The second semester can feel like a nightmare in real life. As the thrill of Christmas and New Years’ dies down, you can feel the student morale drop as quickly as the freezing temperatures you wake up to every morning. Have no fear, though. I am here with something to put a little pep in everyone’s step: my patent pending master list of the best coffee you can get in Kirkwood! Whether you’re a certified addict or a newbie, this list should cover all the drinks you need to combat those seasonal blues and get you through the rest of the year.
1. Teleo Coffee – 132 W Monroe Ave
Looking to live out your Gilmore Girls fantasy of small town life? Teleo has it all: kind employees, good drinks, pastries and, most importantly, the cozy aesthetic. Although it can get a little pricey, everything from the coffee to service is high quality. I will always believe in the superiority of the Honey Bear Latte and its sweet, cinnamony perfection—my ideal winter drink. I would recommend a quick trip in and out; it can get very crowded very fast, although there is some seating in and outside the cafe. Ultimately, Teleo is perfect for a cute midmorning date or a hang out with your friends.
2. 7 Brew Coffee – 1147 S Kirkwood Rd / 10005 Manchester Rd, Warson Woods
If you enjoy trying something new every day, this place is for you. Although not necessarily the best way to warm up during cold mornings, 7 Brew is known as the spot to grab quick coffee in a time crunch, despite how intimidating the drive-thru line can look upfront. I would recommend this place to both coffee lovers and haters, as you can mix and match flavors to your liking to craft your perfect coffee, fizz, smoothie or shake. With the new location opening up on Manchester, there’s no excuses: go try it!
3. Kaldi’s Coffee – 120 S Kirkwood Rd
Kaldi’s, in my opinion, is the epitome of what a coffee spot should look like. It has ample indoor and outdoor seating, excellent pastries (LOVE their blueberry muffin), great service and a decent breakfast and lunch menu. It’s hard to find a place where the crowd doesn’t overwhelm the store itself and that creates an atmosphere where you actually want to study. My sincerest apologies to Starbucks, but I simply cannot focus when the line is almost out the door and baristas are yelling names so loud I can hear it over my headphones. That being said, Kaldi’s is not necessarily an in-and-out type of place; you might get left waiting for a bit, so make an afternoon out of going. No evening plans, though; they close diabolically early. But if you’re looking for a calm, relaxing place to lock in this semester, I highly recommend it.
4. Starbucks – 343 S Kirkwood Rd
Despite my dig at the actual experience of trying to do anything inside the cafe, there is no denying the superiority of Starbucks. Call me basic, I don’t care, there is no beating this delicacy. Starbucks has it all: hot and cold coffee, tea and refreshers, as well as ample snacks to go along with your drink. Yes, the prices have become insane, but that’s all coffee now. Although I often find myself getting a diabolical ratio of 75% ice to 25% drink, I will always go for a Strawberry Acai or Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew to start my morning out right.
