Coffee is a part of nearly every college student’s diet. Whether it’s waking up in the morning with a fresh cup or having a caffeine boost before a late-night study session, it is a must-have for many students. Here are some of the best coffee places around Columbia that students need to try!
Cool Beans
Located near campus off College Street, Cool Beans has a variety of coffee to choose from like the Chai au Lait and Perfect Man double shot espresso with Irish cream. The location is rather small but full of fun decor like mismatched tables and plants along the walls.
One of its most notable drinks, the Perfect Woman, is unlike any other coffee from other stores. It’s a sugary latte topped with whipped cream and a chocolate disk on top, how sweet!
Drip
Drip is located in Five Points and is known for its pour-over method of brewing coffee, which tends to result in a more flavorful cup of coffee. It also has a wide selection of espresso-based beverages. Their shop's environment is certainly one of a kind, seeing as how they have a record store that pairs nicely with the music-focused theme.
Some of the more unique menu items include a smoked-salted caramel latte with whipped cream and a honey habanero latte. It also offers different syrups to add to any coffee, ranging from lavender to almond.
Indah Coffee
Indah Coffee is located on Sumter Street and has a stand in the Soda City market every Saturday. This coffee shop is known for its inviting ambiance and how they blend their coffee in small batches.
Indah has a traditional selection of coffees to choose from, such as cold brews and lattes. But something unique about Indah is its cinnamon-infused cold brew nitro Thai Coffee that is designed to resemble traditional coffee from Thailand, in which the coffee is served with sweetened condensed coconut milk.
The Buzz
Located in USC's Honors Residence on Blossom Street, The Buzz is conveniently located on campus for students to check out. It has traditional coffees to choose from, such as an iced caramel macchiato and white chocolate mocha. The Buzz is perfect for students to stop by in between classes or on their way to study in the library!
Students can also order from the Buzz on GrubHub and pay with their Carolina Card for certain items. This quality sets this shop apart from the rest on the list.
Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea
Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea can be found in the Vista and has an array of unique drinks customers won’t find anywhere else! Their Matte Black Cold Brew and Mystic Matcha are limited-edition and here to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. The cold brew comes with cream and cocoa, and the matcha is sweetened and mixed with a hint of cucumber. They both are must haves before they're gone!
Its French Vietnamese Au Lait is also a one of a kind coffee, made of French chicory coffee and sweetened condensed milk. Another Sweetwaters staple is the Straight Up cold brew that is brewed for 18 hours and naturally sweet and smooth.
Clutch Coffee Bar
Clutch Coffee Bar has two Columbia locations that first opened in Jan. 2023 on Devine Street and then later on Two Notch Road. They're known for their selection of adventurous drinks and are also drive-thru only, which could be more convenient for students in a rush.
Some of its specialty drinks include the Base Jumper, a coffee with caramel and a chocolate adrenaline rush, and the Cloud 9, which is served with a decadent melody of coconut and chocolate. One cool aspect of the menu is the ability to make any drink hot, iced or frozen.
These coffee places all have a lot to offer and shine in different ways. Students should stop by one — if not all — of these six coffee shops in Columbia!