Espresso Art Cafe

Everything you'd expect in an arty coffee/cocktail bar combo in a college town. Atmospheric lighting and decor with an eclectic blend of coffee and tea drinks with the bar in the back. Staff were very friendly although the service was a little chaotic. Quarters also seemed a little tight indoors. Enjoyed my rooibos tea for our stroll through Main Gate Square.

The cafe serves up some of the best coffee in town, and when I used to smoke, it was the best hookah. But these days, my focus is on the bar in the back.

Handmade by Kellner Brown, it's the only speakeasy style bar within a rock throw from the university. I wrote an article about the place for Daily Wildcat over a decade ago, and it's still my place for the most bangin' cocktail options on University Boulevard in Main Gate Square. Instead of the typical bar options, they offer high-end beer, wine, and spirits. The personal touch to the wood and design in the place are worth asking the staff about.

Danny runs a great place, and some of the crew have been there over 10 years. You can't find a better place to be a regular. They'll remember your drink preferences, your face, and your cat's name.

My first Mexican Chili Mocha 😋 It's still a chilly 64 degrees in February
This hit the spot..

Espresso Art Cafe is unique

Talented people from all over the world. Young and old gather here to enjoy themselves. Artists, musicians, chess players, professionals, intellectuals... they all gather here. There's no place like it in a thousand miles. If that building could tell stories, they would make Dostoevsky blush.

Ok so, I was blown away when I walked into Espresso Art after not visiting in 10+ years to find out that they added a BAR in the back!!! OMG, this was my idea, when I basically lived in that building throughout college. I am so glad that they did this and the bartender that was working was awesome, the day I visited! It was so nice getting to enjoy some time with my friends and a hookah, or 3.... yes we each got our own. So many memories it was a wonderful time!

I’ve been coming here for 2yrs here and there. I come here to study and idc if it gets loud at night on certain days because I wear headphones anyway and can’t hear them. But I love the ambience because it reminds me of NYC 😭 I’ve come here a few times with other people as well for hangouts and to play chess as well. Friendly workers always!

It's a nice place with a very good location, but the service is bad when it comes to Hookah. They always have new staff mostly kids who have no knowledge or training, you wait for your hookah for at least an hour, then they bring it without coals and you wait another hour for coals. They don't have coals ready and when you asked them, they will say it's coming out soon and then comes and say they are closing soon.

Definitely one of my favorite places to get a cold tea. They have a lot of drink options and a really good crowd in the evening. Lots of live entertainment; Not to bed when school is out but when in session it gets packed. Definitely one of the few coffee and tea houses that stays open super late.

Relaxed, artsy café with a nice outdoor seating area

Honestly the best Hookah I’ve ever been in, wonderful employees, beautiful vibes