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Almost every human being in America enjoys a cup of coffee at some point during the day. Whether the coffee is consumed in the morning to help you perk up for the day, as a pick-me-up in the afternoon, or with your favorite dessert, it is certain that people live off coffee.

Coffee is usually seen as a particularly bitter beverage that only adults have acquired a taste for.  But it seems that many high school students these days are finding joy in the robust flavor of coffee. So whether you’re an adult or a teenager living in Hastings, Nebraska, where is the best place to get your daily coffee fix?  Well, Hastings has three coffee shops.  Each shop has its own special qualities that make it unique. The Blue Moon downtown on 2nd street is a popular stop for teens and adults alike.  On Burlington lies Espresso America, a calmer yet still well-liked shop.  The third shop is a drive-through only establishment called Barista’s Daily Grind.

The Blue Moon is the perfect place for anybody because of its wide variety of drinks to choose from.  The Moon, as some call it for short, has a large menu of delicious specialty drinks as well as regular coffee shop selections that are sure to suit the fancy of any customer that enters the building. Any of the Moon’s specialty drinks can be prepared in “blast” form as an icy blended treat for those of us who don’t like the drinks to be hot.  There is also a wide selection of coffee-free drinks, such as smoothies or juice drinks.  But the Moon doesn’t only serve beverages.  You can also order one of their delicious sandwiches or desserts to go with your coffee.  The Blue Moon has a warm and inviting atmosphere suitable for all ages.  It is a good place to go for your coffee for the day, and it ís also a good place to just hang out. In fact, many high school students regard the Moon as their favorite hangout in Hastings. It offers free wireless internet for homework and has a wall of board games to keep everybody entertained.  The Moon also has great musical performances from time to time, making it a great place for the family.

I recently stopped by Espresso America and saw a sign on the wall that read, “Life is too short for bad coffee.”  I think this is a motto by which the employees do their work because I have yet to have a bad coffee from Espresso America.  The coffee here has a great taste that will please anybody who tries it.  Espresso America has a small selection of seasonal drinks that use blends of holiday flavors.  They also have their regular menu of fine coffees that are exceptionally good.  My friends and I have decided that Espresso America has a very calm and serene ambiance that is great for just sitting and talking, or quietly studying or reading with your favorite cup of coffee.  The couches give the place a nice feeling of being in a cozy living room, while the booths and tables still give it a pleasant feeling of just being in a great coffee house.  So next time you have the urge for coffee, try Espresso America because I know you won’t be disappointed.

If you are craving your coffee for the day but don’t have the time to sit down at a coffee shop, then Baristas is for you.  Barista’s is unique because it is a small building that only has a drive-through window.  Located near Dairy Queen, Barista’s is great for your on-the-go cup of coffee.  But don’t go thinking that since it’s just a drive-through it won’t be any good.  The coffee has a quality, almost award winning taste that has gotten much praise from many I know.  I even have a friend who is confident in saying that Barista’s has the best coffee in town.  Barista’s employees are always in a cheerful mood and are happy to serve a custom drink exactly how you order it.  Barista’s is definitely a great place and is surely a win in my book.

If you are living by the “life is too short for bad coffee” standard and pass up coffee shops in Hastings because of it, you are seriously missing out.  With our three shops, each one just as good as the next, there is simply no way that a customer will be dissatisfied.  The coffee will always be served fresh and in a friendly manner, and it is for all these reasons that I think there is almost no such thing as a bad cup of coffee from a Hastings coffee shop.

About the author: Sheldon Howard

Sheldon was born in Hastings and has lived here his entire life. As a teenager and a senior at Hastings High School, he is always interested in finding new and fun things to do around town. Sheldon enjoys spending time with his friends and family, and just being an average teenager. He enjoys going to school and learning new things. Sheldon is a member of the Hastings High marching band and makes music an important part of his life. He likes playing saxophone and piano as well as attending concerts and other performances. Some other interests include theater, astronomy, science, and nature.