Whether powering through productivity or rewarding oneself with a caffeinated treat, there’s no denying that each cafe littered across Taft Avenue stands as a cornerstone for many Lasallians whose days are not complete without a drink in hand. The LaSallian proudly reviews these familiar establishments, well-known as staples near and around the University.
Mood & Coffee
Mood & Coffee sits in a recessed space on the second floor above Prelude and beside Nokk Nokk. This little menagerie of chicken, pastries, and caffeine has become a favorite among the Lasallian crowd. Its setup of white tables, plastic chairs, and stools overlooking the pathway beside One Archer’s Place charms as a shared space. If you’re lucky enough to snag one of the high chairs, the spot is a decent study area on tamer afternoons.
Getting there, however, is a bit of an adventure. The staircase is so narrow you might tilt sideways to make it up safely. But once you arrive, you’re greeted by the cool blast of air-conditioning and a familiar pop playlist that rewards your climb is rewarded.
The menu is straightforward, offering a range of caffeine from strong to mild, non-coffee alternatives, and their signature Oat Series. For those with bolder palates, the Spiced Spanish Latte (P129) stands out with its cinnamon blend, while the Mood Latte (P139) and Salted Caramel Macchiato (P139) pack a stronger punch that might leave caffeine-sensitive drinkers proceeding with caution. Their pastries, comprising the usual staples of cookies and cakes, pair well with the drinks, though none quite stand out on their own. With generous servings, it’s the kind of caffeine fix with no fancy latte art and no overpriced add-ons—just straightforward coffee that does the job.
Rating: 3.0/4.0
Elsewhere
Across South Gate and on the corner of the E.A. Fernandez Building resides Elsewhere Cafe, a nostalgic hideaway that lives up to its name. With its interior straight out of a Pinterest board, good food to complement good company, and trinkets to remember your visit, there’s certainly nowhere else to go but Elsewhere for any occasion. The cafe’s retro decor, vinyl record-covered walls, and vintage elevator photobooth make it the perfect setting for your next Instagram post. But beyond aesthetics and their trendy playfulness, Elsewhere makes work an easy task with two hours’ worth of free Wi-Fi. If you’re in the mood for an anik-anik to gift, a corner filled with procurable stickers and keychains also awaits inside.
The menu provides a wide array of comfort food and artisan coffee, matcha, horchata, and non-caffeinated drinks. Their signature Elsewhere Latte (P170) stands out with its unique cinnamon kick, while their Taho Latte (P170) is a creative twist in the Filipino favorite. If you’re looking to satiate your sweet tooth, their Tiramisu Latte (P250) is perfectly sweet and creamy. Although their savory snacks lean on the pricier side, they deliver in taste and quality. Their Furikake Fries (P185 to P320) are a delicious starter, while their truffle pasta (P298), an exemplary combination of creaminess and umami, will be sure to keep your stomach filled afterward.
Rating: 3.5/4.0
Drip Kofi
Right across North Gate, within Burgundy Transpacific Place, is Drip Kofi, a go-to refuge for students and coffee lovers alike. Though modest in size, the minimalist space is bright and inviting, with clean interiors and a light atmosphere. With the tagline “coffee connecting people,” Drip Kofi stays true to its promise. While it doesn’t stand out among the crowded scene of local coffee spots, it proves to be a reliable choice for many.
Their extensive menu boasts a variety of coffee, ice-blended drinks, and non-coffee beverages such as fruit teas and matcha, alongside an array of food selections like pasta, pastries, and even all-day breakfast. At the heart of it all is their coffee: brewed Vietnamese style, ranging from P150 to P220, depending on the size and flavor. For those who prefer something lighter, their floats (P220) are a standout favorite, combining popular flavors like matcha and salted caramel with a scoop of ice cream and a sugar cone. With a solid offering for every craving, Drip Kofi goes beyond the usual cup, creating an experience where food and drink come together to keep conversations flowing and people connected.
Rating: 3.0/4.0
COF
Sitting across the Agno food court is COF, a humbly vibrant orange-themed cafe that welcomes students and locals alike with a bright and cozy space. Just right outside their store lies a shelf of carefully placed coffee cups that is hard to miss, perfect for those curating their effortless social media feeds. Matching their simple yet intentional interior, the cafe is an all in one space that offers free Wi-Fi, and sockets for charging suitable for studying or doing work. More than that, they also have a wide range of board games to take a break from screens or simply unwind with friends after a rigorous day on campus.
Consistent with their laidback vibes, the menu has a wide selection of drinks, pastries, and meals that are definitely worth the try. Their Barista’s Choice (P170 to P190) fuses the right blend of bitterness and sweetness, ideal to kickstart any day or task. On the sweeter side, their must-try Biscoff Latte (P200) carries a toasty, full-bodied depth. Their Tapa Hits are a spot-on, packed with a balance of protein and fiber that retails for P200. Whether you are in need of a mood boost before rushing to class or simply finding a spot to unwind, COF is a bright burst of caffeine sure to stoke your latest obsession.
Rating: 3.5/4.0
Dreyz Cafe
Showcased across social media, this cafe on Leon Guinto Street draws more than just the average student crowd. This quaint yet visually pleasing coffee spot proves to be more than just your run-of-the-mill cafe, magnetizing foodies to step foot within the Malate area with its delectable miscellany of platters. Offering a mouthwatering array of Japanese and Filipino dishes—from sushi rolls to lechon kawali—the mixed menu is priced from P170 to P400. With a medley of refreshments like no other, connoisseurs of all types are sure to find something to quench their thirst and fill their bellies.
Its modern-minimalist interior offers a comfortable atmosphere for coffee lovers to enjoy their unique caffeine blends alongside their rice-based delectable meals, starting with their distinctive Popcorn Latte (P157 to P190), together with a classic selection that matcha-lovers would surely relish, from their airy Matcha Cloud (P225) and Strawberry Matcha (P255). But their flavor-packed menu doesn’t stop here; the cherry on top of the menu’s feast of flavors is their mocktails, cooling mixes that all consumers can surely enjoy. Their lychee rose and strawberry fizz (P155 to P170) offer a sweet and refreshing kick to complement the cafe’s savory meal picks.
Rating: 3.0/4.0
Prelude Café & Restaurant
In the corner across Agno Food Court sits Prelude Café & Restaurant—a cozy nook incongruous to the fast-paced blur of the streets outside. Through its glass doors, its food makes a compelling first impression: the Rigatoni Al Pesto (P260) creates a symphony of decadence as the special house sauce dances with herbs and cheese. Meanwhile, their bestseller meal, the Korean Beef Bomb (P250), delivers complementary flavors that live up to its explosive name. Inside, warm lights and a friendly atmosphere greet students seeking respite from the trouble and toil. But though they are all strangers, one constant detail binds them together: the presence of the Kagoshima Matcha Latte.
Despite its premium matcha sourced from Kagoshima, Japan, the latte ultimately falls flat as its grassiness is overpowered by milk and sugar syrup. With hints of comforting bitterness at the fringes, customers are left yearning for more. Though Prelude entices you under the promise of an escape from the familiar, its proximity to the University makes it difficult for the mind to find true haven. But while they may not promise the most aromatic coffee in the area, the café’s student-friendly amenities and delectable food cultivate the perfect atmosphere for regeneration and rediscovery in the city’s gentle hum.
Rating: 3.0/4.0
Editor’s Note: The LaSallian visited COF while it was still operational during the writing of this article in August 2026. COF has since closed.