As News Editor at The Student, I’m frequently on the go and often asked what I do to keep the energy up. The secret is coffee. I’m spotted in the union almost every morning with Dunkin’ in hand and always down to try a local coffee place with friends when I’m not doing something. Here’s some of my favorite off-campus spots to grab a cup o’ joe! Let’s hear your recommendations on socials @thespfldstudent
1. M&M Cafe and Market, 786 Enfield St, Enfield, CT
I had just tried this coffee place with our Features Editor, Liam Shannon, over the weekend while gearing up for some Halloween fun. I saw M&M Cafe and Market on a TikTok and it looked good enough to be worth a try. Turns out, it’s easily the best near campus for its price and quality. A small, flavored latte cost me just four dollars, and was honestly a regular size. Even better, there’s a decent food selection and the establishment doubles as an international market makes for a quirky place with unique selections and great coffee. My only complaint? Their entire website was made with AI.
2. Socialite Coffee Bar, 1516 Allen St, Springfield, MA
The one everyone hails. I can confirm it’s worth the hype. They serve Onyx Coffee out of Arkansas, this is the go to in the area for coffee enthusiasts. In addition to the killer coffee, Socialite has some fantastic sandwiches and snacks. What I’m recommending is their chicken avocado and caprese sandwich and a french toast latte to go with it. Another added bonus is that the pastries are delicious!
3. The Apple Place, 540 Somers Rd #83, East Longmeadow, MA
Although The Apple Place isn’t necessarily your traditional coffee shop, I’ve enjoyed stopping by their bakery and farmstand for a fall treat. Plus, there’s animals, ice cream and a traditional red barn. What’s not to love? It’s been a family business in the area since 1971 and they’re open from April until Thanksgiving. That means you only have a few weeks left to visit this lovely bite of fall fun! Something interesting to try — look into adding ice cream into your coffee to make a cold brew float. I know New England takes iced coffee seriously, but this one’s on a whole different level of iced.
4. The Sweet Boutique, 33 Harkness Ave B2, East Longmeadow, MA
I discovered The Sweet Boutique after a positive review on another student’s Instagram story. Conveniently located on my way home towards Connecticut and just about ten minutes from campus, I was eager to gear up for the drive with a coffee. I have to say — it’s excellent. They have fantastic, regularly changing flavors that make for some great specialty drinks, not just coffee. Plus, the staff there are friendly, welcoming and up to date on the latest trends. Their cups are fun and have cute designs on them, but I find them to be a little small for the price of coffee. If you have the extra cash to spend, I’m happy to encourage you to go support a small local coffee shop. The Sweet Boutique will definitely give you something unique.
5. Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters, 60 Shaker Rd, East Longmeadow, MA
In addition to Shelburne Falls’ fantastic coffee made locally and distributed at multiple locations across Western Mass, they’ve also got an abundant selection of pastries and sandwiches to go with your drink of choice. My personal favorite is the iced maple bonfire latte — the apple wood smoked sea salt on top really elevates the drinks’ fall flavors! You’ll just have to brave the East Longmeadow rotary to get there.
(Photo courtesy of The Sweet Boutique/Instagram)