So far through my journey into the coffee world of Penn State, I have comeupon many wonderful shops full of great coffee, food, and atmospheres. In addition, comparing them is always tough because each are special and unique in their own ways. Yet, I find myself facing a problem with placing this week’s coffee house in the standings. How can you compare a shop that provides FREE coffee, food, wifi, and study spaces to students to the rest of the coffee shops on campus? Long story short, you can’t.

Abba Java Coffeehouse is located on E College Way and is, “a ministry of the Wesley Foundation at Penn State St. Paul’s United Methodist Church & Wesley Foundation” (wesleypsu.org). It provides a lively and cozy open space for students to utilize to study or gather together in a comfortable social atmosphere. They have free food set out for the taking- they had donuts when I visited- and provide free hot coffee to students. However, do not fret if you’re a student who is drawn more toward teas, for they provide a mayriad of tea options as well.

While the coffee was not imported from a tropical country or brewed using a fancy device that perfectly extracts the flavor from the beans to create a powerful taste, it is still delicious, warm, housemade, comforting, and, have I mentioned free? I was lucky enough to be the first one to get a cup of a freshly brewed pot and it was certainly no different than the medium roast of Dunkin’ or Starbucks, only 100% less expensive.

Rearing away from the amazingness of the free provisions and study spaces that Abba Java kindly gifts students, there are many other factors that contribute to its superb ranking on my list of Penn State cafes and coffee shops. Firstly, the location of the coffeehouse could not be any more convenient, factoring in that their a downtown shop. It is located right off campus, across the street from the HUB and directly connected to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, one of the staple buildings of E College Way. This makes it a quick and easy place for a grab-and-go coffee, especially since they offer to-go orders, but it also makes it a convenient option for students to choose for studying since it is a short walk from most on-campus housing, as well as most downtown housing. One could not ask for a more perfect situation.

Secondly, aside from the grandeur of the inner workings of the coffeehouse, the owners also keep a garden fully flourished with tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, etc. for students to pick and take home with them. Promoting healthiness, aiding students in their fight to save money, and doing it all voluntarily? Amazing. The Abba Java coffeehouse and its owners have easily earned a spot in my heart and will most definitely become a pivotal part of my week.

So, if you’re searching for a place where you can quietly study, chat with friends, set up a club meeting, or simply sit and soak in the happiness that lives within the walls of Abba Java, all while drinking delicious, free beverages and eating complimentary donuts or tomatoes, this is the place for you. Full of diverse students with different ethnic, religious, and personal backgrounds that are welcomed with open arms, I suggest you find some time soon to go and visit Abba Java and allow yourself to fall victim to its charm and warmth.