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Mekenna Eisenga | Staff Writer

Besides going to the beach or splurging on a shopping spree in Pasadena with what little money we have, coffee shops are as adventurous as it gets with us APU students. Nothing beats an artisan latte on a hip, wooden table to make for a sophisticated social media post. Being a connoisseur of coffee shops myself, I am going to give you a list of 5 coffee shops that have great atmospheres, good coffee and free wifi.

1. Mantra — Most APU students are familiar with this coffee shop that features live music and a fun tiled floor. This coffee shop is not only the most convenient one on this last in terms of proximity to APU, but it also has a welcoming atmosphere and familiar faces, and its long opening hours are perfect for both early birds and night owls. From cranking out that research paper to catching up with an old friend, Mantra is the place to go.

    • Hours: 6 a.m. – 1 a.m. daily
    • Address: 615 N San Gabriel Ave, Azusa, CA 91702

2. Klatch — To all of my Trader Joe’s lovers, you may be familiar with Klatch coffee. This one is more of a hidden gem since it is located in San Dimas, only 3 exits away from Citrus on the 210 freeway. Consistently delicious coffee paired with gracious, hospitable service. While seating may be more limited at Klatch than Mantra, it’s worth the wait. The creme brûlée latte is my personal favorite, but the vast majority of their menu gets great reviews.

    • Hours: Mon-Fri 6 a.m. – 9 p.m. & Sat-Sun 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
    • Address: 806 W Arrow Hwy A, San Dimas, CA 91773

3. Copa Vida — For those of you who are craving authentic coffee from Ethiopia and are dying to get off campus, Copa Vida is your destination. Copa Vida is located in the heart of Pasadena, and—wait for it—it is directly across the street from a parking garage (first two hours are free). There is seemingly an endless amount of seating, a pleasant atmosphere, beautiful architecture and a wide variety of coffee beverages. It is the perfect excuse to go to Pasadena yet also be productive. Friendly warning: you may find it difficult to stop going to Copa Vida once you start.

    • Hours: Mon-Fri 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sat 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sun 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
    • Address: 70 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105

4. Intelligentsia — In need of some strong coffee with a hipster atmosphere in a city? Intelligentsia’s the spot, which is also located in downtown Pasadena. With a loft layout and brick walls, this industrial building is great for both chatting and homework. This coffee shop is a ‘must-try’ for all APU students sometime during your college career.

    • Hours: Sun-Thu 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Fri-Sat 7 a.m. – 12 a.m.
    • Address: 55 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105

5. Stumptown Coffee Roasters — Have you tried the cold brew at Paws ’n Go that comes in those trendy, small, brown bottles? Well, why not take a field trip to go taste their coffee straight from the source? A quick jaunt into Los Angeles is all it takes to usher you into the epicenter of Stumptown Roasters. While this particular shop is probably too far away from APU’s campus to be a convenient homework spot, the chance to visit such an iconic brand in coffee is well worth it. Don’t worry about checking your school assignments off in your planner; instead, check a place off your coffee shop bucket list.

    • Hours: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily
    • Address: 806 S Santa Fe Ave Los Angeles, CA 90021