Student-Run Coffee Shops
About Student-Run Coffee Shops
The Student Centers currently oversees four student-run coffee shops located across the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus. Students oversee the day-to-day operations of the shops, including hiring, scheduling, ordering of inventory, stocking and serving patrons.
Each of these student employment opportunities within the coffee shops exists for the same purpose: to provide campus employment but also skill development and workplace experience for students.
The Program Manager for Student Retail is the advisor to each shop, working closely with student managers to stay compliant with University of Chicago, municipal, state, and federal rules, regulations and standards.
With the assistance of this professional staff member, student managers collaborate with various University of Chicago departments including the Bursar’s Office, UChicago Dining, and Student Employment. The students are challenged to expand their business practices and ethics by working on the development of their financial, marketing, and decision-making skills.
Through the management of the Student-Run Coffee Shop Program, the Student Centers offer students the opportunity to create cultural hubs while managing their professional, social, and artistic lives in a healthy working environment.
All of the student-run coffee shops offer specialty coffee from Chicago-local Metropolis Coffee and daily deliveries of fresh pastries from West Town Bakery, Troubadour Bakery, and Somethin’ Sweet Donuts.
Interested in collaborating with the Student Run Coffee Shops? Whether you are looking to hold an event at one of the shops, collaborate on a project, or advertise within the shops please learn more about the approvals process here.
Cobb Coffee Shop
Located in the basement of the largest lecture hall on campus, Cobb is a convenient way to kill an hour between classes or dash in and out for a quick cup of coffee. Vinyl records and cheap breakfast make this a desirable place to be.
Winter Hours
Monday-Friday: 9:00am-4:00pm
Saturday-Sunday: CLOSED
Food and Drinks
Cheapest coffee on campus, loose-leaf tea, wide and rotating selection bottled sodas, teas and other drinks. Fresh-delivered baked goods each morning. Hot and cold lunch options from Hyde Park restaurants including Rajun Cajun, The Snail, De Rice, and others.
Ex Libris Cafe
Located on the first floor of the Regenstein Library, eX Libris is an ideal place to enjoy a drink, snack, or just a brief respite from your relentless workload without having to trek too far from the bookstacks. Check out eX Libris on Facebook, and Instagram.
Winter Hours
Monday-Thursday: 9:00am – 10:30pm
Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday:11:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am – 10:30pm
Food & Drinks
An array of hot and cold sandwiches, salads and sushi, with daily deliveries from The Sit Down. Fresh-delivered baked goods each morning. Espresso drinks and snacks for your late-night caffeine and sugar fix.
Hallowed Grounds
Located on the 2nd floor of the Reynolds Club in the Student Advising Center. Carved, dark-wood ceiling and walls and a marble-topped bar with barstools create a great environment to grab a coffee to stay for a little while, meet with your RSO advisor over coffee, or pick up a drink on your way on- or off-campus. Check out Hallowed Grounds on Facebook and Instagram.
Winter Hours
Monday-Thursday: 9:00am – 9:00pm
Friday: 9:00am – 8:00pm
Saturday: 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Sunday: 11:30am – 9:00pm
Food & Drinks
Espresso, coffee, tea, and fresh-delivered baked goods each morning.
Harper Cafe
Located on the 3rd floor of Harper Memorial Library right next to one of the most beautiful study spaces on campus. Harper Café attracts both undergraduates and graduate students due to its long hours and convenient location. Great place to grab a bite and take a study break with a friend. Check out Harper Cafe on Facebook and Instagram.
Winter Hours
Monday-Thursday: 9:00am – 10:00pm
Friday: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Saturday: CLOSED
Sunday: 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Food and Drinks
Espresso drinks, loose-leaf tea, bottled sodas and other drinks. Fresh-delivered baked goods each morning. Lunch options include The Snail, Rajun Cajun and others.