By: Emily White
Though the topic of caffeinated beverages is hotly debated among Adventists, there is still a contingent on campus who enjoys coffee, tea and energy drinks. I enjoy the occasional beverage (whether caffeinated or not) at coffee shops, and I prefer to study at these convenient and inexpensive third spaces.
My apartment isn’t conducive to studying, since I constantly feel the beck and call of unfinished household tasks such as laundry and room-tidying. I find it hard to focus when I study in campus buildings unless I’m crammed in a library cubicle, which makes me feel sad and cooped up.
Coffee shops solve these problems for me. I can study at a nice, open table with a drink to sip and a pastry to munch on. I can temporarily escape the burden of the saucepot I forgot to wash, all while being surrounded by people who are as locked in as I aspire to be (a great example of good peer pressure). There are still many spots around Chattanooga that I need to visit, but here are a select few that I tend to frequent.
Oaks
Located about 15 minutes away from Southern, Oaks Coffee House has a larger interior than most shops, but with more expensive drinks. I prefer studying upstairs, especially when it’s crowded, but every time I’ve gone lately, the upstairs has been closed to the public because of events. Oaks is also not open on Sundays, so I need to find an alternate place to go when I want to put in some weekend study time.
Mean Mug
Of the four Mean Mug Coffeehouse locations in this area, the one behind Hamilton Place Mall is closest to campus. Their drinks are cheaper than some of the other places on this list, and they have a great Nutella-strawberry muffin. The unfortunate thing about the Hamilton Place location is that it’s a little small. That’s why I prefer driving to the NorthShore location, which can accommodate more people.
Yellow Deli
When I need to have a late-night study session, I appreciate places that are open 24/7 (or, rather, 24/5 in this case). This makes the Yellow Deli a great spot to hit up. The restaurant, with its hobbit-looking interior, is located on the campus of UTC and run by members of the Sabbath-keeping Twelve Tribes. (You can do your own research about them and come to your own conclusions). My favorite drink to get there is their iced “Dandy Blend,” which I find reminiscent of a dirty chai (chai with espresso) but decaf!
Rembrandt’s
Also located downtown, Rembrandt’s Coffee House is nestled in the Bluff View Art District that overlooks the Tennessee River. The interior doesn’t appeal to me because it’s white and minimalistic, but I approve of their outdoor seating—a large patio with a lovely pergola. Their drinks are on the more expensive side, but they have a fantastic selection of tasty pastries. Weather-permitting, this is a nice spot to which I like to bring friends or a date!
Velo
This is the where I takeanyone who’s a coffee nerd! Velo Coffee Roasters, which used to be an espresso bar, has now expanded into a nice little cafe in the Southside district. They have an amazing pour-over (but theirs is also the only pour-over I’ve tasted, so I’m not the best source of information in this regard), and with each pour-over they include a little brochure that details the origin and flavor notes of the coffee blend you choose. Besides smaller tables, they also have a large communal table in the middle, which I would study at if I weren’t afraid of meeting new people.
Niedlov’s
In my opinion, Niedlov’s Bakery & Cafe has the most inviting interior. The brick walls and wooden tables and chairs make the place feel cozy yet airy, and the space is laden with plants and flowers.
In addition to fresh bread, Niedlov’s is also known for its cruffins (a mix between a croissant and a muffin) that rotate in flavor every week. The shop is in Southside on the same road as Velo. If I want a guaranteed table, I make sure to arrive early in the morning, as it gets crowded past midmorning.
Stone Cup
Besides offering inexpensive drinks, Stone Cup Cafe has a fantastic view of the Walnut Street Bridge (currently closed for renovation) and Coolidge Park, which is perfect for my easily distracted self. In addition, it’s within walking distance of Winder Binder (a cute bookstore) and I Go Tokyo (where I am tempted to spend my entire biweekly paycheck on stationery).
Of course, there are more local coffee shops and third spaces left for me to explore, and I hope that I will be able to try some new ones in my final semester here. I encourage everyone to find a third space whenever they need a break from campus.
