Baton Rouge is full of coffee shops and cafes where students can go to study, chat with friends, and get away from their classrooms and academics. As a self-proclaimed coffee expert, I’m proud (and a little ashamed) to say that I’ve visited every coffee shop in the city. After taking my own coffee knowledge (obsession?) into consideration and asking a few friends, I compiled a list of student-favorite coffee shops. This list narrows it down to the top eight, ranked by convenience, price, and product (according to exhausted college students).
8. Starbucks Cafe - LSU Bookstore
In terms of convenience, the bookstore is a go-to. You can’t get closer to campus than being on campus (just across the street from the union), but it’s pretty small compared to the size of LSU’s student body. The Bookstore is ALWAYS busy, and, if you’re looking for a quiet place, it isn’t the best spot. The coffee is typical Starbucks quality coffee, which (in my opinion) isn’t the highest quality brew. In terms of price for college students? Not affordable. Starbucks is great as a treat, but it’s pretty expensive if your coffee is a daily habit.
The bookstore ranks in at a 5/10.
7. CC’s Coffee - Burbank Dr.
About two minutes from the stadium by car, CC’s on Burbank is a nice stop for a quick fix. The inside is more spacious, and the atmosphere steps outside of that “college kids only” vibe. The coffee isn’t a favorite, but the Mocha blended goodness is pretty stellar. It’s a bit more affordable than Starbucks, but still can get pricey for a daily energy boost.
I rank CC’s as a 5.4/10.
6. Coffee Call - College Dr.
The. Best. Beignets. In. Baton. Rouge. Hands down.
Aside from that, the Café au Lait is killer. The menu isn’t expansive, but it’s worth it. It’s pretty affordable, and it’s close to campus. It’s pretty busy daily, and not the best for studying.
Coffee Call’s about a 5.7/10.
5. Brew Ha Ha - Jefferson Hwy
Brew Ha Ha is a bit further of a drive, but the atmosphere is worth it. A cute and modern shop, Brew Ha Ha features affordable coffee and colorful seating. It’s a quiet spot, and the walls are lined with art from local artists. In the back corner, Atomic Pop Shop provided a record player- and vynil- that patrons of the shop can play. The coffee blends are strong and Brew Ha Ha has the best cake balls I’ve ever tried.
I rank it as a 6/10, only because the drive is a little out of the way for the average student.
4. Magpie - Downtown
Magpie’s new downtown location is a super hip space. A few blocks from the capital, it features the signature espresso that Magpie is known for (in addition to a very hipster healthy food menu). The space is quiet and full of natural light, and plays quiet alt rock music while you sip and talk to friends.
I love downtown and also coffee, so I rate Magpie’s DT location as a 6.5/10.
3. Magpie - Perkins
The first thing I did upon moving to Baton Rouge? I met a friend at Magpie’s OG location, and had a cup of coffee. The latte art was beautiful in a massive white mug, and we were able to sit outside on the patio surrounded by fairy lights. My only complaint is the busy Perkins traffic and the lack of parking. It’s a small space, and it’s always busy (for good reason).
I rate the Perkins location as a 7/10.
2. Garden District Coffee - Perkins
A personal favorite, GDC is my addiction. From the honey lavender cake (a staple of the coffee shop and a fan favorite) to the almost perfect cappuccino, Garden District has the best of both worlds as far as product goes. Though its on the other side of the overpass, it’s got a pretty decently sized inside space and a great semi-covered patio (aka my go to spot).
GDC gets an 8/10.
1. Highland Coffee - Highland Rd.
Highland, what a staple. Located about 100 feet from everything on campus, Highland is the perfect place for frantic college kids. Hosting everything from poetry readings to dates, Highland is the hot spot near campus. (I love their dark roasts). I’ve spent approximately 3-4 hours there every day since I moved in freshman year. The coffee is great, it works for a college budget (punch cards are the bomb.com), and the atmosphere is welcoming. As my final rank, Highland comes in with a 9/10.
