Q: Where can you get the best coffee in Springfield?
A: The best coffee? How about several options that benefit a majority of people’s wants and needs?
Located at 1111 N. Plum St., Coffee Expressions is a locally owned and operated cafe, which features specialty drinks and pastries. The small and quaint space also makes a great hiding spot to do homework. The shop’s hours are Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Located at 117 S. Fountain Ave., Un Mundo Café focuses on fair trade, organic drinks and food as well as local support. They offer hot drinks, cold drinks, panini sandwiches, wraps, salads, sides, baked goods, wine, beer and more. Un Mundo also works with the community by hosting events with local singers, artists and poets. The shop’s hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Located at 32 N. Fountain Ave., Winan’s Chocolates & Coffees is a chocolate and coffee chain. The Springfield shop is filled with an industrial chic interior, where upstairs looks like a dream studio apartment and is reserved as a quiet space. People use it for homework or meetings often; the downstairs also offers seating, but has more chatter going on. The shop’s hours are Monday through Thursday from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Q: What are the best restaurants in town that won’t break your bank?
A: Located at 40 N. Fountain Ave., Salato Deli is an Italian style deli with an American flair—owned by the same family who opened Le Torte Dolci, the bakery next door. The menu offers sandwiches, salads, spaghetti, ravioli and additional sides. Specializing in sandwiches, they have six signature sandwiches, The Roamin’ Italian, The Winter, The Spring, The Summer, The Fall and The Fabulous. The most expensive item on the menu is a sandwich or salad at $7.49. The deli’s hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Located at 14 E. Main St., The Fountain on Main is a 50’s style restaurant—with wallpaper, soda shop bar and a jukebox. Here locals can find old fashioned milkshakes (made with Young’s ice cream), sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, salad, ice cream and daily specials. The most expensive thing on the menu is $5.75 for a banana split, so students are sure to get affordable food and comfort from the small diner. The diner’s hours are Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Note to readers: These are all within walking distance of Wittenberg’s campus. Especially with the weather getting warmer, it gives student the perfect opportunity to explore these local coffee shops and restaurants.
*Ask Ali is an advice column where students can submit questions to the Torch—all questions will be kept anonymous. To submit questions e-mail pauleya@wittenberg.eduwith the subject line: Ask Ali a Question.*