Coffeehouse Guide

Although students are frequently seen holding to-go cups of Starbucks on and around campus, local coffeehouses can be found far and wide. Whether you need a place to study, catch up with friends or just hang out, there's probably one around the corner. Many of these java joints also provide coffee alternatives, lunch and dinner options and live entertainment.

THE COPPER CUP
Address: 415 N. College Ave.
Hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Signature drink: The Copper Cup – a blend of hazelnut, caramel and vanilla mixed with espresso and steamed milk for $3.85

This locally owned and operated coffee shop offers an open space with colorful couches and plenty of tables.
The Copper Cup draws in many students because of its calm and quiet atmosphere, barista Juliette Lazar said.
Fair-trade coffees like Kenya and Sumatra blends are offered, as well as muffins, scones, fruit parfaits and sweet delicacies.

Additional locations: 1400 E. Third St., 1350 W. Bloomfield Rd.


POURHOUSE CAFE
Address: 314 E. Kirkwood Ave.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sundays
Signature drink: Peppermint Hot Chocolate – mint syrup and chocolate mixed with steamed milk for $2.70

The Pourhouse Cafe offers an inviting and warm space for customers looking to study, relax and spend time with friends.
Coffee-brown furniture and walls painted in earthy tones such as deep red and soft blue create a calm atmosphere. The cafe has donated 100 percent of its profit and tips to charities around the world since its opening in February 2008.
Currently, the cafe sends money to Agua Viva Children’s Home in Guatemala. Photos of children in orphanages who benefit from The Pourhouse Cafe’s donations hang in silver frames on the walls, along with local artwork.
Numerous fair-trade coffees are offered all day, from the caramel- and butterscotch flavored Highlander Grog to the sweet African blend Kenya AA.
Baked goods include scones, cheesecake, cookies and homemade s’more bars.

SCHOLAR'S INN BAKEHOUSE
Address: 125 N. College Ave.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Signature drink: White Chocolate Mocha – Ghirardelli white chocolate mixed with espresso and milk for $2.75

The quiet and friendly atmosphere of Scholar’s Inn Bakehouse is good for customers who go to hang out or to study, night manger Tony Fishburn said.
Customers can buy regular sandwiches served with chips and a pickle, or specialty sandwiches like the new pulled-pork barbecue served on a hollow bun with a side of Scholar’s Fries.
Strong-roasted coffees such as Highway 37 and lighter roasts like Black and Tan are served all day, and a cup costs only $1 after 5 p.m.
Along with sandwiches and soups, Scholar’s Inn offers decadent desserts ranging from blueberry cheesecake Danishes to the coffee shop’s most popular dessert, red velvet cupcakes, which sell for $2.50.

REVOLUTION BIKE AND BEAN
Address: 401 E. 10th St.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday

Revolution Bike and Bean offers a full-service bike and coffee shop that attracts many students.
Coffee comes from the local Quaryman Roasting Company, which includes a South American blend and a city blend.
The shop is a fun hang-out spot, playing music all day ranging from bluegrass to death metal. Though it’s a bike shop, manager Kyle Davidson said many customers come just for the coffee beverages.

SOMA
Address: 322 E. Kirkwood Ave.
Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday during winter, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. during summer
Signature drink: Cafe Bianco – white or dark chocolate mixed with espresso and steamed milk for $4.90

Soma’s eclectic and mismatched interior offers a comfortable environment. Old leather couches, funky art and maps from different time periods scatter the walls.
Tables are available for customers to study or play one of the board games kept on a shelf in the back room. Soma is the only Bloomington coffee shop to have specialty-grade coffee and offers mostly fair-trade organic blends.
The cafe also serves smoothies, teas and freshly juiced fruit and vegetable drinks. Baked goods include cookies, brownies, shortbread and biscotti, all made in the shop and many of which are vegan.
IU sophomore Jess Trensey goes to Soma three to four times a week and calls it the best coffee shop in Bloomington.
“All this art on the walls, the fun fish tank in the TV is all unique,” she said. “And it’s a good mix of all kinds of people.”


RUNCIBLE SPOON
Address: 412 E. Sixth St.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, kitchen closes at 10 p.m.
Signature drink: Blonde Mocha – Mexican beans lightly roasted to preserve caffeine and blended with chocolate and steamed milk for $2.65

The Runcible Spoon has an old-time look with orange-red walls, beaten leather recliners and antique-looking wooden tables. Bookshelves, local art and small statues decorate the cozy restaurant.
The coffee is roasted in the store and is usually fair-trade organic, said barista Rebecca Davis.
Tea is another popular option, with a variety that includes Ginger Peach and Moroccan Mint. The restaurant is particularly well-known for its all-day breakfast menu.
Lunch and dinner menus are also available and include popular options like the Gypsy Chicken and the Black Russian, a mixed vegetable sandwich.
The restaurant hosts Irish music nights every Tuesday and Friday night and an old-time string band on Thursday nights. 
Despite its popularity as a local restaurant, The Runcible Spoon still has a coffeeshop feel.
“It’s laid-back and friendly,” Davis said. “And after the kitchen closes at 10, a lot of people come to study and drink coffee.” 

RACHAEL'S CAFE
Address: 300 E. Third St.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday (except on nights with parties or events)


Rachael’s Cafe offers a relaxed and quiet study place during weekdays and a place to have fun during weekends.
Local art and scripts line the walls, including “peace” scrawled on the wall in Arabic and Hebrew. The cafe stays quiet when there isn’t an event. 
“It’s very eclectic and cozy,” barista Bethany Morgan said. “Even working here, I feel relaxed.”
On Sundays, an open mic night lasts from 4:30 to 7 p.m. for those who want to play music, recite poetry or perform another art. On the first and third Saturdays of each month, customers can pay $5 to learn and practice a Latin dance such as salsa.  
Rachael’s Cafe serves fair-trade organic coffees from Brown County roasters, and its kitchen manager and owner make hearty meals every day such as lasagna, quiche and soup, many of which are vegetarian- and vegan-friendly.  
The Venezuelan Chicken Salad is especially popular and includes apples, carrots, chicken and a “sassy sauce.”  
Rachael’s Cafe also serves sweets. Their most popular dessert is a chocolate and peanut butter cup called a buckeye.  Other treats include chocolate espresso cake, pumpkin butter creme cake and chocolate chip cookies