Whether commuting along the Laker Line or staying close to the Valley Campus, students have a variety of coffee shops at their disposal for all of their caffeine fixes and late-night study sessions. Each location offers its own atmosphere and menu, which can be sculpted into students’ schedules and routines.
The Bitter End Coffeehouse on W. Fulton St. has been a fixture of the Grand Rapids community since the 1990s. Housed in a century-old former bank, the café provides a consistent late-night locale for students finishing assignments or meeting for group projects. Inside, wood-paneled walls, framed artwork and a pressed-tin ceiling create a vintage atmosphere. A menu of smoothies, baked goods and craft-roasted organic coffees makes the location a frequent stop for students heading to downtown classes or commuting from Allendale. Open 24 hours, seven days a week, students with valid GVSU identification can receive a discount on their purchase.
“Places like Bitter End have a lot of character, and have unique latte flavors,” said Maria Gonzalez, a Grand Valley State University junior studying psychology. “The Snickers latte is my favorite that I’ve tried.”
On the same road, Midnight Express Café offers a menu that goes beyond coffee. Sandwiches, wraps, smoothie bowls and pastries are available alongside coffee, espresso and tea. Seating is arranged for both individuals and groups, allowing students to study and socialize in whatever way works best for them. Staying open until 1 a.m., the café’s floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of natural light, brightening the space during the day and fostering a cozy atmosphere in the evening. Like The Bitter End Coffeehouse, Midnight Express Café also offers discounts with a valid student ID.
Gonzalez added that she prefers heading to downtown coffee shops once her classes are done.
“I like going to the downtown coffee shops at the end of the day,” Gonzalez said. “It feels good to support the smaller businesses and it’s a nice change of pace after being stuck in my Allendale classes. There are so many coffee shop options. I appreciate being at a university that feels so connected to the city of Grand Rapids.”
Starbucks is located inside the Valley Campus’ Marketplace, situated next to the Laker Store. Renovated over the summer, the space features deep-green tiling, dark-wood finishes and expanded counter space designed to improve workflow for high-volume orders. While lines can grow long during peak class hours, Starbucks remains a central stop for brand-name coffee, lattes and seasonal drinks.
Sophia Brown, a sophomore majoring in business administration, said her go-to coffee spot is Starbucks.
“I like that Starbucks is right on campus, so I don’t have to go far between classes,” Brown said. “Even though the lines can get long, it’s worth it for the convenience. I usually grab an iced coffee and use the tables along the windows to get work done before my next lecture.”
Also on campus, Java City is located inside the Russel H. Kirkhof Center. The café offers coffee, tea and light snacks in a central hub of student life. For those looking to avoid long Starbucks lines, Java City provides steady service and indoor seating that works for both solo study and quick catch-ups with friends at the pool tables. It’s a convenient place to go if you are grabbing food in the dining hall or attending an event in Kirkhof.
