There’s a place for everyone who’s looking for a late night pick-up

By Katelyn White
Western Herald

You’ve finally made it — you’re a college student!  The next hurdle is staying awake for all that college life entails. Thankfully you live in a Kalamazoo, a city home to many unique coffee shops that are sure to hit the spot and stimulate your scholary senses.

Coffee Works
2620 W. Michigan Ave, open until 1a.m.
Coffee Works is a bit of a hidden gem.  Located on the top floor of Video Hits Plus, its quiet atmosphere and ample seating make it a great place for study groups, considering its proximity to campus.
Coffee Works has something for every kind of caffeine addict, as well as delicious sandwiches and desserts for hungrier patrons.
In addition, you can rent a movie to reward to yourself when your work is done.

The Strutt

Western Michigan student Philip Smedley works on some homework at The Strutt.

773 West. Michigan Ave, open until 2 a.m.
This is not your ordinary coffee shop.
With a newly opened restaurant, bar and music stage, the Strutt also offers locally roasted coffee.
Every café drink is made with care and anyone looking for a place to study is more than welcome.
One can enjoy live music any day of the week beginning at 9 p.m. while getting introduced to a wide selection of coffee.
This place is bringing back the variety of local music Kalamazoo lost with the closing of Club Soda and Kraftbrau Brewery.

Water Street Coffee Joint
Two locations: 3037 Oakland Dr. and 315 E. Water St, open until 11 p.m. or midnight
This is a place that loves coffee, understands its importance, and has been apart of Kalamazoo for over a decade.  Water Street’s coffee is certified as both organic and Fair Trade and they use their own Micro-Roaster to roast their own beans. Proceeds from their bags of coffee end up going right back to the community.  Fresh brewed coffees, espressos, and smoothies are not the only hand made here.  With desserts and treats made from scratch, this is one Kalamazoo staple that should not be overlooked.

Caffé Casa
128 S. Kalamazoo Mall, open until 6 p.m. on Monday- Friday, 5 p.m. on Saturday
Offering free Wi-Fi, this is a great place for those looking for a quiet spot and fast Internet.  With your college I.D. you can get a free 10 oz coffee with the purchase of a wrap or sandwich.  Offering a long list of café drinks as well as .50-cent drink extras including plenty of syrup flavors to perfect your coffee just the way you like it.  Caffe Casa also has homemade soups, sandwiches, wraps, quiches and pastries to get you through your visit.

Fourth Coast Cafe

Fourth Coast Cafe’ is located at 816 S. Westnedge.

816 S. Westnedge Ave
I’ve heard nothing but positive responses about Fourth Coast.  Not only does this place have great coffee but live shows as well on the weekends that are never very expensive to get into.  They have free Wi-Fi and an easygoing, just-about-the-good-stuff attitude.  Exposed brick and wooden benches don’t normally scream comfy, but they invite you in and keep you coming back.  This place has its share of regulars and is a downtown hot spot.

Something’s Brewing
120 W. South St, open until 6 p.m. on Monday-Friday, 3 p.m. on Saturday
This is an original Kalamazoo coffee house.  If you can’t get a coffee drink or tea here exactly how you like it then I don’t know where you can.
There are over 40 kinds of coffee they carry for purchase and a great selection of tea.  Your espresso is ground and made when you order, those beans aren’t ground before someone wants one.
Using coffee cubes for their iced coffee drinks helps your drink from becoming watered down.
Something’s Brewing is eco-friendly not only with their coffee but what they use to serve it in.  Stop in for the comfy atmosphere and try a fresh homemade cinnamon roll while you’re at it, they claim to be the best.

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Posted by HeraldAdmin on May 27 2009. Filed under A & E. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

Cody Kimball
Web Manager: I'm a Communication Student at WMU, a SCUBA Diver, Boater, Ordained Minister, Notary Public, Web Designer, Film Maker, DJ, and of course a Journalist. Born and raised in Port Huron, MI and a graduate of SC4. http://www.codykimball.com