Publika Tea & Coffee Union

One of the many coffeehouses in Dinkytown—check it out if you haven’t been there yet! They’re half local, half global serving products from Tea Source, Uptown-based Dogwood Coffee, and Poor Boy Candies made in Saint Paul.




The other side of their operation is Chatime, specializing in a well-loved international treat: bubble tea. They also have a selection of baked goods so you can satisfy your sweet tooth while you study or chat. Another plus: They have a couple of nice big tables, making for a good group meeting spot if you’re sick of the library.





Website: Publika Tea & Coffee Union

Top 5 tips

1. Offers coffee/tea, baked goods

2. Best for: studying, meeting a friend, meeting a group

3. Wifi access

4. Walking distance from campus

5. Bubble tea!

Bordertown

Tucked between frat row and 4th street this is the coffee place for you when you need to get away and study on a week night.  The couches are comfy and the rooms are cozy, kick back and break out the biology flashcards.  Bordertown serves coffee from independent farmers around the globe and yummy local bakery goods.  If you want a break from the studying, peak into one of the rooms and you may find the photo album of the transformation from abandoned frat shop to successful coffee shop.  It you want a sugar and caffeine high try the Aztec Mocha, it will mess you up.

Top Five Tips
- In a old frat house
- Fresh muffins
- Good for study groups
- Excellent music (If you don't mind acoustic guitar)
- Not open on the weekends!

Bordertown

Wilde Roast Cafe

Wanna a little quirk in your life?  Wilde Roast Cafe has a LOT to offer in this department.  The atmosphere is Oscar Wilde centric (do you remember him from high school english class- The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest?) and timelessly comfortable with plush maroon booths and brass embellishments.  Get one of your nicer shirt or summer dress and bring your significant other for a flavorful dinner amongst young professionals meeting up after work for happy hour (4-6pm and 9pm to close).  Try the crab cake salad and pair it with one of the many options from the bar.  End the night with gelato that will knock your socks off.

Top Five Tips
- Date night- 25% off Sunday - Thursday nights 5:30 to close (see website for details)
- In a romantic part of town (St. Anthony neighborhood)
- Try the brunch
- Outdoor seating
- Gelato!

Wild Roast Cafe

Hard Times Cafe

If I had to think of one word to encompass the aurora that makes Hard Times Cafe a staple in the restaurant scene it would be: comfort.  This coop restaurant has closed, remodeled, and opened multiple times this cafe truly earned it's name.   This biscuits and gravy eatery is perfect for when a Minnesota winter is just too much.  The atmosphere is a combination of grunge and charming.  Because this is a revolutionary establishment so OF COURSE they only take cash so don't expect to pay with credit card for your Helter Skelter or Greek Salad.  If you want to try a vegan meal just for a change of pace this is where you will want to go.  After your meal here maybe that tofu option won't look to bad to you in the future.

Top Five Tips
- Hipster, Hippie, Revolutionaries welcome
- CASH ONLY
- Internet ALWAYS works-Study Spot!
- Breakfast all day
- Vegan and vegetarian affair

Wally's Falafel

Shawirma, gyros, falafel, hummus and so much more, Wally's will indubitably fulfill all of your Middle
Eastern and Mediterranean hankerings.  The spicy falafel is punchy and the salads are crisp there is literally nothing on this menu that won't make your taste buds go ga-ga.  The friendly prices welcome you in but if you have time to spare to study or want something in your stomach before a night of partying this is the place to be.  So grab a hot tea and cold hummus and start the party in your stomach.

Top Five Tips
- Agreeable hours: 11am to 11pm EVERYDAY
- Come here before you go out
- They treat student's nicely (the owners son goes to the U)
- Carry out some food and bring it to a party
- The bathrooms are clean

Wally's Falafel

Afro Deli

A West Bank gem, where this site lacks in square footage for seating makes up in leaps and bounds in quality and thrifty food.  Serving African, Mediterranean, and American food you can get a mix of cuisines like a terrific Afro Asian Chicken Suqarr (tasty chicken breast with rice) with a side of fries!  The delicacies are easy on the wallet and the menu hits the mark on those days you crave something different from your turkey sandwich or hummus platter (why are you carrying around a platter of humus?).  My favorite is the veggie or chicken fantastic.  It is a huge portion of rice and veggies and chicken with a crazy great sauce.  Don't forget the baklava!

Top Five Tips
- close to West Bank
- for when you are in a rush (to-go options)
- Afro, Mediterranean, American cuisine
- outdoor seating
- colorful atmosphere and food

Afro Deli Website

Obento-Ya

Located in the SE Como neighborhood is this little gem of a bistro. Obento-Ya is primarily known for their wide variety of delicious and artfully presented sushi (including a vegan roll!), which are all fantastic for sharing. Even if you’re not a big fan of sushi, there’s plenty more to choose from. The izayaki, or small plates, are pretty diverse and make great appetizers. As for larger entrees, there are many bento lunches and noodle dishes to enjoy. The drink list is pretty extensive, as well, including an ample selection of sake!

Inside the bistro, the attractive décor and cool music bring together a rather casual atmosphere that will make your dining experience even more memorable. Eat indoors at a table or the sushi bar, or take a seat in the lovely outdoor patio lounge. No matter your tastes or the size of your party, you’re guaranteed to have a wonderful meal that will make you come back time and time again.

Top Five Tips

-Wide range of food and portion sizes

-Easy for sharing

-Great for groups with multiple different tastes

-Outdoor Seating

-Great for a date

Obento-Ya Website