Whether you’re cramming for finals, catching up on reading, or heading out of the office for mid-day pick-me-up, Columbus has no shortage of unique coffee shops. With Ohio State University right at the heart of the city, many cafés cater to the college and remote work crowds with great study vibes, strong Wi-Fi, and plenty of caffeine.
Here’s a look at some of the most popular spots among OSU students and other Columbus locals.
1. Stauf’s Coffee Roasters (Grandview & German Village)
Stauf’s is a Columbus staple with a laid-back atmosphere and plenty of space to hunker down with your laptop. The Grandview and German Village locations are especially popular with students. Expect quality coffee, minimal distractions, and outlets galore.
Website: staufs.com
Where to Find It: 627 S 3rd St #1060, Columbus, OH 43206 (German Village) and 1277 Grandview Ave, Columbus, OH 43212 (Grandview)
2. Fox in the Snow (Italian Village & Short North)
Known for its bakery-style breakfast options and beautiful natural lighting, Fox in the Snow isn’t your average grab-and-go café. It’s more of a place to slow down and soak in the atmosphere—perfect for reading, writing, or catching up on creative work.
Website:
Where to Find It: 1031 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43201 (Italian Village) and 210 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206 (German Village)
3. Roaming Goat Coffee
Roaming Goat is a cozy hidden gem, popular with grad students and young professionals. It offers a quieter alternative to larger, buzzier cafés. Their pour-over options and relaxed vibe make it ideal for focused study sessions.
Website: roaminggoatcoffee.com
Where to Find It: 849 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
4. Brioso Coffee
Just a short walk from downtown and campus, Brioso is an urban café with excellent espresso and plenty of indoor seating. They roast their own beans and have a solid menu of food options for longer study breaks.
Website: briosocoffee.com
Where to Find It: 53 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
5. One Line Coffee (Short North)
Located in the Short North, One Line combines a clean, modern aesthetic with ethically sourced, expertly brewed coffee. It’s a little pricier, but worth the splurge if you’re looking for high-quality coffee and a professional feel.
Website: onelinecoffee.com
Where to Find It: 745 N High Street, Columbus, OH 43215
6. Kafe Kerouac
This café-bookstore hybrid is practically made for college students. It has a relaxed, artsy vibe, used books for sale, and hosts poetry readings and live music. Great for anyone who prefers an alternative study scene.
Website: kafekerouac.com
Where to Find It: 2250 N High Street, Columbus, OH 43201
7. Upper Cup Coffee
With locations in Olde Towne East and Gahanna, Upper Cup serves rich, bold coffee roasted on-site. Their African espresso blends are a standout, and the community atmosphere makes it feel like a second home.
Website: uppercupcoffee.com
Where to Find It: 79 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH, 43215
What Students Are Saying
“I go to Stauf’s when I really need to get stuff done. It’s quiet, and there’s always room to spread out.”
“Fox in the Snow is a little loud but perfect when I need a break. Their egg sandwich and latte combo is my go-to.”
“Kafe Kerouac feels like home. I can study there, write there, or just chill with friends. It’s kind of a campus legend.”
“Roaming Goat has this calm energy that helps me focus. It’s a great place when the library’s too packed.”
Bonus Tip: Get There Early
Many of these spots fill up fast, especially during midterms and finals. If you want a good seat (and an outlet), try heading over in the morning or late afternoon when the crowd thins out.
Plan Your Move (and Your First Coffee Run)
Moving to Columbus? Whether you’re here for school, work, or just for the coffee, Cardinal Moving can help you settle in stress-free. From packing up your old place to setting you up in your new one, we’ll handle the heavy lifting so you can get straight to exploring the city’s best cafés.
Check out our blog for local guides and moving tips, download our moving checklist, and request a free moving estimate to get started! Welcome to the neighborhood!
