Espresso Royale Cafe - Champaign

The coffee here is simply the best! Forget about that big chain from Seattle; you'll find an amazing cup right here! That's all there is to say. The new store is modern and clean, but I do miss the old, cozy, one-story spot that they knocked down to put up a skyscraper. Unfortunately, that's in the past now. However, the coffee remains outstanding!

Great spot for studying! The caffeine boost really helps.

This place is a hidden gem, perfect for curling up with a book on the cozy couch or getting some work done by the bright window overlooking the street. It’s also ideal for having a quick chat with a friend at one of the charmingly painted coffee tables.

I absolutely loved the atmosphere and the venue. The coffee was fantastic and reasonably priced. I had my first experience with a French press there, and it completely blew my mind. The playful fonts on the walls in the basement and restrooms really added to the authentic student-friendly vibe. The staff was wonderful!

The staff here is incredibly friendly, offering a variety of options for guests. I've been coming here since 2013 and have never had a disappointing cup of coffee. While I typically stick to classic drinks rather than experimental ones, I can highly recommend their nitros, pour-overs, and teas, all of which are fantastic. I also appreciate the vegan options available, especially since Dancing Dog is quite a walk from campus.