Land of a Thousand Hills: A Thousand Times Yes for a Latte and coffee!

What I got (try the latte and coffee)

• Hot Coffee with Caramel Syrup (I think) | Drink Rating: 6.5/10

• Honestly on this day I just needed some caffeine, and this pretty large latte did the trick. I think mine had some cinnamon or spices in it, and I was not a fan of that, but that was just a personal preference because it seemed like mixing chai and coffee together. However I’ve also had the Caramello (Caramel and Vanilla) latte from them which is a good, all-rounded choice. Ask for your drink on the sweeter side if that is what you prefer. 

Study Potential Score:

I’ll be honest… I pulled some of the biggest lock-ins of my life here and now going back brings me to those memories haha. All jokes aside though, this is an AMAZING place if you need to get studying or homework done. I don’t know what it is about the wooden furniture, the cozy lighting, the high ceilings, or the music in the space, but this cafe is the kind that makes you WANT to be productive and show u as your best self in the curated space. 

It’s usually not too crowded and you will likely find a seat, but come early in the day so you can confirm your spot for the next couple hours. Don't worry about outlets- there are lots of them under the benches or on the wall, so that’s a big plus. Other than the regular cafe noises (people ordering, the espresso machine, etc) it’s not a particularly loud cafe and I just played some music in my headphones to cancel out the potentially distracting background noise. 

It’s also a great place to go with friends because of the shared “we must lock in” feeling this cafe gives off. Grab a matcha latte and coffee and lock in together!

This location in Midtown is also open till 8pm, so if you have a weekend day open or perhaps an evening after your classes, this is a great place to study. 

I’ve also noticed some coffee chats and catch-up sessions happening here, so if you are looking to network with any peers, professors, industry leaders, or other contacts, check out this cafe for your next locked in conversation over lattes. 

Picture Potential Score: 7.5/10

This cafe looks great in time lapses if you sit in the entrance area, and the lattes are fairly  beautiful (as an iced latte typically is) but nothing too special! The lighting is pretty good and the display of desserts is absolutely mouthwatering, so it can make or a few beautiful still pictures for an Instagram dump or a Pinterest post. The cafe itself is not too expansive, with aesthetic marble or wooden tables and your everyday chair. 

Drink Variety: 7.5/10

Pretty decent drink selection, with all your classic flavors and some cool seasonal ones! When I went in the fall, I noticed some cold brews with interesting cold foam flavors, and even Tiramisu cold foam. I always recommend trying the specialty flavors, because there are just that: drink recipes you won't get again or  you probably won't find at any other cafe. Make sure you beeline to that part of the TV-display menu to make your choice. 

The cafe features lattes, cold brews, teas, etc, with cold foam options, sweetener options and flavors, and of course, milk choices galore. If you are in the area or need a study break, the drink variety is wide enough that you will definitely find a classic favorite or customize it to the season, at least!

Customer Experience: 

I needed more sweetener in my coffee, and the team was happy to add some more simple syrup to my latte at no additional cost, even though usually added sweeteners do cost a few more cents than without. The staff are always down to have a conversation and are very lively and sweet! I love connecting with new people and saying hello to the baristas always leaves me with a smile.

My Review

In conclusion, this is one of my favorite study spots and I feel so at peace and ready to work here. I adore some good ambient lighting and this cafe is just that! I will say it is far from the main campus at GT, but if you live in the Midtown area, it should be too far of a walk. For reference, it is about 15 minutes from Scheller. Come check out the pastries too- you will not be disappointed by the Chocolate Marble Banana Bread, it is LIFE CHANGING how good it is. 

Study Strategy Recommendation:

This cafe is one that switches up its specialty offerings based on the season- and I love that. It keeps things fresh, new, novelty-like. It makes the cafe experience memorable when you get to try something you never thought you would, and end up loving it with your whole heart. So as a student or networking enthusiast, how do you apply this principle into your own life? 

Could you make a spring bucket list or perhaps a fall one when the season approaches? Perhaps you try a new study strategy or visit a new cafe to keep your routine fresh. Think about how you can add novelty into your life and your study routine, because it will help you build a list of experiences to look forward to, just like you look forward to seasonal flavor drops at your favorite cafe. I see this strategy often on Youtube and Pinterest, so I wanted to share with you too! It is also common across Instagram.