Blue Donkey Cafe: center of GT, center of my heart, yummy Atlanta coffee.

What I got at this Atlanta coffee shop

• Iced Original or Iced Vanilla Buzz [WITH NO ICE!] | Drink Rating: 10/10

• I cannot lie, Blue Donkey is my most visited cafe on campus because it is conveniently placed within Crosland Tower (but it is still an Altanta coffee shop), takes Dining Dollars (so no tax) and is the cheapest option of all my cafe options in the area. I also get the most bang for my buck, because the pre-made lattes are already refrigerated and cold so ice is not a necessity. Don't ask for ice, and you will still get a cold drink (and more of it, too). 

• I am also a fan of Blue Donkey because its drinks are pre-made in jugs. They always taste the same and I can always rely on them to be good pick-me-ups without worrying if the flavor will be off, my coffee is too milky, or not sweet enough, etc. 

Study Potential Score: 9.5/10

The Blue donkey cafe area is not my favorite study spot because it is pretty dark and a bit dreary, and many times there are crumbs on the tables because it is a common place to eat bagels, croissants, and other food with other cafe customers. However, the neighboring tables on the Crosland Ground Floor library area are top tier, especially at night time.

The cafe itself is open till 10 pm most weekdays, and this comes in handy when I'm working late night and need to wake up a little bit. I cannot tell you how many times this late night opening has come in handy whether that is for a coffee, an everything bagel, or an almond croissant. I look forward to studying because I know I can use my Dining Dollars there, which is a pretty intelligent marketing strategy they have made, to be honest. 

At nighttime, Crosland Ground’s light fixture on the roof twinkles, and the rest of the lights dim, which creates an amazing ambience that is calm yet productive. If you’re lucky you might find an open study booth, but the long tables and comfy seating is still pretty great. Tons of outlets across the tabletops for all your devices, and an atmosphere of also-locked-in students helps you stay locked-in too (positive peer pressure, if you will). 

Picture Potential Score: 2/10

Unfortunately this is not the place to get super aesthetic pictures. With how locked in you are, you probably will forget your camera exists… the collective slightly-stressed, slightly-chill, very-locked-in mindset kicks in as soon as you take a seat with that cold, refreshing, sweet latte in hand. 

Drink Variety: 5/10

There are not a large number of flavors, with about 6 latte pre-made flavors and your classic coffee shop menu, like cappuccinos or cold brews. You will also find smoothie options, however, but these run out fast especially if you come late into the night. If you like mango, orange, or berries, you are in for a treat! Blue Donkey is the perfect place if you enjoy consistency, and like having a “go to” order that always tastes the same no matter when you come. I imagine that once I graduate this coffee is going to become a nostalgic flavor for me, haha.

Customer Experience 9/10

The baristas are the sweetest people ever. They always greet you with warmth and a smile, and are very kind about any questions you might have or any changes you want to make to your drink (e.g. no ice). I am a huge fan of how the baristas tend to fill up your cup all the way to the top- it’s a small detail that makes me love the cafe even more. 

My Review

Overall, Blue Donkey has pretty great qualities and being right in the middle of GT as a great Altanta coffee shop, I adore it. Studying is a breeze when you have a yummy latte in hand, and the facilities are immaculate. So many outlets, being right next to the GT Info Desk for chargers (if you are a GT Student in  need of a device), and ambient evening lighting makes this a wonderful spot to visit in ATL, even if you are not a GT student! 

Study Strategy Recommendation:

The consistency of this coffee is reminiscent of the consistency we need in our studies. I see you cramming before your Biochem or Accounting exam… And I also see you stressing as you do it. Believe me, I have been in your exact situation, cramming 4 units of content in 2 days, taking non-stop textbook notes to try and comprehend everything. But remember, just like overly-strong coffee overpowering your tastebuds and might make you grimace, overloading information makes your brain hurt!

It takes more planning, yes, but staying consistent with your study strategies, textbook note-taking, and office hour attendance helps you retain knowledge far more smoothly than a panic-cram sesh. You like consistent lattes. Do the same with your study schedule.