There’s nothing quite like a Cup of Joe to get through energy dips on a never-ending day. Fortunately for University of Miami students, campus is buzzing with cafés and coffee spots. Whether you’re grabbing a latte to-go or searching for your new favorite study spot, we’ve mapped out which coffee spots will get you through your daily grind.
Ricky’s Café
This coffee shop-on-wheels will jump-start you into high gear. On Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Ricky’s Café truck parks directly behind UM’s School of Communication to serve students sips and bites. Easily accessible from many classroom buildings, the truck has become a hub for grab-and-go coffees and sandwiches between classes.
“I started going at the beginning of the semester. I used to always pass by it on my way to class,” said Emily Stein, a senior majoring in criminology. “I park in the red lot and it’s super accessible.”
Stein said Ricky’s has become her favorite coffee spot on campus, and who can blame her? However, Stein says the truck usually has a line, which is a testament to how good their coffee and food items are.
For coffee connoisseurs, the truck offers all of the classic coffee shop staples — from lattes to cold brew to cortado — but also serves boutique caffeinated treats, like their Lavender Fog or Campfire lattes.
Looking for a bite to eat? Ricky’s also serves breakfast pastries, focaccia sandwiches and pizzas on the go.
“I keep it pretty simple — I usually get an iced vanilla latte with oat milk,” said Stein. “But, if I’ve already had a coffee that day, I get the lavender matcha, and it’s really good.”
Half Moon
If you look at Half Moon and see merely an empanada stand, look closer. Besides an assortment of delicious empanadas, Half Moon also has a selection of coffee items for your grab-and-go convenience.
“It’s perfect for me to get my caffeine fix in between classes,” said Madison Coll, a senior majoring in advertising. “ I go almost every day. It’s gotten to the point where they remember my order before I even say it.”
Half Moon’s coffee menu features all the classic coffee staples. While they offer flavored syrups and alternative kinds of milk, it’s worth noting that they do not serve signature or specialty drinks. However, they do dabble in Cuban coffee, serving coladas, cortaditos and café con leche at their three on-campus locations.
Should you find yourself craving a quick empanada and coffee in between classes, head to the Herbert Business School, the School of Communications or the Jenkins building for a quick fix.
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Tucked away from plain sight, UM students must venture into the law school courtyard to access Einstein’s. However, for any New-York-native students craving the familiar bagel-and-coffee run, Einstein’s is worth the short journey.
Besides offering both the hot and iced versions of coffee shop classics, Einstein’s Coffee has a bit of flair on its coffee menu. While it’s nothing too fancy, they offer options like vanilla cream cold brews and iced caramel macchiatos for customers who want to add a sweet kick to their coffee.
Did you miss breakfast? No need to worry, Einstein’s offers both breakfast and lunch options. Besides their classic staple breakfast sandwiches and wide selection of bagel types, they also offer deli-style sandwiches served on bagels.
Johnnie Mae has worked at Einstein’s on campus for 14 years and said that her favorite part of her job is the students — they make her day.
“You are my babies … just the students,” said Mae of her favorite part of her job. “Babes, your smiles make my day.”
It is essential to note that while Einstein’s atmosphere is warm and welcoming, they do not have much seating, so it is not a place where you can linger for long. However, there is seating on the other side of the room and plenty of outdoor seating in the scenic law school courtyard.
Vicky Bakery
For all things Cuban coffee, Vicky’s is the campus go-to. Despite being tucked away in the back of the Hurricane Food Court, Vicky Bakery stirs up quite the crowd, almost always having a line. They offer sandwiches and traditional Cuban pastries to those looking for a lunch on the go.
Bahar Arian, a sophomore majoring in civil engineering, said she recalls how during her first semester at UM, her First Year Directions TA always talked about Vicky’s.
“I was like ‘seriously, it’s just a little café in the back of the food court.””
Arian said she eventually began going to Vicky’s to get Colada coffees as a midday treat and loves their Cuban coffee.
“They use a special espresso and their coffee just has a flavor and richness that’s so delicious,” said Arian.
The authentic Cuban coffee shop sells classic Cuban coffee options, like colada and cortadito. Notably, they also sell an iced version of Café con Leche and have double-shot options for some Cuban coffees.
Arian also said their Cuban sandwich is the best she has ever had in Miami: “No one talks about their Cuban sandwich but it’s amazing … like life changing,” said Arian.
The bakery also offers sugar cookies and many traditional Cuban desserts, such as Cuban cake and dulce de leche, for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Pura Vida
For those who are looking for a relaxing environment, look no further than Pura Vida. An all-day café, Pura Vida’s brightly lit interior provides an upscale, chill island vibe, offering a welcoming ambiance for anyone who wants to set up shop to do homework or sip on coffee over brunch.
For all-day breakfast, lunch and brunch, Pura Vida’s menu offers an extensive selection of organic eats for anyone on a wellness kick. They have something for everyone.
“My friends and I go there all the time to grab lunch and study,” said Keara Dreyfuss, a senior majoring in business analytics. “I get the ‘The New Yorker’ toast and with an iced latte. It makes any busy Monday bearable.”
Pura Vida’s UM campus location does not offer as many specialty drinks as their other locations, but they have all the no-frills menu classics and a selection of Cuban coffees. For those who like to customize their coffees, they offer a more organic mix of customary add-ons, like raw honey and agave.
Archivist Cafe
While this long-running campus establishment serves Pete’s Coffee, its name is not to be confused — most students refer to it as “Archivist.”. Its proximity to Richter Library makes it the ideal place to grab a coffee during a good, old-fashioned study session.
“The best part about Archivist is the location it’s in,” said Regina Potenza, a senior majoring in broadcast journalism. “It’s so easy to get to because it’s so close to both the library and the classrooms.”
With touch tablets, ordering is streamlined for anyone in a rush or who prefers not to interact socially when ordering their drink.
Carol Osoria, who has been the supervisor for over four years, said her favorite drink is currently the golden latte with almond milk. “It’s made of turmeric and ginger, and with the syrup, it’s so much smoother. It’s awesome,” said Osoria.
Osoria said her staff of six takes pride in their customer service.
“It’s like a small, little family and we always have the music on and are just making sure our customers are happy,” said Osoria. “I take care of my customers. They’re my home.”
Starbucks
Sometimes, basic is best. Starbucks is the spot for students who appreciate tried-and-true quality coffee and the convenience of ordering ahead on the app.
“I know it’s basic, but I love the Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso. My friend put me on last year and I’ve been hooked ever since,” said Jordan Brown, a junior majoring in accounting.
Starbucks is a mecca for specialty drinks, with new seasonal offerings emerging every couple of months to celebrate each solstice or holiday.
Located on the first floor of Shalala, Starbucks’ central location makes it easily accessible from anywhere on campus.
Brown said a major incentive for her is the opportunity to earn rewards by ordering ahead on the app. “It’s so satisfying for me to see my gold stars add up, and then eventually, I get a free drink.”
Starbucks is also a notoriously fantastic spot to study, with plenty of seating and outlets for long sessions. It stays open until 11 p.m. for those who wish to spend long hours sipping and studying.
words_caleigh russo. photo_ethan dosa. design_marita gavioti.
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