According to Healthline, coffee is one of the world’s most popular drinks, and for a multitude of reasons, caffeine is beneficial to human health. 

Speaking from the perspective of an occasional coffee drinker, I can attest to the fact that a good boost of caffeine can do wonders for an insomniac, commonly stressed student like myself. However, despite this revelation, I do not have a dependency on caffeine nor do I hold any bias in defense of/against it. 

To effectively judge something there can be no bias. That is why I have tasked myself with reviewing several cafes in Park Slope, in order to write impartial reports of my observations and experimentations. By grading each cafe using a thorough template, I came to several conclusions that go as follows:

If you want to get some work done…

If, like me, you’re a student or even a teacher, you may find it useful to find a place to sprawl out and crackdown on some work. Starbucks offers a wide range of comfortable seating along with a free public Wi-Fi network. Starbucks is a quick 7-minute walk from school, making it especially convenient for long breaks during the day. That being said, Starbucks is also a great place to get a quick drink to-go, as it offers a simple, impersonal yet polite experience. 

Starbucks is a reliable option because it offers versatility and customizations. Starbucks is always a good fallback for its satisfying predictability; you could walk into any Starbucks in any city and know what you’re going to get.

If you want to support a small local business… 

As the world continues to work through the COVID-19 pandemic, it is especially important to support local businesses. Yes, there is comfort in buying from a large chain, however, following some of the (hopefully last) worst shocks of the pandemic, some small businesses are having a difficult time getting back on their feet. Café Regular du Nord is a quaint cafe tucked right by the corner of Berkeley Place between 7th and 6th Avenue. It offers high-quality beverages with varying levels of caffeine and diverse ingredient options. The cafe’s service is quick and efficient, leaving customers content and satisfied. 

Arguably, appearances don’t matter much when discussing the quality of a cafe’s beverages. However, it is still a breath of fresh air to see some architectural authenticity. Café Regular has unique decorations, consisting of aged mirrors, diverse tile work, chandeliers, etc. Overall, this cafe has an authentic and welcoming design, inside and out. 

If you want an additional baked delicacy with (or without) a beverage…

Cousin John’s Cafe and Bakery is a cozy spot that offers a wide variety of pastries and quality beverages. There is a traditional style that runs through a menu of perfected and reliable classics. On its website, Cousin John’s prides itself on using all-natural ingredients to ensure customer satisfaction.

Cousin John’s is a community favorite not just for its baked delicacies but also for its beverages. A customer favorite is the classic hot chocolate, as it is the perfect drink to boost serotonin and warm your hands on a particularly cold day. 

If you’re in a severe time crunch… 

Right across the street from school, at 176 Lincoln Pl, is Nerd Be Cool Espresso Lab. (frequently referred to as “Nerd”) You have probably seen their branded coffee cups around school, in the hands of students and teachers alike. They offer the classics in addition to fun latte flavors such as lavender and peanut butter. In addition, they offer beverages under the title of “Wellness Lattes,” which are perfect if you want a unique flavor without excessive amounts of sugar. 

Nerd is extremely convenient if you’re in a time crunch, located right across the street, it is the perfect place to run in and grab a quick drink to-go. (That is, if it isn’t too crowded. It’s quite popular in the Berkeley Carroll community)