For the average college student, coffee shops are a place for studying, first dates or for simply hanging out. Baton Rouge offers several options for the coffee and tea drinking crowd – most obvious is the ubiquitous Starbucks and CC’s franchises. While these places are renowned, local coffee shops around campus have much to offer as well.
Local cafés Charlie’s Coffee, Perks, Coffee Call and Highland Coffees each have something to offer the college crowd.
With finals just around the corner, many students will be looking for a place to study where caffeine is within reach, or simply somewhere to wind down.
Highland Coffees
Right outside the North gates of campus is Highland Coffees – as much a part of the LSU eating experience as Raising Cane’s. This coffee shop offers a selection of coffee, tea and a wide variety of pastries made by local pastry companies – all reasonably priced. Classical music floats through the background creating a relaxed atmosphere perfect for studying or conversing with friends.
A fire in May 2002 destroyed most of the building, but it was rebuilt and reopened a year ago. The d̩cor offers a blend of classical and contemporary with soft lighting Рa much welcome change from the humming fluorescent lights that abound on campus.
Highland Coffees also roasts green coffee beans in the shop, which offers a unique flavor. In relation to the LSU campus, Highland Coffees is a close place to study and worth visiting just for the ambiance.
Perk’s Coffee
Located at 2008 Perkins Road, Perk’s Coffee is a tucked away café catering to a diverse crowd that can range from “trekkies” to artists. It is a quiet place with an outdoor patio area. They offer varieties of tea and coffee roasted in the shop and also bagels and pastries.
Perk’s also has shelves of books, newspapers and other reading material to occupy patrons while sipping their drinks. The interior is not the most innovative or attractive, but its well-worn character seems to set patrons at ease.
The interior is eerily quiet – no background music and the patrons either studying or reading.
If the deafening silence is too much, wearing headphones is suggested. Perk’s is not open late, but is still a good local spot to get away from the college crowds.
Charlie’s Coffee
Charlie’s, located on Highland and Lee, recently was featured in The Reveille for its unique aquatic atmosphere. Having booths with electrical outlets and wireless Internet accessibility, combined with wall aquariums in a café creates a unique ambiance conducive to studying.
Last Saturday the shop was full of studying students, even during the football game. The 16-ounce vanilla chai tea latte costs about $2.50, considerably cheaper than most well known places. They also offer various coffee and frozen drinks.
Coffee Call
Coffee Call is the oddest and most unique of Baton Rouge coffee shops. Located on College Drive, this place has more of a diner atmosphere than a café and is open 24 hours on weekends.
Coffee Call is similar in atmosphere to Café du Monde in New Orleans.
Their beignets are similarly delicious and affordable for those late night cravings, as well as their hot chocolate – once the weather cools down.
Coffee Call is almost an institution in Baton Rouge and at various times of the day one can see business people, church goers or a biker crowd meet there.
It may not be the best place to study, but it is a fun and relaxed place to meet different people and hang out late at night.
On Campus
If staying on campus is a necessity or convenience, Cafe Vieux Carre, located in the French House next to West Laville residence hall, also provides a relaxing and comfortable ambience. Their cappuccino is excellent as are their soups and salads. But the seating area is small, so it is often difficult to find a table.
The cafe accepts cash or TigerCASH and is open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. until midnight and Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.