One thing I love about college-town cafes– no two are ever alike. Whether it is through painted tables, mismatched furniture, or changing display of student artwork, each cafe finds a unique way to dress and present itself. As much as we love our old-friend Starbucks, the commercial-do can quickly get old. We want a nook we can call our own– perhaps a favorite couch that inspires brilliant ideas or a painted wall that magically boosts productivity. Here are some notes on campus favorites:
Espresso Royale
Features hand-painted tables by students on campus. This is a fun way of personalizing a cafe to make it truly Champaign-Urbana. Groups volunteer to re-paint tables every once in a while, so there is always new flair being added to each space. In addition, the lower floor of Espresso Royale on Daniel always features new artwork.
Cafe Paradiso
An important quality I look for in cafes is its ability to produce good atmosphere. Paradiso, with its assemblage of mismatched furniture, is especially good at doing this. The mix of colors and textures come together to create a quirky charm– one that makes you want to sit with a friend and chat for hours, as if it were your home.
