Best Coffee Shop Near Ritchie School
As a senior in college, perpetually running on caffeine and stress, I've tried basically every coffee shop within walking distance of campus, and La Belle Rosette on University has become my absolute go-to spot.
First off, this cozy spot is located right behind the Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science building, making it accessible and convenient when I need a change of environment. The vibe is chef's kiss! It strikes the perfect balance of cozy and functional, not so trendy that you feel awkward pulling out your beat-up laptop, but aesthetic enough that you want to spend hours there. The lighting is dim, which sets the right mood for the cafe (crucial for those late afternoons to late-night cram sessions). Plus, there's a good mix of seating options available.
"It strikes the perfect balance of cozy and functional, not so trendy that you feel awkward pulling out your beat-up laptop, but aesthetic enough that you want to spend hours there."
Need to spread out with textbooks everywhere? They've got tables. Want to sink into a comfy sofa and pretend to read for class while scrolling TikTok? They've got those too. The coffee is good, which honestly isn't a given at places near campus. Their lattes are smooth, not bitter, and they don't skimp on the espresso. Prices are reasonable for the area, not dirt cheap, but I'm not having a financial crisis every time I order. Their pastries are a good pairing as well for when you need a snack to go with your drink.
Wi-Fi is reliable and fast, outlets are plentiful, and the staff has never given me dirty looks for camping out for four hours with a single coffee during finals week. That alone deserves five stars. Mid-morning and early afternoon can get busy, but not to the extent that I couldn’t find a good corner to settle down in. Here's the thing, though: if you're looking for something more modern or trendy, there are probably better options in the area. La Belle Rosette has its charm, but it's not necessarily the most cutting-edge spot. It gets the job done, and sometimes that's exactly what you need as a student.
Overall: 8/10. It's reliable, convenient, and has good coffee. But for a solid, no-frills study session near campus? It hits the spot.
Lily Trautman
BS in Computer Science
Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science
Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science senior Lily Trautman with Daniels College of Business grad student Mason Davis
