In a rush but need to make a quick stop for coffee? Or perhaps cramming before an exam and need to caffeinate? We’ve compiled a ranking of the longest to shortest coffee wait times of all the coffee spots on campus, ranging from the iconic Kerckhoff Coffee House to the snug Cafe Synapse, this list contains all the insider information for your coffee decisions.
8) Cafe 451: 22 minutes
Bustling with students chatting in line or studying in scattered spots around the first floor of the Charles E. Young Research Library, Cafe 451 creates a buzzing hub where the line between hardworking students and coffee lovers blends into one. After waiting 22 minutes for a medium iced dirty-chai latte in the early afternoon, you start to wonder if the lines are really worth a quick caffeinated drink in exchange for your precious time.
Finally obtaining your drink feels like an accomplishment in itself, and at first sip, the chai was definitely at the forefront of the overall taste. Well-mixed with a perfect ratio of coffee and ice, the dirty-chai was thoroughly enjoyable–especially the espresso, which wasn’t too strong, but just right.
7) Bomb Shelter Peet’s: 10 minutes
The box-shaped Peet’s in the bomb shelter is a go-to for South Campus regulars. At times, the line can get long, but it rarely grows to more than 20 people. This makes it a much quicker option than library cafes. The drinks are also very consistent and host the regular Peet’s lineup. This shop also recently started carrying a strawberry matcha latte, which is fresh, fruity and great for a cooling afternoon drink.
6) Bruin Buzz: 10 minutes
In the midst of Ackerman lies Bruin Buzz, a convenient coffee spot for students who have time to kill between classes or want to stop for a quick pick-me-up. Though at first the line seemed deceptively short, it quickly accumulated around noon during peak lunch hours. One can expect to get a drink in approximately 10 minutes, though its quality is rather watered down and not well-mixed.
5) Music Cafe: Seven minutes
While the Music Cafe line can go out the door in the late mornings, the afternoons ensure quick service. The menu boasts the ASUCLA regulars. While this is not the fastest option on campus, the ambience is always warm and airy with its large glass windows overlooking the inverted fountain.
Seating fills up quickly, so come in the afternoon or early to grab a table. In my experience, the drinks at this cafe can be a bit sweet, so I usually get a half-sweet vanilla latte.
4) Anderson Cafe: Four minutes
Nestled inside the Anderson School of Management on North Campus, Anderson Cafe is a sleek, laid-back spot to grab a quick coffee on your way to class. You can expect a post-lunch wait time of about four minutes for a small mocha latte, with friendly staff and efficient service.
However, the ratio of ice to coffee was vastly unbalanced, as my drink disappeared within a few sips. While bitter at first taste, a sudden burst of sweetness followed soon after, ending on a strong, caffeinated note. Like layers of a hastily crafted cake, this coffee experience at Anderson Cafe was not one I’d likely repeat over again, despite the short lines.
3) Jimmy’s Coffee House: Three minutes and 55 seconds
Tucked deep into North Campus is Jimmy’s Coffee House — a part of Luvalle Commons. Tranquil is the best way we would describe Jimmy’s, as you walk into a soothing atmosphere made up of snug seating arrangements and a fireplace. You can expect to wait about four minutes for an iced hazelnut latte to refresh you on a sunny day.
The latte was well-balanced as neither the coffee nor the hazelnut overpowered one another, creating a harmoniously nutty and comforting taste. However, the amount of ice in the drink was overpowering and came across as a disappointment, as it turned into a cup full of ice after only a few sips. For a quick caffeine pit stop, Jimmy’s is one of the quicker on-campus destinations.
2) Kerckhoff Coffee House: Two minutes and 40 seconds
If you find yourself at the center of campus with a mid-day coffee craving hitting you, stop by Kerckhoff Coffee House to caffeinate and rejuvenate. With a wait time of less than three minutes in total, you can drop in and out of this vibrant coffee spot that’s been serving students since ‘76.
Quality is also something we can rely on Kerckhoff to provide, serving their own coffee blends that you can combine with other flavors and toppings to create your ideal drink. The experience was nothing short of pleasant, with swift service, gothic ambiance, and a delightful cup of coffee.
1) Cafe Synapse: Two minutes
Tucked within the Gonda Neuroscience Research Building lies the aptly named Cafe Synapse. In the mornings, this cafe can get busy with researchers who work in the buildings. However, due to its slight walk from central campus, not too many students frequent the cafe and wait times are shorter as a result. On the day I went, there was nobody in line and only one person studying in the cafe.
This was definitely impacted by the fact that I went in the late morning at the end of finals week. Regardless, Cafe Synapse is a good option for a quick Peet’s-style latte on the go.
If you’re on the edge of campus or going into Westwood but still want to use a swipe, this is a great option. They also have a full menu of warm sandwiches and snacks if you want breakfast or lunch along with your coffee.
Next time you’re in a rush, consider stopping by Cafe Synapse or Kerckhoff for a quick latte. But if you find yourself with time to spare, don’t hesitate to visit 451 and Bomb Shelter’s Peets.
