Coffee is the fuel which drives college students. But with such hectic schedules, trying to juggle classes, extracurricular activities and work, who has time to brew their own? Baton Rouge has many local coffee shops available to students all with their own flavor. Check out these four options to get your caffeine fix.
COFFEE CALL
Founded in 1976 by Vincent Cannatella Sr., Coffee Call has been a Baton Rouge staple for forty years.
Brandi Catoire, general manager and third generation family member, believes Coffee Call’s “family atmosphere” attracts customers. She says everyone at the shop treats each other with “love
and respect.”
Coffee Call roasts their own blend of coffee beans in-house and in the spirit of Louisiana culture, offers cafe au lait and fresh beignets. Catoire recommends customers order both since they’re a New
Orleans staple.
MAGPIE CAFE
Magpie Cafe is community-based and prides itself on using ingredients from local farmers, dairies and bread artisans.
Not only does the shop have an espresso bar, but also utilizes a progressive “slow bar” single cup brewing method popular in Portland and Seattle.
The shop releases weekly menus, listing its selection of food available for each type of meal of the day, including brunch, salad, street bowls, soup and paninis. In the spirit of the fall season, the coffeehouse will be serving pumpkin spice syrup in their drinks beginning in October, according to the shop’s website.
HIGHLAND COFFEES
Highland Coffees, in business for the last 27 years, is a University favorite with its relaxing ambience and proximity to campus.
“We’re right here off campus,” barista Dan Chasuk said. “It’s mostly a home base for people to come study, get a drink, meet up with friends.”
Highland Coffees, open seven days a week, opens its doors early and closes late. Owner Clarke Cadzow calls this a “commitment to the customer.”
The coffeehouse serves 10-12 iced coffee drinks, which are all individually prepared and a big hit in the Louisiana heat. Frozen blended beverages and granietas are also served. For those non-coffee drinkers, the shop offers 30-35 varieties of hot tea and 10-11 iced teas each day.
Highland also aims to serve local artists. Over their 27 year history, the walls of the shop have been home to over 125 different shows from local painters and photographers.
GARDEN DISTRICT COFFEE
Garden District Coffee serves 14 different types of coffee beans from all over the world, including Indonesia, Ethiopia and Central America. The business roasts their own blend of beans in-house about every other day.
Manager David Welsh said he and his employees do their best to cater to the customer and make their experience at Garden District a good one.
“A lot of customers live in the area and come every day,” Welsh said.
For the fall season, coffee drinkers will be able to add pumpkin spice flavoring to their granita, a semi-frozen dessert. The cafe also serves bagels, sweet and savory pastries and other desserts, most made by bakers right here in Baton
Rouge.
The walls, decked out in artwork, serve as a makeshift art gallery and the outdoor patio, covered in foliage, provides customers with a place to destress, unwind and catch some rays.
