In the morning, many reach to turn off their alarm and groggily walk to the kitchen to grab a steaming cup of coffee. Everyone is aware of the seemingly negative effects coffee has; such as rising cholesterol levels, cardiovascular effects (increased heart rate and blood pressure) and caffeine (an addictive stimulant). But what numerous people aren't told are the beneficial factors coffee actually does possess. That’s right, it can help your body too! Coffee contains antioxidants that can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. It can help prevent Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease and a recent study shows that coffee drinkers are 50 percent less likely to get liver cancer than non-coffee drinkers. Also, it can even help you smile; coffee drinkers are 10 percent less likely to be depressed than non-coffee drinkers. So don’t be afraid to have that cup of coffee in the morning while reading the newspaper. Being a coffee fan myself, I set out to find the best place to get a cup of coffee in Findlay by sampling a mocha coffee at each one.

  Biggby Coffee: This was the most expensive option out all of the coffee shops; a 20 oz. (medium) size cup of coffee was $4.75. I was really hoping to get a bang for my buck, and while it wasn’t horrible, it wasn’t worth the splurge. The cup had a good presentation, topped with whipped cream and chocolate syrup. The atmosphere was fine; small and secluded. They do offer a DIY coffee if you don’t like the pre-ordered ones and have bakery items for sale. Overall, it tasted close to a hot chocolate.This may be good for those who find coffee unappetizing, but for me, that quality wasn’t appealing.

Caribou Coffee: A secret gem in Findlay, it’s located in the Great Scott on Broad Ave. A medium size was $3.99. I noticed it had bakery items to buy also. I had zero expectations as I had never been there and was pleasantly satisfied. For being as small as it was, the set-up was appealing and I really appreciated its good service. The coffee itself had a good hint of chocolate to accompany it and each sip was enjoyable!

 George House: Arguably the most known coffee shop in Findlay, many students visit to study while enjoying drinks and bakery items. Every visit I’ve made so far has been a pleasure.The inside is lined with overflowing bookshelves and the vibe is very hipster. A 16 oz. (medium) with one shot of mocha and some whipped cream was $3.85. I have to say, the taste was mouth-watering! A perfect mix of coffee and chocolate made for an amazing experience and rating.

Coffee Amici: The place itself is very cool and offers live entertainment which many students at Van Buren have taken advantage of. It had a lot of flyers on the wall as well to support the community. It has both drink options and bakery items. A regular size cup was $3.85. It was very bland tasting and it had an overpowering ratio of coffee to mocha. While I do enjoy just the plain taste of coffee, this was very unsatisfactory and left me wishing I went somewhere else.

        So don’t let the fact that there is no Starbucks Coffee hold you back, because believe it or not, there are just as good of places in Findlay! I would recommend going to George House for a great coffee with a great atmosphere or going to WeServe. Coffee to make a difference and help out organizations locally and globally. Go out and get your coffee on!