As a person who dislikes sci-fi, choosing a place to eat on campus feels like someone has asked me to choose between a Marvel movie (Boozel) and a Star Wars movie (Rocky’s). Both are, of course, better than watching no movie or eating no food at all. However, I would never go out of my way to watch those films.
Yet through the abyss of these mediocre, repetitive franchises shines the Twilight series (the library Starbucks). I could consume Twilight movies every single day.
And I actually do consume food from the library Starbucks every (week)day.
The Starbucks We Proudly Serve in Bailey Library is, without a doubt, the best place to dine on Slippery Rock University grounds.
First of all, it has all the best features of the other Starbucks. But this time it’s better because you can use a meal equivalency. It is much gentler on your flex fund account.
Maybe they don’t always have whatever new complicated drink that corporate Starbucks decided to release that week. Instead, you get to have your fan favorites, like the pink drink or the caramel macchiato—plus their own delicious smoothies.
And the food: Marvelous. The meal swipe option is almost enough to make me full. It comes with your choice of hot or iced coffee or tea and a breakfast sandwich.
There are many customization options as well. Both vegan and gluten-free options are available, including rarities like vegan eggs and vegan cheese.
Personally, I like to order egg and cheese on an everything bagel with caramel oat milk coffee to wash it down.
There are also desserts such as donuts, brownies, cinnamon rolls and more. It helps keep my sweet treat meter filled each day.
As much as I could go on about the products themselves, my favorite part of the library Starbucks is something that can’t be bought: its workers.
Nearly every time I enter the library, I see a line that extends all the way past the help desk. People want their food and they expect it quickly.
Somehow, under all that pressure, the wait is nothing more than a reasonable amount of time.
Having so many customers and working swiftly is enough to make anyone grumpy. Still, the workers are never anything besides kind and personable.
The staff is made up of some very lovely people. They seem to remember everyone and ask how they are with a genuine interest.
I complain a lot about the lunch and dinner food at this university. However, I know my mornings are covered thanks to one conveniently placed island, floating in a sea of mediocrity.
