I’m sure you’ve noticed that there are two cafes on Millikin’s campus: an Einstein Bros. Bagels in Shilling Hall and a Java City in Scovill Hall. If you’re familiar with these cafes outside of campus, you may have noticed that the cafes here are not as large, nor as well-stocked, as their typical cafe. Not only that, but they also close shop on the weekend.

If you’re unfamiliar with these coffee shops outside of Millikin’s campus, you may be shocked to discover all that you’re missing. Both shops typically sell their packaged tea and coffee, along with thermoses.

While Java City and Einstein’s are both coffee shops, they are very different from each other. In fact, Einstein’s isn’t even known for their coffee, but for their baked goods that are made fresh every morning.

Einstein’s serves pastries, hot sandwiches, and a wide assortment of bagels and cream cheeses, which they call ‘shmears.’ Along with that, they have other snack foods–like chips, salads, and wraps.

Meanwhile, Java City is known for their hand-roasted, smooth coffee. They have a large variety of coffee, from light to dark roast, flavored to sustainable. Their variety of tea is even larger, and they sell tea brewers at their larger cafes.

Even though Java City prides themselves on their smooth coffee, I thought that their self-pour coffee was rather bland. When I tried one of their more popular flavors, the “Hazelnut Cream,” I was disappointed. It didn’t even taste like hazelnut, let alone like coffee. I felt like I wasted my money on something that was already inexpensive. That was just the self-pour coffee, though. The specialty coffee drinks that the barista makes are delicious and inexpensive.

Despite not selling their packaged coffee, teas, and thermoses, the Einstein’s on campus has all of their baked goods. Java City doesn’t even come close to having the variety of beverages their usual shop contains. Although, they do make up for it by having a refrigerator full of soda, juice, energy drinks, etc., another fridge with perishable food items, and a huge selection of snack items. They also sell a soup of the day, like chili or chicken noodle soup.

Honestly, comparing Java City to Einstein’s is like comparing an apple to an orange, because their specialties are very different. If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast or lunch item, go to Einstein’s. Want a specialty coffee? Try Java City.

Java City might be the better choice, simply because everything there is cheaper than Einstein’s. It’s also on the ground level of Scovill, surrounded by the computer lab. It is the perfect location for an energy boost while studying.

However, Einstein’s might be nice if you have a class in Shilling and you’re taking a break for a bite to eat between classes. Furthermore, it has the feeling of a cafe atmosphere, with plenty of tables to sit and eat at, along with a lounge area that has a weekly copy of the New York Times.

Ultimately, it depends on what you want from the cafe and what is convenient for you. A business student might prefer Java City, simply because all of their classes are in Scovill. Java City also stays open an hour later than Einstein’s, which might be convenient for a student hard at work in the lab. On the other hand, if you want substantial food, Einstein’s is the way to go.