From your local coffee expert, welcome back to campus! It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to enjoy the coffee around Emory University. With the Emory Student Center (ESC) Kaldi’s Coffee and Highland Bakery closed last year, our options were certainly limited. Now that we’re back at school, you’ll need to know all the best places to get caffeinated on your way to class—thankfully, I’m here to help.
As you start navigating your fall schedule, note these options while you walk around campus. Listed below are all the coffee shops on Atlanta’s campus (minus Starbucks), plus important information to help you consider where to spend your Dooley Dollars.
Ebrik Coffee Room (Carlos Museum)
Ebrik Coffee Room sits in a rotunda on the top floor of the Michael C. Carlos Museum, located right on the Quadrangle. Besides having a great variety of drinks with original syrups and in-house roasted beans, Ebrik prides itself on sustainably sourcing their coffee, from Africa to South America. To add to Ebrik’s superlatives (best quality, best hidden gem), I vote it as the best coffee shop to study on campus if you can snag a booth. The only downside is that they don’t take Dooley Dollars, but occasionally splurging on their drinks is absolutely worth it.
Monday - Closed
Tuesday-Friday - 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Kaldi’s Coffee (The Depot, Medical School and ESC)
Kaldi’s prides itself on being the cheapest place to get drip coffee on campus (if you pay with Dooley Dollars), while also having a host of expensive drinks, baked goods and meals on their menu. For a good, all-around coffee shop, Kaldi’s is the place to go; however, seating can be hard to come by when students set up camp to cram for exams. Order a slice of pumpkin bread or avocado toast with your latte to have the perfect “treat yourself” breakfast.
Monday - Thursday - 7 a.m. t0 10 p.m.
Friday - 7 a.m. to midnight
Saturdays - 9 a.m. to midnight
Sundays - 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
ESC Hours:
Monday-Friday - 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday - Closed
Monday-Friday - 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday - Closed
Highland Bakery Coffee Lab (Chem Building)
If you can avoid the 9 a.m. rush, Highland Bakery’s set up is a great option if you have a class in the Atwood Chemistry Center, the Math and Science Building or White Hall. They’re always reliable and quick when they need to be, setting you up for success in your morning classes. Their baked goods may not be the best you’ve ever had — their scones tend to be crumbly if they aren’t warmed. However, it’s hard to pass up a cheap cup of drip coffee and a slice of coffee cake or a breakfast sandwich (go with the bacon, egg and cheese bagel).
Monday-Thursday - 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday - 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday - Closed
Blue Donkey (Cox Hall)
In all honesty, I’ve had Blue Donkey once. It was during my first week of freshman year when they were giving it out for free outside of Eagle Hall. Their lack of dairy-free latte blends is what deters me from buying Blue Donkey coffee, but their cult-like following on campus is what sets them apart from the other coffee shops. Their sweet Summer Almond blend is a popular option among students.
Monday-Friday - 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday - 11 a.m. t0 6 p.m.
B-School Highland (Goizueta)
If you can make it to the top of the hill that Goizueta sits on, Highland Bakery is the reward. Whether you’re going in for a cup of coffee, a smoothie or a full meal (on real plates with silverware), Highland fuels you for all those pre-BBA classes you’re swamped with. If you’re going to make the trip to Highland Bakery, be prepared to stay a while. It might be worthwhile to bring your laptop as Highland Bakery is an ideal long-term study spot with its booth-style seating and quiet corners.
Monday-Thursday - 7:30 a.m. t0 6:30 p.m.
Friday - 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Dobbs Common Table (ESC)
Don’t do it, unless you’re desperate. You’ll be drinking weak coffee the color of sweet tea if you do.
