship in Waco this summer. I love how intimate it is because it’s in an elevator shaft. I like being able to strike up a conversation with the barista because there is usually just one of them working at a time. I also like that I’m usually the only person in line so I never have to wait, and the coffee is always perfect.
Vanilla iced coffee with oat milk from Dunkin Donuts
I love Dunkin’s coffee because every time I go there, I have a unique experience. I never know what the coffee will taste like because each barista makes it completely different. Which is honestly part of the Dunkin charm. My friends used to come after me for the cream and sugar I would add to it, which defeated the purpose of the oat milk, but it just tasted better that way to me. I have evolved to simply ordering it with just oat milk now, because I began to realize the cream and sugar was just too much. Although you risk the coffee being a complete miss, there is a small chance it will be a hit, and you will be coming back for more.
Avery Ballmann | Arts and Life Staff Writer
Churro latte from Be Kind Coffee
One of my favorite coffee stops in Waco is Be Kind Coffee. They have unique latte flavors such as the churro latte. It has vanilla, brown sugar and cinnamon flavors that make the perfect latte. And to top it off, they always sprinkle cinnamon sugar that sticks to the ice and lid, which is the perfect treat when my latte is all gone.
Chai latte from Pinewood Coffee Roasters
My favorite place that has chai is Pinewood Coffee Roasters. Its chai is full of flavor and the perfect amount of spice. Not temperature spice, but warm spices that all chais should have. I am an avid lover of chai lattes, and Pinewood consistently makes a solid drink.
Emma Weidmann | Arts and Life Staff Writer
Iced vanilla latte or matcha latte from Pinewood Coffee Roasters
For a unique study spot with great coffee, Pinewood is the place. The indoor and outdoor seating provide a cute backdrop for hours of homework, and the drinks are always good. Get the iced latte with vanilla syrup or the iced matcha latte.
Vanilla sweet cream cold brew from Starbucks
For a quick coffee run on campus, Starbucks is the go-to, but not just any drink will do. My favorite is the vanilla sweet cream cold brew. It’s sweet and not bitter but strong enough to still taste like coffee.
Ruhi Thapar | Arts and Life Intern
Hot vanilla latte from Dichotomy Coffee & Spirits
If you love a classic vanilla latte, Dichotomy is the way to go. This will be my go-to drink going into the fall.
Iced matcha latte with oat milk and brown sugar from Pinewood Coffee Roasters
Not many coffee shops can pull off great matcha, but Pinewood sure can. This drink is perfectly sweet and is a great alternative when you’re not feeling your typical coffee.
Clay Thompson | Arts and Life Intern
The Original Donut Shop K-Cup
Typically, my go-to coffee is an Original Donut Shop Breakfast Blend K-Cup at 8-10 ounces. I make sure to put in a small spoonful of brown sugar, a dash of whole milk and a small drizzle of caramel.
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters K-Cup
My second go-to is a Green Mountain Caramel Vanilla Cream K-Cup. I usually just add some whole milk to sweeten it up a bit. Both coffees, I’ve found, are great, affordable coffee you can make at home that tastes just as great as some shop coffees.
Lily Nussbaum | Arts and Life Intern
Hunny Pot latte with oat milk from Fabled Bookshop and Cafe
For all my “I want it sweet, but not super sugary” people out there, the Hunny Pot Latte from Fabled is the drink for you. This Winnie the Pooh-inspired latte comes iced or hot and is jazzed up with spiced honey syrup and cinnamon powder topping. The syrup provides just a hint of sweetness to cut through the bitterness of the espresso, and personally, I think it is the best hot. The added plus of Fabled is you get to shop for books as you sip on a delicious drink.
Iced Mexican mocha with oat milk from Lalo’s Coffee and Pastries
I’m not even exaggerating when I say this drink is my new addiction. The creaminess of the oat milk and the richness of the Abuelita chocolate make this drink absolutely delicious. I typically get it cold and with an extra espresso shot for a stronger coffee taste.
Sidenote: Lalo’s straws are super sippable, and the baristas are always super helpful and easy to strike a conversation with.
