Welcome back to Chit-Chat with Carter! Today, I want to talk about the local coffee spots here in Springfield. If you’re like me, it’s likely you’ve wanted coffee in the morning and checked out the nearby Starbucks and 7 Brew, but today I want to introduce some other local shops that have become my favorites.  

As a student, I’ve made a list of coffee shops that have plenty to offer. Whether you’re looking for coffee and a spot to study, catch up with friends, or get your quick coffee fix before your first class, there’s something for you. Let’s dive in!

If you want a place for coffee and study: 

If you’re looking for a place to study, I enjoy going to Potter’s House, Mudhouse, Traveller’s House or Dancing Mule. Each shop’s atmosphere provides the perfect environment. I personally need a more dimly lit environment and comfortable seating at big tables to feel productive, and these places check those boxes. I enjoy Mudhouse the most for studying, because the place feels lively while also creating an environment that allows me to focus. 

In terms of coffee, these places have a great selection of flavors. Especially during fall, I am always getting a pumpkin spice latte, and these local shops do not disappoint. They all also have amazing food, so you can do schoolwork and eat without having to leave. When I study, I really enjoy bagels and cream cheese, and while simple, I also want to mention that Mudhouse has great bagels, as well as other good food, I’m sure.  

As you can probably tell, Mudhouse is one of my favorites, but Potter’s House and Traveller’s are also great because they’re within walking distance of campus, and Dancing Mule is great because of their atmosphere and decorations during the year, so you really can’t go wrong with any of these shops. 

If you’re catching up with friends: 

My top three coffee shops also happen to be my favorite places to catch up with friends. Those three shops are Waypoint Coffee and Cream, El Cafecito, and Cassidy Coffee Co. These places each provide different but worthwhile experiences for you and your friends.  

Though it just opened, Waypoint Coffee and Cream is my favorite from this list. The environment is gaming and anime themed and so is the coffee. I personally recommend getting the “Kairi’s Heart” or “Chihiro’s Despair”. This place provides the perfect atmosphere for hanging out with friends and the staff is so friendly and welcoming. Waypoint Coffee and Cream is a place you should check out. 

El Cafecito is also a wonderful place to check out. This Latin-inspired coffee shop provides a great space to catch up with friends over great drinks and food. When it comes to coffee, I really enjoy their “Horchata Latte.” They also have food that does not disappoint. I only get churros, but many of my friends recommend their other food items as well, like their chilaquiles or big breakfast burrito. Overall, El Cafecito is a place that is worth exploring. 

The last place on this list is Cassidy Coffee Co. What makes this shop unique is that they serve their drinks in cans. Besides that, the place is also very lively with people, bright lights, and music playing. The farm aesthetic is charming and access to the balcony is also what makes this place one of my favorites. When I go to Cassidy Coffee Co., I typically get one of their lotus energy drinks rather than a coffee, but you can’t go wrong with any of their options. While in Springfield, Cassidy Coffee Co. is most certainly worth visiting. 

If you need to grab-and-go: 

If you’re looking for a place to grab coffee quickly that isn’t Starbucks or 7 Brew, I recommend going to Echelon Coffee or Coffee Ethic. When I go, both places typically aren’t super busy, which allows me to place an order and get my coffee within a few minutes. Both places also have simple food items, so if you’re running low on time and in need of coffee and breakfast, both places have options for you.  AND we now have a Coffee Ethic on campus, located in Heitz House!

 Technically, all the places I have mentioned allow you to grab and go, but I selected these two simply because of their speed and selection of items. However, regarding coffee, you really can’t go wrong. I suggest exploring Springfield, checking these places out and coming to your own opinions. Visiting different shops and exploring the city that I’m spending my college years in has brought me so many fun experiences and memories with my friends. I haven’t even mentioned several other coffee shops that exist in Springfield. 

To conclude, there are plenty of options for you to choose from when it comes to coffee in Springfield. This list is not comprehensive, and I have only scratched the surface of what these places have to offer. The only way for you to see what these places have to offer is by visiting them. I hope this article has opened your eyes to one thing that Springfield has to offer and inspires you to explore Springfield. Until next time, GO BEARS! 

~Carter Houdeshell 

Carter Houdeshell is a sophomore marketing major from St. Charles, MO. Carter is the Family Assistant for Family Programs this year! Carter is also a member of the Missouri State PRIDE Color Guard and American Marketing Association. 

Author’s Note: Along with these articles, I want to answer any questions you may have about Missouri State University or the Springfield area. Whether you’re a student or a family member, feel free to email familyassociation@missouristate.edu about topics you would like me to write about or questions you would like me to answer. If you email, you just may be featured in a future article.