Downtown Delaware's Coffee Culture

Whether you are searching for the perfect latte, a study oasis, or just a place to catch up

with friends, Delaware’s coffee shops are essential stops for Ohio Wesleyan University

students. While all the local coffee shops serve delicious beverages, students disagree

on which shop is the best.

Recent polling suggests that the most popular coffee shop amongst Ohio Wesleyan

students is Coffeeology. Located on the corner of Winter Street and Sandusky Street,

Coffeeology is always full of students cramming for their next exam as they chat with

friends. A visit to Coffeeology is sure to leave the scents of nutmeg and cedar lingering

in your nose.

When asked what makes Coffeeology their favorite, students emphasized the

atmosphere. “It’s just so cozy and homey. It’s the perfect place to study when I’m feeling

unmotivated,” said Sophomore Norah Hyman.

This sentiment was echoed across campus with students describing the low lights, soft

conversations, and coffee fix as a vital part of their study routines.

Junior Julia Ryan agreed that Coffeeology’s atmosphere sets it apart from other coffee

shops, but said that her favorite thing about the shop is that “they offer student

discounts, which make it way more affordable.”

In addition to a student discount, Coffeeology also allows students to use dining dollars.

This feature may appeal to students who want to take full advantage of the school

dining plans. However, Coffeeology is not the only Delaware coffee shop. Another

student favorite is Fresh Start, also located on Sandusky Street.

Students note that Fresh Start offers many more food options and is usually not as

crowded as Coffeeology.

“I can always find seating, and they take dining dollars,” remarked Junior Alida Askill

when asked what makes Fresh Start unique.

While some students feel that Fresh Start has a less calming atmosphere than

Coffeeology, it is still a popular choice for grabbing coffee before class.

One other notable coffee shop on Sandusky Street is Ciao Cafe. While Ciao Cafe

ranked third in campus popularity, Ciao has many devoted regulars who praise both the

coffee and the atmosphere.

“The coffee isn’t too sweet and the staff are all very nice,” said Sophomore Kylee

Lehman about Ciao Cafe, her favorite coffee shop.

Lehman added that she likes studying at coffee shops and that Ciao Cafe stands out

because she can “sit near the windows in a busy part of the town and watch people and

dogs as they walk by,” remarking that “it helps me be happy studying because I still feel

connected to the outside world and not just the assignment.”

This sense of connection seems to extend to the employees, with a former staff

member commenting that “The best part of working at Ciao was some of the people

[they] met through it.”

Regardless of how you like your coffee or if you prefer to study in loud or quiet

environments, one of Delaware’s coffee shops may just prove to be the perfect place to

write your next novel, meet a new friend, or just enjoy a nice drink.