Starbucks is arguably the top in the pool of large companies in the coffee industry (companies that tend toward large incomes due to the amounts of customers they rake in). Despite selling quality coffee and pastries for the consumers’ enjoyment, it can by hyped up by the mainstream. This is especially true, considering the high price for one small cup of coffee. There are many alternatives when choosing establishments that aren’t as publicized but can compete with Starbucks just the same.

Snotea, a boba tea shop, is located around the UCF campus. Boba tea is a drink usually containing milk tea (occasionally flavored) with small tapioca pearls located at the bottom. Snotea sells boba in various flavors along with other hot tea and coffee drinks. It is also well know for its shaved ice, frozen yogurt treats, and freshly made macarons.

Chez Jacqueline is  another excellent café. It is located in Lake Mary and is an authentic French bakery. The shop is filled with yummy pastries and fresh coffee, all for cheap prices. Menu items that are particularly good are the croissants and crème brulee.

The Cozee Café, a small coffee shop in Lake Mary, is not widely known, but nonetheless makes top-notch coffee, with different choices to choose from such as lattes and macchiatos. The Cozee Café also serves small bakery treats to accompany the coffee and has a great atmospheric setting.

Despite not being as well-known as other consumer businesses, these establishments along with many others are of both Grade A quality and interesting replacements to the same old-same old.