Over the past year, two new businesses have opened up across the street from campus.
Java 39 has dark red walls, a renaissance feel and lots of live music. Their hope is to “bring back live music to Bethany.” Standing by their word, performances are held most Fridays and Saturdays.
A SNU parent opened Java 39 when his son got accepted into the school. They wanted to support SNU students who wished to perform as well as provide a space where local artists can display their artwork. Their goal is to be a cafe, not a coffee shop.
Java 39 is a great place to grab lunch or dinner off campus. Each meal is homemade. Don’t forget to order a homemade dessert.
Sam Jiminez, a SNU student, works there, and the owner said he would like to only hire SNU students.
On the other side is the new establishment called Serve—a coffee shop owned by Covenant Life Church. They provide handcrafted coffee drinks as well as bagels from Old School Bagel Cafe, a variety of pastries and handcrafted sodas.
All prices are based on suggested donations because Serve is a non-profit organization. They offer a 10% discount for students but make sure your student ID is on hand.
On a typical day, you can find people having a conversation, playing chess or doing homework with handcrafted specialty drinks. Talitha Clemmons is the manager and has a dream for big things to happen in the community as Serve grows in Bethany.
Serve is a place to feel welcomed and comfortable. They have live music as many SNU students have performed or will perform soon. There are free dinners on Wednesday nights, periodic salsa dancing lessons (no partner needed) and a drink called the Honey Badger with a kick of cayenne.
Chase Grantz says “Try the dirty chai lattes. They are to die for. There is a great community with great people at Serve.”
Depending on the atmosphere you prefer, both are fantastic off-campus places to do your homework. Both are in walking distance from campus. As finals week looms ahead, enjoy your study time in an atmosphere of creativity and coffee.
Java 39 is open from 6:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. on Sundays. Serve is open from 7 a.m. -7 p.m. on weekdays, until 9 p.m. on Fridays and 9 a.m. -9 p.m. on Saturday. If you are interested in playing live music contact serve2016@gmail.com or Facebook message Java 39.
Follow both places on various social media platforms to keep up with events.
[author image=”http://echo.snu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/IMG_2343-2.jpg”]
Brianna Yates, Staff Writer
Brianna Yates is a sophomore Mass Communications major who is obsessed with dogs, hexagons, lavender and the color mustard yellow. She also enjoys reading other people’s bios.
Photo by Savanna Spear[/author]