This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at FSU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

If you’re a college student in Tallahassee, chances are your blood is composed of at least 50% caffeine. Whether you’re grinding out a paper, catching up with friends, or pretending to study while you’re actually doomscrolling, as FSU students, coffee shops are basically our second homes.

After way too many lattes and a few too many late nights, here’s my totally unbiased ranking of the best coffee spots in Tally.

5. Lucky Goat Coffee Co.

Lucky Goat is a Tallahassee classic, and for good reason. Their coffee is roasted right here in town, which means every cup tastes super fresh and is strong enough to power you through even the longest study session. The vibe is sleek and modern, with clean tables, friendly baristas, and enough outlets to keep your devices and your brain charged.

It’s the kind of place you go when you actually need to be productive, not when you’re trying to have a full-on heart-to-heart with your bestie. The downside? It’s not the coziest atmosphere for a long hangout, but as far as quality coffee goes, Lucky Goat is hard to beat.

4. Calvin’s Coffee House

If Lucky Goat is your go-to for laser focus, Calvin’s is your homey hideaway. Nestled on Park Ave, Calvin’s feels like the coffee shop equivalent of a warm hug. It’s complete with comfy chairs and the smell of freshly brewed espresso.

Calvin’s has that laid-back charm that makes it easy to lose track of time; one minute you’re sipping a latte, and the next, your two-hour “quick study break” has turned into an existential chat with a friend. The best part? It’s super close to campus, so you can easily pop in between classes. It’s not flashy or trendy, but it’s got heart, and in a college town, that counts for a lot.

3. Sweet Shop Café & Lounge

Sweet Shop is basically a Tallahassee institution. Located right across from campus, it’s the definition of convenience for FSU students. You can find just about everyone here at some point, whether there are people cramming for midterms, student organization meetings, friend groups catching up over bagels, and, in some cases, I’ve even seen teachers holding their office hours here.

Sweet Shop isn’t just about coffee; it’s also your go-to for breakfast sandwiches, smoothies, and pastries that’ll have you saying, “I’ll diet next week.” It’s not the fanciest spot, and it can get pretty packed during peak hours, but that’s all part of its charm. It’s cozy, a little chaotic, and will get you through your random two-hour gaps between classes.

2. The Frother’s Daughter

Now this isn’t your average café. The Frother’s Daughter, aside from having their coffee shop location, also has a mobile coffee trailer, making it incredibly accessible for FSU students to grab a drink between classes. The menu is creative, the drinks are absolutely delicious, and the staff is always down to chat and recommend something new.

They partner with Lucky Goat for their beans, so you know the coffee is legit. The only “downside” is that there’s not a ton of seating since, you know, it’s a trailer, but that’s kind of the point. Grab your drink, take a walk, and enjoy the Florida sun. Follow their Instagram to see where they’ll pop up next, and you might just find your new favorite latte waiting for you in a parking lot.

1. Black Dog Café

Finally, the crown jewel of Tallahassee coffee culture: Black Dog Café. If you’ve ever been to Lake Ella, you know exactly why this place is first. The view alone is enough to make you stay for hours. Just picture sipping your cappuccino on the porch overlooking the water, with ducks waddling by and the sound of indie music playing softly in the background.

The coffee is strong, the pastries are delicious, and the vibe is unmatched. It’s the kind of place that feels like a mini escape from college stress; it’s a little pocket of calm right in the middle of everything. Whether you’re journaling, people-watching, or pretending to study while soaking in the view, Black Dog Café is the ultimate coffee spot.

Final Sip

Tallahassee has no shortage of great coffee spots, but these five are the ones that really stand out. Lucky Goat keeps you focused, Calvin’s makes you feel at home, Sweet Shop gives you the college experience in a cup, Frother’s keeps things fun and creative, and Black Dog? Well, it’s pure perfection.

So, next time you’re in desperate need of caffeine, or just an excuse to leave your dorm, start checking these off your list for the perfect pick-me-up.

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