It’s no secret that Winston has it’s perks when it comes to coffee shops (no pun intended…). There are points in the semester when the dark lighting and tense atmosphere of the library are just not motivating when come to studying. Local coffee shops are the perfect way to get a taste of life outside the Forest, whether you need a new study space or a new space to take a break. The highly talked about ones are located in the heart of downtown Winston-Salem: Camino Bakery and Atelier on Trade. Oh, but how will you choose? Look below to weigh the facts and see which one is your cup of tea…or in this case, coffee!

Camino Bakery

This artsy coffee shop is found on Fourth Street right across from the Stevens Center and a few spaces down from Mellow Mushroom. Camino has grown in popularity since it’s opening in 2011 due its variety of coffees, sweets, and savories!

There is not a single moment that the shop won’t suit your cravings: Pick up your morning "cup of Joe" and a loaf of pumpkin bread for breakfast, grab a slice of the daily quiche and an iced tea for a quick lunch, find your mid-afternoon mocha after the last class of the day, enjoy your cocktail hour before a nice dinner on the town, or finish the day on a sweet note with a Nutella hot chocolate and a gooey chocolate chip cookie. With all of those options, you can’t lose when it comes to taste!

This coffee shop is cozy. With ambient lighting, soulful background music, and small table space, it can suit your study needs. However, if you are one who gets distracted easily by busy areas, this may not be the place or you. Space is limited, and there are a lot of people coming and going. You may even run into a few Wake Foresters as well. The trick? Timing is key. Weekend mornings and weekday afternoons usually are peak times.

Even if Camino doesn’t suit your study needs, it’s still a great place for lighthearted conversation accompanied by one of their famous breads and a warm latte finished with the signature latte art, perfect for any Snap story (guilty).

Atelier on Trade

Now this coffee shop is a hidden gem, nestled on Trade Street. The shop owner spent a year in France learning the details behind the art of the pastry. This shop has more of a coffee appeal than an overall bakery and cafe. The pastries and coffee are crafted with the purest of quality (and not to mention the grandeur in sizing). Although the menu isn’t as diverse as some shops, it shouldn’t be overlooked. They always say quality over quantity, and the quality in this case will make any french coffee connoisseur proud.

The shop introduces more of a study atmosphere. There are long wooden tables that will accommodate the endless amounts of books and pages. Since the shop has limited hours, usually from early morning to late afternoon, it may have its peak moment at the start of the day. But for the most part, you can usually find somewhere to settle down and tackle your day’s worth of assignments.

So after my experience with these two incredible downtown cafes, I would say that each shop has its own environment. If you like a variety of selections for your coffee and busy and bustling room when it comes to studying or even catching up with friends, then Camino is for you. If you have a defined taste for coffee and prefer a much quieter setting, then head down Trade Street for your coffee spot!