1. Publik: One of the most well-known players in SLC’s coffee scene, Publik has risen to such prominence for good reason. The locations are inviting and well designed (the Avenue’s spot is particularly cozy), the coffee is some of the best in the city, and their toasts--consisting of tantalizing toppings and schmears on (very) thick-sliced bread--are substantial enough to get you through even the most intricate of essays. Our suggestion? Snag a spot at the window and post up. Locations in The Aves, 9th & 9th, University, and Central 9th, hours vary.

2. Rose Establishment: Ahh, The Rose. How do we love thee? Let us count the ways. As far as “vibes” go, this shop has some of the best. There’s a huge selection of coffee, teas, and signature drinks, here (including--gasp!--mimosas!!). Foodwise, there’s a ton of vegan and vegetarian options, each of them more scrumptious than the last. The Weekender Tartine (with roasted mushrooms and soft-boiled egg) is a smash, and the tasties treats in the sweets case are always worth a try. Come for the coffee, stay for the pitch-perfect atmosphere. 235 S. 400 W., Mon. - Fri. 7:00a - 6:00p, Sat. - Sun. 8:00a - 6:00p.

3. Coffee Garden: A veritable 9th and 9th institution, Coffee Garden’s often eclectic clientele and fantastic food options are what truly set it apart from the pack. The coffee is good, to be sure, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a better slice of bacon and onion quiche than the ones they serve up here. And, as is regularly the case at this spot, it’s quite charming to see a family card game, an intense chess match, and a spirited political debate happening at the shop’s large communal table. It’s open till 11pm, this one, so stop by for a post-flick warm-up if you’re looking to keep your date at the neighboring Tower Theater going a little longer. 878 E. 900 S., Mon. - Thurs. 6:00a - 11:00p, Fri. - Sat. 6:00a - 12:00a, Sun. 7:00a - 11:00p.

4. Three Pines: Located downtown in a clean, charming spot on Main Street, Three Pines is perfectly scientific where brewing is concerned. The menu here is small (which is more a reflection of the owner’s quest for perfection than anything else), but every single order is deftly executed with aplomb. Plus, the street-facing countertop inside the space provides some truly excellent people watching to accompany what is surely one of the best cups in the city. 165 Main St., Mon. - Fri. 7:00a - 5:00p, Sat. 9:00a - 5:00p. 

5. Campos: Covertly cozied up between Sailor Taylor tattoo shop and Diabolical Records on Edison Street (the narrow alleyway that runs between 2nd and 3rd South), Campos Coffee Roastery is one of our favorite new additions to the city. Perhaps it’s because this spot was designed by one of COLLECTIVE fav architecture firms, Lloyd Architects, that the vibes here are so darn good. With a slew of seats to choose from, we recommend pulling up a stool by the alley-facing windows (they’re propped up on warm days) or taking your cuppa to the rooftop patio (!!!). Besides having an enviable selection of espresso bevvies, Campos also serves tea, smoothies, shakes, and an Aussie-leaning menu that’s as surprising as it is superb (Vegemite- and coffee-braised short rib meat pie, prosciutto or smoked salmon benedict, tomato-watermelon gazpacho). Your day just got a whole lot g’der. 228 S. Edison St., Mon. - Sun. 7:00a - 5:00p.

6. Blue Copper: Brew-wise, Blue Copper is one of our absolute favorite blends. With two locations (in Central 9th and Marmalade), Blue Copper’s focus is on delivering a simple, delicious cuppa drip coffee--and we can attest that they’ve unequivocally nailed it. (It’s perfect! How?!) They also offer up a selection of locally sourced bagels and pastries, so stopping off at either shop is a sure way to start your morning off in the bright direction. Locations in Central 9th and Marmalade, hours vary.

7. Creek Tea: Perched in the up-and-coming (and v. stylish) Maven District, Creek is so much more than a teahouse. Begat by Josh Rosenthal (of La Barba Coffee and Seabird Bar), this steeping spot is as cozy a posting-up haunt as you could want for, especially with chillier days rapidly approaching. There’s a comfy selection of eating areas and couches to choose from, and the shelves and tabletops here are rife with literature from coffee table books to collections of short stories. Besides having an excellent assortment of teas, Creek also delivers coffee and specialty drinks, as well as a delicious menu that will appeal to lovers of flavor and fitness, alike (try the matcha granola or pesto chicken sandwich). Sit. Sip. Stay a while. 155 E. 900 S., Mon. - Thurs. 8:00a - 6:00p, Sat. 10:00a - 6:00p, Sun. 10:00a - 4:00p.

8. 3 Cups: Started by 9-year Coffee Garden staple, Derek Belnap, 3 Cups brings sleek, Scandinavian coffee house vibes to Holladay. This shop brews the best--beans from La Barba and Blue Copper--and provides a cozy, quiet spot to post up with a book, laptop, or pal. There’s an extensive array of specialty drinks here, too, as well as a dreamy selection of eats (we recommend the avocado toast with house pickles and dukkah or Nutella berry toast). Pro-tip: grab an affogato as a chilly-day treat. 4670 S. Holladay Village Plaza #104, Mon. - Sat. 6:00a - 8:00p, Sun. 7:00a - 6:00p.