Syracuse Sun

As National Coffee Day approaches on Sunday, Sept. 29, coffee enthusiasts around Syracuse University are preparing to celebrate. SU News has compiled a list of recommended spots both on and off-campus for students and faculty to enjoy their favorite coffee.

One popular on-campus location is People’s Place, situated in the basement of Hendricks Chapel. This nonprofit coffee shop is known for its friendly student staff and affordable prices. Managers Vivienne Love ’26 and Kennedy Williams ’25 shared their experiences working at the café.

Love recalled, “During my freshman year, I only had 8 a.m. classes, and I would come to People’s Place as a reward for going to class.” She added that the welcoming staff made her feel appreciated when they remembered her order over time. Williams mentioned his friends’ influence: “When one of my buddies who was a manager at the time asked if I wanted a job there, I couldn’t turn it down.”

Both managers highlighted the sense of community at People’s Place as their favorite aspect of working there. Love noted the friendships she has formed with colleagues, saying, “Some of my best friends work at ‘Peeps,’” while Williams appreciated the café's long history since the '70s.

For those looking to explore other campus options, Campus Dining offers several cafés across different buildings that accept ’CUSE Cash, meal plan dining dollars, and credit/debit cards. Some notable mentions include BBBistro in Brockway Hall and Gerry’s Café in Eggers Hall.

Off-campus options also abound for those willing to venture further afield. Café Blue in Syracuse’s Inner Harbor area offers a cozy atmosphere not far from Destiny USA. Café Kubal has multiple locations around Syracuse, with one near Drumlins offering extended hours during weekdays.

Peaks Coffee Co., located north of campus on East Genesee Street, provides another option with varied operating hours throughout the week. Recess Coffee maintains three locations in Syracuse; its Westcott neighborhood branch is closest to campus.

Salt City Coffee operates four locations in Syracuse with its nearest outlet right off Marshall Street.