The best spots for coffee on or near campus

Hot or iced, black or with sugar and cream… Whether you have a cup brewing at home or you grab some caffeine on your way to class or work, coffee is a staple for many. According to a 2018 National Coffee Association survey, up to 64% of adults in the U.S. drink coffee daily.

“I drink roughly between 4-8 cups, depending on the day and the mood I’m in,” says Olivia Becht, BS’20.

And beyond giving a caffeine boost, coffee is a central part of family memories for some Kelley students.

“When we go to my grandpa’s house, you don’t ask for a cup of coffee. He just pours coffee for those he thinks should have coffee,” said Ryan Fraser, BS’20. “It was a big deal when he first poured me a cup — Thanksgiving after sophomore year of college. I had I finally arrived in grandpa’s eyes and was finally old enough to have coffee!”

For Olivia’s family, coffee also signals a family rite of passage.

“When we were growing up, we’d have hot tea. But starting about age 10, we’d carry coffee to school. It became a thing, and if I’d forget my coffee people would notice and ask about it,” shares Olivia.

Of course, sharing coffee is a great way to meet to network, and local coffee shops are a fun space for mentors and mentees to gather each week.

“It’s a great place to meet people. I interned over the summer, and I met 12 different people at different coffee shops,” says Leah Stuckwich, BS’21.

Ryan adds, “I get together with a friend every Friday for coffee, and I meet with my mentor once a week as well.”

If you’re looking for a hot cup of joe (or another hot beverage like tea or hot cocoa) to warm you up or get you going this semester, here’s just some of our Kelley students’ favorite spots:

On campus:

Last year, Chartwells sold approximately 322,000 cups of coffee campus wide, Residential District Manager for Chartwells Stacy Blanton told us.

Market is available in several places across campus, including Education and Social Work (ES), McKinney School of Law, University Library (UL), Media Research and Library (IB), Campus Center and in the Tower. In addition to coffee, these kiosks serve snacks and quick bites.

Einstein Bros. Bagels is located inside the Technology building, or the Informatics and Communications Technology Complex (ICTC). Einstein serves bagels, sandwiches, coffee, and more.

Starbucks in the Barnes and Noble at the IUPUI Campus Center is located on the first floor. It’s a great place to grab your favorite beverage and meet with fellow students, and don’t forget to take advantage of their monthly specials!

Caribou Coffee is offered on the second floor of the Campus Center. That location sold over 4,000 of their popular Caribou Northern Lite Latte in one year.

You can also find Copper Moon Coffee located within Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health and in the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health off 10th Street.

Around Indy:

“Coat Check Coffee was opened in 2017 by brothers Neal and Paul Warner, in the former coat check inside the historic Athenaeum building,” Coat Check Coffee/Provider General Manager Nicole McHugh told us.

You can see photos of their cool space and by visiting their Instagram, @coatcheckcoffee, or their Facebook page.

“Provider has the most beautiful décor, indoor and out. If you go, you have to try the pistachio latte and the butterscotch latte,” says Leah.

Cups Coffee has three locations downtown — They are a locally-owned and family-run shop. Make sure to check out their website to see their full menu and hours.

Quills Coffee is close to campus at Senate and 9th Street. Grab a cup of hand-brewed coffee and head downstairs to talk a walk along Indianapolis’ beautiful canal. If you want to order products online, make sure to check out Inkwell, a customer favorite.

Two of Ryan’s favorite local shops are Kaffeine Coffee Co., located just off Mass Ave, and Neidhammer Coffee Co. on East Washington Street.

Whether it’s for fuel, fun or both, we hope you find a favorite spot — on campus or around Indy — to keep you warm and going this semester! Let us know your favorite spots – Find us on social media @KelleyIndy.

By: Sara Griffin, samgrif@iupui.edu