With its home-style decor, Krakatoa Cafe doubles as a great study spot on busy days and a good place to catch up with friends on more relaxed ones. The real find at Krakatoa seems to be the patio seating. Inside, there’s a congenial, snug feel that you’ll find at most cafes, and a step outside leads to a more relaxing space to gather your thoughts. Krakatoa also has a parking lot, which is crucial, since when you’re studying, you don’t want to constantly be running outside to add quarters to a meter. There’s nothing better than fresh air and free Wi-Fi accompanied by great coffee to get some work done.

Serving a wide range of sandwiches, desserts and coffee; a local favorite is the freshly prepared Ubehebe sandwich. It is the most popular item on their sandwich menu because it consists of oven-roasted turkey breast, maple-cured bacon, cream cheese and cranberry sauce on a toasted telera and only costs $7.25. The Ubehebe sandwich and all other sandwiches come with a side of potato salad.

Coffee is the most important item on Krakatoa’s menu, and customer favorites include the vanilla, mocha and caramel lattes despite the $3.75 price tag. If you’re in search of something refreshing, try the pomegranate blood orange iced tea, which costs just $3.25. When in need of something stronger, the iced Vietnamese contains more caffeine than most other drinks. Pairing your caffeinated drink with a tasty dessert, such as a chocolate chip cookie or a muffin, is highly recommended, since Krakatoa has a pastry bar that will get you to come back just to satisfy your sweet tooth. The multi-dimensional environment of Krakatoa makes it a cafe that provides an ideal balance of social and studious — just what a student needs. (3.5/5)