Many a college student’s life would be unpleasant or downright impossible without coffee. Pour some hot water onto a pile of crushed beans, drink it when it comes out the other side, and suddenly studying seems to come a little more naturally. With a new java purveyor in the neighborhood, Jazzman’s, the time has come to establish which of the major Gate City coffeehouses serves up the best brew. For comparison purposes, I give you the small vanilla latte. Prices include tax.SIXTH PLACE: Carolina Coffee
Roasting Company
[400 State Street (just off North Elm)]

Carolina Coffee is little known to Guilford students with its cross-town location … and that’s a great shame. The attractive, cozy place roasts their own beans (the only GSO coffeehouse that does!), and their beverages can be enjoyed indoors or on their colorful, shady patio.
Atmosphere they’ve definitely got, but the quality of the beverage was sketchy. I’ve always thought that their coffee tasted somewhat scorched, and this one was no exception. Although other factors – sweetness, flavor of milk and syrup, overall foaminess – were fine, they were outweighed by the espresso itself.

Price: $2.86

FIFTH PLACE: Jazzman’s (in The Underground)

Location, location, location. Reactions to Jazzman’s have been mixed, but being on campus gives them a tremendous advantage. As does their punch card – buy five, get the sixth free? You can’t beat that.
Well, I probably could have gotten personal delivery from Juan Valdez faster, but the latte itself wasn’t half bad. The price was reasonable enough, plus the flavor was great. And there’s just no beating it for convenience.
Price: $2.56
FOURTH PLACE: Starbucks
(six Greensboro locations, including Quaker Village)

The McDonald’s of coffeehouses, Starbucks may not offer a mom-and-pop feel, but it does purvey a consistent, quality product. And contrary to popular belief, the service can be quite personal. Many employees and patrons know one another by name at the Quaker Village store.
Not a bad cup. Decent quantity, great coffee flavor. But another one with almost non-existent vanilla. Pricey … but at least predictable.

Price: $2.94

THIRD PLACE: Cup-a-Joe
(411 Tate Street)

Tate Street Coffee may be across the street, but Cup-a-Joe doesn’t exactly live in its shadow. It offers an extensive lunch menu and Internet access in addition to many coffee drinks. And you gotta love that retro furniture.
A very reasonable price got me an enormous beverage – and that was their smallest size. However, there was a little too much milk and not enough coffee for my taste. If I hadn’t seen the vanilla flavoring go in, I might have wondered if the barista had forgotten it. Still, palatable and an unbeatable value.

Price: $2.45

SECOND PLACE: The Green Bean
(341 South Elm Street)

A welcome addition to the Greensboro coffee and social scene, the Green Bean is one of South Elm Street’s newest funky places to hang out. They offer an indie film screening every third Tuesday and serve as a venue for local music artists. If coffee ain’t hardcore enough for ya, the Green Bean has a nice selection of beer and wine.
Wow, great deal for a great latte! The vanilla flavor was discernible but not overpowering. The coffee/milk balance was ideal, with just a touch of foam. Only flaw: almost too sweet.

Price: $2.14

FIRST PLACE: Tate Street Coffee
House
(334 Tate Street)

The grandaddy of the Triad’s coffee shops. A mecca for Greensboro folks of all shapes and sizes, paying a visit to Tate Street Coffee is worth it as much for people watching as for the excellent brew they serve. Take some books, get some brew, and play “Spot the Regular.”
Tate Street Coffee really came through. Perfect milk to coffee ratio and just enough vanilla syrup. Sweet without being sickening, just as a latte should be. Highly recommended.

Price: $2.68

May the caffeine be with you. Here’s hoping I can sleep sometime next week.