Whether it’s a necessary part of your morning routine or a treat after-school with friends, drinking a cup of coffee is always a highly enjoyable task. Luckily, there are several coffee shops just a short driving distance from Miege. I took the responsibility of testing out a couple of the local shops. These options are for when you feel like taking a break from the typical chain brand drive-through places, and supporting a sweet and small shop instead. 

The first place I tried, and definitely would recommend, is Café Corazón on Westport Road. They sell not only classic drinks, but specialty drinks with Latinx-inspired flavors, prices ranging from $6-7.

 I chose a drink from their fall menu called the Cold Brew Hand Warmer, caramel apple flavored. Not everyone may enjoy cold brew, but it was just what I needed to stay awake for the rest of the day, plus it came with amazing spiced flavor. I was also able to taste a friend’s drink, the Dulce Manzanita Latte, a sweet, creamy drink topped with caramel and an apple slice. 

The decor and atmosphere inside the shop is delightful and modern, and the barista was helpful and talkative. I can definitely see myself going back to try more of their menu. 

The next place that I recommend is Hi Hat Coffee off of State Line Road. Hi Hat is a place that I’ve been to many times and will continue to go to. The menu at Hi Hat features a number of drinks with creative names and a fun mix of flavors. 

The price of drinks ranges from $3-4. I’m still making my way through the menu, but as of now, my favorite drink is The Blended Bee, one of their frappuccino options. 

The building itself is eye-catching; it looks straight out of a little European town. Inside, it’s rather cramped, so they only let a couple people in at the same time. It can be hard to park when it’s busy, but the coffee they serve is worth the wait.

Every time I’ve been to Hi Hat, the baristas always make an effort to make conversation, something that has always stood out to me, because it makes the overall experience more enjoyable. 

While I love going to places like Dunkin’ and Starbucks, the uniqueness of smaller coffee shops makes their visits stand out more. Since Café Corazón, Hi Hat and several similar places are so close to Miege, I highly recommend taking advantage of them and gracing your palette with a delicious cup of local coffee.