Students are always looking for the best coffee shops in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to fuel their caffeine addiction and for a place to cram for finals. With 38,645 students at The University of Alabama, coffee is a hot commodity. There are about 20 coffee shops in Tuscaloosa, giving students a variety of places to choose from. With 20 options, finding the right coffee shop to go to can be stressful. Since final exams are rapidly approaching, I have provided three of the best coffee shops in Tuscaloosa that also double as study areas.
1. Heritage House Coffee Shop in Tuscaloosa
2370 Jack Warner Pkwy, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 $$ Google Review: 4.8 stars
Heritage House was founded in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and has expanded to three locations around Tuscaloosa. It offers a variety of coffee choices as well as food options. With relaxing music and bright lighting, the atmosphere is perfect for studying. It offers a large downstairs seating area as well as a quaint upstairs seating area. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the menu and is willing to answer any questions you might have. I went to the one located in Northport, and it was even bigger than it looks in the pictures. I felt like I was touring a rustic, but modern, mansion!
From cold brews to ginger peach teas, Heritage House offers a variety of drink choices. I tried the mocha latte and it was terrific. Unlike Starbucks, it was not full of artificial sweeteners. I could actually taste the coffee. In addition, you can purchase coffee beans and bring Heritage House to your home. For non-coffee lovers who want to study at Heritage House, it offers mix-and-match smoothie choices as well! If you need a little liquid courage to finish that ghastly research paper, Heritage House also serves wine and beer.
Heritage house offers a breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu. The breakfast menu features typical breakfast foods such as waffles, breakfast burritos, and french toast. For lunch, you can choose between an assortment of sandwiches, salads, and wraps. The evening menu ranges from a list of tapas to beef tenderloin sliders to blackened shrimp tacos.
2. Monarch Espresso Bar
714 22nd Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 $$ Google review: 4.8 stars
Monarch Espresso Bar was founded by University of Alabama alumni. The owners wanted to create a community-powered coffee shop that welcomes everyone who walks through the door. With a darker ambiance that helps students relax while studying, Monarch is another great coffee shop for doing homework. The staff always greets you with a smile and is happy to help you choose the right coffee.
Monarch Espresso Bar offers basic and specialty coffee options. My favorite drink is The Zegel, which is a “darkest chocolate mocha.” If I am feeling like splurging, I will add rose lavender syrup, which is 1 of 6 in-house syrups. The Zegel is rich and full of flavor while not being too sweet. The rose lavender syrup adds a pleasant aroma and a faint aftertaste but does not overpower the chocolate. Along with coffee, Monarch offers a list of herbal teas that aid in relaxation and de-stressing.
If you plan on studying for a long period of time, Monarch offers a few breakfast-style food options. Customers can choose from three different bagels: plain, everything, and jalapeno cheddar. The three bagels can also be made into two different bagel sandwiches. There are also two toast options as well as a granola bowl that is packed with nutrients.
3. Just Love Coffee & Cafe
2531 University Blvd Ste 100, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 $$ Google Review: 4.8 Stars
The owners of Just Love believe everyone deserves love and coffee, hence the name. The staff represents the brand well as they are always helpful and serve every customer with a smile. Just Love is a great place for studying because the lively atmosphere keeps you energized.
The drink menu features Just Love’s award-winning specialty coffee as well as a list of teas. My go-to is the white chocolate mocha. I can confidently say that Just Love’s white chocolate mocha exceeds Starbucks. Customers also have the option to purchase a box of light, medium, or dark roast coffee that serves around 10 to 12 people. They can also enjoy cold brew and tea by the gallon!
Like Heritage House, Just Love offers a breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu. The breakfast menu is packed with unique choices, ranging from a “womlette” to a “bacon tator.” The womlette combines everyone’s two favorite breakfast foods: waffles and omelets! The bacon tator features a waffle as the base with hashbrowns, cheddar cheese, and bacon piled on top. While not as eccentric, the avocado toast is my favorite. It is packed with flavor and is served with cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of oregano. The lunch and dinner menu puts a twist on traditional deli menus. Every sandwich is made with a waffle as a substitute for bread. It also includes an assortment of wraps, salads, and hummus.
Happy studying and ROLL TIDE!!!
Check out my last blog to learn more about Roll Call and Atomic, the two newest cocktail bars in Tuscaloosa.
