Whether you're looking for an energy boost to kick off your day or something to fuel your late-night study session, finding coffee near your off-campus UA housing residence is a must. Of course, that begs the question of where the best spots might be. There's no one answer, and each place has its perks: location, atmosphere, and the coffee itself, of course. Only you can decide which is your favorite, but this guide can help you get started on your quest to find the best coffee shop in Tuscaloosa.
Caffeine on campus
On the University of Alabama campus, coffee is abundant. Instead of listing everywhere that might serve coffee, the focus is sit-down locations where you can grind out assignments with a hot (or iced) beverage. A prime location to start with is the Starbucks in the Bama student center. What makes this spot stand out is its spacious seating area and central location, not to mention how late it's open. Students on campus well into the evening gather here for a reason. Sticking with those same themes, Java City in the Gorgas Library is a go-to for those taking on academic endeavors from dawn till dusk. Further from the heart of campus is yet another Starbucks, notable for its second-story seating area and location on sorority row. All these coffee shops are geared towards students, and have you covered no matter the time of day.
While The Strip is better known for other types of drinks, there's still plenty of coffee to go around. PJ's used to be the only option for off-campus coffee close to the dorms, but a challenger has recently set up shop just a few blocks from Bryant-Denny Stadium. Both shops have a great location, giving some variety to those that want to study near the action, but newcomer Strange Brew has something extra for the night owls. Serving coffee and snacks until 11 pm in a cozy café, it might be worth the trip the next time you need a change of pace or some fuel for an all-nighter.
Midtown Cafés
The midtown area of Tuscaloosa offers a wider range of options to get your caffeine fix. Starting on the side of midtown closer to campus, UPerk is an expansive lounge and study area close to both downtown and The Strip. It was absolutely made to be studied in. Just a few blocks south on 8th Street, you'll find a cozy coffee bar called Turbo, which supplies good coffee and even better vibes until the late afternoon. Students love these places, so the only downside to both is that you might not find room to sit down!
On the far end of University Boulevard are even more coffee classics of Tuscaloosa. Monarch Espresso Bar, just two blocks west of Turbo, pairs incredible drinks with one of the best study spots in town. A stiff competitor in the downtown coffee scene is Five, adjacent to a restaurant by the same name, which boasts all the dark wood, plants, and rustic furniture you could hope to find in such a place. Both are only open until the midafternoon, but are worth a look nonetheless. If you're looking for a place to grab a full breakfast to accompany your studying, check out Just Love Café. You can also enjoy some people watching with your academics.
Clearly, there's no shortage of coffee in Tuscaloosa. Each café has its own unique environment, and each is worth venturing from your Bama apartment to visit. Once you settle on your favorite, for its coffee or ambience, get ready to spend lots of time there!