How to survive in Groningen
Where to find the best coffee
Mahalo
With its lovely terrace and first floor windows overlooking the Noorderplantsoen, Mahalo is a great place to hang out and enjoy the birdsong, pet a dog, and bask in the warmth of the Indian summer. It’s a short walk from the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences and a slightly longer one from the Faculty of Arts, but it’s a great place to get a cup of coffee on your break. Everything Mahalo sells is organic, plant-based, and homemade: ideal if you care about the environment and sustainability.
Food Matterz
Food Matterz opened its door in the Ebbingestraat and now has a second branch at the Vismarkt, in the Nelson Schoenen building. The lunch café mainly buys local products, like the artisanal peanut butter from the Pindakaaswinkel. The quality of their products is reflected in their coffee. That does mean, however, that it’s a little more expensive, which might scare off students with little disposable income.
Black & Bloom
This is a popular hotspot among students for its good quality affordable coffee. Black & Bloom also sets itself apart with its unique drinks, like a Malteser Latte, which you won’t find anywhere else in the city. There’s one drawback to the place, though: laptops aren’t allowed. That means you can’t study and fuel up at the same time.
Coffee Company
This is the ideal place to study and caffeinate at the same time. It’s the perfect place to sit down with your laptop, and it’s no wonder that Coffee Company is beloved among students. However, it’s recently gained some competition in the Forum, which also offers a great combination of coffee and comfort. Nevertheless, Coffee Company is a popular spot among hard-working students who don’t want to interrupt their studying for a minute but still need their shot of coffee.
Favolosa
In the Herestraat, nestled between shops and the little alleyway to the Vismarkt, is Favolosa, a small, ancient-looking coffeehouse. The front window acts like an inviting showcase, affording a glimpse inside. Favolosa even offers barista workshops, so you can learn to make your own coffee with freshly ground beans. One drawback: while Favolosa has two floors, it’s still pretty small inside, so it might not be a great place to frequent with your study buddies if you’re still trying to socially distance.
Mr. Mofongo
Mofongo employs a prize-winning barista, so the coffee must be good. The bar is mainly known for its cocktails though, so while it’s conveniently located next to the UB, it might be a good idea to finish studying for the day before you go there. You might never leave.