A new semester means that it’s back to the usual rise and grind for students. Most of us could use a pick-me-up after being abruptly shaken from our break-induced bliss. Whether you like it frozen, iced or piping hot, a good morning can be made even better with caffeinated courage. These CoMo coffee shops can help you get your fix when it’s needed the most.
####1. Lakota Coffee Company
This place is awesome because it offers a wide variety of snacks. But first, coffee: Popular drinks on the menu include the pumpkin pie latte, turtle frappe and plain old iced coffee. They have a plethora of beverages that don’t involve coffee, however, and drinks such as the dirty chai and raspberry Italian soda are house favorites. The menu also includes a variety of sandwiches and pastries. Blueberry muffin? Grilled cheese? Can’t go wrong.
Not only does Lakota come out on top of the list because of its chocolate coffee shakes and top notch snacks, but also because it’s really freakin’ cute, okay? The shop instantly welcomes you with its OG 1920s brick walls, rustic wood panel floors and hand crafted chairs, bar stools and rockers. According to Lakota’s website, the shop was partially inspired by the Sioux, who shared Lakota’s love for fresh, high-quality coffee. The vision behind Lakota (meaning “friendly people”) creates a comforting vibe in the shop to help distract from any student’s syllabus week blues.
####2. Kaldi’s Coffee
Kaldi’s first opened its doors in St. Louis in 1994, and has since spread its shop to Atlanta, Kansas City and, of course, Columbia. This shop’s simpler menu features traditional drinks such as the macchiato, gibraltar and sidecar, along with espresso bar options like the americano, house-made vanilla latte and hot chocolate. Kaldi’s also has a large selection of sandwiches, wraps and salads, and partners with local companies such as Billy Goat Chips (you can find these in Emporium, btw), Match Meats, Patric Chocolate and more. The shop also uses local produce whenever it’s available. The menu features smoothies, frozen coffee and a firepot tea bar as well. Kaldi’s also has a bunch of cute T-shirts, mugs and canteens available in-shop, so the next time you warm up with a break time hot chocolate or latte, remember to check out the store’s sweet selection of merch.
####3. Shortwave Coffee
If you want a brew that’s expertly, scientifically crafted, Shortwave is the place for you. The shop opened about a year ago and has focused on a simple, coffee-oriented menu ever since, so you won’t find any frappuccinos or smoothies being blended behind the bar. Shortwave features a handbrew menu, espresso drinks and experimental beverages such as the Shortwave stout (a coffee/beer hybrid). The shop’s menu is [crafted](http://move.themaneater.com/stories/2015/9/15/your-cup-shortwave-coffee-start-finish/#.Vp1Hi5OAOko) by owner Dale Bassham and a small staff of highly trained baristas. The shop itself is somewhat hard to find, tucked away on Alley A in the heart of the District. The inside has a relaxing amount of low light and a long bar in the center of the shop.
Bassham started working with coffee about ten years ago, and has focused on bringing the best brews to mid-Missouri. The shop features hand-roasted, seasonal coffees from around the world, available both wholesale and by the cup. Shortwave is also a roasting company, and offers catering, coffee educational events and barista training. The company partners with other local businesses such as Broadway Brewery, and their beans can be found in local shops such as Lucky’s Market and the Candy Factory.
