Hae’s Bakery & Coffee Shoppe has won as the best off-campus coffee shop to get a pick-me-up for students looking to for a burst of caffeinated energy. With an extensive menu for customers to choose from and two locations, it’s easy to see why the locally-owned business is so popular!

Hae’s offers unique options, ranging from your typical espresso choices to unique blended coffee options with specialty flavors that can be added. Hae’s also includes a selection of teas, with an expansive energy drink section for those seeking an alternative to coffee. The bakery menu includes typical options such as cinnamon rolls, cookies, donuts and pastries. Hae’s additionally has a “grab & go” section where customers can order items such as avocado toast, fruit parfaits and breakfast burritos. Another Hae’s offering – which I personally hope to try in the future  – is their acai bowls, which include options such as strawberry banana and berry overload.

For my visit, I ordered a medium chai tea latte with an addition of vanilla, and a chocolate chip cookie to snack on as I caught up on a reading assignment. The cost was just over $12, which is competitive with prices at nationwide chain stores for similar items, but both tasted better than offerings at those larger chains.

RUNNERS UP: Grab-a-Java, Scooters