As we say goodbye to fall and slowly welcome winter, spending the morning in a cozy coffee shop is the perfect end-of-autumn activity. Whether you’re looking for a cheap cup of joe, a delightful pastry, or the perfect study vibe, this compilation of local coffee shops and cafes is sure to have something for you! The following establishments are within walking distance – 20 minutes or less – from Champlain’s campus, making them ideal getaways. The shops are ranked by the following categories: best prices, best for meeting up with friends, best ambiance for studying, and best pastries and food.
Best Prices
Great Harvest Bread Co.
Distance From Campus: 1.2 miles (18 minutes)
A personal favorite of mine, this bakery serves freshly baked bread and pastries daily. Among its many offerings are Columbia cold brew coffee, delectable sandwiches made with high-quality ingredients – such as their hand-milled flour – and allergen-friendly baked goods. The prices are fairly reasonable, with a standard latte priced at $4, pastries between $3.50 and $6, and sandwiches ranging from $10 to $16. Located on Pine Street, this spot is an easy downhill walk from campus.
Kru Coffee Collective
Distance From Campus: 1 mile (15 minutes)
At the very end of Church Street, this funky coffee shop is actually part of a larger chain with multiple locations across the East Coast. Here, you’ll find funky decor, electric music, and beautiful colonial-style architecture decorated with a modern twist. Their main “claim to fame” is the in-house made apple cider donuts for only $1 each on Fridays. (normally $1.90 each)
Speeder & Earl’s Coffee
Distance From Campus: 1.2 miles (18 minutes)
A true icon of Burlington, this modest cafe has stood the test of time and is still one of the most popular spots in the area to grab a quick cup of caffeine. Brewing gourmet coffee for over 20 years, this well-established coffee house offers lattes starting at $3.25, and its signature breakfast dish, the “Waffleberry,” starting at $6.50, is delectable. This retro spot is an affordable place to grab a drink for a casual meet up with friends.
Best for Meeting Up With Friends
August First Bakery, Cafe & Coffee Shop
Distance From Campus: 0.9 miles (17 minutes)
This upscale bakery and cafe has a bohemian interior with plenty of local art covering the walls and a rolling garage door that opens up to sidewalk seating in the warmer months. They serve coffee, baked goods, and an assortment of breakfast and lunch items, including sandwiches, salads, and grain bowls. Although the prices are a little steep – sandwiches being around $15 – you are definitely paying for quality and will not be disappointed. This is a great spot to meet up with friends because of the casual ambiance and bistro-style seating. It should be noted that August First has a laptop-free policy! The intention behind this is to create a space where people can connect with one another without screens in an authentic way. Make sure to try their famous maple bun with house-made cinnamon butter!
Brio Coffeeworks
Distance From Campus: 0.7 miles (15 minutes)
Small but vibrant, this colorful coffee roaster has a small menu (specializing in their own canned cold brew coffee) but has plenty of seating options. Connected to an adjacent bar, the space is full of plants, mood lighting, and alternative seating that invites meaningful conversation.
The Cosmic Grind Coffee Shop
Distance From Campus: 0.8 miles (15 minutes)
A student favorite, this funky shop is known for its disco music, edgy decor, and blacklight atmosphere. This spot is located in the heart of downtown on Church Street, and is a popular place to vibe with friends. The prices are moderate, and they are a pet-friendly establishment. Discounts are offered by showing your student ID card!
Best Ambiance For Studying
Kestrel Coffee Roasters
Distance From Campus: 0.8 miles (15 minutes)
While it may appear to be an artist’s loft, Kestrel Coffee Roasters does indeed serve coffee – and delicious coffee at that. I recommend their cold brew coffee, priced at $4.50 for a 16 ounce cup. The large space has many tables overlooking the street with floor-to-ceiling windows, perfect for studying. Located at the bottom of Main Street, the atmosphere is quiet, calm, and typically not super busy. This is especially good for deep focus or collaborative group projects given the open layout of the space.
Vivid Coffee Roasters
Distance From Campus: 0.9 miles (16 minutes)
Known for its especially flavorful and rich coffee blends, this aesthetically pleasing coffee shop offers beautiful lattes – complete with leaf art – breakfast sandwiches, and other healthy to-go options. If you have time to stay, their wide array of tables, couches, and mid-century modern chairs, surrounded by plants and warm lighting, creates the perfect atmosphere for studying.
Muddy Waters
Distance From Campus: 0.6 miles (14 minutes)
A particularly short walk from campus, head to Muddy Waters if you’re looking for a rustic and cozy cabin ambiance. The building’s wooden exterior and interior give it a homey feel, along with its brick accent walls and moody lighting. Perfect for inexpensive drinks, they serve a wide variety of teas and coffees starting at just $1.75 for in-house brewed coffee. Grab your flannel and get ready for a cozy morning spent catching up on work.
Best Pastries & Food
Black Cap Coffee & Bakery
Distance From Campus: 0.9 miles (16 minutes)
A local favorite year after year, Black Cap is renowned for their delectable pastries, which rotate frequently to showcase seasonal treats. Along with items for those with a sweet tooth, a wide selection of sandwiches, breakfast burritos, and savory treats are also available. Perfect for a midday brunch or afternoon pick-me-up, it’s not uncommon to find this local cafe packed with students.
Leunig’s Petit Bijou
Distance From Campus: 0.8 miles (15 minutes)
You’ll rarely pass by this European-style coffee stand and pop-up bakery without seeing a small cluster of people mingling at the tables in front. Leunig’s Petit Bijou offers a modest selection of freshly baked pastries, smoothies, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee to go. Additionally, many of their ingredients are locally sourced, and they usually offer some vegan options for baked goods.
Belleville Bakery
Distance From Campus: 0.7 miles (15 minutes)
This award-winning bakery serves up scrumptious pastries, along with sandwiches and espressos. Locally owned and operated, Belleville Bakery is the place to go when you want to treat yourself to something special. Although they are not a “coffee house” in the traditional sense of the word, a muffin, scone, or slice of cake pairs perfectly with a strong shot of espresso. It’s worth noting the store hours, as they are only open Thursday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. Just the right amount of time for a midday moment of bliss.
Whatever you may be looking for in your coffee experience, Burlington is sure to have something for you! Again, the locations listed above are all less than a 20-minute walk from Champlain College campus and are only a glimpse into all of the delightful cafes this city has to offer. Wishing you a pleasant fall and happy sipping!
Note ~ walking times differ depending on terrain (i.e., hilly or flat) regardless of distance.
