This past semester, I discovered that finding a cute café to eat, study or work in was one of the best things ever. It became something I started to crave and something I looked forward to.
However, as much fun as it is to try new places, there are several factors to consider.
With back-to-school upon us, here’s a breakdown of four cafés in Fresno, based on study vibes, hours of operation, food and cost.
- YAVA Bakery
Yava Bakery is a Middle Eastern café that serves Mediterranean and French cuisine. When I went, I ordered the Saraya French toast for $18 and an iced matcha latte with vanilla and cold foam for approximately $8. With taxes and add-ons, my total was $31.55.
First of all, the price was insane. I could not believe I spent over $30 on a meal for one person. In my opinion, $30 should comfortably feed two people.
On top of the price, the food was terrible. I’ve never had such bad French toast. It was obvious that the café was very big on aesthetics and making the food pretty. There were dried flower petals and herbs sprawled all over the dish, making me feel like I was eating a garden.
While the ingredients were displayed on the menu, I still expected French toast to at least resemble French toast.
However, the matcha latte was absolutely delicious and something I’ll definitely go back for. It tastes fresh and authentic and is the perfect drink to study with. The environment was also great. I spent over four hours at this place, and I got a substantial amount of work done.
I spent the first part of the morning outside sitting in the patio area, and once it started to warm up, I went inside to enjoy the air conditioning and free water and worked for another few hours. The only thing that sucked about working inside there was there were no outlets, so once my computer battery drained, I had to leave.
This café is perfect to enjoy a little drink and be productive, but definitely not to eat.
Address: 7775 N. Palm Ave. #101, Fresno, CA 93711
Hours of operation: Every day, 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Distance from campus: 16 minutes
- Otherside Café
Otherside Café is so cute, and if it wasn’t for how loud it is, it would be the perfect study spot.
I’ve been to this place a couple of times now, and the matcha is so good. I typically get the OG burrito with tomatillo salsa for $12 and an iced matcha latte with vanilla for $5.50. With taxes and add-ons, my total is usually $21.13.
In terms of study environment, it really just depends. Sometimes I can get so much work done, no matter how many people are there, but other times I get so overwhelmed that I can’t possibly get out of there fast enough.
Another thing to be mindful of is that the internet service is really spotty. Sometimes the connection works fine, and other times it’s like waiting an eternity for each tab to load.
Considering the price of food, the taste and the atmosphere, I’d say this is a solid option for a work day.
Address: 2886 E. Shepherd Ave. Ste. 101, Fresno, CA 93720
Hours of operation: Every day, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Distance from campus: 13 minutes
- Kingdom Kafé
Kingdom Kafé’s food is nothing short of delectable, but the good things end there.
I have a friend who works here and had heard countless good things about it, so I decided to try it for myself.
This is definitely not a regular spot to visit, at least not for me, as it is on the pricier side.
For two people to eat here, the total was $56.60. When I saw the price ring up, I almost had a heart attack, especially considering we had just eaten at Annesso Pizzeria, a sit-down restaurant, a couple of nights prior, and only spent $44.
For a brunch date at a café, nearly $60 is crazy.
The place also doesn’t have the best work area, unless the temperature is perfect, as its primary seating is outside. Another thing I didn’t enjoy was the fact that when I went, the place was operating a business without a working restroom. I had to walk across the street and use the restroom at Carl’s Jr., which I thought was inappropriate, especially considering how much we had spent.
However, I can’t stress how good the food was. I honestly think it’s one of the best meals I’ve ever had. I didn’t think an omelet could taste like that. After eating, I didn’t feel as bad about the price.
The matcha was also really good, and I would stop by to pick one up on my way to class again.
Address: 5030 N. First St., Fresno, CA 93710
Hours of operation: Tuesday-Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Distance from campus: 5 minutes
- Kuppa Joy – Grand Cafe
Kuppa Joy is a safe space. If I ever want a calm, peaceful place to study and a nice drink, this is my top pick.
The drink options here are great. There’s a small, simple menu with just a few options, but each one is so good. This is the spot for those who want caffeine but don’t enjoy the taste of coffee, as the drinks are on the sweeter side.
The food selections vary based on location, but the paninis are pretty good. For the purposes of this review, I got a slice of avocado toast with sea salt and olive oil drizzle and an iced Hallelujah latte with caramel for $16.79.
The avocado toast was not great. The avocado wasn’t fresh, and it turned brown almost instantly after it was served, but aside from that, I love Kuppa Joy.
