Hannah Clayman
Equinox Staff
With college comes early morning classes, late night study sessions, and exams, which is why, for so many, caffeine has gained its rightful position atop our food pyramid. While the Keene State College community has provided its students with ample coffee supplies, both in the dining commons and at Bean and Bagel in the student center, sometimes it’s nice to take a stroll down Main Street and check out some of the local shops the town has to offer.
All come packed full with caffeine supplies enough to ward off sleep from any wary student, and at the same time provide a fun atmosphere for students to meet the members of the community they live in and, here’s the point for the win: save some money! Now, in mapping out a plan of attack on how to best approach the many different coffee shops in downtown, I’d like to offer an idea of what each has to offer, all uniquely delicious in their own way, to hopefully aid KSC students to see the benefits of living in such a community as we have here in Keene.
In heading to Main Street from campus, the first coffee and bagel shop one will run into is The Works, located on the corner of Main Street and Eagle Court. Though it is not the only Works store New England has to offer (The Works has five other locations spread across New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont), it is a bakery which prides itself on serving fresh and local ingredients to its customers. That includes the coffee. Iced coffees and hot coffees are served year-round, and for the student aiming to pinch pennies, refills of 24 ounces or less are only $1.00.
While The Works is a bakery for all ages, “A large portion of our business is students,” Jeff Kolter, a member of The Works staff since 2008 and shift manager for the past year, said.
With fresh-baked bagels and yummy house-made cream cheese to accompany that inexpensive cup of coffee, it’s no wonder students keep coming back for more.
As we continue down Main Street, the next coffee shop one arrives at is Brewbakers, a unique shop tucked in next to the Colonial Theater of Keene. Stepping up the worn iron steps and through the front door, one can’t help but be impressed with the coffee and snack selection that Brewbakers has to offer.
Offering both iced and hot coffee options, as well as many other specialty beverages, Brewbakers is a “comfortable atmosphere to do work,” Lindsay Houlihan, a member of the Brewbakers staff since her freshman year, said.
“It’s a great place to grow up, and meet people,” Houlihan said. It also sounds like the $1.00 coffee refills only help in bringing members of the community in, and the comfortable surroundings make it a great place to plug in your laptop and stay a while. With other great deals, like coffee cards that can add up to a free coffee a week, Brewbakers is a coffee shop that no college student should pass by without stopping in.
Last, but certainly not least, Prime Roast coffee is a local coffee roasting company that delivers only the freshest, tastiest coffee to its customers.
Though the farthest from Keene’s campus, it is certainly worth it for those who appreciate a yummy coffee, packed with a punch of flavor. For Casey Bernier, a former KSC student and current employee of Prime Roast, the atmosphere and coffee-roasting business has become a fun-filled career.
“Working in a coffee shop is the best job I have ever had. It is a great way to get acquainted and involved with Keene’s community,” Bernier said. “It was a great part-time job to have while I was in school, and is now a great full-time job since I have graduated. It is a great way to meet people.”
With the largest cup of coffee maxing out at only $2.05, Bernier said, it also sounds like a great, affordable option for students who appreciate a serious cup of coffee.
All three of these local businesses can be found on the web, where they provide information on their services, business hours, and up-to-date menu options for those looking for something to go with a warm, or ice cold cup of coffee at a bargain price.
Hannah Clayman can be contacted at clayman@ksc.mailcruiser.com