In the true fashion of a hipster, I like to look for new or hot spots that are local and off the beaten path. The Ugly Mug, a favorite among EMU students, meets these standards without falling victim to the white cups with green labels, or the coffee collars with quotes from Oprah.
The Ugly Mug Cafe and Roastery, nestled quaintly on Cross Street near Adams Street, not only serves up a mean cup o’ Joe, but also roasts their own beans. The average coffee consumer doesn’t know their Cafe Verona from their Pike Place, but this selection is more finely-tuned for someone who’d love a kick of flavor that doesn’t need a douse of cream.
The Ugly Mug considers themselves specialty coffee connoisseurs, but not in the way of speedy handcrafted mediocre drinks. The Mocha made in-house is served in a giant cup, created with precision and accompanies a nice, little detailed leaf in the foam atop the chocolate.
For the caffeine diehard, the Eastern student can indulge in what The Ugly Mug’s website calls “a combination of scientific theory and culinary execution to develop a sophisticated and complex cup, bound to enthrall and enlighten the senses.” In translation: They also offer bagels to Blondies, delicious snacks to pair with your coffee between classes.
On top of a great thirst quencher, the environment is study-worthy and is a good creative element to bask in while working on a paper or a digital piece. With Wi-Fi available and some killer tunes picked out by the baristas at the location, you are able to lose yourself in whatever you’re working on, or in the conversation you are having with a friend.
Mismatched chairs and tables, along with intriguing pieces of art don the walls of the establishment, and some are from local artists that are for sale. The menu is on an old fashioned blackboard, and coffee bean bags sit at the end of the bar where you pick up your drink.
There is also a good local following of products available such as baked goods, one-of-a-kind merchandise to show off your Ugly Mug pride, and coffee beans you can purchase, along with home brewing supplies, which are also sold online at UglyMugYpsi.com. So, if you’re looking to navigate away from the cookie cutter coffee complex, The Ugly Mug is worth a shot of espresso.