College students are known for being sleep deprived. Hence, the large number of coffee shops on and around campus. Starbucks is easy and reliable, but variety is the spice of life. Norman certainly has a variety of coffee shops.
Aubrey McNeil is well versed in the art of exploring coffee shops. She came to OU from the Tulsa area. Back home, trying new coffee shops was a weekly pastime.
“I have this friend named Ari. She was already a coffee addict, and I wasn’t yet. So that was our one thing to do every week.”
Here in Norman, Aubrey has already become a regular at several of the coffeehouses that surround OU.
“I came to campus hoping only to drink coffee once a week or twice a week. During Camp Crimson, we ended up staying up til one o’clock or two o’clock every day, and coffee was the only thing that could help me function the next day. Now I drink coffee once a day. I hope to never be more than once a day. If I’m desperate I get a double shot of espresso.”
We love caffeine.
Today Aubrey visited Not Your Average Joe for the first time, and she agreed to share her experience for this blog’s first Coffee Shop Review.
Though the coffee shop is not even a block away from the dorms, it’s tucked away just enough to feel like a hidden gem. From what she’d heard, Aubrey knew she could expect a great atmosphere – one of the most important parts of the coffee shop experience. She was not disappointed.
The kindness of the employees was one highlight of the experience.
“I came in here this morning, and we just started talking about random stuff.” Aubrey told me. It is important to her to find a spot that feels welcoming and comfortable.
“Since we’re not at home, it’s good to find any place that feels homey”
The music and the decor helped to make the experience, too. The quiet acoustic songs made it feel like a “feel good movie”. The walls, chairs, and light fixtures were all painted cheerful primary colors.
“i think the colors add to the energy. This is somewhere i might go when I’m really tired. It just seems like an energizing place.”
What more could you ask for?
Of course, the most important part of a coffee shop is the coffee.
“I got a Turtle Frappuccino,” Aubrey reported. Chocolate, caramel, and hazelnut syrups, an almond milk substitute, and homemade whipped cream on top. The perfect treat. To complete the perfection, the cup was decorated with a friendly doodle. Aubrey smiled as she showed it off.
“I love it when they write cute little notes on my cup. It makes my day.”
The menu includes all the classic drinks, as well as unique ones like an horchata latte made with rice milk and cinnamon. The “Drink that Must Not be Named” even contains magic, according to the menu. You can also order everything from smoothies to baked goods to sandwiches to ice cream.
Aubrey is certain she’ll be back.
“I’ll probably try a fall special…I love seasonal drinks.”
And there will certainly be more Coffee Shop Reviews to come!