Cauldron

Issue date: 12/4/07 Section: A & E

DIEDRICH COFFEE

Hangout No. 1:
Diedrich Coffee

4005 Montrose Blvd.
Sun-Thurs 6 a.m. -11 p.m.
Fri-Sat 6 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Diedrich Coffee is one of the best spots off-campus to get coffee - it is nearly adjacent to UST (just on the other side of Montrose Boulevard), the menu has great variety, and there is good quality java for relatively low prices. As a result, Diedrich's has become popular with both locals and students alike and is a communal hangout of sorts.

It should be noted as a preface, though, that there is no wireless Internet at Diedrich, and that may be a deciding factor for many. However, if you can tolerate the sometimes-crowded atmosphere and lack of Wi-Fi, its a viable option to consider when studying for exams.

The menu is surprisingly good. Diedrich has everything: cappuccinos, espressos, teas, 'Icy Cool Blends,' lots of pastries and, of course, a variety of great coffees. Whatever suits your java fancy, they probably have it. Espresso, drip coffee, tea and pastries will cost about $2; cappuccinos, around $3; and specialty drinks cost up to about $4. Everything is of good quality, and much of their coffee is certified as organic and fair trade.

The interior of Diedrich is comfortable and open. It is not too noisy, but it is not the quietest place in the world. Soft rock is audible over customers' chatter, and there is an occasional whir or clunk as drinks are made. The décor is warm in color and most things are wooden, producing a natural vibe that is very pleasant.

While it is often busy, especially during the afternoons, there is nearly always a table or two open, as many come in to buy their coffee to-go.

If, by chance, there is not a table open, or it is too noisy to study well indoors, there is a patio outside that is relatively quiet and relaxed. There are always unoccupied lattice chairs and tables outside, which are surprisingly comfortable.

While it is undoubtedly the closest coffee shop around (aside from the student lounge), other coffee shops' atmospheres complement studying better, so take that into consideration when choosing a study location. Danny Dyer

Hangout No. 2:
Café Artiste

1601 W. Main St.
Sun-Thu 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Fri-Sat 7 a.m.- 1 a.m.

Café Artiste, located within walking distance from campus, can fulfill all the needs of a successful study session. It is cozy, distraction-free, and the coffee is great and affordable at $1.50 a cup.

Café Artiste has an inviting appearance. Low lighting and soft music provide a relaxing environment, and rust-colored walls make the café feel warm. Low-hanging and shaded lamps give the room a soft glow. Comfortable booths are great for study groups, and an outdoor patio is available for customers who prefer to study alfresco.

The menu offers a rich variety of options including specialty omelets, salads and hot or cold sandwiches. Try the grilled chicken Caesar salad or the gumbo to really impress your palate. The food is delicious but isn't cheap; a typical entrée costs about $10.

In addition to food, Café Artiste offers 30 different kinds of drip coffee and a variety of teas. This is no Starbucks; it has no coffee menu to please people in search of cold, blended drinks. However, flavored lattes are available hot or iced to satisfy patrons with a sweet tooth.

The shop offers free wireless Internet and a unique selection of books in a communal library, surrounded by worn-out couches. Customers are welcome to take a book from the library home with them, provided they leave one in its place.

Café Artiste is, in a word, relaxing. It provides a satisfactory study location with reasonably priced coffee, comfortable seating for groups and a full menu--a necessity for anyone intending to study for a long period of time. Steven Veit

Hangout No. 3:
Taft Street Coffee

2115 Taft St.
Mon-Thu 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 9 a.m.-12 a.m.
Sun 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.; 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Taft Street Coffee is the Montrose secret only few have discovered. The non-profit shop is far from being pretentious or commercial and feels like a place where one is truly welcome. Grassroots community backing gives this coffeehouse its personality and liveliness - some members of the community work there as volunteers, others host poetry readings, art exhibits, speeches and the like. It's a little more out-of-the-way than other coffee shops, 15 minutes by bike and five by car, but it is definitely worth the trip.

This is, by far, the most relaxed coffee shop in Houston. For those who want to study, it offers the perfect environment. The shop itself is open and spacious, with plenty of room. For those who prefer light music, comfortable couches and intermittent conversation, the central room is the best place. For those who prefer a quiet environment, there is an art gallery with good lighting and plenty of places to sit. Finally, for those who prefer working outside, the shop has an outdoor patio and garden area. There are few, if any, loud noises. The temperature inside is consistently comfortable, and the shop is clean and orderly. The baristas make sure to acknowledge customers upon entering and leaving, and are helpful and friendly.

The menu itself is very enticing: there is a wide variety of different coffees, all of which are organic fair trade, and plenty of delicious specialty drinks. For food, there is a selection of sandwiches, salads and pastries, as well as vegan-friendly options. Everything is priced reasonably here, and it is impossible to find something that is not superbly delicious.

If you need a break from studying, a bookstore opposite the counter has plenty of books to read. In the front of the building is an art gallery with exhibits from local artists that change on a monthly basis.

Free wireless Internet completes the whole experience, resulting in an optimal studying environment. Little detracts from Taft except the time it takes to get there, but in the long run, it is worth the extra effort. Danny Dyer

Hangout No. 4:
Inversion Coffee House

1601 W. Main St.
Sun-Thu 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Fri-Sat 7 a.m.- 1 a.m.

The modern structure and laid-back atmosphere of Inversion Coffee House makes it an interesting study location, though at times it can be overwhelmingly noisy. The coffee is great, and the staff is very friendly. But the cold marble tables and less-than-spacious interior makes it feel slightly uncomfortable.
The unique architecture of Inversion makes it an eye-catching landmark. The shop is named after old Art League's, the imploding house that used to stand on its lot, and a large photograph of the house imposed onto the ceiling-high window commemorates the work of art. Tall exterior walls of reflective tin give the structure a modern feel.
Inside, patrons can sit at one of the tables in the front, recline on a plush couch in the corner or occupy bar seating in the back. Good lighting and minimal noise make Inversion a convenient place to study, although its relative newness makes it feel a little less than cozy.
The selection and prices of the coffee are typical, with a medium drip coffee going for under $2 and specialty lattes costing between $3-4. A good selection of pastries is also available. The counter staff is friendly, helpful and ready to provide suggestions.
Conveniently, Inversion has Wi-Fi, which is accessible by a daily pass code printed on the receipts. Containing all of the necessary components of a study area, Inversion is a wise choice as a place to study or relax. Its popularity is evident, as a startlingly large number of regulars have made Inversion central to their daily routines. Though a little farther from the University than other choices, Inversion's fresh atmosphere is welcoming enough to prompt a return. Steven Veit

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