Buzz Blog

Morning

Whether you're the type of person to wake up ten minutes before you have to be at school or you're ready to go an hour before work, drive-through coffee stop Java Jo's (401 1st Ave, 801-532-2899) is the perfect place for coffee on-the-go. Pick up a snack with your hot drink to keep you going throughout the day or grab a smoothie on a hot day. Your order even comes with a complimentary coffee bean for that extra little kick.

Early Afternoon

If you’re anything like those people featured in the 5-Hour Energy commercials, chances are that morning coffee has already worn off by now. Even if you’re still going strong, Café D’bolla (247 E. 400 South, 801-355-1398) is the prime early afternoon hotspot. You’ll be greeted enthusiastically by friendly owners Yiching and John (who’ll come to know your orders if you frequent the café often enough) who have something to offer for every customer. Try a single origin coffee if you’re looking for caffeine fix #2 – guaranteed fresh, because traditional drip coffees aren’t fresh enough to meet Café D’bolla’s standards – or one of the café’s renowned authentic Taiwanese bubble teas if all you need is something refreshing.

Mid-Afternoon

The Coffee Garden on Main Street (254 S. Main Street, 801-364-0768) is an excellent place to grab a tasty snack (think apple pie, spinach and bacon quiche and Salsa Rico burritos) accompanied with a hot drink. A large variety of teas is available to fit whatever mood you’re in and you can request lattes with as many shots as you’d like. The coffee shop is located in Sam Weller’s Bookstore, so feel free to browse the rows and rows of old and new books while you’re sipping that hot drink.

Late Afternoon

Whether you’re off work or just taking a break, Café Marmalade (361 N. 300 West, 801-746-2884) is an excellent place to meet new people. Run by the Utah Pride Center, the cozy coffee shop holds the state's largest LGBTQ library, filled with resources both entertaining and educational. A knowledgeable staff is on hand to answer any questions you might have about their products and while the café might be brimming with high school students during this time, if you head outside to take a smoke break you’re sure to have an interesting discussion over philosophy, religion or politics with one of the coffee shop regulars. Whatever your beliefs, you’re sure to meet open-minded people who are always up for a conversation. Stop by on the weekends for various events such as live music and BBQs.

Night

Maybe it’s just Utah, but there are few coffee shops open late at night and luckily, Salt Lake Coffee Break (430 E. 400 South, 801-355-4244) is one of them. Try an iced mocha, a hot drip, or mix and match flavors from a variety of teas to make your own creation! Pair up your drink with a piece of baklava or a churro and head out to the patio to meet some new people or stay inside to peruse the art for sale on the walls. The atmosphere is right for people of all types. Whether you're chilling with a group of friends, grabbing a late-night snack or doing some last-minute work before retiring for the night, Coffee Break is right for you.

Anytime Alternatives

Dolce Coffee (2236 S. 1300 East, 801-466-3717) is small but loaded with all the necessities of a coffee shop: great drinks, panini, aesthetically pleasing (and comfortable) furniture and great music. It’s quiet, so if you’re not looking to socialize, it’s a good place to go to get work done.

Coffee Connection (1588 S. State Street, 801-467-4937) not only serves great drinks but is also user-friendly with a wide selection of comfortable couches, chairs and tables and even a study hall for students finishing up on that final paper. Opened by fine artist and designer Jeremiah Kephart, the coffee shop has a modern feel with its matching colors and intriguing artwork on the walls. Fill up on a wide variety of drinks – bubble tea included. It's open late, so you're sure to find some time during the day (or night) to stop by.