Throughout the year, I’ve heard one debate in particular ring through the halls of KO: Is SPoT coffee good? Although many people claim to dislike it, I decided to try it out myself to see which side of the argument I land on.
SPoT is located within walking distance of KO, making it the perfect place to go after school to study with friends. It’s closer to KO than other coffee shops in the area, making it a convenient place to go during free time.
Walking in, the scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm muffins wafts through the air. The cozy interior creates a welcoming environment, making it the perfect ambiance for a coffee shop. There were many places to sit and a variety of different seating options to choose from; you’re able to pick a large table that’s ideal for lunch with friends or a table for two that’s suitable for a coffee date.
I arrived at SPoT at around noon, just in time for the lunch crowd. Although it was bustling with people, there was no line to order and many places to sit. For the entirety of the time I spent there, the line didn’t reach over five people.
The menu was large with lots of options for any meal. The largest portion of the menu was the lunch section, with choices ranging from oatmeal to gourmet pizza. There was also an abundant selection of breakfast items, including muffins, bagels, and omelets. SPoT is very accessible, as you are able to order in store or online for pick up.
Since SPoT markets itself as a coffee shop, I didn’t have high hopes for the food. However, once I received my dish, I was proven wrong. I ordered a pesto chicken sandwich and a strawberry peach smoothie. The smoothie was overly sweet, but overall good. The sandwich came with a side salad (which was only lettuce), but the meal itself was very enjoyable.
In comparison to other coffee shops in the area, SPoT coffee is priced well. Out of the two competing coffee places in West Hartford Center, Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks, SPoT is priced the highest. For a small iced coffee, Dunkin charges $1.99, Starbucks charges $2.90, and Spot charges $2.95. Although the price of coffee from SPoT is a bit higher, it is a very miniscule difference.
The opinions of SPoT coffee vary throughout the KO campus, and while many people enjoy SPoT coffee, others are strongly opposed. I find myself in the middle of the two parties. SPoT coffee doesn’t necessarily meet the expectation they set for themselves of “unparalleled quality and taste;” however, the price of the food and simply the location of the coffee shop make up for the slightly bitter taste that can be easily masked with sugar.
Overall, I would give SPoT a positive rating as it’s in a nice location and offers a variety of high-quality menu items. I recommend SPoT to anyone looking for a calm environment to sit and study in or to anyone looking to quickly grab a coffee before class.
