Double Shot : Paradox
Welcome to Double Shot, a new column where we review coffee shops on and around campus. We figured it’d be best to start with the cafés that everyone knows, so we’re starting with Olde and Nu Paradox!
Since this is the first issue, we’ll go over the guidelines we will be using to assess all of the coffee shops we visit in detail, as well as how we graded Paradox.
Walkability/Accessibility: How easy it is to get there from campus without a car. Being on campus, Paradox is pretty much as good as it gets. The presence of two locations only improves this further, with Olde Paradox at the Gray Campus Center, towards the residential side of campus, and Nu Paradox in the middle of the academic side. [A+]
Price Point: How affordable the offerings are, and whether they’re worth the asking price. A cortado comes in at $3.50, which is quite reasonable. A 12oz latte is $5, which is cheaper than most places. For the quality you get, the price is definitely worth it.
Coffee Quality (and option variety): The quality and variety of the coffee itself, in addition to the options you can add to it. Paradox has good variety to their coffee options, as well as plenty of syrups for people who like to add flavor. The steamed milk is better than we could make at home, and the espresso itself is fruity and on the lighter side. When flavor shots are added, the balance is even, though on the milkier side. [B+]
Food Quality (and option variety): The quality of the food and whether the cafe has any full meals. If you read our last Paradox review, you know our opinion on Paradox’s food: it’s incredible. The pastry options are both diverse and delicious, with the asiago and onion being a particular favorite. If you have the time, getting them heated up makes them even better, though they’re still good cold. [A-]
Atmosphere: This one is the most subjective of our admittedly subjective criteria. In this section, we discuss the ambiance of the coffee shop. Our main focus is how easy it is to spend prolonged periods of time in the establishment for those of you who like places to study or chat. It’s incredibly easy to spend more time in Paradox (Olde or Nu) than you intended. The chairs are comfortable, the staff are friendly, and there is usually another Reedie or two there. Regardless of whether you want to talk or study, both are comfy and welcoming spots. [A]
Alternative Drinks: The quality of the tea and other non-coffee drinks. As of last year, Paradox brought in an improved roster of colorful loose leaf teas. Quality tea in a coffee shop is a rare find, and we love to see it. The preparation has room for improvement, as the tea lattes tend to be a little too milky. [B]