As a newbie to ‘Nova, and, of course, to The Villanovan, I’ve been itching for an introduction. As a devoted Gilmore Girls fan and coffee connoisseur, I believe there is no better indicator of character than one’s morning (or afternoon, if you’re like me) drink of choice. So, if you’re equally irritated with absurd wait times and paper straws at the Conn, these are some quick caffeine fixes I’d recommend. It’s a little get-to-know-me, per se.
ROSIE’S
This is the sole safe haven my treacherous afternoon trek to Ancients offers. From the innovative flavor combinations (ahem Lumberjack Latte… maple and black pepper?) to its tailor-made toasts and revitalizing smoothies, Rosie’s humors even the most curious of taste buds. I wasn’t feeling all too brave when visiting this week (I was en route to class five-out-of-five under a sweltering sun, still coping with weekend scaries– wasn’t I brave enough?) but persevered and ordered something new.
Let it be known the ABC Toast (Pennsylvania local sourdough smothered in almond butter and banana slices, coated with cinnamon and generous agave drizzle) and the Falling Leaves Cold Brew (a strong brew infused with caramel and toffee) did not let me down. There seems to be new concoctions each week– like the Birds of a Feather Iced Chai, Good Luck Babe Acai Bowl or Pumpkin Pie Latte for those missing Starbucks– but these two embodied autumn. Whimsical and delicious, I have Rosie’s alone to thank for surviving the walk to West Campus.
HOLY GROUNDS COMMONS
If resolute in waiting an hour for a Holy Grounds coffee (is this a nostalgia thing? I’ve heard I missed its prime), at least wait somewhere with ambience. Holy Grounds Commons blends an intricate balance of bitter insomniacs, frantic writers and debriefing friends, and still delivers the duo I’ve deemed “old reliable” (iced vanilla latte and egg ‘Nova sandwich). In a universal desire to be wired, Villanovans unite. And all of this without Big Brother, GrubHub? I’m in Heaven (see what I did there?).
In all seriousness, I seem to cross Lancaster time and time again for a Commons coffee. I’m not sure what draws me: decreased wait times, the quintessential “get snug and get working” chairs or LaColombe (to me, the brew is richer and smoother than Starbucks, but we can debate another time). Whatever coaxed me, I am convinced a HG Commons outing is crucial before the next slew of exams. Also, HG Commons is open until 8 p.m. which is great for those who refuse to acknowledge their homework until their hand is twitching from caffeine trembles…. oh, just me? Okay.
HOLY GROUNDS DROSDICK
I’d call this the Commons’ little cousin. HG Drodsick is an elevated version of most other HGs on campus with an assortment of luscious sweetener and pristine architecture, in honor of our beloved engineers. With all its white chocolate, white walls and enormous polished windows, I wonder if Drosdick embraced the clean girl aesthetic or enforces artful avoidance of color to calm the racing mind of its habitués. This is where I’ve spent a good chunk of quick depleting MPEs, so no judgment here.
I tend to gravitate towards its delectable baked goods from liberally-iced cinnamon rolls to biscotti to banana bread and colossal chocolate crumble muffins…aren’t carbs meant to curb stress? Something like serotonin-makers? If so, I am certain Drosdick Hall is the ultimate hub for all goodies and the overstrained, caffeine-crazed students who relish in them.
FIRST WATCH
A 10-minute walk from the church, I imagine First Watch was devised with its Morning Mass brunch crowd in mind. Even so, the place is versatile– Catholic, Muslim or Jewish, omelets or pancakes or Million Dollar Breakfast Sandwiches– whatever the heart desires, First Watch can bestow. For this reason, I find it a flawless proposition for all weekend brunch-goers.
I have to warn fellow chain-coffee fanatics, though, that this First Watch borders a once booming, now desolate “closed for construction” Starbucks. There are some fillers for esteemed drive-thru orders, including the Caramel Crunch Iced Coffee for ribbon crunch lovers and a Purple Haze Lemonade (fresh-squeezed lemonade infused with lavender and acai) for serious Swifties and all those aching for a refresher (I sense intersection there). In addition, First Watch offers a Morning Meditation Juice (a mosaic of orange, lemon and ginger for an ornate OJ). This is great whether this becomes a mimosa base or resourceful stand-in for a medicine ball post-weekend is your prerogative.
If it’s too difficult to traverse Villanova knowing there are no tried and true PSLs to return with, I understand. Just know, when feeling lionhearted (wildcat-hearted?), First Watch will be waiting, welcoming and mouth-watering as ever.
P.S these are walkable across campus. Yes, this freshman misses her car… don’t ask again.
