‘Funky Fanablas’ are only a 10-minute drive from FSU

By Sarah Daponde Arts & Features Editor College students run on caffeine. At $4.25 for a 12-ounce can of Celsius from the Framingham State Snack Bar, there is only one plausible option after a late-night study session - coffee. FSU has its very own Dunkin - as any university in Massachusetts should - and another coffee place, the Red Barn Café, tucked obscurely away in the library. But the city of Framingham has dozens of options, and FSU students are not missing out on any of them. Ollie Mainguy said she occasionally gets drinks from on campus, but during her sophomore year, she has been branching out to places in the surrounding area. “You’d be surprised how many coffee places exist - and how different they all are,” said Ollie. She said coffee is not her first choice of beverage, but she loves to try new teas and lemonades. Ollie first discovered The Coffee Loft with some friends of hers who are adamant coffee drinkers - and their artistically extensive menu kept them coming back. Though The Coffee Loft does not have seasonal flavors, their menu features creative combinations all year round, such as “tuxedo,” “pumpkin cupcake,” and “honey bee,” that can be added to a cold brew, latte, or any other type of coffee. Yes, you can get a pumpkin spice latte in April. “At first, I went for the London fogs - which they make perfectly - but now, I’ve started really loving their coffees too,” Ollie added. For those wondering, a London fog is an Earl Grey tea with steamed milk and a hint of vanilla. The Coffee Loft is located a hop, skip, and a jump away from campus - right near the Marlborough Public Library. The cafe hosts open-mic nights, sells crafts made by local artists, and, according to Ollie, makes a delicious “Almond Joy” iced latte. She said parking is the only downside, as most customers will have to park on side streets. But as someone who doesn’t own a car, she doesn’t mind this small inconvenience. “The vibes are worth it,” she added. Those looking for a closer caffeine fix, like sophomore Angel Marin-Caceres, could make the shorter drive to Fresscafe - or “Frescafe,” as some spell it. Angel said she recently discovered Fresscafe while on a class field trip to the heart of Downtown Framingham, and she would recommend the hidden gem to anyone. The cafe just celebrated their three-year anniversary, according to their Instagram. Don’t be fooled by the spelling. Sometimes it’s “Fresscafe.” Sometimes it’s “Frescafe.” Angel said she was welcomed by hand-painted signs and green plants, which made the cafe feel “fresh.” She ordered a classic iced chai latte, which she said did not disappoint. “Fresscafe is a good place to visit because it has good food and drinks, but the atmosphere is what makes the place,” she added. “Even the staff were very friendly and outgoing.” Unlike Fresscafe, who has two locations - one in Framingham and one in Natick - Marylou’s is a chain company, but students still love it. Marylou’s, clustered in the easternmost parts of New England, opened their Framingham location late last year. Senior Kristel Erguiza says she enjoys working there as a barista, and enjoys their drinks as well. The cafe may be located in a gas station, but being decked out in hot pink and checkered prints in a retro-diner style, Marylou’s is hard to miss. Their menu features several different categories of coffee - including gourmet coffee, specialty coffee, extra specialty coffee, and the “Funky Fanabla,” which Kristel said is her go-to order. For those wondering, she described the “Funky Fanabla” as a coffee with mocha and whipped cream shaken into it. Their online menu said it also includes “secret flavors.” “I do recommend Marylou’s - not only because I work there,” said Kristel. “It’s a nice change of pace from Dunkin and Starbucks. And it’s pink!” Ollie said she loves Marylou’s as well, but not for the coffee. She is a fan of the “Red Bull infusions,” which are a mix of a Red Bull energy drink and flavored syrups of the customer’s choice. Her favorite is a strawberry apricot Red Bull with mango syrup. “I love FSU, but I love fun drinks way more,” Ollie added. [Editor’s Note: Kristel Erguiza is a staff writer for The Gatepost]