As the spring semester kicks off, students across campus are on the hunt for spots where they can take a sip, grab a light bite and lock in for a productive study session.

Here’s a list of cafés near UTEP that have both an eclectic menu and are homework friendly. Coffee shops are listed in alphabetical order.

After Coffee RE

After Coffee RE is a stylish and modern café that attracts students looking for a productive, yet social environment, and are known for unique drink options like their Matcha Soda, a bubbly infusion of the earthy matcha taste and lemon-lime flavor of Sprite, enhanced with yuzu – a Japanese citrus.

And more experimental takes on classic drinks like their Cold Brew Float: cold foam resting atop a mix of cold brew and root beer. About a seven-minute drive from UTEP, this café is perfect for studying while enjoying a creative atmosphere.

810 Texas Ave. 

Casa Kin

On the edge of downtown El Paso, Casa Kin is a coffee shop with a Tulum-inspired ambience. Casa Kin’s menu includes their classic Matcha Lemonade and specialty Cherry Vanilla flavored matcha or lattes, among traditional drinks like the americano and flat white espressos.

With a mix of coffee, teas and light snack options, the cafe also features a large garage style space out back showcasing vintage cars. Casa Kin hosts a variety of car shows and social clubs throughout the year, making it a spot where students can both study and socialize.

400 W Overland Ave.

District Coffee Co. 

A brisk two mile walk from UTEP’s campus will lead a coffee lover to District Coffee Co. It is known to be a spot for students who would like a “relaxed coffeehouse” environment, as described by Visit El Paso.

The café’s menu options include classic flavors like chai lattes and cappuccinos, while also having their specialty menu options with drinks like their Coconut Matcha Latte and their Italian Soda ice blend. District Coffee Co. is open seven days a week, welcoming students to have study sessions, meetings or just a quick recharge.

Near UTEP: 222 Texas Ave. Multiple locations.  

The House Coffee Shop

This late-night coffee shop brings middle eastern flavors to El Paso, using authentic flavors like the Al-Kbous Tea brand, known for its smoky taste. The House Coffee Shop is located just below the Electric City Apartments, within the heart of downtown.

Pistachio Lattes, Yemeni Lattes and strawberry lemonade refreshers give El Pasoans a wide selection of flavors, whether they’re craving more bitter or sweet notes.

Sunday through Monday, the shop coffee closes at 11 p.m., while on Friday and Saturday the coffee shop is up until 1 a.m.

218 E Mills Ave.

Kinley’s House Coffee & Tea

About a four-minute walk from UTEP’s campus lies Kinley’s House Coffee & Tea, a coffee shop known for its wide selection of teas, coffee and light bites. Traditional drink options are available like cappuccinos and americanos, but bold latte flavors also graze the menu like their Oreo Frappe. The expansive menu also includes frozen yogurt, milk teas and smoothies.

Students looking to pair their food menu item alongside a drink, can look forward to the café’s all day happy hour, where any sandwich, bagel, wrap and more can be combined with chips or a side salad, plus a free shaken iced tea.

2231 N Mesa St.

Moca House Cafe

While Kinley’s and 787 are both staples near UTEP, there is also Moca House Cafe, a café that also offers Yemeni-style coffee and treats.

Moca House’s menu includes Arabic specialty coffee and teas like Qahwah – a Yemeni drink spiced with cardamom, saffron and cloves, or Adeni Chai, which fuses black tea with evaporated milk, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon and sugar.

The café’s “most loved drink” is their Biscoff Latte, a drink made with spiced, cookie butter flavoring merged with espresso and foamed milk. It is a perfect combo for anyone with a sweet tooth. The comfortable seating and lowkey ambiance make Moca House a solid choice for both solo studying and working in groups. 

5901 N Mesa St. 

787 Coffee

With 6 locations across El Paso, 787 Coffee is a cafe that embraces its Puerto Rican roots with both its menu and name – a call back to Puerto Rico’s area code, 787. 

Known for its culturally rich menu and warm atmosphere, this string of cafés offers traditional Puerto Rican flavors, including their Coquito Latte, a sweet blend of coconut, cinnamon, nutmeg and a double shot of espresso. Or their Mazapán Latte, where the Mexican peanut candy takes new form in a blend of nutty flavor, a double shot of espresso and steamed milk, while still carrying classic options like pour-overs (drip coffee) and cold brews.

Near UTEP: 2419 N Stanton St. Multiple locations.

Diego Hernandez is a writer and may be reached at [email protected].