Want coffee? You’re in luck. At nearly every turn in Kent - and on campus - you can find a different coffee shop ranging from the national favorites to the local hot spots.
With so many places to choose from, the hard decision is deciding where to go and, more importantly, what to get.
Well, good news to all the coffee lovers out there. We visited seven coffee places in Kent and on the Kent Campus and discovered their most popular drink orders just for you.
Bent Tree - Oat Milk Latte
Starting strong with a local favorite, Bent Tree Coffee Roasters has been part of Kent for more than a decade. Barista Andros Sanders said the shop’s most popular drink is an Oat Milk Latte, iced or hot. While it was in season, the Cardamom Honey Latte gave the Classic Oat Milk Latte a run for its money. As the weather shifts to spring, the Cardamom Latte is going away and new seasonal flavors like the hot Honey Latte and Chocolate Pecan Latte are now available.
Cleveland Bagel Cafe - Iced Caramel Macchiato
The newest addition to Kent, Cleveland Bagel Cafe, made its debut last September and has quickly become a campus favorite. According to manager Chloe McIntyre, the Iced Caramel Macchiato is the most popular drink among Kent State students. If you’re looking for a quick treat, McIntyre said customers’ favorite snack is the Bacon Egg and Cheese on an everything bagel with a cheddar chive cheese spread.
E. Main St. Dunkin’ - Original Blend Iced Coffee or Signature Cold Foam Drinks
Just like America, Kent State students run on Dunkin’. Store manager Ginnie Brant said the store's most popular drink is an Original Blend Iced Coffee that customers customize to their liking with cream, sugar or additional flavors. She also said that when the company releases a new cold foam beverage it is always a hit. Their newest cold foam beverage is the signature crafted Caramel Cold Brew with chocolate cold foam.
Scribbles Coffee - Raspberry Cheesecake Shaken Espresso
We have another local favorite next: Scribbles Coffee. Owner Beth Ann Budzar told us that their shaken espressos are a big hit. Right now, their seasonal favorite is the Raspberry Cheesecake Shaken Espresso. If you’re visiting during the winter months, Budzar said the seasonal flavor is peppermint. During the fall time, you can enjoy your shaken espresso with pumpkin spice. In any season though, you can expect a delicious shaken espresso. Consider shaking up your order next time you visit.
East Main Street Starbucks - Caramel Macchiato
Starbucks is an all-time favorite hangout for students at Kent State. The manager told us that the Caramel Macchiato is a very popular order right now. The drink consists of freshly steamed milk with vanilla-flavored syrup marked with espresso and topped with a caramel drizzle for an oh-so-sweet finish.
Tree City Coffee & Pastry - Leprechaun’s Kiss and Nutty Irishman Cold Brew
Tree City has been a Kent favorite for years. Jacob Peterson, shift manager, told us their Leprechaun’s Kiss and Nutty Irishmen Cold Brews are the seasonal favorites right now. The Leprechaun’s Kiss is a rich chocolate cold brew with a minty accent. The Nutty Irishmen is a cold brew infused with hazelnut and pistachio flavors. No matter the season, Tree City has over 50 flavors for you to choose from.
University Library Starbucks - Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso or Iced White Mocha with Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam and Caramel Drizzle
Starbucks in the university library is another hot spot for students to get their caffeine fix. Student Manager Bella Marshall said the location’s most popular drink is typically a Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso, but the iced White Mocha with Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam and Caramel Drizzle is quickly gaining popularity.
So, next time you’re on a coffee run, try out one of these favorites at these local shops. We’ve found out that there's a common thread throughout these drinks, at Kent State we like our coffee like we like our weather: cold but sweet.