• the217
• Life
• Coffee, tea, etc.

Related Media

An interior view of ETC. photo by Anne-Marie Cheely .

• See Slideshow (2 images)

Related Venues

Wesley-United Methodist Church & Wesley Foundation »
Address: 1203 W. Green St. Urbana, IL 61820
Phone: (217) 344-1120
Show on map

Drinking is more than just a verb to many students on campus. It can also be defined as a social de-inhibitor, a hobby and even a sport. But although it may seem like the majority of students are downing beers and chasing shots, many choose not to drink at all. For those who choose not to or who don’t adhere to a strict regime of weekly bar crawling, finding new and different activities to do can be a challenge. For students who just want to hang out and drink some coffee or tea, Etc. Coffeehouse provides just the place to do so.

Etc. is located in the Wesley Foundation at 1203 E. Green St. Many coffeehouses are offered throughout the week, but an especially popular one is Etc.’s Weekend Blend, offered on Friday evenings from 8 to 12.

“The main concept is to provide an alternative to drinking on Fridays,” said Jackie Kramer, Etc. Foffeehouse chair for Alpha Phi Omea and junior in LAS “It’s a quiet, cozy environment where students can just hang out.”

The coffeehouse sells cookies and Ortz, a cheese dip for crackers. It also serves many beverages such as tea, coffee, lemonade and hot chocolate, all sold for $1. Wassail, a cinnamon-y hot beverage, is one of the more popular drinks sold. “It’s an old recipe, and we are the only place in town that sells it,” said Kramer. “It’s actually a secret recipe, so we’re not allowed to see how it’s made.”

Many students take advantage of Weekend Blend’s quiet and laid-back environment to do homework, play board games or just relax with friends. “People come by themselves or in groups,” said Ashley Gupta, junior in LAS and regular attendee of the Weekend Blend. “There’s a pool table, free Internet, a large-screen TV­ — students have a lot of options.”

Although the turnout of students is small, Kramer said there are plans to try to attract more students. “A lot of people just don’t know that Etc. exists,” she said. “We want to get more people coming by having a sample drink sale on the Quad and possibly booking live bands to come and play.”

So if you feel like your liver could use a break or you’re just looking for something new, check out the Weekend Blend at Etc. Coffeehouse. “It’s something different than the party scene,” said Gupta. “We’re giving people an alternative option.”