Kaldi’s Coffee Roasting Co.
29 S. Ninth St.
As a college town, most of Columbia runs on caffeine. Luckily, a variety of places are available, including Kaldi’s Coffee Roasting Co., located on the corner of Ninth and Cherry. This quintessential coffee shop originated in St. Louis and offers a variety of coffee, tea and food for reasonable prices. Kaldi’s also offers vegetarian breakfast and lunch items that are wallet-friendly. Kaldi’s also provides some of the most comfortable couches in Columbia, perfect for studying or catching up with friends.

Bookmark café/ Wheatstone Bistro
1020 Lowry St., 518 Hitt St.
For the best deals on campus, look no further than the Bookmark Café and Wheatstone Bistro. Located in the bottom of Ellis Library, the Café’s best deal is its variety of hot teas for just more than a dollar. From jasmine to aged Earl Grey, the Bookmark Café offers the best deal for a quick spot of tea. If it’s coffee you’re craving, then Wheatstone Bistro offers good coffee at a good price. Located in Memorial Union North, Wheatstone offers a variety of sandwiches and a small coffee for less than a dollar. At such a price, taking a quick study break might not be such a bad idea.

Lakota Coffee Co.
24 S. Ninth St.
This western-inspired coffee house is located in the heart of downtown. The aroma of fresh ground coffee is unmistakable as the doors open to exposed brick walls and a comfortable atmosphere. All typical coffee and tea beverages are available hot or iced and prices run from $1.16 to $4.50. Along with beverages, Lakota offers a wide selection of whole bean coffee. In order to provide the most flavorful and fresh coffee, Lakota hand roasts batches of coffee beans each morning. With coffee offerings from Central America, Africa and Indonesia, Lakota boasts one of the most unique places downtown to study, people watch or just enjoy a good cup of Joe.

Vida Coffee Co.
812 Hitt St.
Located on Hitt Street across from the Student Recreation Complex, Vida Coffee is perfect for students living on the south side of campus. Vida’s extra-friendly staff and coffeehouse-haven atmosphere are as welcoming as the storefront, which periodically sports paintings of everything from Disney characters to “Billy Madison” references. Prices are also student-friendly, ranging from $1.75 for a small coffee Americano to $4.29 for a carmocha (standard latte with Ghirardelli caramel & dark chocolate). Vida’s vanilla latte is particularly noteworthy, perfect paired with their cranberry walnut scone.

Starbucks
304 S. Ninth St., 518 Hitt St.
It comes as no surprise that there are two Starbucks convenient to campus, one on Ninth Street across from Neff Annex and one in Memorial Union North. If you’re looking for a more peaceful atmosphere, Ninth Street is the way to go, but for a shorter walk and a more hustling and bustling atmosphere, head to Memorial. Starbucks drinks come in an infinite number of combinations, and prices fluctuate based on shots, syrups, size, etc. A general rule: the simpler the beverage, the less expensive. If you’re feeling thrifty, go for a basic coffee ($1.40 for a tall). Mochas and lattes are superb, if you can spring for them. Foodies will appreciate wide variety of pastries and sandwiches also available.

J-café
499 S. Ninth St.
Located in Reynolds Journalism Institute, the J-café offers excellent options for between-class pick-me-ups. Their tall coffee is tasty, good for a caffeine boost and won’t beak the bank at $1.60. For something more involved, try the turtle latte, $3.80 for a grande, or the white chocolate latte, $3.70 for a grande. Flavor and espresso shots are 50 cents. The J-café with its candy-apple red and white décor has a fresh, mod feel, much like the rest of RJI.

Coffee Zone
11 N. Ninth St.
Tucked away on the north side of Broadway, this café is difficult to stumble upon if you’re not looking for it. Coffee Zone’s rich wood paneling, long bar, wood-carved mantle and hanging lanterns lend to its Mediterranean feel. Specialties include a “bottomless cup” for $3.50 and a magical caffeine potion dubbed “Rocket Fuel” that comes in small ($1.40), medium ($1.87) or large ($2.25) and is the perfect jump-start to any day. The most expensive coffee-infused beverages on the menu are specialty drinks like the banana nut latte or the turtle latte, both priced at $3.95. Although the prices are student-friendly, Coffee Zone is more of a local hotspot.