Coffee Culture at UCLA: A Guide to Campus Coffee Beans and Cafés

UCLA, a sprawling campus with a vibrant student life, offers a diverse coffee scene catering to every Bruin's needs, from a quick caffeine fix to a cozy study spot. Whether you're a student, staff member, or visitor, understanding the coffee options available can significantly enhance your campus experience. Associated Students UCLA (ASUCLA) is a nonprofit association that drives vitally essential student services and activities throughout the UCLA campus. As a responsive, student-centered organization, the ASUCLA Board of Directors recommended the introduction of a new provider that meets the needs of the UCLA community and continues the versatility of product offerings. Bruins can enjoy their perfect brew no matter where they are on campus with coffeehouse staples like cappuccinos, lattes and seasonal rotating drinks, now provided by Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s top 1% of Arabica beans and Peet’s Coffee hand-roasted and freshly delivered coffee.

Campus Coffeehouses: A Detailed Look

UCLA boasts a variety of coffeehouses, each with its unique atmosphere and offerings. Here's a guide to some of the most popular spots:

Kerckhoff Coffeehouse

Located in the historic gothic tower at the center of campus, Kerckhoff Coffeehouse is a favorite meeting place for students, staff, and visitors alike. Since 1975, UCLA’s first coffee house is where campus culture and coffee collide. Kerckhoff Coffeehouse offers Sum One coffee which strives to encompass the quality, sustainability methods, and story that bring people together through the taste of exquisite coffee.

Cafe 451

Named after Ray Bradbury’s famous novel, “Fahrenheit 451,” Cafe 451 is nestled in Young Research Library where Bradbury wrote his famous novel. Conveniently located next to the extensive study space of Young Research Library, this café offers a cozy place to study or to refuel with a quick bite.

Music Cafe

Music Cafe is located in Ostin Music Center, 1st Floor. A favorite spot for music lovers and artists. Located in the newly renovated Ostin Music School, near the iconic inverted fountain.

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Cafe Synapse

This elegant little restaurant is designed as a place for the researchers and doctors of the Gonda Center and MacDonald Laboratories to connect with each other.

Other Dining Locations

Fusion: Featuring rice bowls with choice of shrimp, pork, chicken or tofu with a side of vegetables.
Northern Lights: Featuring breakfast/lunch paninis and soup. Customizable poke bowls, available as vegan/vegetarian options.
Wetzel’s Pretzels: (310) 206-0732 Fresh-baked pretzels served hot!
Greenhouse: (310) 206-0735 Soup and salad bar, healthy snacks and drinks Menus are rotated on a weekly-basis.
Subway: Quick and fresh!

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and Peet's Coffee Partnership

UCLA Housing and Dining announced that effective Sept. Bruins can enjoy their perfect brew no matter where they are on campus with coffeehouse staples like cappuccinos, lattes and seasonal rotating drinks, now provided by Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s top 1% of Arabica beans and Peet’s Coffee hand-roasted and freshly delivered coffee.

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: A Commitment to Quality

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf prides itself on using the top 1% of Arabica beans, ensuring a high-quality coffee experience for UCLA students and staff. This commitment to quality is reflected in the rich and flavorful brews available at various campus locations.

Peet's Coffee: Hand-Roasted Excellence

Peet's Coffee, known for its hand-roasted beans and freshly delivered coffee, offers a distinct and robust flavor profile. The meticulous roasting process brings out the unique characteristics of each bean, providing a premium coffee experience.

ASUCLA Restaurant Hours

For ASUCLA Restaurant hours, visit the hours webpage here.

Bulk Coffee Options

For those who prefer to brew their own coffee, UCLA offers a variety of bulk coffee options to suit different tastes and preferences.

RC Coffee

RC Fancy Gourmet Coffee: With a touch of artful sweetness and floral notes, this crisp, light-medium brew has a fancy, delicious taste you can enjoy every day. Available in boxes of 42, 2-oz packages.
RC Colombian: Columbian coffee delivers a balanced cup with taste notes of citrus and honey and a perfectly smooth finish. Each case contains 42, 2.5-oz packs.
RC Dakota Blend: An essential blend for those who prefer their brew to be dark, bold and full of flavor. A powerful way to fuel your workday. Available in boxes of 42, 2.5-oz packages.
RC French Roast: French Roast is full-bodied and bursting with deep nutty chocolate flavors, intense sweet aromas and a pleasant finish. Available by the 36-packet case (0.9 oz. packets)

Other Brands

Folgers Classic Roast (36-pkt.): Available by the 18-packet box (2.5 oz. packets)
Peet's House Blend (18-pkt. box): Let this Latin American dark roast blend be your perfect introduction to Peet’s coffees.
Peet's Major Dickason's Blend (18-pkt. box): Refine your palate and elevate your coffee experience with this premier dark roast blend, our all-time best seller.
Peet's Cafe Domingo (1 Lb.): Available by the 18-packet box (2.5 oz. packets)
Starbucks Pike Place (18-pkt. box): A smooth medium roast, well-rounded blend of Latin American coffees with subtly rich flavors of chocolate and toasted nuts.
Starbucks Caffè Verona (18-pkt. box): Well-balanced and full-bodied, Caffè Verona is a storied dark roast with notes of dark cocoa and caramelized sugar.
Starbucks Blonde Veranda Blend (18-pkt. box): Our lightest roasted coffee with notes of toasted malt and milk chocolate.
Starbucks Pike Place Decaffeinated (18-pkt. box): A decaffeinated version of Pike Place Roast, just as smooth and balanced as you’ve come to expect from our iconic medium roast.
Starbucks Pike Place Regular (1-lb. bag): A smooth medium roast, well-rounded blend of Latin American coffees with subtle notes of cocoa and rich praline, it's perfect for every day.
Starbucks Pike Place Decaffeinated (1-lb. bag): A decaffeinated version of Pike Place Roast, just as smooth and balanced as you’ve come to expect from our iconic medium roast.

K-Cups

For those who prefer the convenience of single-serve coffee, UCLA offers a variety of K-Cup options:

Donut Shop Original (24-cup box): Full-bodied, bold, and flavorful, medium roast, caffeinated coffee. Certified Orthodox Union Kosher
Green Mountain Breakfast Blend (24-cup box): Bright, crisp, clean, light roast, caffeinated coffee. Certified Orthodox Union Kosher.
Green Mountain French Roast (24-cup box): Smoky, rich, indulgent, dark roast, caffeinated coffee. 100% Arabica coffee.
Green Mountain Hazelnut (24-cup box): Buttery, sweet, nutty, light roast, caffeinated coffee. Artificially flavored.

Other Beverages

In addition to coffee, UCLA also offers a variety of other beverages to cater to different preferences:

Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate (50-pkt. box)
Swiss Miss No Sugar added Hot Chocolate (24-pkt. box)

Canned & Bottled Beverages

Available by the case

Coca-Cola (12-can case)
Diet Coke (12-can case)
Dr. Pepper (12-can case)
Coke Zero (12-can case)
Orange Fanta (12-can case)
Sprite (12-can case)
Perrier Bottled Mineral Water (24-bottle case)
Dasani Water (24, 16 oz can case)
Minute Maid juices (11.5-oz can, 12-can case)

Creamers & Sweeteners

To customize your coffee experience, UCLA provides a variety of creamers and sweeteners:

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Powdered Creamers

Coffee Mate Powder Canister (11 oz. canister)
Coffee Mate French Vanilla Flavor (15 oz. canister)
Coffee Mate Powder Hazelnut Flavor (15 oz.
Half & Half liquid creamer (180 per case)

Sweeteners

C&H Sugar (20 oz. canister)
Sugar Packets (1,000/case)
Sugar in the Raw (200-pkt. box)
Equal Sweetener (100-pkt. box)
Splenda (100-pkt. box)
Stevia in the raw (200-pkt. box)
Honey (200-pkt. box)

Cups & Supplies

UCLA also provides the necessary cups and supplies for enjoying your coffee:

Biodegradeable Cups, 12 oz. (50/sleeve)
Biodegradeable Lids (50/sleeve)
Heavy Duty Coffee Pot Brush
Coffee Filters (50/pack)
Biodegradable napkins (250/pack)
Coffee Pot Cleaner (12 oz.

tags: #coffee #bean #ucla