An American student’s guide to the best daytime hangouts in Dublin - PHOTOS

Essentials for the student living abroad - including where to find coffee

An American student's guide to the best daytime hangouts in Dublin slideshow

My father warned me before I went to Ireland.

“The coffee is absolutely terrible,” he said.

As I’m from the Bay Area in California, good coffee is essential to my happiness. Once, I tried to give it up, but by day 2 my best friend told me I was behaving like a monster. 

Fortunately, since the time of my birth, instant coffee has begun its path to extinction in the region around the Irish sea. There’s excellent coffee in Dublin these days - you just need to know where to look.

Finding the best places to sip and enjoy Ireland’s coffee renaissance proved a challenge, at first, but my friends and I eventually found the following havens for the discerning (i.e., broke- have you seen the €-$ exchange rate?) consumer.

I’m also simultaneously a student and a foodie, which means that although I love good food, I can’t afford to eat at restaurants much. Below please find the delicious cafes and grocery stores essential to leading the gourmand’s life on the cheap in Dublin - or simply to surviving on a student budget.

Make a day of it and take advantage of some of the best off-the-beaten-path shops, as well. And don’t forget the most important part: a walk through St. Stephen’s Green, which is lovely and absolutely free.

Coffee - (for some Americans, tea just isn’t the same)

Fixx - Best mocha in Dublin, hands-down, and a good place to study. Dawson St.

Bewley’s - The touristy glow of this ancient establishment on Grafton St wears off after a while, but you’ll want to go in at first.

Cafe Sol - Of the many chain quick-service cafes around Dublin, this has the best pastries for equal prices, plus excellent espresso. Locations on Dawson St and Earlsfort Terrace, and pretty much everywhere else.

An American student's guide to the best daytime hangouts in Dublin slideshow

Cafes

Cornucopia - Vegetarian fare, fast service and a homey environment; I recommend the vegetable ‘parcels.’ Wicklow St.

The Cake Cafe - Beautiful sandwiches, tea and coffee, and cakes, of course! Find it if you can... last I checked the entrance is in a dumpster-filled alley. 62 Pleasants Place (two side streets from Lower Camden St.)

The Twisted Pepper - Coffee and sandwiches (try the beet-and-goat-cheese!) by day, club by night. Don’t recommend the club part, but it’s quality coffee on the northside. 54 Middle Abbey St.

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