From the outside looking in, Reno is perceived to be a smaller, older version of Las Vegas, with run down casinos and tattoo parlors on every corner, surrounded by a lot of open, unoccupied land. However, for anyone who has had the opportunity to experience Reno fully knows few things to be true. Yes, there are casinos. Yes, there are also tattoo parlors, and a lot of open, unoccupied land. But, in between all of it are hundreds of amazing restaurants, bars and local businesses that give Reno a unique setting that is incomparable to any other city, in my opinion.

But, if we’re being candid, I could live without everything mentioned above. But, one piece of Reno that I know I will always love and miss once I move away is the incredible variety of coffee shops. Each and every one of Reno’s coffee shops are distinct in their own way and feature their own diverse scenery and crowd.

I think if I made it a personal mission to try a new coffee shop every single day until I graduate I still would not be able to sample every place, but of the ones that I’ve tried, these are my personal picks.

7. The Jungle

Java Jungle was one of the first coffee shops I tried in Reno and it has continued to be one of my staples. Located right on the Truckee River, it has a very fun ambiance and has fun drinks to match. One thing that sets The Jungle apart from the rest is their conjoined bar that often features live music and entertainment, giving it an air of nightlife. Drink recommendation: Hot white mocha

6. The Human Bean

When I started publicizing my quest to find the best coffee in Reno I had dozens of people tell me to try The Human Bean, a small drive-thru in South Reno. It seemed to be a cult favorite that I just had to try. And, everyone was right. They have a wide array of options for being a drive- thru and the baristas were incredibly friendly. They also give you a chocolate covered espresso bean on top of your order that is honestly the reason I keep coming back. Drink recommendation: Iced hazelnut latte.

5. Bibo Coffee Co.

Bibo’s is like a right of passage for Nevada students. I remember being a freshman and stumbling upon it and feeling as if I struck gold. Although they have several locations in Reno, I have only personally experienced the one right next to campus, which has to be the busiest spot in Reno between 10-11 a.m. on the weekdays. Something unique to Bibo’s is their lack of free wifi. Because of this, it is a perfect place to go if you need to get a lot of reading done for a class, or if you want a distraction-free place to meet up for a group project. Drink recommendation: Hot vanilla latte with cinnamon.

4. Hub Coffee Roasters

Yet another coffee shop with a cult following is Hub Coffee Roasters. It’s practically a requirement to love Hub if you’re a Renoite, and especially if you’re a Nevada student. With three locations in town, including one right next to campus, their minimalistic décor and picture-perfect latte art definitely make it worth the trip. And they definitely earn bonus points for roasting their own beans. Drink recommendation: Cappuccino.

3. The Purple Bean

If Reno knows anything, it’s the craft of a really good drive-thru coffee shop. The Purple Bean is very unsuspecting from the outside. I think I drove past it a thousand times before a friend told me to try it, and my life has been changed ever since. Their menu is very overwhelming at first, with dozens of fun, complex drinks with adorable names that contain different types of candy and other sugary treats. Every drink I’ve tried has been nothing short of amazing, and I also really love their baristas, who always make sure to chat with you while you’re waiting for your drink. And, they have a stamp card that makes it really easy to keep coming back. Drink recommendation: Hot White Elephant.

2. Coffeebar

If you were to ask a random passerby on a Reno street what the best local coffee shop is, you could bet your bottom dollar that they would probably refer you Coffeebar. They have an eclectic atmosphere that is always packed, and for good reason. They have lots of variations on classic drinks, but also feature interesting teas and plenty of gluten free and vegan food options. Plus, it is almost guaranteed that you will run into someone from your classes or workplace, which gives Reno a small town vibe that goes unmatched to anywhere else I’ve been. Drink recommendation: Hot lavender latte

1. Walden’s Coffeehouse

And my number one pick for best coffee in Reno goes to Walden’s Coffeehouse. Walden’s was the first local coffee shop I tried in Reno, and continues to be my favorite spot in town. It’s located in North Reno and is tucked away in a quiet shopping center that really makes you feel like you’re on a retreat away from every day life. The staff is incredibly friendly and talkative and the regulars are always willing to chat with you as well. They have a wide variety of flavors and are willing to blend two together to create your own.

But, what stands out to me is their breakfast menu. They really just have the best breakfast scramble in town, and their tomato basil soup is what dreams are made of. That, plus the instagrammable latte art equal 5/5 stars in my book. Drink recommendation: Hot brown sugar cinnamon latte