As a previous barista, I have a special place in my heart for coffee and espresso. With that, I am picky when it comes to my lattes. Manhattan has many choices for coffee and espresso. It is nice to be able to pick a coffee shop, grab a latte, sit down and study. These are in no specific order, just descriptions about each from a coffee lover!

1. Arrow Coffee

Not to be biased, but hands down my favorite coffee shop! The coffee is great and the environment is great! The shop is very open and bright. It has a very at-home vibe to it. The employee’s are very nice and are always helpful and they always have seasonal drinks that are amazing! The drinks are very different and it’s doubtful that you will find them at any other coffee shop in Manhattan. Along with the delicious coffee, they also have amazing coffee art!

Arrow Coffee always has events going on whether they are coordinated with the university, another local business or a small concert. When you are enjoying their events, you may also enjoy a cocktail, beer, or wine! Enjoy your coffee with a sandwich or their amazing breakfast.

2. Bluestem Bistro

Located in the heart of Aggieville lies Bluestem Bistro. A local favorite. And just one of my go-to study places. It has a busier atmosphere with students trying to study for their classes. The students from Kansas State University love Bluestem Bistro for studying.

Bluestem offers freshly baked desserts and pastries, along with sandwiches and salad: the perfect combination with their coffee! They also have a cocktail bar, beer and wine for their customers.

3. Radina’s

You can find Radina’s all over the Kansas State University Campus which must mean that they have some fantastic coffee! Their coffee is obviously a favorite to the students and the community. Radina’s provides a relaxing environment to get some work done or to meet a friend and catch up! They also feature a drive-thru if you’re on the go!

Radina’s supports local businesses and even donates a loaf of bread to the Flint Hills Breadbasket every time they sell a loaf of bread. They also strive to make their food healthy and fresh for every customer that walks through their doors.

4. Sparrow Coffee

I am recently a newcomer to Sparrow Coffee. The coffee shop is small but has an open feel to it and is filled with lots of energy! Sparrow Coffee prides itself on coffee and the love of Christ. Their coffee has a very easy taste and is very good! I asked questions and the workers were more than happy to help me! Sparrow also offers seasonal drinks as well and food to go along with it!

Sparrow also serves food from grilled cheese to a mediterranean salad. They offer breakfast, baked goods, or soup to warm up!

5. Einstein Bagels

Einstein Bagels is a great on-campus coffee shop and bagel shop. I have yet to have their bagels because I am not a big bagel fan, but everyone I know sure loves them! Their coffee is perfect when you’re running around campus and need a quick pick-me-up or grab a quick coffee before studying in Hale Library!

Einstein Bagels has locations all over the United States. They make their bagels fresh every day and always have a coffee or a smoothie to go along with it. Whether you need a quick caffeine fix or a snack, Einstein is there to help!

Each coffee shop is very unique. They each have their own style of coffee and environment. All the coffee served in Manhattan is great! So before you head to a chain coffee shop, try one of the local favorites!