College students and caffeine seem to go hand in hand, and Manhattan reflects that idea in its abundance of coffee shops close to the Kansas State campus. The city is home to many locally owned coffee shops, each with its own unique atmosphere.
Arrow Coffee Co., located on the corner of Denison Avenue and Claflin Road, prides itself on serving ethically sourced coffee and made-from-scratch baked goods. In the afternoons and evenings, Arrow also serves alcoholic beverages at its bar. It is a popular spot for coffee dates as well as study sessions.
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Madison Tischhauser, senior in industrial engineering, said Arrow provides a convenient spot to escape from campus and get some work done.
“It has natural light and an overall relaxed vibe,” Tischhauser said.
In addition to the atmosphere, Tischhauser said she also enjoys Arrow’s V360 pour-over coffee.
“Freshly ground beans and a little love make a world of difference,” Tischhauser said.
Another classic Manhattan coffee shop is Radina’s Coffeehouse. With multiple locations both on- and off-campus, it is most students’ go-to for coffee between classes.
Radina’s stands out from other coffee shops not only for its on-campus locations but also for its commitment to supporting local businesses.
Radina’s is a popular study spot for K-State students. Sofie Appel, junior in secondary education and mathematics, said this is because Radina’s offers a homey and comfortable atmosphere, with big tables for studying.
“I love all of the other coffee shops for meeting with my friends, but Radina’s is definitely where I go most to study,” Appel said. “It’s never too busy or loud.”
Public Hall is relatively new to the Manhattan coffee scene, having just opened in September 2018. Located in Aggieville, Public Hall has a cozy, contemporary atmosphere with plenty of tables. It also offers a diverse drink menu and, like Arrow, it serves alcoholic beverages in the afternoons and evenings.
Haden Botkin, junior in educational studies, said he enjoys Public Hall for its welcoming environment. While Botkin is a fan of most of the coffee shops in the area, he said Public Hall is the one where he is most comfortable and able to relax.
For a more extensive menu, Bluestem Bistro is also located in Aggieville. Bluestem prides itself on its fresh culinary specialties and drink menu. Unlike some coffee shops, Bluestem offers a full meal menu, including sandwiches, salads, pizza and even macaroni and cheese.
Aubrey Cole, senior in secondary education and mathematics, is a regular at Bluestem. She said the friendly, welcoming staff and traditional decor create an environment that feels like home.
“At some coffee shops, it’s easy to feel like you don’t fit in with the hipster or preppy vibe,” Cole said. “But at Bluestem, it’s easy to feel at home.”
With so many different local coffee shops, students and community members should be able to find some small part of the Manhattan coffee culture that has an atmosphere they enjoy.
