Best Local Coffee Shop: Cool Beans Coffee Co.

Best Local Coffee Shop

Cool Beans Coffee Co.

Faith Worrell

Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.–midnight; Saturday–Sunday: 9 a.m.–midnight

Across Sumter Street from the Horseshoe

$ Google Money Rating

Located across the street from the Horseshoe and providing a quiet space, Cool Beans Coffee Company is the perfect study spot for students on campus.

If you can’t seem to focus in a more busy place like Russell House or Thomas Cooper Library, Cool Beans is by far a quieter and slower environment.

They also serve many healthy food and drink options to push you through your study session. Cool Beans has established itself in Columbia as more than just a coffee shop since their menu includes salads, fruit, breakfast items, homemade cookies, cinnamon rolls, muffins, soups, wraps, sandwiches and paninis. The Cool Beans menu and brand could be described as a localized version of a combination of Starbucks and Panera.

The menu is affordable for students, as all of their menu items are $11 or less. They offer a special for $9, which includes your choice of any sandwich, wrap or panini and Sun Chips, garden pasta, side salad or fruit. The meal also includes tea or coffee, and a pickle. Coffee is, of course, the standard fare with both hot and cold beverages. Prices range from $1.50 for a plain bagel to $10.50 for a soup, sandwich or panini combination.

The environment is friendly and welcoming for students or Columbia residents and the free WiFi is perfect for anyone looking to get work done. The atmosphere is conducive to study, conversation and filled bellies, securing the spot of Best Local Coffee Shop as voted by our audience.

Shreyas Saboo / Garnet Media Group