The Best of Cork’s Coffee

One aspect of my daily routine during lockdown that I have clung to for the preservation of my sanity is a walk in the fresh air, either solo or with a friend, almost always punctuated by a stop for coffee. We are fortunate here in Cork that so many coffee shops have remained open for takeaway coffee and sweet treats, to warm our hands and provide the little buzz of energy that we sometimes need in order to face a day of online lectures, assignments, and assessments. Even if the comforting aroma of coffee doesn’t perk you up, a brief stroll in the bracing cold, hands dug into the pockets of your warmest coat, should do the trick. Here is a list of some of Cork’s finest spots to stop for takeaway coffee, so you can support local businesses while treating yourself to a well-earned cappuccino, flat white, mocha, or whatever you fancy!1. Bosca Coffee Co.Bosca Drive Through is a brilliant bright yellow addition to Carrigohane Straight (opposite Lee Fields) in Cork. Serving Soma coffee and offering gorgeous baked goods, you don’t even need to leave the car to enjoy this gem of a coffee shop. You can also walk through to pick up your coffee and take a stroll through what remains of the largely flooded Lee Fields.2. Beantown CaféI recently discovered Beantown Café while on a walk with a friend, and quickly became obsessed. With superb customer service, Beantown Café is situated on Model Farm Road, and not only offers delicious coffee, tea and smoothies, but also has a host of lunchtime snacks to fuel you, consistently served with a smile.3. Green Frog CaféLocated right across from the UCC Main Gates, Green Frog Café is another recently opened coffee shop that is thriving due to its tasty selection of coffees, smoothies and frappés. Ornaments align the walls of the café, all coinciding with the theme indicated in its title which add to the overall experience inside the café. Its proximity to campus means that it is an ideal option for your study breaks from Boole, and with a new assortment of Christmas themed hot drinks available, such as the After Eight Mocha, Gingerbread Latte and Orange Hot Chocolate, there’s no reason not to try this gem of a café.4. Café GustoCafé Gusto was one of the first cafés I stumbled upon in first year, and it has been a firm favourite of mine ever since when in need of brunch and a frothy cappuccino. A quick walk from UCC’s main campus, Café Gusto is a brilliant spot on Washington Street to perk yourself up with some (generally) virtuous takeaway breakfast, brunch or lunch, and a good quality coffee. Personally, I recommend the grilled halloumi toast, but I’ve never not loved whatever I’ve eaten from Café Gusto to be honest!5. Cork Coffee RoastersWhen it comes to grabbing the perfect cup of coffee in Cork City, you’d be hard pressed to beat Cork Coffee Roasters. Although I miss sitting in the cosy nooks and crannies of this compact café, the take-away coffee is as good as ever and is a sure-fire way to elevate your mood.6. Sicilian DelightsLast but not least is Magazine Road’s beloved Sicilian Delights. For an authentic Italian cup of coffee and an affordable lunch option located a stone’s throw from UCC’s main campus, look no further than this great spot. There’s a reason everybody raves about the place; the food and the coffee are simply delicious, and great fuel for a brisk wintry walk around The Lough.